Part A: Worried About Him

24 hours later.. 

                         Swara was getting restless.. It has been more than an day and sanskar was still missing.. She knew krish is hiding something from her yet she wasn't able to make him speak. She was losing patience.. She was worried about him. But the doctors have made her stay on bed rest for an day.. She felt helpless as she couldn't do anything.. She wasn't allowed to even get up from the hospital bed because of her mother. While she knew her mom is worried about Sanskaar yet she wasn't allowing Swara to do anything about it.. And that caused more frustration to Swara.. She was about to be discharged later that day and there was still no sign of Sanskaar.. 

                             And that how the next few hours were spent.. Finally she was discharged and instead of the Maheshwari house.. She was shifted back to Ramprasad house.. Even ragini, laksh and uttara decided to stay in the Sakshi house till Sanskaar returns.. As laksh was still very weak from the poisoning and more than that the worry about his brother was making him restless as well..As if things couldn't get worse there was Little Asha wish to see her father.. The little girl cried herself to sleep when her Pari  aunty couldn't make her father appear in front of the little girl.. Swara was still holding the sleeping child but sleep somehow eluded her.. It was around three Am and yet she was wide awake.. And when she heard some noise outside.. She peeked from her balcony only to find Sanskaar entering the house  in his car.. She immediately rushed downstairs to find answers to the million questions in her mind.. 

Part B:"Deal with an Devil "

24 hours before :

                          Sanskaar was driving aimlessly to the destination payal texted him.. He was angry with himself for playing into her trap.. But he knew he can't survive if one more of his family got hurt because of her.. So when she asked him to drive to an remote village that was far from the city he didn't hesitate.. He wanted to wait till Swara wakes up and let her know but then he didn't want to worry her more.. He thought he could get back before she wakes up.. But incase it was delayed he had informed krish to take care of them till he comes back.. It was more than an hour later that is car pulled into an old abandoned house that seemed like an scary place to meet an crazy obsessive lover with no options left except holding on to the gun krish lent to him.. He entered the house.. And was immediately greeted by an guy who looked intimidating.. He blocked his entrance and demanded to search him for weapons, he took his phone and when his hands found the gun.. He let an low chuckle as if finding it amusing.. He was pushed into an room next without his phone and gun.. Sanskaar knew He could take the guy down .. His years  of training would help him but right now that was not on his priority.. He needs to see her and he was not interested in an unnecessary fight ..

                 There she was lying in an bed with an pale looking nurse attending to her.. One look at him she averted her face as if that could make her innocent.. Before Sanskaar could speak up or demand answers.. The intimidating guy voice rang out.. 

Rocky: "He got himself an gun.. Can you believe it and you want too.." 

Payal :"Enough.. Now give the gun back to him.. If he wants to kill me.. Fine.. I am not scared.. "

Rocky :" Yeah but I am not having an death wish like you.. So the gun stays with me.. "

Payal :" He is not an killer like you or me(the last word came out barely as an whisper).. So give it to him if that makes me feel safe.. Let it be"

Sanskar :"Enough of this talk.. You want to talk.. Then talk.. And don't think for one second I won't kill you if you as much as harm anyone of them again "

Payal :" It wasn't me this time "

                   Sanskar laughed at that.. Seriously of all things she expected her to say that included the crazy line of I did for love.. He didn't expect this one.. His laughter was more of shock to her but soon she composed her mind and spoke again 

Payal :" I know I can't make you trust me.. After all I did (Again her voice was barely an whisper). But if you want to keep them safe you need to believe me "

Sanskar :"  Believe you.. You killed half of my family and you got the audacity to ask me to believe you .. "

Rocky :" He is right you know.. Even I won't believe you if I was in his place."

Payal :"Can you leave us alone and you too (Looking toward the nurse who looked like she might faint any minute).. "

Rocky :" Fine.. What do I care.. But if this guy pulled in any stunts and I hear the cops then I am bailing out on you the next second . I don't want to be caught.. "

Payal :" Fine leave now "

Sanskar :" I am leaving as well.. I don't know what made me listen to you.. Oh right you threatened to harm them again.. "

Payal :" I know that the only way you will come.. I had no other option.. Listen to me Sanskaar.. You family life is in danger including yours.. But not because of me but because of him.. And it all my fault.. "

Sanskar :" Seriously.. You expect me to believe it.. After all you did "

Payal :" No I don't expect you to believe.. But I need you to be safe and for that I need to try.. I didn't know he cared about what happens to me.. But somewhere he did I suppose and when he found out about everything as always he decided to hurt you for hurting me.. "

Sanskar :" Oh I hurt you.. That new.. How twisted are your logics payal.. "

Payal :" As I said he thinks you hurt me and so wants to hurt you.. But I don't want you to get hurt or worst case die because that will hurt me more "

Sanskar :" Didn't you do the same.. You killed my dad because you thought he hurt me..Now who is the him that you keep mentioning"

Payal :"I realized it too late.. I didn't think your mom would.. "

Sanskar :" Don't.. I asked who is him?? "

Payal :" My dad.. And it all my fault.. I didn't expect things would change this fast.. When I woke up in the hospital.. All I heard was my dad saying he will harm you.. I didn't thought my acts would turn his wrath towards your family.. "

Sanskar :" Why should I believe you.. And why did you lie to the police "

Payal :" Because i can't help you if I am in jail.. Believe me once I know you are safe from my dad.. I will confess on my own.. All I wanted was to hide it from you.. And I don't need to hide anymore "

                              Sanskar knew Payal enough to not believe her words.. But he also knew her dad..And he always knew going after Payal could have its consequences.. If what she said is true then Mr bose one of the city biggest power maker target is sanskar and his family.. It couldn't end peacefully.. And all because the girl before him liked him enough to kill.. 

Sanskaar :" So now not only I have you to worry about, but your whole family wants my family dead.. That just great.. "

Payal :"  I am sorry.. It all because of me  . And I will make it right.. I already got an plan to make my dad leave you alone "

Sanskar :" Then do it.. Ask him stay away from my family.. Because if anything happened to them.. "

Payal :" It not that easy.. He is my dad for an reason... "

Sanskar :" So.. "

Payal:" Just listen to me.. Then you can go home "

Part C:" Behind her Mask "

Present  time :

                   Swara  ran downstairs and even before sanskar could register her presence in the living room, she hugged him and was crying as well.. All her fears turning into relief to find him safe.. He gently hugged her back.. And they stood like that for few minutes not saying an word.. After those few minutes or  so  she decided to ask the questions that was in her in mind

Swara :"Where were you?  do you know how worried we were all because of you "

Sanskar :" Well I just made an deal with the devil "

Swara :" What are you saying? "

Sanskar :" I think you should  sit down .. Because I am not sure how you are going to take the news.. What I thought was the finish line of an battle.. I just found out it an starting line of an war.. We are now up against the entire bose family .. "

Swara:"  What are we going to do? "

Sanskar :" Nothing.. What is she going to do will decide everything (Then he told Swara Payal plan to take down her own father) "

Swara :" And you want to trust her.. After what she did to you,me and all of us "

Sanskar :" I don't trust her Swara.. But I do trust her hate for her father.. If she can create that much havoc for love.. Her hate for his father should be enough "

Swara:"  I am confused.. Her father wants to kill our entire family for hurting her and she wants to help us.. Why.. Is it just because she doesn't want you to be hurt.. But then why did she hate her father "

Sanskar :" It an long story.. "

Swara :" I got time.. "

Sanskar :"  You remember Krish going out to find about payal.. He was the one who found out about her past. Unlike all of us thinking Payal was not the daughter of Urvashi bose.. She was the daughter of an lovely woman named Janaki. Payal mom worked for Mr bose. One horrible night a drunken Mr bose took advantage of that.. She was working late that night.. Her pleas of cry went unanswered that night. She was too scared to approach the law to get justice.. So she ran away.. She had no family, she lost her parents in an young age. 

                        So She stayed with an elderly couple who were kind enough to welcome her in to their tiny home.. She started working in an nearby shop. And it was this shop owner who told Krish all about her and payal . He was currently living with his family abroad.. Three months passed by and she found herself pregnant. Living alone all her life made her to decide keeping the child and live for her. But the fate was not kind enough. She died in an car accident leaving behind Payal all alone at the age of 8. The elderly couple loved the little girl but weren't able to provide for her with their meager income.  So they decided to take her back to her father Mr bose. payal mom had told them all about her past apparently.. They hoped being his blood would move his iron heart to accept her.. But he didnt.. He refused to accept her as his child.. For more than two years till the day when the house they lived in caught fire.. While payal lived because the elderly man pushed her out of the house they both didn't make it.  Payal was traumatized seeing their death.. That the police who was in charge took her to be checked up. She told the kind hearted daughter everything. How her dad hates her and how he keep saying she is not his daughter. 

When his name came out in the newspaper as someone who refused his  daughter.. Bose was forced to accept payal to save face..  Still he didn't believe her so treated her as an maid in the house. It all changed when one day his friend suggested him to do an DNA test instead of torturing the girl. When the test results proved payal as his daughter he accepted her.. Even moved to an new place to start fresh. The new place turned to be our street.. So we were not aware of her past.. But still those past scars remained and payal hates him.. And now she wants to take him down.. She blames him for everything that went wrong in her life. You should have seen her talk about him. It was why she killed my dad.. Because it reminded her too much about her past "

Swara :" What if her dad refused to do as she says.. For an guy who refused to accept her.. Do you think he would do as she say because he thinks she is in danger "

Sanskar :" I am not sure.. But we better hope it works.. Because I don't like the fact your lives are in danger. "

                       And the plan did work.. Two days later  all news channels and new paper had an same headline.. How Mr Rakesh Bose accepted all his crimes on his own.. The whole city was in buzz with those news.. No one could understand what brought this sudden confession except payal the one who Orchestra the entire event.. Her plan was simple.. Let her father believe she was kidnapped.. And for her release all he need to do was accept to all his crimes.. Her father would never learn about her betrayal.. Nor did he expect her daughter to give another confession on her own an day later. The media were having an field day with those events.. Soon payal past was digged up for more interesting news..  The only house who were not interested in those news are the ones who lived through it.. They finally breathed an sigh of relief...  As all the threat to the lives were finally over..  

An Month later :

                  Sanskar didn't want to be here.. It brought so many painful memories.. But he had little say in it.. Sakshi parents wanted to go and Swara and her sister won't let them go through it alone and so the whole family were seated in the courtroom awaiting the verdict of the case.. Payal admitted to all her crimes.. If not for the intertwined hands of swara, sanskar would have lost his cool at payal confession of how she planned and killed his wife.. Then Swara parents, followed by her numerous attempts to kill Swara and lastly the death of his father. He knew she killed all of them but hearing it all over again was not helping.. When he looked up to see Swara, Her eyes were teared up thinking about her parents, he gently brushed them off with his hands and she leaned on to him for comfort ..

              He knew it wasn't his fault yet all those people died because she liked him.. He never talked to her much.. So he wasn't even sure why she liked him until the judge called her name. It wasn't payal.. They called her as Kavya. He knew from what krish told that  her dad changed her to name when they moved but he didn't know it was kavya . And it brought to him an faint memory.. The day he met her as Kavya . . It was over an year before she moved to their Street.. Sanskaar broke his arm when his bike crashed on to an tree.. He was in the hospital that when he saw her, he was seated in an waiting chair while his dad went to buy medicine That when he saw her, she was lying in the hospital bed all alone and she looked lonely .. He heard the nurses speaking in hushed whispers about  how she got few broken bones and yet she was not crying.. Having experienced the pain today he felt oddly compassionate enough to approach her.. She looked upto him in surprise but didn't speak an word..so he talked first.. 

Sanskar :"It hurts a lot right (Still no response) "

Sanskar :" You crashed your bike too ah [No response] "

Sanskar :" Come on.. Tell me.. "

Kavya :" I fell down the stairs "

Sanskar :" Oh..(After an awkward silence) 

Kavya :" How long will it hurt "

Sanskar :" Just few more days and then it won't hurt "

Kavya :" What if I fell down the stairs again.. Will the second time hurt this much as well "

Sanskar :" Well then be careful when you walk on the stairs.. So you don't fall.. "

Kavya :" But if they keep pushing me down.. How can I not fall "

Sanskar :" Did someone pushed your down on school.. Why don't you say it your mom "

Kavya :" I don't have one.. My mom died.. (She broke into little sobs) 

Sanskar :"Then tell it to your dad "

Kavya :" I am scared of him.. He always shouts at me "

Sanskar :" Do you have any brothers.. If so tell them.. So they will help you in school "

Kavya :" My brothers are the one who push me down the stairs, they always hurt me.. But this hurts more "

                  Sanskar was lost.. He didn't know what to say to that.. Who else could help her.. Then maybe her teachers can help her..

Sanskar :" Do you go to the same school.. If so tell your teacher.. They might "

Kavya :" I don't go to school.. I used to like my teacher but dad said no to school "

Sanskar :" Well do you have any aunt or uncle "

Kavya :" I don't have anyone.. Leave me alone "

Sanskar :" You got me (He just didn't know what else to say).. I will be your friend.. Tell me what your name "

Kavya :" It is Kavya.. And yours? "

Sanskar :" I am Sanskar.. (Just then he heard his father voice calling him out).. Hey my dad is calling.. Why don't you call me later.. "

Kavya :"  But I don't know your number" 

Sanskar :" Here (He picked marker pen from his pocket and wrote his landmine number on the cast in her hand).. That my number call me Okay... My dad is searching for me I got to go.. Bye kavya "

                         With that he marched out of the room. Not realizing how much his gesture comforted her. Sanskar didn't forget  her for a long time.. He used to ask his mom if someone called for him when he was in school for weeks.. He even looked for her everytime he went to hospital hoping to meet her.. But that never happened.. And when he met her almost eighteen months later.. He didn't recognize her.. With her new name and new family.. The girl he saw in the hospital and the girl he saw in his house looked different atleast to his eyes.. She didn't look like a fragile doll. She has gained some weight and didn't look so weak like the time he saw her in the hospital. And while he always found her to be familiar he never was able to place her as kavya until today.. 

                  Sanskar was lost in his thoughts that he didn't listen to the verdict nor did he see the court or was practically empty now except him and Swara plus few people talking with each other. A gentle tap from Swara broke him out of his thoughts.. 

Swara:"Is everything alright Sanskaar? "

Sanskar :" What the verdict "

Swara :" She is going to be out  of our life sanskar.. Forever.. Life imprisonment "

Sanskar :" Good "

Swara :" Are you okay.. She did help us with her dad "

Sanskar :" She also did kill our parents Swara.. One right doesn't make one wrong disappear.. So please don't feel bad for it "

Swara :" What about you.. Aren't you doing the same.. Thinking about your part in her decisions.. Thinking and thinking again on whether you lead her on.. Isn't that why you were lost on your thoughts "

Sanskar :" Yeah I did lead her on.. "

Swara :" Sanskar I didn't mean it like that.. I just didn't like you feeling it your fault.. Her actions is not your fault "

Sanskar :" I know that Swara.. Her actions is not my responsibility. But my actions are my responsibility. I just realized what an horrible friend I am.. I didn't stay in touch with my best friend for years.. I assumed Mansie as an killer and hurt her considerably by my actions. Then there is Payal I told her I will be her friend and didn't even recognize her.. At times like this I am glad you don't remember me.. If you did you will admit to the fact of me being an horrible friend. "

Swara:"  Sanskar Friendship is two way street.. Not everything is your fault. While I don't remember my past.. I know us not staying in touch is both of our faults. So will you please stop feeling guilty.. "

Sanskar :" I am not feeling guilty.. I am just thinking about it.. If I stayed in touch with Mansie instead of avoiding her once I realized she liked me then I wouldn't have doubted her because I would have known her "

Swara:"  Why are you seeing only the dark side.. Think on the bright side.. Look at her does she look sad.. No right.. You giving her space helped her move on.. And now she is happy with Bhai.. So sanskar it all over.. We can't live in the past any longer. If you feel bad for ignoring Mansie in the past make it right now. Go on.. Talk to her now. So you don't regret it later "

Sanskar :"  You are right. Want to join me "

Swara :"  Sure ". 

Part D:"An Normal Week "

A Week later :

                 Swara woke up and broke into an smile to see her daughter sleeping face. It has been an week. Still it feel unreal. The threat to their life was over which meant living an normal life. Swara never had normal life. Well in all the year she remembers. Waking up from stab wounds was her first memory after all. So she never felt safe until now. She loved her normal life. On Laksh insistence sanskar agreed to live in the Maheshwari House.  

                 She woke up little early as she need to prepare breakfast for the entire family. Ragini and even Uttara helps her often but Swara didnt want to burden them too much. She gently tucked in the blanket over Asha and got up from bed so as not to wake her up.  A little later than 30 minutes she reached the kitchen.  She missed Dida at times like this, she was used to be greeted by her presence in the kitchen. But Dida decided to stay with Mom and dad. Soon Ragini joined her and with her help it was done sooner.  

                    It was Saturday, So during the breakfast Laksh announced his date plan with Ragini. They were going on an short trip for two days as Laksh was still busy in work to plan for their delayed honeymoon so instead opted for short trips. Uttara announced her no plans. Surprising no one. After all that happened everyone understood her.. She still needs time. That left them. She looked upto Sanskar who she felt like avoiding her for the past one week.. 

Sanskar :" I think I am going to take Asha somewhere she likes.. Where do you want to go princess "

Asha :"  The place where I rode an huge horse.. "

Sanskar :" It settled then "

Asha :"  I told you right Pari Aunty.. The horse are huge and I will show it to you today.. Pari Aunty will come with us right? "

Sanskar :" Sorry Princess Today it just two of us. We will take Pari Aunty some other time "

                      Swara and even the rest of family looked shocked.  Why would sanskar not take her with them. He didn't even ask her if she wanted to go.  Swara for the first time felt like she was not part of them. It hurt.. She was hoping he would explain later but it never came. An hour later the father and daughter left for their day out.  She was keeping herself occupied with helping ragini pack for her two day trip. And when she also left and uttara retreated to her room. Swara for the first time felt all alone.  The whole day went without as much as an phone call from him.  It was so unlike him that Swara was worried something was wrong. He looked the same, talked the same and his eyes still reflected his love. But something changed. She had noticed it for the last one week and she couldn't figure it out.  

                      Almost 7 PM. Till no call.. Swara was sad, upset and angry by now. What did he think of himself she muttered to herself for over the millionth time. But then he called and her anger melted away at the sound of his voice.. 

Sanskar :"Hi.. "

Swara:"  Hi (Nope not gonna shout on the phone she decide) 

Sanskar :"I am sorry.. You would have been worried "

Swara:"  No why would I (Complete lie) "

Sanskar :" Did you eat dinner yet? "

Swara :" No (How can he think he will eat without them) "

Sanskar :" Uttara? "

Swara :" Finally she changed her mind and  went to stay with her friend in the evening.. "

Sanskar :"  You are alone.. Why didn't you tell me before.. You should have called? "

Swara :"  Why would you care.. (It was slip of an tongue.. His sudden concern after his cold distance hurt) "

Sanskar :" Swara "

Swara :" Just joking.. What do you want me to make for dinner.. I was thinking.. "

Sanskar :"  Let eat out today.. How about you get ready.. I will pick you up soon.. No one is in the house anyway "

Swara :" Are you already bored of my food "

Sanskar :" Swara.. What up.. Are you upset.. If you don't want to go then it fine.. We can eat at home.. You do know I love whatever you cook right "

Swara :" No.. We can go out.. Asha would like to eat out too "

Sanskar :" Well Asha is staying with dida for tonight.. She wanted to see her.. So I took her to Sakshi house "

Swara :" Okay.. (It hurted that she was not made aware of it) 

Sanskar :"I will pick you up in 30 "

Swara :" Sure.. "

                         As promised the door bell rang in 30. Swara opened it only to come face to face with her favourite roses. And holding them were the person who held her heart. A smile had slowly appeared in her face. 

Sanskar :" Want to go on an date?"

Swara :"Date.. "

Sanskar :" Yeah.. We never went on an date before right? "

Swara :" You should have told me. I didn't even dress up appropriately "

Sanskar :" You look gorgeous Swara. Dress up or no dress up you will always look beautiful in my eyes"

Swara :"What going on.. Did you just say I am beautiful "

Sanskar :"  Well I thought we should try to do normal things.. Did I overdo it "

Swara :" No surprisingly I like this side of yours "

Sanskar :" So Miss Swara Gadodia wanna to go on an date with me "

Swara:"  Yes.. ". 

Precap : To Epilogue

Sanskar:"Will you Marry me Swara? "

P. S : The end.. Yay.. I am so happy right now.. And I am also super aware of how this update might be disappointment to all those who waited for long.. As the chance you might not like it are real. If you thought I went lenient on payal I am sorry. This is how I planned it for the very start. Also Payal back story was planned from the the start  as well.. So sorry if you were disappointed .. Let me know your feedback.. Hit the votes if you liked it

Love

Nita