Feels good to write this fic after such a long time. 😁😁😁

Anyways, Onwards!!!

"Words in double quotes" - Talking

'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts

(Words in braces) - Telephone conversations.

Previously - Ragini had agreed to help Sanskar apologize to Swara. Rishi tells Tanuja that he is bringing his family to meet her parents. Tanuja's parents decide to accept Rishi, as Tanuja loves him, and prepare for his family's arrival next day.

I'm making some chapters private from now on. No mature content though. 😉

Chapter 13 - Meeting the Family

#Next Day#

"Ragini, I need to go help Maa in making the sweets. Where are you taking me?" asked Swara, as Ragini dragged her by the hand outside.

"Calm down Swara. We're just going to the cafe."

Swara looked at her confused. "But its closed."

Rishi and his family were coming to see Tanuja. Hence, Tanuja had closed the cafe today. Swara and the rest of the sisters were making the arrangements to welcome them. Even Dia and Tina were at their home, offering help.

"I know it locked Swara. But I got the keys from Tanuja Di." Ragini replied as they got near the cafe. She opened the lock and entered. Once inside, Ragini took her to a table and made her sit down.

"Ok Ragu. At least tell me now."

However, Ragini didn't pay her any attention. She started decorating the table.

"Ragu, these flowers, vase...and all these ...what for?" Swara heard the door bell jingle and looked towards the door. However, once she saw who it was, her face turned into one of anger.

"What the heck are you doing here!? Leave now!"

"Calm down Swara. I called him here."

Swara looked at Ragini in shock "You called him? But...But why?"

"Because you both need to talk and sort it out." Swara was about to object, but Ragini interrupted. "Please Swara. Listen to him once. Just once. If not for him, for me? Please Swara?" Ragini made a sad face, which she knew Swara couldn't resist.

"Ugh! Fine!" 😣

"Hehe..thanks!" saying that, Ragini rushed past her. Once she was near Sanskar, she whispered "Look! I got you one chance. Now make good use of it, because I'm not doing it again. Don't be your pompous self here. Be the good kid." 😔

Sanskar looked at her with his eye twitching "Must you talk to me like I'm a child?" 😒

"You're worse than that. At least I can control a child by beating him. Your rock hard ego won't be affected by my hits. Now hand over a 500 note."

"What? Why?" 😱

"Want me to go tell Maya Di that you're here?" She smirked.

"You, Ragini, are the epitome of Obnoxiousity!" he helplessly handed her the 500 rupee note.

"Wah! Thanks! Love you future jiju." Ragini pinched his cheeks and went out of the door.

Sanskar sighed in defeat and moved forward. Suddenly, he froze 'Did...did she just say future jiju? That means she know that I like Swara!? Oh my goodness! I hope she doesn't tell Maya. I must keep in mind never to piss off Ragini. Doesn't matter if my purse gets empty, at least I'll get to live.' 😰

Swara refused to look towards him once he came near.

"Um ... hi Swara." She glared at him. "I'm not going to disappear just because you glare at me, you know."

"Why are you here Sanskar!?"

"I.... I wanted to apologize ab-"

"I don't want your fake apologizes Sanskar. Go home."

"I'm not faking Swara. I truly am sorry. You made me realize my mistakes. Please Swara, try to understand."

She looked at him in disbelief.

"Understand what? That you utterly broke my trust? That you tried to use me for your own selfish needs? That you blackmailed me?" Swara cried out in anger, but she didn't speak out the real reason. 'I loved you and this is how you repayed me?'

Sanskar looked down in shame. "I...I can't tell you how ashamed I am of my deeds. I only thought about myself and didn't think how it would effect you. I'm really sorry for it Swara. But Swara-" he looked into her eyes and tried to reason with her "Try to look at things for my perspective. I've been brought up in a setting where everyone only cares about their goals, means do not matter. Everyone only cares for their achievements and careers. And I...I did just that. But you showed me what a true person should be like."

"Save it for someone who would believe your lies Sanskar. If you think it will make me forgive you, th-"

"No. I know you may not forgive me. Your wound is still raw. But I wanted to make you understand why I did it and show you that I've really changed."

Swara looked into his eyes and could see that he wasn't lying. 'No! I must not get fooled again. His eyes may be lying.' She could hear Tanuja's voice in her head saying that the eyes never lie. However, she dismissed the thought. 'He is lying and that's it! I can't fall for him again. I won't fall for him again!'

#Gadodia Residence#

Ragini and Pragya were waiting at the gate for the guests. Ragini's sisters had asked her where Swara was, but she lied that the Principal had called Swara urgently. Now, she and Pragya were waiting impatiently for Rishi and his family to arrive.

They heard two cars approach and some people came out. One of them was Rishi and immediately they knew that they were his family.

"Ragu, go tell the others that the guests have arrived. I'll welcome them." Ragini nodded and moved inside. Pragya moved forward to greet them.

She smiled at them and said namaste. However, before she could say anything else, someone spoke up.

"Wow Rishi bhai. Tanuja Bhabi is really pretty. Your choice is awesome."

"Of course it is Manpreet. After all, he is my brother." remarked another.

Pragya and Rishi turned red at their implications.

"Manpreet, Yuvraj, you both are making my bahu uncomfortable. Move aside." A woman came and hugged her. However, once the woman broke the hug, she frowned at Pragya. "You're so thin. But don't worry. Once you come to our house, I'll feed you well and make you strong."

"Rano. Don't make her fat like you. I already have an elephant bahu. I don't want my bahu's bahu to be an elephant too." said an old lady.

"Hey. You all are misunderstanding her. This isn't Tanuja. This is Pragya. Tanuja's little sister." Rishi exclaimed. They all looked at him in shock.

"O yaar. That's why I always tell all of you to think before speaking." remarked an elderly man, which Pragya guessed was Rishi's father.

"Yes. Tanuja di is inside, waiting for you all. Please come inside."

They all followed Pragya and entered the Gadodia house. Once inside, they found a man and woman standing there, with two girls beside them.

"Welcome. It's a pleasure to meet you all." spoke the woman. "I'm Tanuja's mother, Sumi. This is my husband Shekhar and those are my daughters, Maya and Ragini. You've already meet Pragya. I wish I could introduce you all to Swara as well. Unfortunately, she had to go as an urgent work came up at the school."

Rishi's father stepped forward. "Namaste. I'm Rishi's father Raj Bedi. This is my wife Rano and that is my mother, Preeti Bedi." he spoke, referring to the two women.

Ragini snickered and whispered to Maya "Di, Rano aunty looks twice the size of Raj uncle. I bet she rules in the house over him." 😆

Maya snickered. "Shh...Ragu. You'll get both of us into trouble."

"Hehe...okay Di." she turned her attention to what Raj was saying.

"These two are my sons and Rishi's brothers. Manpreet, the youngest of the three and this is Yuvraj, the eldest."

They sat down. Soon, both of the families were chatting amicably like old friends. Well, except Rishi that is. Rishi was busy peeping inside to get a glimpse of Tanuja.

Manpreet nudged Yuvraj and pointed at Rishi. They both went near Rishi and stood on either side of him.

"Bhai, I don't think Tanuja wants to marry you."

Rishi looked at him in anger "Shut up Manpreet. You don't know anything about her." 😣

"I think Mani is right Rishi. After all, she hasn't even come out yet." Yuvraj remarked.

"Yuvi, She will come. She's just getting ready. I....I'm sure of it." 😓

Yuvraj and Manpreet were having quite fun teasing the already anxious Rishi.

"What if she ran away with someone because this marriage was against her wishes? Because she was angry with you?" Manpreet whispered to Rishi.

Rishi remembered upsetting Tanuja the previous day. His face turned into one of horror and he abruptly stood up. "Aunty! Where is Tanuja?!" 😱

Sumi was a bit startled by Rishi's shout, but responded with a smile. "She decided to bring the drinks for you. She should be almost done."

"Oh. I see." Rishi sat down. Manpreet and Yuvraj snickered, while Rishi glared at them.

"You have so many daughters. Aren't you considering marrying them?" asked Rano.

"Ragini is still young. But as for the others, we want them to marry as well. But they say they are happy as they are."

"They should know that it's time they become responsibility of their husbands." Rano spoke scathingly. 'I can understand about the youngest, but what are the other girls doing still not getting married? Irresponsible girls! They are only being a burden to their parents.'

Rishi saw that his mother was about to start an argument and interrupted. "Aunty, is Tanuja done?"

At the very moment, Tanuja came out. Rishi kept looking at her open-mouthed as she walked closer.

Manpreet shut his jaw "Close your mouth Rishi bhai. Or else you'll catch flies in it."

"No matter how many times I see you, I always fall for you more and more Tanuja." Rishi spoke. However, once he realized that he spoke outloud in front of everyone, he turned beet red. Tanuja looked the same as him.

'Oh my! Earth, open up ad swallow me. I think I'll end up embarrassing myself more today. But its totally Tanuja's fault. Who told her to look so beautiful!?'

#Mermaid Cafe#

"Why do you want to make things right so desperately, Sanskar? Can't we just forget about everything and go back to our own lives? Just think that I was just a nobody you met and forget me!"

"I can't Swara. Not anymore."

"Why not!?"

"Because I love you. I truly do Swara. I know you don't believe me, but I really love you." Sanskar tried to convey every bit of emotion into his words.

Swara was speechless. From the moment she met him, she had hoped that she could be the one he likes. But now...now that he had confessed, she could only feel hatred towards him. 'This is just another lie of his. I... I can't fall for his lies again. But his eyes....the emotions in them look so genuine. Or maybe....maybe its just me hoping they are his true emotions because I still have feelings for him. How pathetic of me!'

Swara stood up abruptly. She had had enough of Sanskar's pleading. "I'm leaving!"

Sanskar got up and grabbed her wrist. However, before he could say anything, some men entered the cafe. Soon, a person appeared behind those goons. It was Pawan.

"What do you want Pawan? Most importantly, how dare you come here!?" Swara bit out.

"Where is Tanuja?"

"None of your business!"

"It is my business since she was my future wife! But now she decided to marry another? Unacceptable! Bring her here now!"

Sanskar was confused "I don't understand. If he wants Tanuja, then shouldn't he search her house instead of questioning us? Your house is right across the street." he whispered to Swara.

Swara was still pissed off at him, but decided that it wasn't the best time to argue. "We shifted to this house only a month ago. Pawan and his family doesn't know about this being our house." She turned to Sanskar. "Rishi and his family are visiting us today as well. I don't want Pawan finding out. That's why you won't tell him either!" she whispered back.

"Stop whispering to each other and tell me where is Tanuja!?" Pawan shouted in anger. 😡

"Didn't you hear what I said? I said that I won't tell you." Swara said with a smirk.

Pawan signaled a goon and he went to grab Swara. However, before he could touch Swara, Sanskar grabbed his hand and punched him. "Touch a hair on her and I'll end you!"

Swara looked at him wide-eyed.

"Go get him!" Pawan hollered. At once, five men came at Sanskar. Sanskar pushed Swara back and started fighting them. Five others were standing beside Pawan. Swara knew that Sanskar won't win.

She watched on as Sanskar fought with five of them alone. 'Wow. He's strong. If he was still acting, would he defend me from these men? They wanted to harm me and my sister, but Sanskar is willingly fighting against them for us.'

She could see that although Sanskar was trying hard, he wasn't being able to keep up with the men. 'There are ten of those goons in total and Sanskar seems tired already from fighting these five. He's...he's losing. Yet he isn't giving up. He's fighting to protect me. Was...Was what Ragini said really true? Did he...did he really change? Does he really like me?'

Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt someone grab her wrist and pull her towards the kitchen. Sanskar shut the door to the kitchen behind him and turned to Swara.

"Swara you need to go home. I will handle them for sometime and then I'll find a way to escape them."

"No! I'm not leaving."

"Try to understand Swara. I can't protect both of us at the same time. There are too many of them." He could hear them shouting for him to come out and face them.

"No! If I leave, they may see me entering my home. They'll know that Tanuja di is there." Swara replied. 'And I'm not leaving you alone with those goons. I don't want you to get hurt!'

"Okay. I guess you have a point. We can't let Pawan find Tanuja's location." He checked his pockets and took out his phone. "I'll hold them off. You said Rishi's family was visiting your family, right? He can be here in an instant. Call him. He and his brothers will be enough for these goons." saying that, he went out. Swara quickly dialed the number.

#Gadodia Residence#

Maya watched as her parents and Rishi's parents interacted. While Raj and Beji seemed happy with their family, Rano looked miffed. Rishi's brothers' seemed to accept Tanuja and looked ready to marry off Rishi and Tanuja then and there. However, she knew Rano would creat problems. From the beginning Rano had been pointing out that her parents haven't married off the rest of the girls, including her. 'Well, about time it ended.'

"Rano aunty. Just speak out your thoughts directly. We don't mind." they all looked at Maya as she spoke.

"Well, you all are grown girls who ca-"

"Not that Rano aunty. I told you to speak the main issue. Please don't beat around the bush." she spoke with a polite smile, but her words cut deep.

Maya's family looked at her wide-eyed, thinking that Rano might get offended. Except for Ragini that is. She was smirking. 'Serves you right! I was hoping Maya di would interupt. Go di! Let the lady Dracula out!'

"Well, I-I-" Rano stuttered.

Maya smiled at her "You meant to say that we are being a burden to our parents, weren't you? That we were still feeding off their money, when we should be in our husband's home, and living of his expenses. You think that we were being irresponsible and ignorant towards our parents, weren't you?"

Rano decided to face Maya, since the truth was already out "Yes. And where am I wrong?"

"Oye Rano. Why are you behaving so rudely? So what if they don't want to marry so soon. Maybe they love their parents and sisters too much."

"Or maybe we don't need boys to support us." Maya spoke. "See my sister Tanuja? She owns the cafe you saw outside. I am the owner of a Fashion industry. Pragya is a Professor and Swara earns well as a dance teacher. Ragini hasn't even completed her studies, but I know she has a bright future. I think it will be our husbands who would need our support to establish themselves."

Rano looked at her with wide eyes. Now, she could see them in a different light. They weren't like other girls who only cares about make up, jewellery, and having rich boyfriends. They themselves were highly established, enough to even put most unemployed men to shame. 'I guess Rishi was right to choose a girl from this household.' "This marriage is a yes from my side. Come on Sumi, muu mitha karwao."

They all looked shocked at Rano's sudden exclamation, but their faces broke out into smiles.

Manpreet and Yuvraj on the other hand, kept looking at Maya in fright. Rishi saw this and let out an evil smile. 'Time for revenge.'

"She's really scary, isn't she?" He whispered to them, to which they nodded. "I've heard she also has some assassins working for her to kill those people whom she doesn't like. If I tell them that you both doubted Tanuja's loyalty..." they looked at him wide eyed.

"Bhai no! Bhai we want to live!"

"I can't do anything. She only listens to Tanuja. Only Tanuja ca-" they pushed him back as they rushed towards Tanuja. "Haha...serves them right!"

"Congratulations Rishi bro!" everyone looked towards the door to find Laksh standing there, followed by Abhi and Arjun.

"Eh? What are you guys doing here?"

"We went to your house to hang out, but the guard told us that you all were here. We couldn't miss our best friend-cum-brother's happiest moment, could we?" Abhi remarked.

Rishi smiled at them. Suddenly, his phone rang. "Hello, Sanskar?"

(It's me Swara.)

#Mermaid Cafe#

Swara had made the call and explained everything to Rishi. She rushed out to help Sanskar. She gasped when she saw Sanskar lying on the floor, bloody and beaten up. She rushed towards him and tried to get him up.

"Last chance Swara, tell us where is Tanuja."

"Never!"

Pawan was about to hit Swara, when a hand grabbed his wrist. He was instantly pushed back and he would have fallen down, if it wasn't for his goons holding him upright.

"Aww... Sanky. Having the fun by yourself?" Sanskar looked up to find all of his four best friends standing there, along with Manpreet and Yuvraj.

He slowly got up with Swara's help."No way Abhi. I've left the real party for you."

"Oh joy. I'm going to enjoy to the fullest." Manpreet remarked, cracking his knuckles.

"Swara, take Sanskar outside. We will handle them." Swara looked up to Rishi's face as he spoke. Up until now, she hadn't seen Rishi angry. But now, he looked like a predator who looked determined to rip his prey into pieces.

Rishi turned to Pawan "So you are Pawan, eh? I think its time I made my introductions to you."

***********************************
To be continued...

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~ 🌹 Mona 🌹