Beginning the chapter by thanking the voters, commenters, and viewers as without you all, we writers are nothing.
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"Words in double quotes" - Talking

'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts

Chapter 2 - Changes

"Maa, please. Don't do this! Please cancel my engagement. I don't love Ragini, I love Swara."

"How could you do this Laksh? Just to save your brother, you are willing to play with Ragini's feelings! Isn't she human? Doesn't she have a heart? Your father already gave her so much pain by breaking your marriage with her once. Now you want to break her completely by refusing to marry her?"

Laksh looked at her in guilt. It wasn't like he was doing it on purpose.

"Maa, I didn't mean to hurt Ragini's feelings. Maa, trust me. I never wanted any of this to happen. Please Maa I-"

"Enough! I won't let you ruin her life Laksh. You will marry Ragini and that's final!"

Laksh was about to speak, but Annapurna rushed past him out of the room. She was passing Sanskar's room, when she heard him call out to her. She went near him with a questioning look.

"Maa, will you help me in a matter?"

"Of course. What is it Sanskar?"

"Come with me."

#With Ragini#

Ragini sat outside in the garden thinking over things. Since Laksh had decided to marry her, she was sure that he loves her. But now that Sanskar unknowingly pointed out the obvious, she was doubtful of his love.

'But Laksh wouldn't have agreed to marry me if he didn't love me, would he? I... I guess it is just me over-thinking . I'm going to be his wife soon. I cannot let such thoughts poison our relationship.'

"Dost, dost! Can we sit here?" She heard a voice speak and saw Sanskar and Annapurna standing there.

"Sure Sanskar, Badi Maa. She was about to get up, but Annapurna told her to sit beside her, while Sanskar sat on the ground."

"Now tell me! Tell me Badi Maa. Tell me how you know when you love someone."

Annapurna looked at Sanskar confused 'Why is he asking this? I thought he needed some help with something important. But is this the help he was asking for? Nevertheless, whatever it might be, I did promise to help him.'

Annapurna began explaining "Well, Sanskar, when you feel love for a person, the presence of that very person will make you happy."

Ragini listened to her carefully. 'Laksh's presence makes me happy. So I guess I do love him.' Ragini tried to assure herself.

"When they are beside you, you feel like you need not hide anything from them. You have no fear of their judgement because you know that they will accept you no matter what. You are not afraid of showing your insecurities, your shortcomings, your imperfections to him or her." spoke Annapurna.

Ragini looked down 'Am I ....Am I ready to reveal everything about me to Laksh? Do I feel secure to show him my insecurities and imperfections?' Ragini realized that she didn't. In fact, she always feared that he might reject her because of it and so she made sure to act perfect, to be someone she wasn't.

"Love cannot be based on pretences and lies. There should be trust between two lovers, right Ragini?"

Ragini nodded at Annapurna. However, she was thinking something entirely different.

'I have doubted Laksh most of the time, like when I see him with Swara. But what else am I supposed to do? He pays more importance to her than me. Anyone would do that in such a situation.' Ragini thought in despair.

"Fear should not exist in love." Annapurna continued speaking to Sanskar, who was looking intently at the various emotions passing through Ragini's face.

"And most importantly, when you think about that person, your heart should call out to you and say 'Yes. This is the one who is made for me'. When you have found that person beta, you will know that it is your love."

Ragini gripped her dupatta harder. 'When I think of Laksh, my heart says that he is the one Dadi chose for me, my husband to be. And hence I should love him. But it doesn't scream out, doesn't flutter at his name. My heart should feel the love, but when I think of Laksh, it is my mind which gives the reason that I must love him as he is my future husband. Could it be that....that what I have been mistaking for love, is actually...actually just something that Dadi has instilled in me? Is it just an obsession of mine?'

"And most important thing beta is that only you can know who your true love is. You shouldn't believe others if they tell you that you have fallen in love no matter what, until your heart says so. Only your heart would know who is your true love."

"But mine doesn't know what it wants" spoke out Ragini softly.

"You said something Ragini?" asked Annapurna.

Ragini gave her a smile "N-no Badi Maa. It was nothing."

However, Sanskar heard what she said perfectly 'Finally, you're beginning to realise the truth Ragini.'

Suddenly, they heard some commotion from within the house. Annapurna abruptly got up, followed by Ragini and Sanskar.

#Inside#

"Look Shekhar! She has been trying to break off Ragini's engagement. Shramishtha was acting all along!" accused Parvati.

Every member of the Maheshwari family, except Sanskar and Annapurna, were present there. Swara and her Dida was present there as well.

"Shekhar please, I can explain-"

"Explain what? That you tried to break my daughter's engagement? How could you do that to Ragini!? She respects and loves you so much, and this is how you repay her?"

"Baba please don't say that. Maa would never want anything bad to happen to Ragini."

"You shut up Swara! In fact, you are also involved in this. You love Laksh, and that is why you and your mother are doing all this, aren't you? Ruining my granddaughter's happiness."

None of them noticed three people arrive at the scene, too engrossed in the argument.

"Dadi, please don't blame Swara. Swara isn't involved in any of it. In fact, she was the one who wants me to marry Ragini so that Ragini's feelings aren't hurt!" explained Laksh.

"Don't even try to say anything Laksh. Right now, I hate you so much that I won't hesitate to hit you." Shekhar shouted.

Shramistha tried to calm down Shekhar."Shekhar this is why. This is why I did the act of fainting. Because I knew you would react this way. Shekhar, I want the best for Ragini. That is why I don't want them to marry as Laksh doesn't love her, but loves Swara. Ragini would never be happy with Laksh."

"He...he doesn't love me? He loves Swara?" They all turned to look at Ragini standing there beside Annapurna and Sanskar.

"Ra-Ragini wait. Ragini I-"

"You what Swara? You knew about it but didn't tell me? How could you do that Swara?" She asked in a broken voice.

"Ragini its not like that. Please believe me Ragini. I never wanted to hurt you. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want you to do any harm to yourself. I couldn't bear something happening to you." Swara tried to explain.

"Swara is right Ragini. I know I did wrong by lying to you. But please try to understand. Sanskar was about to jump off and I did the only thing that would save my brother. Please Ragini, I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt your feelings. In fact, in ready to accept any punishment you give me. I know I deserve it. We really didn't want to hurt your feelings." spoke Laksh.

"But do I look happy now? How could you and Swara lie to me. I believed you both."

Before anyone could say anything, Ragini rushed out of there.

Laksh and Swara were about to rush after her, but Shekhar stopped them "Don't dare go near my daughter!"

"But Baba, we want to help-"

"You have helped enough!"

Sanskar looked as they kept on arguing. 'None of them realize that they should quit arguing and give more importance to Ragini. God knows where she has ran out!' However, everyone seemed too lost in their anger. 'Damn! Guess I need to go after her.'

Sanskar rushed out to the gate to find Ragini standing in the middle of the road, deep in thought. He looked at her in sadness. 'She must feel so clueless and lonely right now. I wish I could reveal my truth and comfort her. She is my true friend after all.'

Suddenly, he heard honking and he looked towards the side to see a truck coming at great speed towards where Ragini was standing. Sanskar looked in horror as Ragini seemed to be too lost in her thoughts to hear the truck. He rushed forward towards her without thinking about the consequences.

Ragini, on the other hand, was confused, hurt, distressed, but most of all, she was clear about one thing. She finally realized that she didn't love Laksh.

When she heard that Laksh didn't love her, she didn't feel so much pain in her heart as she should have. Instead, the reason she felt devastated was because her own sister and mother, whom she trusted the most, lied to her. 'But...but I guess they are right in their own stand. They only wanted to protect me from getting hurt as they thought I wouldn't be able to handle the truth. In fact, didn't I tell Swara that I wouldn't be able to live if Laksh breaks off the marriage for a second time?'

She rubbed her tears 'I guess I should forgive them. No one is at fault here. The circumstances were such that one thing led to another. I can understand how desperate Laksh must have felt to save Sanskar. I would have done the same if I had to save Swara. And as for the marriage, this marriage would have destroyed the happiness of Laksh, Swara and even me, as Laksh would never be able to give his love to me. I should go tell everyone that its all fine now.'

She smiled and was about to go back, when she heard honking. She looked up to find a truck zooming in on her. However, she was too shocked to move. Suddenly, she heard someone shout her name. She didn't get a chance to look towards the voice, as the person pushed her away from the road.

Ragini fell down, hard. However, she was relieved that she was able to escape. She got up to thank the person, but what she saw shocked her.

"SANSKAR!" Sanskar was lying in a pool of his own blood on the road. She rushed to his side and put his head in her lap "Sanskar, wake up! Sanskar please, open your eyes! Badi Maa! Swara! Baba!"

#City Hospital#

All the Maheshwaris and the Gadodias were waiting outside the I.C.U where Sanskar was being operated. Everyone was either crying or trying hard to remain strong for their family to hold them, support them. Ragini was the worst. She had been crying without a pause since the accident. No one could console her.

"Dadi, it's-its all my fault, isn't it Dadi? I caused his accident, didn't I? If I didn't rush out, then Sanskar wouldn't have had to push me out of the way and-" she couldn't continue and broke down crying.

"That's not true ladoo. Its not your fault. Please don't blame yourself." Her Dadi, Parvati, pulled her into a hug and looked towards the I.C.U. 'You saved my ladoo by risking your own life. I.... I'm forever grateful to you Sanskar. I'm sorry for the way I treated you. I will pray for your well-being.' thought Parvati.

"Where is he? Where is Sanskar?" everyone turned to look at the new arrival. It was Durgaprasad.

Annapurna looked at him shocked. He had stopped talking to all the family members since she decided to bring Sanskar into the house. But now she couldn't understand why he has come to the hospital.

"He is in the I.C.U. But why are you here? Didn't you tell me that you hated him!"

"No matter what, he is like my own son. His life is more.important to me than.my pride." Durgaprasad looked down in shame "I...I realized my mistake Annapurna. I was wrong to let my pride cloud my judgement. I am truly sorry for how I behaved. Sujata, Ram, please forgive me for keeping your son away from you."

Sujata and Ram looked shocked. Never has Durgaprasad apologized to anyone, as he believes himself to be right. But if he was openly apologizing, it meant that he was truly sorry. They looked towards each other and nodded in understanding. Ram moved forward and hugged Durgaprasad. "Ita okay Bhai Sa. It's alright. We forgive you."

(Author's note : I was kind of thinking of making him say - "Its ok Durgaprasad bro. We're cool." 😂)

The doctor came out of the I.C.U and immediately everyone started questioning him.

"He is out of danger. However, he hasn't gained consciousness yet. But don't worry, he should be awake by tonight."

Laksh was beyond happy and hugged the doctor "Thank you doctor. You don't know how much this means to me, to all of us!"

"Its alright Mr. Maheshwari. We are only doing our job" saying that, he moved away from there.

"See Ragini. He will be alright. Don't you worry" Swara tried to cheer up Ragini. However, Parvati pushed her away.

"Don't come near my ladoo. You and Laksh are the root cause of everything. If it wasn't for Sanskar, it would be ladoo who would by lying there in the I.C.U."

"Dadi, calm down please. Don't blame them. Its not their fault. The situation was-"

"No Ragini. You are too innocent ladoo. You don't know how these kind of people try to manipulate innocent ones like you."

"That's enough Maa. I... I think we should take Ragini home. It's been a disastrous day and-"

"No Baba. I want to stay till Sanskar recovers. I'm not going anywhere! I-" suddenly, she felt the room move and held her head. She felt like the room was spinning.

"Ragini!" shouted Parvati as Ragini fainted. "Ladoo, wake up! Ladoo!"

"Maa, its alright. I think the stress of everything that happened today has finally taken a toll on her. She should be okay after taking rest."

Annapurna spoke up "You should take her home. You all should go home too and take some rest. Sanskar has us to look after him. You all can visit tomorrow."

Shekhar nodded and picked up Ragini. Shramistha, Deendayal and Dida followed him. Swara gave one last look of hatred towards Laksh and left.

Parvati, before leaving, came towards Annapurna "What Sanskar did today, I am forever grateful to him. From tomorrow, I will allow Ragini to stay by his side. I don't care about the marriage anymore. He saved Ragini's life and if he can be cured by Ragini, then she can go the Maheshwari Mansion." All the Maheshwaris looked towards her with shock and relief.

Sujata came forward "Thank you! Thank you so much."

"No, its me who should be thankful. And I am sorry for the way I treated your son."

"It's alright Parvati ji. We all were forced by circumstances to act as we did." Parvati nodded and moved out of there.

#At Night#

Laksh and Adarsh told everyone to go home and decided to stay back with Sanskar at the hospital. However, Annapurna had something important to tell Sanskar, and if she didn't tell him before he talked to the rest of the family, she might never get the chance. So she, Laksh and Adarsh stayed back, while she told Sujata to take care of the rest of the family members.

Currently, Adarsh had gone to buy some medicine, while Laksh was sitting beside Sanskar on the bed, wishing for him to wake up. Annapurna saw Sanskar's finger move and became alert.

"Laksh beta, could you please get me some water?"

"Sure Maa." Laksh took one last glance at Sanskar and went out.

Slowly, Sanskar opened his eyes.

"Sanskar beta, you're finally awake"

"Badi Maa, Ragini?"

"Ragini is alright. Thanks to you" she smiled at him.

Sanskar nodded.

"Sanskar listen carefully. Laksh will be here anytime. So, I'm telling you in brief. Your Bade Papa has decided to forgive you. He finally admitted his mistake." Sanskar looked at her shocked "Yes Sanskar. And that is why I want you to stop your acting from now on."

"You're right. Now, I should tell him the truth an-"

"No. You won't tell him the truth. We will tell him that this accident caused you become normal again."

"You want me to lie Badi Maa?" he looked at her shocked.

"I just want our family to be one again. Your Bade Papa apologized to your parents, Ragini's grandmother mended her relations with our family and Ragini has forgiven Swara and Laksh. Everything is in the right place. Please Sanskar, don't tell him the truth. It will create rifts among us again."

"But Badi Maa, family isn't built on lies"

"If this lie saves our family, then I'm willing to accept it. Don't you want the same Sanskar? To be a happy family again?"

They heard the door open and Laksh entered "Bhai! Bhai, you're awake!" Laksh came and pulled him into a hug.

"Not so hard Lucky. I'm still injured. And of course I'm alright. I'm Sanskar Maheshwari after all" Sanskar said with a smile.

"Bhai!? You...you're taking normally. This means...this means...you've become normal again"

Laksh teared up "This is such a good news bhai. I'll go bring Adarsh bhai and call our family." Laksh moved out.

Sanskar turned to Annapurna "Badi Maa, I still don't like the idea of lying to them, but I also want us to be a family again"

Annapurna looked at him gratefully "We will face the consequences when they occur."

"Are you sure we are doing the right thing?"

"We will cross that bridge when we get there Sanskar. For now, rest."

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To be continued...