"This time you clearly surprised me." Sanskar praised. "I have never tasted so delicious fish fry till today."

"Shh... someone will listen." Swara put her finger on his lips checking their surroundings.

Both were returning from their dinner out as it was Friday. This Friday, it was Swara's turn to pick the restaurant. She had picked up a small family owned restaurant cum dhaba in the ourskirts of their city.

"Dida used to take me there. It was my and her secret place to visit." She remembered her deceased grand mother. Sanskar wrapped his arm around her shoulder pulling her in side hug.

"You have really raised the bar so high, Mrs. Maheshwari." He raised his free hand and continued making a note for himself, "I have to buckle up for next Friday." He teased cheering her mood up.

She smiled looking at his antics.

Both were climbing stairs when they heard sobbing sound. When they searched for the source, they saw one small figure was sitting behind the pillar. They took careful steps towards shadow drawned in perplexed state. They both dropped their shoulders looking at little Mishka.

"Mishka" Swara called her out going on her knees from back.

Mishka startled with voice. She immediately wiped her tears before turning back to Swara.

"Hello Swara aunty." She tried to put a fake smile on her face. Little girl's struggle to hide her pain, gave a pinch to their heart.

"What are you doing here, Mishka? Dear, it's 11:30 almost." This time it was Sanskar. He had also bent to her level going on his knees.

"I was going to my room only..." girl lied back staring at the floor.

Both shared a quick eye lock looking at her miserable state.

"Why don't we three eat ice cream?" Swara thought to lighten the thickness of the environment.

"Ice cream?" Mishka's eyes brightened instantly.

"You and Sanskar go to our room, I will get us ice cream for all thress of us." Swara felt light when gloominess left little girl's face.

Swara headed towards kitchen where as Sanskar took Mishka to their room.

Swara brought three cups filled with ice cream and they three settled inside their room to relish the cold sweet dish.

"What happened Mishka? Why were you not sleeping? It's quite a late." Swara asked tenderly, caressing her hairs.

"Nothing. Just like that." Mishka replied bending her head, revolving her spoon in the bowl.

"If you tell us, I promise, it will be our little secret." Sanskar promised raising his pinky finger. He had already observed her hesitance over her petrified face.

Mishka remembered, from last one week, she was asking Laksh and Ragini to take her to hospital to see her father, who was in coma. But they both were busy with their errands.

Today, when again she tried her luck, Laksh bombarded his frustration of not finding an investor for Badi's project where as Ragini bursted out her anger over her, as her request for evening dinner out was flatly refused by her husband.

"I... I was... I was missing my Papa." Tears welled up in her eyes. "It's been long time I have went to meet him." Mishka purposefully avoided to mention about the harsh words she had to hear few hours back from her soon to be parents.

But she was not aware about the two sitting in front of her, they knew their siblings in and out. Both shared meaningful stare before concentrating back on the girl.

"Ok. Tomorrow is saturday, do you want me to take you there?" Swara asked caculatively. She knew her one action would again bring her on her sister's radar but as of now she just wanted to comfort this little soul. In a moment, Swara saw her own reflection in Mishka.

"Really?" Girl smiled brightly showing her teeth.

"Yes." Swara nodded her head. She could see Sanskar's inquisitive eyes on her.

After some more talks, Mishka happily left from their room, her heart was filled with hope to meet her father next day.

"I am sorry Sanskar." Swara palmed her face, the moment little girl was out of their sight. "I should not have promised Mishka. But I... I cannot see... "

"Sorry for what Swara?" he took a seat besides her on bed.

"I am scared, what if Ragini and Laksh creates a fuss about it tomorrow, saying I am trying to lure their daughter and creating misunderstandings between them." She was terrified with a mere thought of disturbing peace in her and Sanskar's life over last couple of months.

He pulled her in his side embrace and she buried her face in his chest.

"I am sorry Sanskar, again I failed you... I shouldn't have interfered." She kept on venting out shedding tears which were socking his shirt.

"Swara, please. Look at me." He cupped her face and made her look at him. "You don't have to be sorry. You have this innate quality to help the needy ones and I fell for your this nature. I don't want you to change yourself in this process of repairing our marriage. I want you to be as is." He spoke affectionately yet assuredly. He kissed her forehead mumbling against her skin, "I love you the way you are."

"I love you too." She replied cajoling.

He smiled lightly looking at her nose turning red. Even though she was crying, he found her looking very cute.

"Don't worry, we will handle it. Right now, don't think too much about it." He explained, "We will see what to do when time comes. Ok?"

She nodded her head in agreement.

"But my heart goes for the little girl." He shook his head pessimistically. "They took decision to adopt her but I don't know how they are going to fulfill their responsibilities. Just providing shelter, food and basics won't be sufficient for a little heart to grow."

It was after long time both were discussing about their siblings.

"I just hope her father gets well soon and takes his daughter along with him. Thats the best solution for current situation." Swara hoped, "Can we do anything in this regard?"

"Let me see if we can get the best treatment for him. Once he is fit and fine, he will take care of his daughter." Sanskar voiced out his thoughts. From long time, this thought was lingering around his mind looking at his sibling and his wife's behaviour towards this little girl.

"Yes that will be great. But Sanskar please, make sure we don't get any limelight for this else..." Swara turned suspicious, though she was proud over his mindset.

"Yes ofcourse."

Next day, Swara entered kitchen after their morning sneak out. Ragini was there working over Mishka's breakfast.

"Ragini, do you remember Gauri? My friend from college, she had a baby yesterday. I am thinking to visit her and baby to the hospital. It's the same hospital where Mishka's father is admitted... do you think I should take her along with me?" Swara spoke as discussed with Sanskar last night. Ofcourse both needed a plan to safeguard their own relation.

"Are you sure you can take her along?" Ragini asked uncertainly. It was after a long time both sister's were talking about something unrelated to their regular household work.

"Sure but if you would agree. I mean you and Laksh are her guardians so ..." Swara pulled her all her convincing power together.

"Sure why not." Ragini mentally thanked her sister over her ask.

Last night, she had a long fight with her husband over the same.

"Thanks by the way. I was thinking to take her there but if you are going then of course she can go with you." Ragini conveniently faked masking her face with small smile.

Swara released her breath, she did not know she was holding for a long.

Later Swara took Mishka to meet her father and Sanskar asked his assistant to get in to touch with Abhimanyu's (Mishka's father) doctors about his treatment details.

Few days later, Sharmishtha walked towards her daughter who was watering the plants which she and Sanskar had ploughed two years back.

"Shona, why are you silent?" Sharmishtha asked defeatedly after a long routine chat with her daughter.

"Ma, silent? And me? I am here only. I have been talking to you for the last 10 minutes." Swara kept it casual.

"Don't pretend Swara, you know there is issue going on for Badi's reconstruction due to that investor issue." Sharmishtha finally broached the topic which was her reason for sudden chat with her daughter.

"Yes, I heard about it. I hope Laksh will find a way soon." Swara tried to divert.

"Your Baba and Dadi was saying why don't you ask Sanskar to look into it? He can support his brother in his business." Sharmishtha spoke words which were filled in her mouth by her husband and mother in law.

"Ma, I don't interfere in Sanskar's professional life."

"But you are his wife, don't you have any rights over him?" Her mother's words snapped Swara out.

"And you are Ragini's sister. Being a sister, don't you think you need to support her in her difficult times?" Sharmishtha had long session with Shekhar and Parvati, she was made well aware about her wellbeing would be dependent on Swara's acceptance.

Swara just stared at her mother.

"And what about us? Swara, if this project did not work out then where will we go? We cannot stay here for life long. We will be on the roads. Do you want your parents to be begging on the streets at this age? Think about Ayush. Will he never get his rightful roof?" Sharmishtha hit the sore string of her daughter's heart.

"Please Shona, please talk to Sanskar. It will be a peanut ask for him but for us it is our entire life." Sharmishtha folded her hands in front of her daughter.

Swara shook her head in denial, stopping her mother. "Ma please."

Again, Swara was at the juncture, she looked upwards towards almighty's help. Even today, after experiencing negligence and trivialization from her own parents and family, one part of her heart craved for their betterment.

"Laddoo, did Laksh say anything about investor?" This had become daily question from Parvati.

"If you ask the same question every day, the answer will not change, Dadi." Ragini replied frustatingly, it's been over three weeks of the day when Laksh had declared about the investor's backing out issue. "Do you think Laksh is just sitting at home idle? He is looking into...He is doing his best, in a few days this problem will also be sorted out."

Parvati was pushed into turmoil state hearing her beloved granddaughter's words. Same was the condition of Shekhar, today, he was rethinking of his own decision to support his son in law pledging their own future.

A week later, Sanskar's driver parked car in the parking lot of Maheshwari Incorporation building. Durga Prasad Maheshwari has set up meeting for all board of directors was the reason for Sanskar stepping inside the office being prominent director as well as shareholder of the company.

Ram, Laksh, Durga Prasad Maheshwari and few others heads of different departments entered the board room.

"Do you have any idea Sanskar?" Ram asked inaudible to other.

"I don't know Dad." He replied in same tone shaking his head being clueless.

Hemant, Durga Prasad's personal assistant stood up after taking permission from his master.

"Gentleman, we are here to discuss about the future expansion plans for Maheshwari Incorporations. Maheshwari's is well know name in the textile industries of this country from last three decades. We have established ourselves in Indian markets but now it's a perfect opportunity for expansion and venture in to different domains." Hemant was setting up the background for upcoming discussion.

Shrewd business mind inside Sanskar alerted him with the topic of discussion.

'No Bade Papa, please no.'

He turned to his uncle dejectedly. Both had a long eye lock.

Durga Prasad's eyes were stilled on him from the moment meeting has started. He knew it won't take  much of a time for his nephew to understand the hidden motive behind this expansion.

"It's time for Maheshwari industries to enter in to financial investment's market. Here are few initiatives which we can start investing our excess funds." With his words, slid over projector displayed list of companies names. Not to mention the first one in the list was Laksh's partnership firm.

"Currently, residential construction business is booming, and it will be a great prospect for us to look into." Sanskar could not move his eyes from his uncle's face.

'Why Bade Papa? Why? Why are you again pushing me towards the crosswords?'

Durga Prasad could not match his eyes with his nephew's accused ones. 'I am sorry Sanskar. I am sorry again for pushing you till the edge but I don't have any options.'

"Mr. Maheshwari, are we proposing to use reserve funds for this expansion?" Mr. Rawat, one of the director spoke after long presentation from Hemant.

"Yes, we have almost 250 crores in reserves which we can use, it's sitting idle." Laksh had already done his homework before coming to this meeting.

"But Laksh, this is contingency funds. We have never used these. These are our funds to safeguard us from any unexpected risk or fluctuations." Ram tried to interven, he had hoped his son to interrogate his cousin but his son has turned quite all of a sudden.

"I understand Chachaji, but it's been almost 2 years we have used it. And why don't we see it as an opportunity for growth. I am sure we will enjoy the benefits out of it." Laksh commented being over optimistic.

"Being optimistic is really good Laksh but any investment flourish only when there is a calculated risk. Also, we have upcoming contracts and projects going on. What about those? We might need to support or divert portion of these funds over there in case of recession." Another voice boomed from finance department head.

Mr. Desai spoke out  shifting his eyes between Laksh and Sanskar. Mr. Desai was an old employee of Maheshwari's, he was one of the person who had his hands in training Sanskar in his early days.

"What are your thoughts Sanskar?" Mr. Desai's words, turned all eyes on Sanskar. He gulped thinking.

"Investing in construction business could be risky for Maheshwari Inc. This market is volatile, it has it's own implications which changes according to geo-political change. Also, using reserve funds on the name of expansion is never recommendable. If we want to go for expansion then we should approach it with phased plan. There is no successful expansion in overnight...... Also, I think expansion should be related one, like vertical or horizontal. We can set up a new manufacturing unit or we can launch retail stores building Maheshwari as a brand." It was hard for Sanskar to respond but the hard core businessman inside him could not stay quiet for a long time. His each word was calculated.

"I agree with Sanskar." Mr. Desai supported immediately.

"But we have Bhai here, we all know Karma Construction's success story. Sky is the limit for it. And when we have the owner and founder of such a successful company on our board panel, we would for sure will get insights in to?" Laksh's survival was depending on the acceptance of this proposal.

And discussions went on and on...

"Any way, this meeting has been called to get all you to think about this proposal. As it is, we won't be able to decide anything without shareholders acceptance. Majority of shareholders will requires to accept this motion. Meeting is scheduled for next week." Hemant declared after long two hours of discussions.

Everyone started dispersing, Sanskar also started leaving when he was called from back.

"Sanskar" it was Mr. Desai.

"It was good to see you here after a long time." Both were walking in the corridor.

"Thanks Uncle."

"Sanskar, is there any particular reason behind this sudden proposal." Mr. Desai asked inquisitively.

Sanskar fumbled with answer, he looked for words but Mr. Desai helped him.

"Or is it to support Laksh's construction business?"

Sanskar's silence was enough for Mr. Desai to realise the reality of the situation.

"You know right, you had been groomed by DP sir as his prodigy. It was always you, who would have been taking over the business among three of you. You were the one to whom we all looked at as a successor of DP sir. You know what is in the best interest of this company, Sanskar. I don't need to tell you. Just keep one thing in your mind, you have to think about the future of thousands of employees and workers working in Maheshwari incorporation. May be infront of his son's betterment DP Sir is overlooking at this fact." Mr. Desai shared his wise words.

Sanskar nodded his head, passing a fake smile towards the person who had prominent role in his career growth.

"Papa, do you think Bhai will agree?" Laksh asked impatiently once everyone was out leaving only father and son in the board room.

Durga Prasad felt anger in a moment hearing his son for his selfishness.

"I will hope for the best." Saying this Durga Prasad Maheshwari left from the board room area. One part of his heart was silently praying to his lord almighty, to grant his nephew wisdom to oppose this proposal, but at the same time his mind was against it.

"Can you tell me exactly how much % of shares Bhai is owning right now?" Laksh asked his PA to find out.

Laksh came back his home drawned in his thoughts. He got message on his phone from PA.

'I have 5%, Bhai has 30%, Swara has 12%, Chachu and Papa has each 20% and others they have 13%. Even if Bhai does not agree with this proposal, I have to make sure Swara, Chachu and Papa vote in my favour. 52% means, I will have majority of votes.' Laksh smile with triumph.

"Ma, me and Laksh are going out for dinner." Ragini informed Annapurna. She was beaming with happiness unable to understand hidden motive of her husband.

Her requests was immediately accepted by the house lady.

"Are you crazy Laksh?" Ragini fumed in anger when Laksh revealed about the proposal put on table during today's meeting.

"Why? I mean." Laksh was clueless.

"You want Maheshwari Incorporation to invest in our Badi's project, means indirectly everything will again go in Sanskar's hands. Last time you only told me that Sanskar is the one who has sole decision making power on Maheshawari company's affairs. And now you want to make him owner for this our project as well?" Ragini was panicked with every word she had heard from her husband.

"It's not like that, Bhai will not have any say in our company's matters. Papa will give loan to our company from Maheshwari Incorporation, he is not going to invest with purchasing our shares. Ours is partnership company not private or public limited. So, ownership will remain with us only. And Ragu, we need this right now the most. I had been trying everywhere but nothing is working out. This is the last option we have as of now. Papa is supporting us on the pretext of sympathy for rest of Badi's residents else he would have never..." Laksh explained being desperate.

"Ragu, We will need to somehow have to convince Swara to vote in our favor in the meeting. I know, Papa is with us. Chachu will never go against Papa. But Swara's vote will be crucial." Laksh pointed out.

"You mean to say I will have to beg infront of her?" Ragini felt disgusted even with a simple thought. Again, her heart was engulfed with jealousy over her sister.

"Ragu, you have to. You have to do this for us. You can also ask help from Ma and Papa. Trap her emotionally. She is an emotional fool. Manipulate her with Ayush's future or Dada and Dadi's old age. Do whatever you want but please.... please... Ragu... else we will be doomed" Laksh cried hoping his wife to stood up to his expectations.

'Will she agree like always?' Thought lingered around Ragini's mind.

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