Surprise ...Surprise

Back with an update

 I think this is the quickest update I gave in recent weeks.Thank you for keeping up with me patiently ..and thanks again for all lovely comments on the last chapter. I will be catching up with them soon ,as I wanted to give an update first.Hope you guys won't mind.

Happy Reading to you all.Please ignore errors and typos.

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...Gorgeous bride...

She didn't look like one .. With the smudged kohl ,tear stained cheeks and in a disheveled state, She looked like a nightmare.

Her reflection in the mirror was proof of a beautiful dream turned to harsh reality. The tears rolled down in never-ending stream as her muffled sobs.

Few hours was what it took for her life to turn upside down.

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Before Few Hours

Maheshwari Mansion was all set to witness the wedding of its scion ..Sanskaar Maheshwari. It was on Durga Prasad Maheshwari's insistence it was chosen to be the venue. Privacy and a close-knit wedding was the intention behind the same and it was accepted with no second thoughts.

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Ragini gently placed dupatta over Swara completing her bridal look.

"You are looking gorgeous, Swara."Ragini smiled." Why don't you look at yourself?' she slowly turned Swara towards the mirror. Swara took few deep breaths to ease herself. She was told, this nervousness is absolutely common for the brides ..for this would be a new phase of life. She felt equal measures of anxiety and excitement.

She gently lifted her lashes and for next few minutes stared at her own reflection in awe. For the first time in life she could agree with being called 'gorgeous.'Her lips curved up slightly.

Just then Anjana walked in and cast an admiring glance at Swara.She hugged her warmly. "Wish you mother would have been here .." she said reminiscing Sharmistha and wiped a tear sliding down quickly.

It was such a happy moment to see Swara starting a new journey with the one she loved, but what made it more special was a request from Sekhar asking her and Prakash to do 'kanyadaan ' and they readily agreed.Swara would be the daughter they never had..

Anjana drew back and touched Swara 's head as blessing. That's when Sekhar and Prakash walked in saying, It's time for them to leave.

"Where's your Dadi ?" Sekhar checked looking around.

Ragini volunteered to look out. Meanwhile, done with listening to another side carefully, Parvati Gadodia disconnected the call and brought up a smile.

She had a part to play, an important one.

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Sanskaar happiness knew no bounds. Finally, Swara would be 'his' and they would bound in sacred Matrimony.Whole Mansion was abuzz with wedding activities and excitement could be felt all around.

He was Dressed in a beige and gold sherwani with an embellished collar, paired with maroon His mother's choice.He had no complaints. She would always want best for him. Only if she could accept Swara wholeheartedly... this wedding would have been perfect.

Alas...But things will fall into place with time, he's sure of that.

"Bhai .."

He turned back at Laksh's voice and they exchanged a smile.

It's time....

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Just sometime before the wedding as She checked on preparations Sujata Maheshwari made peace with fact.Her fate is sealed to have a 'bengali' as' daughter in law'. There's not a thing she could do about it .

Sujata didn't object Mansion being the wedding venue, for she was happy her son would have a wedding in a lavish setting as opposed to cramped baadi but her protests came in response to necklace Sanskaar gifted to Swara.It was from jewellers remark she got a drift of it on the day of mehndi. A diamond necklace worth 5 lakhs..and not a word to her . So her son started to keep secrets as well.

Sujata didn't say a word then and chose to stay mum. It was that night she cribbed to Ram."Sanskaar never got a chain for me and for that Bengali chori .. a necklace.He didn't feel the need to mention a word to me. He didn't even start his work and he's already spending so much on this girl. I am sure she might have asked for it. "She turned to Ram " Will you say something or you are gonna let your son loot wealth this way?"

Ram placed aside the file he had been working on and considered his wife silently for a minute.

"I know he got that necklace and bhai sa as well." He replied calmly." Sanskaar is well aware of the necklace being an extravagant buy before he joins work. It would be taken from his salary once he joins the Maheshwari group and this was proposed by Sanskaar himself.Does that make you feel better?" He paused reading her expression.

Sujata continued her silence trying the process new information.

"And this is exactly why Sanskaar didn't mention it you, You would crib and complain.I don't see a point Sujata...If he wants to gift his fiance, what's big deal in this? You are not short of jewellery to worry about chains. Sanskaar is mature enough. I would suggest you stop treating him like a kid and expecting him to share everything.He's getting married and things will definitely change .Give the kids their space .. everything will be fine."

Sujata opened her mouth to protest...

"You are worrying too much and what about your beauty sleep. You are groom's mother.you need to look your best tomorrow, Right!" Ram added with a smile.

Compromise on beauty sleep? No way!Of course, she needs to. Not saying a word, Sujata simply lied on the bed and pulled over covers.

Ram focused back on his file. After all these years he exactly knew what would put his wife to sleep. Sujata is not bad at heart, but her stringent nature and undiplomatic attitude combined with harsh words definitely put her across as one. He tried in initial years of their marriage but soon realized change cannot be forced ..it has to come from within.

Maheswari Family had learned to live with this nature of Sujata .Most of the times her words are taken in good humor or ignored ..they chose to.

He hoped tomorrow's wedding would happen with no hassles.

But Little did anyone know a sealed cover can change fates.

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It was rare for Sujata Maheshwari to receive a parcel addressed to her.She would have tossed it aside midst hustle bustle of wedding especially when Gadodia's have already arrived ..and she could hear the chant of Mantra's but what caught her attention were words scribbled on the cover

"Confidential - Swara Gadodia."

That had her immediate interest. Gadodia? Why would she be Gadodia.? She's no way related to Gadodia's other than being family friends as mentioned by Sekhar.

Almost on an impulse, it struck her ..This could be possible only if...

She tore the cover apart anxious for its contents. Few papers dropped down to the floor as well as few photographs. A quick scan through them Sujata Maheshwari strode down as furious as hell.

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Mandap was set .The sacred fire was lit midst recital of vedic chants by priest . It was Anjana who performed aarti to Sanskaar marking the start of the ceremony.

Swara smiled as she walked down to Mandap led by Ragini midst family and friends. Right there was Sanskaar waiting for her. Just few more steps... they would be..

That was the moment , she was dragged away with a strong force, swirled around and was slapped hard.Standing before her was Sujata Maheshwari burning with fury. Hushed silence fell upon venue every buzz dying down.

"Dhokebaaz ladki .." Sujata's shrill voice echoed across the stunned hall.Swara stood holding her cheek equally stunned.

"Mom" It was Sanskaar's voice that came across as he rose to his feet.Sujata ignored him and every other voice that expressed shock..She had some questions and confrontations. No one could stop her today.

"What were you thinking chori?You would hide such a big truth from us and would have your way. Arey ,In Spite of knowing you no way match our stature ..just because my son was adamant about marrying you ,I had to give in. But you took advantage of us .. mislead us.Didn't you feel an ounce of guilt hiding this from us....How could you? Kuch toh sharam karti. Arey kuch toh bol..aise chup kyun khadi hai.. "Swara stood frozen as Sujata shook her hard, her hand curling around Swara's shoulders in a painful grip.

"Sujata....." Annapurna found her voice midst shock and confusion.

"Jiji ..Sujata turned to Annapurna , "You have no clue the game this girl had been playing behind is.She is no friends daughter like we have been told but daughter of Shekhar Gadodia ..his illegitimate daughter .Here look at her birth certificate , "she held up a piece of paper for the view ,"It clearly says father's name."

The hall buzzed with gasps of shock and murmurs. Then Sujata directd her fiery gaze towards Swara. All the resentment she had been holding against all these days Swara found its way out.

"Will you speak up? Yes or no ..You are his daughter Right! Speak up.haan ya na ?

Swara nodded trembling .But they knew this, didn't they? .Maheshwari's knew this "Mom..Lekin.. " .

"Don't you dare call me that !"Sujata screamed in protest.

"What are you saying aunty Ji?" Ragini came to her sister's aid. "Our baba had already shared this with your family and you guys accepted it as well..Now you are accusing Swara of ..".She rushed to Sekhar ," Baba ,why don't you say something.You told them right!?" Every eye turned towards Sekhar.

Swara's eyes moved to Sekhar hoping him to intervene, say few words .Their eyes met for a brief period . Her eyes full of questions seeking answers."Not this time Baba please don't put me down," her eyes pleaded silently.Sekhar couldn't bear to look at her and hung his head in shame.

She had her answers. He didn't..He didn't. Swara stumbled back ,her feet giving up . He didn't. She could have tripped if not for two strong hands which wound around her steadying her up. Her eyes brimming with tears she looked up at him.

Sanskaar.

He gathered her close in silence offering her worldly comfort ..and she embraced it with no questions.

"Kuch boliye Baba.. "Ragini grew restless.

"What do you expect him to say?" Sanskaar mocking voice had everyone's attention"The person who doesn't have guts to accept his own blood, who deprived Swara of her identity all these months..you expect him to speak up?Look at him , Even now he stood watching tamasha ..but not a word in defense of his daughter." He glared at Sekhar in disgust and looked at his mom who looked shocked beyond imagination at this new revelation.

"Mom, I know this before...exactly on that night between me and Swara Which was misinterpreted. Swara never wanted to hide this. In fact, she was the one who insisted on letting you know the truth, despite the risk it posed. When she mentioned, This man Shekhar Gadodia would be the one to do that, I had my doubts. I know he is neither capable nor courageous enough to embrace his own doings...that's why I took it on myself. I told Bade papa and..."

"I asked him to keep it a secret, "Durga Prasad took over unmasking one more truth." I know this is what would happen ... I .."

Swara stared at Sanskar in shock.

Trust me ! Main jo kuch bhi karunga hamare liye karuga..

His words rang in her ears. So this is it.He hid it from her ...that his family is not aware of truth ,despite knowing how much it meant to her . .. and that moment she stepped away from him unconsciously but Sanskaar didn't seem to notice watching the drama unfolding before his eyes..

Sujata took slow steps towards Durga Prasad Maheshwari staring at him in disbelief "And you didn't feel the need to share this with us? Right Bhai sa!" Her question hit him straight . They had a right to know but he didn't want to put Sanskaar's happiness at stake and he no way felt Swara should be punished for no fault of hers.

" I thought this is good for Sanskaar.."

"For Sanskaar? "Sujata burned with fury," Let me remind you bhai sa Sanskaar is my son. Mera beta hai.aap ka koi haq nahi usse pe."

Durgaprasad felt first blow on his heart.

"Sujata ye tum ... "Annapurna tried to intervene.It was then Sujata turned to her " Maara beta hai aapka nahi.." she stated in clear terms. Annapurna froze.

"MoM aap ye ?" Sanskaar couldn't believe his Mom could say something very ruthless shaking the foundations they have built their family upon. It was no secret he was more close to his bademaa and badepapa..there was never a question raised on it.

"Chachi .." Laksh joined the protest. Sujata held his hand and brought him in front of Durga Prasad ,"Ye aap ka beta ..you can decide for him not for my son.." she made it clear.Ram joined her .

"I never questioned you bhai sa... but this time I am with Sujata. I think we deserved to know the truth. Aap ko aisa nahi karna chahiye tha.. Ye galat tha.. " .

The ground beneath him shook. For the first time in all these years, his brother questioned him and declared him to be wrong. Everything fell back into silence

But that was not the end of it.Swara had to face more.

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There were few photographs thrown at her face. Midst tear filled eyes she caught a glimpse of them .Few of them were with Sahil taken at nightclub, few with Ajay ..and then with Sanskaar when they were coiled around each other like one... on different occasions.

"Yahi karte hona tum ..ameer ladko ko apni jaal main phasana..phir ye nahi tho woh ..woh nahi tho ye ..kabhi club main, kabhi park main kisi aur ke saath or kisi ke kamre main ... chii.."

Sujata turned her face away in disgust from Swara "What can we expect from you when your mother was like that ...it's in your blood "

Swara went numb .She couldn't hear a word next .She stood mute, as frozen as a statue watching her identity being questioned, character being ripped apart and silently bearing all the accusations hurled upon her.

She was an opportunist trapping rich wealthy guys, a cheat who decided to play with feelings of family whom she came to love upon as her own and harboured dreams of being a part of .An apshaguni ..whose presence will only bring upon the doom and a 'naajayaz' , a child born of illegitimate relation ,a black mark smeared on her for a lifetime .

She could hear bits and pieces of Sanskaar trying to reason out with his mom joined by Laksh and Ragini convincing these photos are misleading. They were around in photographs of Ajay and Sanskaar was in the nightclub with Swara ..and rest are their private moments which Sanskaar refused to explain.

Then there was Anjana who retorted quite strongly to remark of Sujata on how Ajay was saved from Swaras clutches and Sanskaar got caught." I would have been extremely happy considered myself to be fortunate to have Swara as my daughter in law. .But luck is not in my favour..Because Ajay and Swara are good friends and nothing beyond that. I have seen her right from.time as a kid ..and I couldn't be more proud of my friend who had guts to stand up to this so-called societal norms.

True she might be illegitimate like you would term it for no mistake of hers or for the mistake of few," her eyes moved to Sekhar "but she is anytime better than those who chose to value a person by birth, not by virtue."

"Sujata Ji ,if you think Swara didn't have anything left behind, I am sorry to say, her mother left her more than enough property ... and she is no way is deprived of riches. It's love she had always been deprived of after her mother passed away.Swara would have never stepped into Kolkata if not for the promises of one person who unfortunately is her' baba'. I hope you understand the same .."

But Sujata was in no mood to back down. She compromised on Swara being bengali but not anymore "I don't care if this girl is 'doodh ki dhuli' .Nothing can change the fact that she is of bad blood and I would never accept her as my bahu...Never. "She declared in curt voice.

"What are you waiting for chori ?"Furiously Sujata grabbed Swara's shoulder dragged her down to door " Leave right now !

Too shaken to make sense of anything ..Swara stood rooted, still numb which didn't seem to fade . It felt like ,She stood all alone with the world on the other side, against her.

It was then, her ears picked faint sound of footsteps and she jerked herself out.  A hand circling around her wrist in a gentle and firm hold.She looked up him.

He didn't say a word ...

She moved blindly with him as he led her to mandap ignoring every protest of Sujata screaming her lungs out.He looked so calm ..so sure that every eye in venue followed his little move with bated breath.

"If you do this marriage I will kill myself," Sujata turned to emotional blackmail.She knew how adamant Sanskaar can be ...and wished this ploy of her would work.

One sharp turn ,Sanskaar stood facing her.

"I would kill anyone and everyone who would try to stop this marriage," he replied in a calm tone yet deadly enough to sent the message across "After all, I am your son, mom " he added in a sarcastic tone and turned to the priest giving a nod.

The Vedic chants resumed and the atmosphere changed at once.Before Swara could realise her hair partition was marked with brilliant scarlet red outshining everything dropping a pinch of it on her nose. She stared at him wide-eyed first then lowered them down at touch of cool metal against her neck.A black and gold bead necklace ..a mangalsutra , tying them both together in a bond of sacred matrimony.

She looked up, met his eyes ...Not a vow is taken, but his eyes said it all. Every vow.

Then he turned facing the crowd.There were few smiling tears, some scowls.. Some shocked faces.He didn't bother.

"For all those who questioned her identity and raised a finger against her ,Here it is .

She is Mrs Swara Sanskaar Maheshwari , Meri patni. He announced proudly their hands still entwined,"and Anyone dares say a word against her ...." 

He didn't even have to complete the words.A word against her, they would be facing his wrath ..and fire in his eyes left no doubt.

Swara stood watching as he stood before her as a shield.It was him against the world...for her...and the realization dawned upon her slowly and clearly.

She is Mrs Swara Sanskaar Maheshwari.

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Notes

The term Endgame - Title of this chapter is a chess term.It is the part of the game where the King should come out and fight (with fewer pieces left on the board).Needless to say, Sanskaar is one who played the end game for his queen, Swara

But this is not the end.Stay tuned to the game as we head towards the finale with a little twist.

Thanks for reading. Do drop your love . A star and few words.

Love

Lucky