Swara stared at the screen. She processed the idea of choosing between one's parents. She never thought it to be possible, however between her biological parents, she did choose her father.

Every year, Swara lied to her school group that she was not visiting India that year. Yet, every year, her family visited Kolkata for two days. To observe her mother's death anniversary.

Those two days were the most difficult for Swara. She always wished she could erase those days from her life. Not that she didn't like her mother, but she didn't like the family she would meet for the observance ceremonies.

The Bose family held a reputation for producing doctors for generations. The children born into this clan were given only one career choice - medicine. It was evident that Swara went out of her way to rebel the major rule of being a Bose by choosing a fashion-based career.

Although not particularly orthodox, the Bose family was subject to the societal manipulations. They were expected to not break the unsaid and unbased rules so as to hold up the pride and reputation. Swara's father, Shekhar had done just that, go against everything the family dictated, when he married Sharmista. The family rejected the idea of a second marriage as well as the age gap of about 15 years between Shekhar and Sharmista.

The rejection came from Swara's grandfather and Shekhar's father, Rajen Bose who died of a heart attack when he saw the wedding portrait of Shekhar's second marriage. A decade post his death, the resentment only increased. Swara often questioned her father why he returned for the anniversary and why they can't perform the ceremony in their London home. The reply came in a resigned tone, “They still consider Pranali as the family's daughter-in-law. They organise every year and I can't say I won't be coming. I feel I will be letting down Pranali if I don't attend.”

So here she was, sitting before the portrait of her mother, Pranali Bose, the woman who gave birth to her but she felt least connected to her. She wanted to respect Pranali but she had developed a slight dislike to the ‘Bose’ due to the forced situations created by the family.

Sharmista had lectured her that morning with a list of rules she must follow like sit straight, use proper words when conversing with the family members and her cousins, not to object anything. Basically, it was all things Swara wanted to do but couldn't because Mishti refused her to do so. How she wished she could yell at her father's brother, now taking the place of her grandfather as the head of the family, and his family sending grim stares in her direction, ‘You people have no right to force us here and use my Dad's emotions!’

“See her well. That's your mother Pranali Bose. You might not see her again for an year and it would be a pity if you forget how your mother looks like,” her Aunt taunted her. “I know your stepmother must have told you bad about us but this is your family, Swara. You belong to this family.”

Swara was about to get up when her father stopped her. He asked her to sit down and complete the rituals.

It was her Uncle's turn next. “Shekhar, at least you should have cared about our family tradition and encourage Swara to take up medicine. But you too fell prey to the young woman and forgot about your daughter. Obviously, that woman would never want Swara to follow our footsteps and steered the child into the opposite direction.”

Swara closed her fists hoping the words don't reach her ears. Her Dad patted her knee intermittently keeping her from unleashing her hurt. These people had no respect for the ceremony and only used it as an excuse to drag her father home. She tried to internally calm herself thinking, ‘Pranali Ma knows me better than these people. I don't care what they talk about Mishti and my Dad. I don't care what they think of me. I don't care… I don't care… I don't care! I don't care!’

Once the ceremony ended, both father and daughter walked out silently without even waiting for the lunch or other formalities. “Swara, please don't take Bhabhi's words seriously. You are only there for your mother. I am only there for my wife. Rest of the things don't matter and should never matter.” Shekhar soothed a fuming Swara as they walked out of the mansion gate when Sharmista waited for them.

Seeing Mishti broke her control. Swara fell into her arms, sobbing, “Mishti, I don't want to go there again. I don't like them.”

“Shona, calm down. I know it's difficult, but…” Sharmista held Swara at arm's length as she completed, “It's part of growing up. You must do some things you don't want to. The truth runs deeper than the illusion, and you are crying at the illusion itself.”

~ • ♡ • ~  • ☆ • ~ • ♡ • ~

I know, this is a bit sad. But what do you think of the Bose family's intentions?

I have decided to update this story every Tuesday. I have been doing that unknowingly till now so just confirming it now. Tune back every Tuesday for a new update.

With the new message board fiasco, I decided not to put more messages. I will use this update to inform you.
Pyaar Ke Rishtey is undergoing some serious editing. I am planning to start updating it from 15th Sep with daily updates. Its sequel will follow the same schedule.
Ignorant Crossroads will take time to come back. Mostly in December.
As for The Chocolate Room, a sneak peek is underway with a recipe for you to try this weekend. I will try to update the chapter next week along with Cross Connection.

That's it for now. See you with a new update next week.

Before you go, did you tap that little ☆?