As usual, beginning my chapter by thanking my readers!
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"Words in double quotes" - Talking

'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts

(Words in braces) - Telephone conversations.

Chapter 10 - Understanding You

Swara entered her house and found her mother and father sitting in the living room. 'But Maa and Baba said that they would be returning after two days'

"Maa, Baba... both of you at home?"

"When I had called you on the landline, we were only a little distance away from home. I lied that we won't be returning for two days because we wanted to surprise you girls." Sumi, Swara's mother, spoke. She looked at Swara and Swara noticed tears in her mother's eyes "But we didn't know that you would give us such a surprise."

"What do you mean Maa?"

"Don't act like you don't know what happened Swara. Look!" said Shekhar, her father, in a strict tone, pointing towards the T.v. Swara noticed that it was showing the news of what happened at Maheshwari Industries . The reporters, who were earlier criticizing the Maheshwaris, were now saying bad things about her character.

"Maa, Baba this isn't what it looks like. I can explain"

"Just like explained to the media? How could you do this Swara? Chasing after rich boys? I can't believe that you would do such a thing." spoke Sumi.

Swara looked at her mother, shocked. She turned to her father and saw the same disappointment in his eyes.

Swara's eyes welled up with tears "Maa, Baba...How....how could you think that? How could you believe that I would do such a thing?"

Swara's voice broke as she spoke while crying "I.. I don't c-care what the media or a-anyon-ne says ab-bout me as I know t-that.....that my family would always trust me. B-but you both are doubting me?"

"What else are we supposed to do Swara? Are we supposed to deny what we are seeing with our own eyes?" spoke Shekhar.

Swara felt her chest tighten and felt like she couldn't breathe. 'How could Maa and Baba think that I was chasing after Sanskar for money. I thought my family would always believe me and that's what gave me strength. But now...if my own parents doubt me, what will my sisters think of me? If they accuse me too, then...then it would completely break me'

The front door opened at that moment and Swara saw her sisters enter the room. She looked at their faces and saw them looking at her with anger.

"Are you all aware of what Swara did?" asked their mother.

"Yes Maa. We know fully well" spoke Tanuja, in a hard tone.

'I guess they doubt me and think I'm wrong too.' Swara thought sadly and look down. She heard one of her sisters approach her and looked up to see it was Pragya.

"How?"

"What...?" Swara asked confused.

"How did this happen? Is Sanskar behind this? How did Sanskar manage to trap you in his game?"

Swara looked at her with wide eyes. She didn't expect that question. She thought they were angry at her. But Pragya was blaming Sanskar.

"Pragya beta what are you asking? Swara is the one guilty. Didn't you see the news?"

"Maa, the media will publish anything. We trust Swara and we know she would never do something like that." spoke Tanuja, as she came and stood beside Pragya. "Tell us what really happened Swara"

Swara had tears in her eyes "You...you all don't doubt me?"

"Why would we doubt you when we know you aren't like that. I'm sure it was some evil plan of that Sanskar. Next time I meet that guy, I'll choke him! How dare he frame you!?" Ragini said, while cracking her knuckles.

"Aren't you all trusting your sister a little to much? Look at the news. She confessed her fault on her own!"

"We wouldn't believe Swara doing something like that even if  thousands of people tell us! I'm hundred percent sure Sanskar or someone made her say all those things" Ragini turned to Swara "Just tell us the names Swara. We will make sure they pay!"

Swara was crying openly, but they were tears of happiness. Her sisters were angry, but not at her. Rather, they were pissed off at the ones who they thought were framing her.

Maya moved towards her and Swara look up into her eyes.

"Tell us who framed you. I'll show them what happens she they mess with Maya Malhotra's sister. I'm ready to destroy the Maheshwaris if they are the ones behind it." Maya spoke in a cold tone.

Swara looked at each of her sisters as they stood beside her 'Thank you all. Thank you for believing me. With you all by my side, I don't need anything more.' she could barely speak amongst her tears.

"Swara?" spoke Maya, as she placed her hands on Swara's shoulders. Swara, overcome by emotions, hugged Maya and cried bitterly. Maya and the sisters looked shocked, but Maya hugged her back.

Tanuja saw her mother about to say something, but she shook her head at her mother so that she remains silent. "Maya, take her to her room"

Maya nodded and did as told.

"Maa,Baba, didn't you say that you would be home after two days?" asked Pragya.

"We thought we would surprise you. But we never expected Swara to do this"

"Maa, I respect you a lot. But by doubting Swara, you're making me feel like I shouldnt. You should learn to trust your own daughter." Ragini stormed off to Swara's room.

"Ragini! Ragini come back here. That was no way to talk to your mother!" shouted Shekhar. He turned to the rest "Did you see how she talked to us?! Why did you two remain silent?"

Pragya and Tanuja looked at each other and then, silently moved towards Swara's room, without answering their parents, who looked on in shock.

#At Night#

All of the sisters were still in Swara's room. Swara hadn't stopped crying and ultimately, cried herself to sleep. They let her rest and were discussing what to do. They came to the conclusion that they would wait for Swara to explain how she got framed and then take action, although Maya and Ragini wanted to go break Sanskar's face.

Tanuja looked at the clock. It was 11.30 pm. "It's almost mid-night. I think you all should retire to your rooms. You all got work tomorrow remember? I'll watch over Swara." They wanted to argue, but Tanuja's pleading look made them agree.

"I don't have work, so I can stay"

"No, you can't Ragu. You got a date with Laksh tomorrow, don't you? How will it look if you go with swollen eyes and dark circles under your eyes?"

"I don't want to go on any date. I want to stay with Swara"

"Ragini, we know you are worried. But Swara wouldn't want you to cancel the date just because of her. You know how she is. She'll just feel guilty if you cancel." Pragya explained.

"Ugh! I hate it when you're right, Teacher ji!"

#Next Day, Mermaid Cafe, 9 am#

Pragya, Ragini and Maya entered the cafe for their morning beverages. However, they were shocked to find Swara working there, helping Tanuja, Tina and Dia. Ragini was about to call out to Swara, when Tanuja stopped her.

"Not now Ragini. I... I tried to make her talk, but she said that it doesn't matter anymore. She doesn't want to talk about it."

"But Tanuja Di, we want to help he-"

"Pragya di, its alright. Tanuja Di is right. I want to forget about what happened yesterday. And you all need not worry about me. I felt alone when Maa and Baba were accusing me and I thought you all would too" she smiled at them "But then...even after seeing the news, you all chose to believe me. When everything and everyone was against me, you proved that you four will always be beside me. So in a way, I am glad for what happened yesterday"

"O Swara. Come here" Ragini pulled her into a hug. Tanuja hugged both of them. Pragya pulled Maya and herself and joined them in the group hug.

"Awww...so sweet" said Tina, as she watched the sisters.

"Ow!" She exclaimed as Dia hit her with a washcloth.

"Less talking. More working, Tina"

"Arrogant dictator 😒 " muttered Tina and got back to work.

*phone ringing*

Maya received the call "Hello?"

(Ma'am, there is someone in the office searching for you. We tried to tell him to come another time, but he is creating a scene here)

"Who dares to make a scene in my office?" Maya asked in a calm manner, but everyone knew it was the calm before the storm.

(He...he said his name was Samay.)

At once, all colour left Maya's face and the phone dropped from her hand. The sisters noticed that Maya's eyes showed anger and suspicion. However, none of them noticed the fear in her eyes, except Tanuja.

"I....I'm getting late for office. I need to leave" Maya rushed out of there as fast as she could.

"What...what just happened?"

"Chill Pragya Di. I'm sure Maya Di will handle whatever it is. After all" Ragini posed like Maya "I'm Maya Malhotra. There's nothing I can't do" spoke Ragini, imitating Maya.

Pragya shook her head at her antics and looked at her watch "Oh no! I'll be late for college. Bye!"

"I'll go get ready for school. I already took two days leave from my dance classes. The principal will fire me from work if I don't go today." Swara put down the apron and left for home.

Tanuja was looking at the entrance as Maya left. "Why did you look so scared Maya? Why did I see fear in your eyes? I hope everything is ok" she turned back and left to the counter.

However, she was so deep in thought that she didn't realize Ragini was standing right beside her when she was taking to herself.

'But...but Maya Di isn't scared of anyone. Then why did Tanuja Di say that? Nothing scares Maya Di easily. If  Maya Di is scared of whatever this is, then the matter must be really serious' thought Ragini.

"Ragini?" she heard a male voice call her. She turned to find that it was Laksh.

"Laksh? What are you doing here so early?"

"Um..well. We have a date remember?" he said with a smile.

"Yes, but so early? Its not even 10 am!"

Laksh was smiling, but inside he was panicking. He truth was that he didn't come so early because of the date, but rather because of Kavya. Kavya was his childhood friend. However, now he tried to avoid her because although he told her he doesn't love her, she constantly tries to make advances on him. He had dressed up to go for work, but Kavya appeared and insisted to go along. However, he made an excuse that he was visiting his friends and escaped.

Laksh shivered remembering her 'That Kavya..... she sure scares me. I'm even ready to go on a date with this crazy Ragini if it means that I can be away from her. In fact, I think I'll beg before Maya and tell her to scare away Kavya. Only someone like Maya would be able to scare away that bitch.'

"I'm asking you something Laksh." 😒 Ragini spoke.

"I left work today to spend time with you, and you are doubting me" Laksh lied, hoping that Ragini would buy his excuse. He made a sad face so that Ragini is convinced.

Ragini smiled. "Ok baba, I'm sorry. I didn't think you were that excited to go out with me. I'll go get ready."

Laksh noted that although Ragini was joking with him, her smile did not reach her eyes. It was like she was worried about something. For some reason he didn't know, he didn't like that.

"Ragini, is something wrong?"

Ragini contemplated whether to tell him or not. 'Maybe he can help somehow'

"Its...its just that I'm worried about Maya Di. She got a call and seemed quite distressed about it."

Laksh rolled his eyes "Ragini, if it is about Maya, then you shouldn't worry about her. Rather, you should worry about the person who upset her. I'll pray to God that he lives to see another day" he joked.

"No. Something is wrong. Otherwise, Tanuja Di wouldn't be so worried. I wish I could visit Maya Di, but she doesn't like people worrying over her. She would get angry."

'Guess I need to do something. But what?' thought Laksh.

Suddenly, he got an idea. He took out his phone and dialed his brother's number. Arjun picked up.

(Hello, Lucky? You needed something bro?)

"Bhai, where are you?"

(At work in Fashion City building. Why?)

"Bhai, your office collaborates with other Fashion companies on some projects, doesn't it?"

(Yes, but why do you ask?)

"Bhai, you need to make an excuse like that and go to Glam Town to check on Maya."

(Bad joke. Really not funny. 😒 )

"I'm not joking bhai. Bhai you know Maya won't allow anyone to help her even if she is in trouble. But you can say that you are there on business matters. She won't doubt you then"

(I'm not going to that arrogant missy's office!)

"Bhai, please bhai. For me? For your little Lucky?"

(Ugh! Fine! But you owe me one! 😣 )

"Thank you bhai." Laksh cut the call and looked at Ragini, who was smiling from ear to ear.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much Laksh! You're the best boyfriend ever!" Ragini hugged Laksh and ran away to get ready.

Laksh blushed and smiled to himself. 'Ragini called me her boyfriend'

However, he snapped out and shook his head 'What are you thinking Lucky!? You can't fall for this crazy girl. Must not fall for her. Must not fall for her!'

After sometime...

Laksh waited outside in his car for Ragini, repeating his mantra in his head 'Must not fall for her. Must not fall for her. Must not- wow! She looks ...looks amazing' Laksh looked on, mesmerized by Ragini's appearance as she came out.

Ragini came near him and waved a hand in front of his eyes "I look amazing, don't I? Thank you, thank you. Click a picture if you want" she said with her head held high. 😏

Laksh's eye twitiched in irritation. 😠 'Could anyone be more arrogant and obnoxious than this girl? She's unbelievable?!'

He got an idea 'She acts so arrogant around me. I bet she would become obedient to me if I can make her fall in love with me completely. She will listen to everything I say' he smirked.

He tried to talk sweetly with her during the drive, but Ragini hit him and accused of being drunk, saying that was the only reason he could be so nice. He tried to flirt with her and used pick up lines, but Ragini never seemed to understand any one of it. She was too innocent for her own good!

She said she was hungry, so Laksh took her to a nice restaurant.

"So... Tell me more about yourself!" spoke Ragini, while eating.

"Well, there is nothing much about me. I'm just a person who likes to have fun, live life freely and help my friends and family.

"Tell me more about your family "

"Well, you already met Arjun. Then there is my Maa, Vandana, who has raised us alone after our father's death. And there is my cousin, Ayaan. Ayaan's parents are diplomats and have to change locations a lot. That is why Ayaan has stayed with us from a very young age. Currently, Ayaan is in Pune for his studies. He visits during the vacations." He took out a picture of them and showed it to her.

"This is my family" he said with a smile "The one in the orange t-shirt is Ayaan, that's Arjun standing behind and that's Maa. I'm not in it as I was the one clicking the picture."

Ragini noticed how Laksh smiled with affection at the photo "You love your family a lot, don't you?"

"I care for them more than my life. I would die for them." He looked at Ragini "You care for your sisters deeply as well, don't you?"

Ragini nodded "They mean the entire world to me. Its true that our parents are kind people, but they have a business to run. As they were busy most of the time, Swara and I were basically raised by Tanuja Di, Pragya Di and Maya Di. And Swara is just like my twin! I would give up everything for the four of them."

Laksh could see the truth in her eyes. Ragini rarely showed her sincere side, but Laksh felt lucky to get the chance to see this side of her.

#With Arjun#

Arjun stepped out of his jeep and looked at the building. 'This building is huge! But I bet Maya's ego is much bigger.' He took out his camera and looked ahead. 'Alright! I need to think of a good excuse.'

He entered the building and looked around 'I'll just tell her that my boss sent me to click some pictures of her as she is the leading fashion industrialist. If she asks why, I'll tell her that my boss didn't tell me. I'll check if she's okay and then leave. I'm not staying no matter what. I can't tolerate that arrogant girl!'

Arjun asked the receptionist the way to Maya's cabin and went in search of her. However, when he was about to open the door, he heard Maya's voice.

"I'll meet you later. Now leave!" from Maya's voice, Arjun could make out that Maya was angry beyond limits.

"Is that a promise? Don't try to lie to me. If you think I'll go that easily, then you are mistaken." Arjun heard another voice. It was of  a male.

"I promise, alright! I'll meet you at the same spot at 5 in the evening. Now leave, Samay!"

'So his name is Samay' thought Arjun.

There was a pause, as if the other person was busy thinking. Finally he answered "Very well. I'll wait for you Maya." Arjun quickly hid behind the door as Samay left.

Arjun peeped into Maya's room and was shocked to see the usually calm and collected Maya, looking worried and distressed.

'I've never seen her like this. Forget plan A. Time for a new plan. I'll wait near her office and follow her when she leaves to meet that guy' Arjun moved away from there. Once outside the building, he paused 'Why am I getting worried about her? I hate her, don't I? Then why? Why!?'

He shook his head 'I'm probably doing this because Lucky asked me to. Yes, that's it! I never refuse my brother anything and so I'm watching out for Maya for him. That's probably why I'm worried about her.'

#With Laksh and Ragini#

Laksh decided to take her to the movies. He wanted to select a romantic movie, hoping it will increase their closeness. However, Ragini selcted an action movie and spent the entire time cussing and screaming at the villains in the movie. 😩

'I give up. This girl will be the end of me! I can't make her love me. I give up, I give up!' 😫

"Laksh, I'm hungry"

"Didn't you just eat two hours ago? You're hungry again?" 😑

"Yep. Now stop the car."

Laksh looked at her confused "What?"

"Stop the car please"

Laksh didn't understand why, but did as he was told. He turned to ask Ragini the reason, but she already got out of the car.

"Bhaiya, panipuri dijiyega" she said, as she went and stood near the panipuri vendor.

Laksh looked at her open-mouthed. He got out and approached her "Since when did panipuris become an appetizer?"

Ragini paid him no attention and got busy eating.

"Ragini?!"

"Shut up and let me eat. And take out the money. You'll be paying"

"Ugh! You're even more notorious then the orphanage kids"

Ragini paused while eating "Orphanage?"

"Yes. I spend my evenings there teaching the kids football. Rishi and the others come there too"

"I want to meet those kids."

Laksh looked at her in confusion "Eh? But why?"

"Laksh, please!" 😕

"Okay okay. Eat quickly then!" 😒

#Sunshine Orphanage#

Laksh took Ragini to the orphanage. He thought she would start her crazy antics there. However, he was surprised to see a different side of her as she conversed with the children. She was treating each child with utmost care. She was caring for them, as if they were her own little brothers and sisters. She seemed like an entirely different individual.

She turned to him "Its so sad, isn't it? These kids...they lost their parents at such an young age." She turned to look at the children "Laksh, could you bring me to visit this orphanage again?"

Laksh smiled and nodded.

"Lucky, you're here? Come on then. Lets play!" spoke Rishi, as he came in with a football, followed by Abhi and Sanskar.

"Ragu, you're here? What a surprise! Is Pragya here with you?" asked Abhi, looking around for Pragya.

Ragini however, was busy glaring at Sanskar. Sanskar noticed this and looked down. He could guess why she was angry.

Ragini walked forward and slapped Sanskar, while the rest looked on in shock.

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To be continued...