Hello all

Back with an update finally and feels good to be back. If you missed voting on the last chapter go now .. and vote.I missed many of them due to wattpad glitch.I hope this story is still holding your interest. Happy Reading and do let me know your thoughts.

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 It was a lovely morning. Why wouldn't it be when you wake up next to your love cuddled up, breathing in their warmth, gaze into those eyes which behold you, get to steal few morning kiss(es). How special the same cup of morning coffee feels when you share it with your loved one. Sanskaar always preferred to have his first cup of coffee in the balcony, watching early orange hued rays of sunrise. He always felt there couldn't be a better start for the day, but with Swara next to him,slightly leaned on to his shoulder ,looking lovely in soft amber glow of sunrise with a coffee cup in her hands, her eyes equally sparkling as smile on her lips, He might have to rethink the statement.

"Its beautiful, Sanskaar," She turned to him her smile soft and wide.

He smiled."Yes, It is.."His fingers instinctively reached to brush her loose tendrils, "Absolutely breathtaking."He said admiringly.

Smiling more, Swara held his chin,"I am talking about sunrise Mr.Maheshwari," She turned his face towards the sun. Sanskaar turned back to her, " But I am talking about you, Miss Bose." He said, loving the light blush on her cheeks totally enamored.That slightest shade of red made her look even lovelier.

Shaking her head slightly, Swara, placed her cup on the table before her.She stood up slowly."Are u done with your coffee?" She asked standing before him. Sanskaar placed his cup on the floor in answer, leaned back in his favorite beanbag more comfortably. He stretched his hand and she took it next minute, her fingers curling around his in the warm hold.He tugged her a little, next minute she settled into his lap, welcoming his hands around her waist. Her hands linked around his neck.She lowered her head a little bringing it down to his face."I am already in love with you, Mr.Maheshwari, head over heels," she whispered in a low tone" You don't have to flatter me further." she added smiling.

"That's called compliment, Miss Bose, "He whispered back, his one hand encircling around her waist in a firm hold and other brushing her cheek soft strokes,"You better get used to them, Soon to be Mrs. Maheshwari." He smiled back brushing the tip of her nose with his.

"I can't wait." Swara murmured, her heart filled with an elated joy.The bliss never seemed to end and she didn't want it to.She leaned forward closing her eyes. His lips touched hers, pressed against them softly for a warm , gentle kiss.He drew back and loved how she slid to his side snuggling up to him.Sanskaar laid his head on hers, his lips brushing her hair as he drew her more closely. Then they watched sunrise together.

Then it was time for some cooking.

"Kya banavu? " Swara asked as they walked inside from balcony

"Kuch bhi ..chalega" Sanskaar replied.All that mattered was, she wanted to cook for him.It was such a warm fuzzy feeling.Just two of them, in the world of their own, from last night.

Swara prepared breakfast with Sanskaar turning into her assistant chef only after a promise, he wouldn't distract her and resort to any mischievous ways.No kissing strictly. Sanskaar nodded like a good boy, but Sanskaar being Sanskaar found his ways of distracting her. His hands held her from behind on pretext of helping as she prepared the batter . Swara didn't protest, for she loved this side of Sanskaar, mischievous and naughty.She smiled fondly as he held her hands.

"You are supposed to help me , "she reminded as he nuzzled softly into her neck

"I am ..See I am not kissing you."He murmured softly, his breath caressed her neck , shooting a sweet shiver down the spine.She would have loved this morning kitchen romance, but she had head back to baadi.Hence it calls for some strict action.Swara turned back with a mock glare, "Very smart, But I'm not falling for this ok!"

Sanskaar sulked as he was thrown out of kitchen, rather ruthlessly. "I will remember this..aur shaadi ke baad iska badla main jaroor lunga." He gave a mock warning standing at another side of kitchen counter.

"Haan haan le lena ..ab jao fresh hoke aaja vo " Swara smiled watching him. By the time Sanskaar walked out of his room after a quick shower, his breakfast was set on table.Besan ka cheela, freshly squeezed orange juice..and scrambled eggs, his sweetheart busy checking on any extra additions to be made. Then she looked at him, gave the sweetest smile of hers

" Bas Shaadi ho jaye ab.." Sanskaar sighed at lovely sight before his eyes. Just perfect start to the day and he's loving it. It would have been perfect if Swara didn't broach a topic of serious concern.

She started off hesitant first " Sanskaar I was just thinking I will ask baba to have a word with your family... about." She paused

"About?"Sanskaar looked up from the plate.

Swara looked at him for a minute. She was not sure how he would react but this was important to her. It had been on her mind for awhile. Now since things have fallen back into place between her and Sanskaar, she believed it would be the right time."My truth ..I mean Baba aur maa ka and me being.." and she was quick to notice his features turning rigid.

Sanskaar felt a sudden fear gripping him at words of Swara and it reflected in his body language instantly, but he quickly composed his features and focused back on the food plate, " I don't think That would be needed Swara, I mean I know it right! And it doesn't make a difference to me ...So..." He didn't look at her.

" But it will make a difference to your family right!" She asked straight.

Sanskaar remained silent for a Minute and turned to her, his eyes meeting hers. Time for some honest talk. Maybe he understands where this idea stemmed from. He is very much familiar with her right Vs wrong notion, Swara's need to be right, set things right.He clearly remembered it was this trait of hers, which started the game for them. But he wished she would be practical sometimes and realize world and people around her not as good and righteous as she assumes them to be.

" Yes.It does.Very much ." He answered bank without a blink " But Why Now Swara? when everything between us is sorted and we are together ..I "

"Exactly Sanskaar! "Swara placed her hand over his, " I would have preferred to disclose this truth much before, but I was not in a state too. I was too disturbed to think of anything else. I was totally messed up and I ruined our equation too. I wanted to make everything right for us and it is perfect now everything between us. I think ...it's time.."

" Exactly my point Swara, " Sanskaar cut her in between, " Why now? He pushed away from the plate slightly "If this is so much important to you, Shaadi ke baad batayenge."

" That would be cheating Sanskaar... Your family has a right to know aur itni badi baat main unse chupa nahi sakthi."

With his patience wearing thin Sanskaar stood on his feet , " Fine .. You want to tell them the truth. What do you expect they would do? Appreciate your honesty and righteousness then accept you wholeheartedly. Let me tell you aisa kuch nahi hone wala.."He stated bluntly, "In turn, it will create more problems for us. You already know my Mom is not very much keen on this alliance. This would just be the weapon she would be needing to ... "he paused abruptly like he didn't want to complete those words. He didn't want to consider that prospect. Taking a deep breath to calm down, he turned to Swara.She seemed equally disturbed

Slowly he sat next to her and took her hand into his. "Swara ,Samajhne ki koshish karo ".He told softly gazing into her eyes.They reflected confusion and worry and that troubled him. "Last night and today morning are most beautiful days of our life Right! "Swara nodded in silence ,"Bahut mushkilon ke baad hum ek saath hain Swara, I don't want risk this paradise of ours .. I don't want any complications at this point. I don't to put 'us' at stake.. I...Tum Samajh rahi ho na.."

Swara stayed mum..and Sanskaar had his answer. " Is this so much important to you?"

"Sanskaar, I know what you are saying and I understand it.I also know how society will tear me apart , but Sanskaar It's not just about us..It's about our families too. Ab tumhara parivaar mera bhi parivaar hain. I don't want them to know it from 3rd person." He could see little tears pooling her eyes, " All my life I lived with not knowing who my dad was..pata chalne ke baad bhi I didn't have my right. Aisa nahi hai mujhe baba se shikayat hai. I totally understand him.."Swara held back her tears and continued.

"Bachpan se lekar aaj tak I have heard and lived through many taunts and I have accepted the fact that I am an illegitimate child. Maybe I can live with it... but I don't think I will able to bear the tag of being a cheater.Main kisi ko dhoke main rakhna nahi chahti."Swara lowered her eyes, her gaze fixed on their joined hands , " Trust me .. If things would have  been fine between us  and circumstances too, I would have told this truth to your family much before, even before engagement..but ..." She paused and Sanskaar felt a tug at the pain reflected in her voice.She lifted her lashes, her eyes full of tears."I don't want to lose you .. I .." and tears slid down her cheeks.

"Hey" Sanskaar quickly pulled her into a comforting hug." Aisa Kuch nahi hone wala..You will never lose me..Never." And he held her for awhile till he felt she calmed down. He slowly brought her out of the hug, gazed into her eyes, now limpid pools of moisture.His Fingers caressed her cheeks gently wiping them off.

"You trust me Right!" He asked. She nodded with no hesitation."I am always with you in your every step.And I Promise Swara, Main hamare saath kuch galat nahi hone dunga. Even If something goes wrong. I will set them right for us.. Aur ye Sanskaar Maheshwari ka wada hai tumse." He told with sheer confidence and she had no doubts.His lips touched her forehead ensuring further.

"Aur Mom?" She asked hesitantly.

"Hmm ,Maa Thoda hungama tho karegi , but don't worry I will manage aur agar nahi maane tho bhaga kar le jaunga apni shona ko, sab se dur." he gave her a playful wink, smiling.Swara smiled through misty eyes and hugged him back.Her solace, her source of strength ,Her Sanskaar.

"I LOVE YOU."She murmured softly.

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As Swara stepped inside baadi after Sanskaar dropped her, her mind wandered around discussion she had with Sanskaar.

"Swara ..ask your Baba to have a word with Bade Papa first.I am sure Bade Papa will support us." He told her and She nodded.

"Are you sure your Baba will do that? ..I mean.All these days he didn't ..so ?' Sanskaar expressed his concern.He no way had a good impression on Shekhar Gadodia especially when it comes to showing some guts. He didn't own Swara after all these months, didn't give her right and identity she deserves, So he had serious doubts, but Swara was confident enough.She even mentioned how Sekhar had promised Ragini, he will talk to Maheshwari's once things settle down. He didn't want to hamper her spirit, hence he refrained from expressing any more doubts.

Swara was confident enough.Her Baba will not let her down, not this time and she have Sanskaar by her side too.Nothing to worry. She recalled Sanskaar's words before she stepped out of the car. " Swara, just remember whatever happens I am always with you." She smiled remembering how he took her hand into his " Tumhare ye haath mein kabhi nahi chodunga .. zindagi bhar ke liye dhama hain .." how he kissed their joined hands very gently and morning he helped her with gown too...true to his name like a 'Sanskaari' , but she was the one who turned 'asanskaari' and pulled him in for a kiss, before stepping out of penthouse.Startled first, he kissed her back with equal ardor and they kissed for a long time ardently and passionately.

As they parted catching up on breath, " I need more kisses like this,Miss Bose" He whispered with a naughty smirk.She nodded blushing

Then they drove back to baadi.

Back in his car, Sanskaar wondered, What made Swara so confident about her baba. He is well aware of consequences if this truth comes out and is prepared for what may come. Nothing can keep Swara apart from him ..no one.

"Shaadi tho ho kar rahegi..He told himself resolutely " Koi maane ya maane."

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Sekhar Gadodia was in a fix. He didn't expect this issue to be broached not before marriage at least. He was happy and relaxed that Swara's life is being settled but now they things took a new turn with Swara's decision to let know the Maheshwari's 'the truth of her being his blood, his daughter." Means he needs to admit his infidelity ..but he had more concerns about Swara's Marriage. He still couldn't gather the courage to accept this fact before society and Maheshwari's are clearly orthodox by principles. They would never be ok and he feared the implications of this truth on Swara's marriage and her reputation. This marriage was fixed under no ordinary circumstances but when her image was tainted...and now this.

Ragini seemed to be in unison with Swara."Baba, You promised that you would talk to them when things get sorted" She reminded him

"I don't think its right time beta," Sekhar tried to reason out.

"Remember Baba you told there's no right time for truth." and She reminded again, that had Sekhar tongue tied .."Baba, I don't want to start my new life on the base of a lie.Sanskaar ne Kaha, he will manage if anything goes wrong.. Please Baba." Swara's plea threw him into fix further. So Sanskaar knows the truth too.

He rubbed his forehead trying to ease the deep knots his mind seemed to be tangled in.Swara and Ragini stood watching him expectantly. Sekhar looked at them for a minute in silence and nodded, " I will talk to Durga Prasad Ji."

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Durga Prasad Maheshwari watched the person sitting before him intently. It's been a while he had been listening to him..and now it was his turn to speak.He slowly rose from his chair, took slow steps towards the huge glass panel window in his cabin. He loved the view it offered him from of the city from the Top floor of Maheshwari Inc. Durga Prasad Maheshwari always came across as a formidable figure for his associates and rivals a, person of great strength and intellect.

The other person considered him with visible lines of tension crossing his face.The silence seemed to be taking its toll on him. It hung heavily with each passing minute.Then He spoke.

"I don't understand why you chose to disclose this now.You are well aware of consequences. Aren't you? We are regarded highly in society.You must also be well aware it would put our reputation at stake too." His voice came in firm.The other person nodded

"Then why?" He questioned again and listened silently to another side. He stayed silent and nodded after a long time. "I am glad you decided to share it with me, but I have a suggestion to make."

The other person listened silently and nodded in consent. Then he stepped out with a relieved heart and mind.

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It is often human tendency to view the world in a way which would support our theories, our deep-rooted assumptions. We tend to brush off or dismiss the aspects which pose a threat to them and look out for bits and pieces that favor our views and color the way we look at things. And Sujata Maheshwari was no exception.

One chance, One reason ...

That was all Sujata Maheshwari needed to halt this marriage. Her bitterness for Swara just seemed to increase with each passing day . Her strong rooted prejudices against 'Bengali Bahu' who in her view would ruin the 'niyam nishtha aachar 'of their household was one reason but more followed soon. She already tied unfortunate accident of Ram and loss of contract to Swara's 'buri kadam', but with new information from Parvati Gadodia , owing to their meets in mandir and satsang, she had new ones to her list.

The tales of her 'chora' being a frequent visitor to baadi these days, spending more time only with Swara, late night drops and picking up , their trips..Oh ! That's the reason he had been skipping his weekend visits these days .. Sujata thought

"Hamesha uss chori ki aage piche ghumta rehta hai aapka ladka..naa din, naa raat.Abhi shadi bhi nahi hua .aap ka beta bikul joru ka ghulam hogya hain. Shaadi ke baad toh haath se nikal jayega." Parvati Gadodia told her one day .The possessive mother side of Sujata resurfaced next instant . She still recalled Uttara's remark 'ye aapke ke liye kuch bhi karega."

In other cases, this girl would no way be near her son, she wouldn't have let her be , but her hands had been tied up due to circumstances which this alliance was fixed. First she didn't have a say in her son's marriage, Second ,Her dreams of having a 'marwari bahu' shattered , now insecurities about her son being more inclined towards Swara, her importance being lessened, instilled a sense of fear in her mind.

In order to ease her tension ,Sujata looked out for the ways that would aid her in convincing rest of family ,that Swara was not a right choice. One of them was matching Janam kundali/ Horoscope of Swara and Sanskaar. Annapurna wondered why Sujata was so adamant when it would serve no purpose.That would no way halt this marriage because, this alliance happened in dire situations, which left them no option.It was no secret that Sujata was not much happy with this alliance and Annapurna feared if horoscopes didn't match, it would just add up to her resentment.

"Maari tasalli ke liye jiji.." Sujata told her. Annapurna simply nodded wishing they would match. Now seated before pandit ji who looked busy with some calculations ..both of them waited nervously for their own reasons.

" Sujata ji , Annapurna ji.." Pandit looked at both of them , " Kundali ka itna acha milaap maine aaja tak nahi dekha. Aisa lag lag raha hai rab ne khud banaya inka jodi."

Annapurna sighed with relief, Sujata with disappointment.That's when Durga Prasad Maheshwari walked in with Ram ." Lo ab iski baat ki bhi tasalli ho gayi ,bhai sa. ab toh khush ho ja sujata" Ram looked at his sulking wife He is very much familiar with his wife's constant bickering about this alliance. He hoped this would put her to ease. Durga Prasad nodded too " Bahut achi baat kahi aapne pandit ji." He pressed his hands in greeting , seeking blessings and joined them along with Ram. After a while

DP turned to Ram and suggested they should fix muhurat for the wedding too.The kids would be done with their exams in coming week or two ..and they shouldn't delay further. Sujata almost had a heart attack hearing this.Annapurna agreed " Theek kaha apne..pandit ji keh rahe hain ki kal ka din acha hai .. hum kyu na kal hi Gadodia parivaar ko yaha bulakar shaadi ki murhurat pakki karle .Kyu sujata? ab toh kundali bhi mil gayi."

Ram agreed.Sujata forced a smile and nodded. Did she have an option?

So it was decided in consent muhurat for the marriage will be fixed next day..and it would be good to have Swara and Sanskaar joining them too.

"Main Abhi Shekhar Ji ko batata hoon" Ram reached to his phone. Durgaprasad nodded in consent. 'The sooner, The better.'

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"Don't Worry Swara ! sab theek hoga."Ragini tried to ease Swara's nervousness. It's been two hours Sekhar left to meet Durga Prasad..Swara had been in tension since then dreading the worst, hoping for the best.

"Pata nahi Ragini ...waha .." Then they caught glimpse of Sekhar walking in. Swara and Ragini rushed to him .

"Baba ...kya kaha unhone? Aap ne bata kiyana? "He was bombarded with questions.Sekhar silently walked in settled in his chair " Pehle thoda pani milega," he asked. "Sorry ,"Ragini bit her tongue and rushed to get a glass of water.Swara kneeled on floor next to his chair. Sekhar turned to her , gently patted her hair. "Sab acha hoga Shona.. Tere saath."Ragini handed him over the glass. He took few quick sips of water Just then his mobile rang distracting them. It was from Maheshwari's.

Dread took over Swara. So it's time for the call.Her eyes drifted to Ragini who looked equally nervous. Sekhar silently listened to another side Ji .. Ji... He nodded "Jarur." He disconnected the call..and smiled looking at Swara and Ragini who waited with bated breath " Kal bulaya unhone..shadi ki muhurat pakki karne ke liye."

Swara and Ragini screamed at top of their lungs and hugged Sekhar bubbling with joy. " Main abhi ..Sanskaar ko batati hoon." Swara rushed out to her room.

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"Why are u so silent Sanskaar ? I thought ki tum khushi se ulach padoge aur tum ho ki ,"Disappointed at Sanskaar's reaction Swara settled on her bed .

"Oh, Madam! I was actually thinking about muhurat . I will bribe the pandit and ask him to set a muhurat in 2 days .. ab aur intezaar nahi hota mujh se bas ..phir.."

"Ji nahi ! Aap aisa kuch nahi karenge.Bas !It's an order Mr.Maheshwari." Swara told with a mock stern.

"Yes Miss Bossy," Sanskaar smiled" I will be waiting to see you tomorrow...My love " He told softly.

"Main bhi.."Swara nodded with a shy smile.She can't wait to see him either.

That night she had best dreams of ' their life ' ...

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Next morning .

As they stepped inside Maheshwari mansion ..Swara stopped for a minute watching the mansion. In few more months, this would be her home .

"Chori..Thodi din main ye ghar taara hi hoga . yahi thera parivaar hoga.." Parvati Gadodia echoed Swara's thoughts. Swara nodded smiling. From past few weeks Dadi softened towards her ..it seems finally she is being accepted.She never cared for society.She made peace with the fact it would never accept her but she craved for acceptance from loved ones .. her family . Now she will have one to call 'her own..' And They were greeted warmly by Maheshwari's. Sujat, as usual, had a forced smile but Swara got used it to by now. But she was sure one day Sujata will accept her too.

Then Her prince charming made an entry.Their eyes greeted each other, smiles exchanged and Seated on either side with their respective families,Swara and Sanskaar waited as Panditji busily calculated the muhurat.Everyone waited holding breaths for their own reasons.Sujata wanted the marriage date as late as possible.Gadodia family prayed for an early date.

"Durga Prasad Ji...20 din ke baad bahut acha muhurat hain ..agar aap log shemet ho tho .. "

"20 din? "Sujata couldn't hold back and almost screamed.Nahi Nahi Ye nahi ho sakta.She muttered slowly under breath and forced a smile on her face."Bhai sa,woh 20 din ..kuch jaldi nahi ho gaye.. Tayyariyaan ke liye " she looked at DurgaPrasad.

"Durgaprasad ji ,phir 4 mahine ke baad hain muhurat agar ye chala gaya tho." Pandit looked again at books in his hand Sanskaar had a heart attack. 4 months? No way.

"Hume koi aitraaz nahi , aap jaisa teek samjhe," Sekhar told leaving the decision to Maheshwari's but he hoped they would agree to earlier muhurat. Delay would just increase complications.

"I think we can manage 20 din hain .."Durgaprasad spoke finally looking around ,"Kaafi hai. Hum sab hain na ..aur hame lag raha hain shaadi main aur dher nahi karna chahiye..hum sab jaaNte hain kis haalat main ye shaadi ther huyi hain ..Ye alag baat hain ki Swara Sanskaar ek dusre ko pasanad karte hain ..kyun Ram aur Sujata?"

Ram, like an obedient brother nodded .Sujat tried to protest but Annapurna interrupted. "Sujata, tum tension mat lo .. Hamari beti ki shaadi main koi kami nahi hogi.Saari tayyariaan ho jayenge. Hum sab hain na. Sambhalenge ..."

" Lekin Jiji.." Sujata tried again but she had to give in at the end.

So it was decided Swara and Sanskar would be married after 20 days and muhurat was fixed.

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"I love you too Mr.Maheshwari..Bye, Bye Good Night.."Swara disconnected the call smiling.The events from today morning played before eyes. Everyone seemed to be in a celebratory mood after the muhurat was fixed. The soon to be couple was lead to Mandir for prayer, blessings were seeken from all..Sweets were tossed into their mouth one after another after another Swara would never forget that one moment when Annapurna hugged her, ..and how Uttara looked so excited and she was already making plans for shopping.

She wanted to thank the family for accepting her after knowing the truth , but she hardly got a chance within hustle bustle. And then there was Sanskaar who took her away from the crowd at the chance he found.In a shut and blink, she found herself backed to a wall, locked in his arms on either side , his eyes and smile gleaming.

"Bas 20 din aur Miss Bose...and we'll be together, forever." He leaned forward, his breath fanning her cheek softly.Swara felt the familiar rush of feelings every time he is this close to her.Her heart raced, her breath quickened " I can't wait to make you mine,."He whispered in her ear felt her tremble. His lips pressed to her cheek softly "Shona.." He murmured softly,

Swara smiled ."I am already yours, Sanskaar." She murmured back equally soft, kissed him on the cheek. Their foreheads touched and they stayed holding each other for a while till they were interrupted by naughty Uttara who dragged Swara back, only after teasing Sanskaar. who shook his head smiling. .on being caught badly by his loving sister.

Ragini did not accompany them owing to her classes,..and she looked no less excited on the news. Dadi and Shekhar got into discussion preparations, while Swara shared snippets of the meeting. And now after their usual call ..Swara sighed happily and looked at Sharmistha's photograph next to her bed. She picked it up lovingly and held close ." Maa aap hoti tho .. kitna acha hota. Aapko Sanskaar bahut acha lagtha  uska parivaar bhi .. aaj main bahut khush hoon maa.. Sab sahi ho gaya hain ..nothing can go wrong now...Nothing."

She placed back the photo frame in its usual place, pulled over the comforter, ready to dream about her future with Sanskaar.

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It was at night, The door of Gadodia House in Baadi opened with creaking noise but none of the sleeping forms noticed. Parvati Gadodia stepped out with the phone in her hand.Reaching an isolated place she dialed a number.

"Muhurat 20 din ke baad ka hain .. humne Swara ke saath acha rehna shuru kiya aur Sujata ka bhi kaan bhar rahe hain Swara ke khilaaf .. Humne aisa hi kiya jaise tumne kaha..aage bhi karenge..bas maari laado ki kismat chamak jaaye aur iss bengali chori ka saaya hath jaaye."

"Don't worry.. Aisa hi hoga Parvati ji. Uss Swara ko tho jaana hi hoga " The voice on other side spilled enough hatred in voice itself " Ab aap jaiye ..No one should know about this."

" Rakhti hoon.." Parvati Gadodia disconnected the call and slipped back into baadi.

Disconnecting the call, Kavita looked at the photograph of Swara and Sanskar before her. It was from amusement park where they both are in all smiles holding each other.She had many of their moments captured. It was all she needed to fuel her further.

"Be happy as much as you want to be Swara..you have just a few days left.When I will play all my cards you will be ruined..totally and you have no clue I have already played few.Just wait for my masterstroke."

She smirked.

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