Chapter 28: "Buried skeletons

19th July 2015

Sanskaar called Swara as soon as his flight landed in Australia. He was relieved to find her safe and more than that glad to know Nikhil and her worked things out. They talked for a while and he ended the call when his eyes spotted his cousin who was running towards him in happiness. She was quite happy to see him and that made him happy as well though his visit was not meant for an happy family moment.

His eyes took a moment to adjust looking at Tara who had grown up a lot since the last time he saw her and it was only then he saw Tara's dad standing beside her. It was also a bit weird to know how she will look five years later thanks to his memories .

And yet the love she had for him radiated on her happy face. She kept talking all through the ride back home about everything that her father was relieved not to be on the receiving end of her daughter's chatter.

The warm embrace of his aunt made him miss his mom more as he stepped inside his aunt's house. She was more like a mother figure to Sanskar than bade Maa.

The Little time they spend together always made him feel like he is completely at home. And then his aunt got busy preparing his favorite dishes not even bothering to chat with him for five minutes. For her cooking for him takes priority. While Sanskar was tagged with Tara and his uncle.

He didn't know how to ask about Laksh till dinner. One look at those dishes he kind of forgot everything else. All his favorite dishes were available in the table and all he did was call them just before boarding the plane. Yet they made sure he felt welcomed. It was only during dinner, His aunt had asked about Laksh giving him the perfect opportunity to talk except tara was also present in the room.

All of their visits to India included gifts for both Sanskar and Laksh. And when Sanskar and Laksh had grown up enough. They took their first trip to Australia at the age of 17. Ever since then most vacation Sanskaar and Laksh spend it with the Mehra. So this was the first trip Sanskar visited them alone. So the question was obvious. He couldn't explain the reason for Laksh absence.

He wanted to ask them straight away about his parentage , Yet Tara was almost holding on to him every second. He wanted to preserve the innocence in her. Also, she is a lonely child who deserved to have a day with her brother. And it was only after he retired to his room did his aunt made an appearance. And Sanskar was finally given the moment to ask the one question that made him travel around the world.

"What up Sanskar, Any problems. No need to lie. I know something is bothering you. You can talk to me. You know that right, " was all she said, Her voice was similar to his mother's filled with concern. Sanskar can't help but feel like she is the perfect person to answer his question.

" Why did Mom gave up Laksh to bade Maa? " Sanskar made himself say those words. First there was shock that registered in her face and soon it was transparent the weight of holding that secret was tiresome even for her. As she sat in the bed willing him to sit beside her. He knew he will get his answers.

" It a long story though. My sister and your father can be said the most opposite people you can ever met. Yet they fell in love with each other. Your mother didn't have the charm or grace like your bade Maa. Yet she loved your father so much that she was happy to be married to him in spite of his parents looking down on her. The first year of their marriage had been tough. Your mom didn't know cooking too. They were many up and downs till your mom got pregnant with you.

And it changed the dynamics in that house, Your bade papa and bade Maa have been trying to have kid for so long that the whole family was greatly relieved to have an future in the form of you. For the first time, your mom's life got easier in that household. But it also brought a bit of struggle between your bade Maa and your mom.

I know she brought you up Sanskar, I am not saying she is wrong. She was just sad that a precious gift like a child was taken away from her.

When you were born, You should have seen your house. Every face held the brightest smile. You were treated like royalty. Your mom was treated like a queen because of you. The relationship between the sister in law continued to remain the only weak link in the family happiness.

And after a year, Your bade Maa got pregnant. Everyone was happy with the news. Sujatha di was greatly relieved not to have to be on a warpath with her , She wanted to raise you up without all that Jealousy. And three months later your mom got pregnant with Laksh. It was double happiness in that house. Everything was perfectly fine until that day.

Your bade Maa lost her child and the doctors advised that trying again might risk her life , It was such an shock. Your bade Maa went into depression. She would cry or throw things at your mom in a fit of anger. And when I got worried for my sisters' safety. I begged them to let her stay with us till she gives birth to Laksh. They all agreed to it and though I just got married to your uncle he was perfectly okay with letting your mom and you stay with us.

Your father used to visit her daily, He wanted to be with you and your mom. But his brother and family needed him more. Each day your bade Maa's condition got worse but the Maheshwari are one stubborn family. They refused to get professional help as that would tarnish their reputation.

To the outer world your bade Maa was bedridden because she was sick after the miscarriage, Only the family and few loyal servants knew she was tied up in her bed as she resorted to violence.

When Laksh born your father had enough of being away from you three. So he decided to move out with his family. The farmhouse was the place you all moved to start a new life. It was all pleasant for a while, But your grandparents were not given an chance to be with their grandkids.

And so your mom would try as much as possible to take you for a visit. It was on one such visit. The unexpected happened. Your bade Maa had managed to escape her bonds when she heard Laksh crying. And to the shock of the family. She took Laksh from your mom's hands and believed it to be her child.

No one could deny Laksh brings out the best in your bade Maa . She was gentle, almost like her real self. Your mom was most reluctant to allow Laksh any harm. But every one of them was against her. Though she always remained within eyesight as Laksh was left with your bade Maa. She felt like she was losing him.

It took two years for your bade Maa to come back to normal, And when Laksh called her mom instead of Sujatha di. Every resistance broke in my sister. As she decided to leave them all. She took you and your brother and even went as far as breaking up with your father.

You must understand Sanskar, It might seem like your mom gave up on your brother but she fought for him the hardest until the choice was taken away from her.

A week later, Your mom got a call from your dad. Apparently, your bade Maa decided to end her life after losing Laksh. And the guilt made your mother visit her in the hospital with Laksh. And that day everything changed.

Your bade Maa woke up asking for her son, Everyone assumed it was her dead kid till she called him Laksh. In her mind, Laksh was her kid. And no one had to ask but all those faces in the hospital decided unanimously your mom should do the right thing. And she didn't want to. It was like everything in her didn't want to do it.

But she had no choice when your father begged in place of his brother who loved his wife, The decision was made that day. And that day your brother become your cousin.

Your mom moved back into the house to be with Laksh. Everyone knew who is the mother of Laksh yet no one voiced it out to keep the family peace. If the relationship were strained before it grew much worse after your grandparents' death. They died within few months between them. And your bade Maa become the head of the house, Your mother's life become much hard.

Your bade papa tried his best to give your mom some time with Laksh. That how the vacation was planned. Each vacation though she can't have Laksh calling her mom, She had Laksh with her 24*7. And soon the vacations were taken away from her as well. It caused a lot of fights between your parents.

Your parents loved each other and it was the only thing that held them together till the end . And the last time I talked with your mom was on the day of her death. You were going to the farmhouse for summer. And she was yet again denied Laksh. Every motherly instinct in her wanted to fight, She didn't give up on Laksh, Sanskar. She had no other choice.


And I wanted to fight for you too, I wanted you to live with us. But your mom would have wanted Laksh to have his brother. I should have told you this before but I couldn't. I just didn't know how to bring it up, "His aunt finished speaking , not realizing she was crying while sharing it with him.

And they stayed the whole night talking, trying to understand more about his parents. In spite of Sanskar wanting to tell the truth to his aunt. He couldn't not until he was 100% sure. He knew with everything in him that Annapurna Maheshwari knew Laksh was not her son. Yet she used the lie to steal an son from her parents and to protect the lie she killed her parents. Now all he needs is to make her real face shown to the entire household.

And he hated his bade maa for destroying his family , for making his parents fight ,for taking his brother away from them and for murdering them because they loved their kids.

*******************

Meanwhile Swara Bose was having an hard time dealing with Nikhil and his grumpy face. He was leaving for Australia tomorrow and yet he looked like he would rather go today. Ever since he overheard her call. He had given her the silent treatment. And Swara can't help but feel bad about breaking his heart.

At the same time, a call from Sanskar brightened up her mind. He told her that he will be coming back soon. And she felt happy about it. They both haven't had time to actually talk. Though they both made their choices it , living with the those choice would be harder .

Swara had finally convinced Nikhil to tag with her to go for ice cream, A part of him wanted to be friends with her again. So he agreed and when she saw his bike. She remembered Sanskar and the accident. And instead made Nikhil give no of promise before even getting near the bike. And he did keep up with the promises as she got down from his bike in perfect health.

And in the ice cream shop, They met Laksh with Ragini. Apparently, they have gotten close. Laksh seemed genuinely happy to be with her and Swara can't help but be glad about it. Everyone deserves a second chance even Ragini.

Though Ragini remained friendlier. There was still some animosity in her eyes. It was as if hearing her dadi words for so long have changed the girl perception about her .

Everything was going smooth till Nikhil decided to ruin it. When Laksh called Nikhil her boyfriend. He snapped and told him it was Sanskar who was her boyfriend. Just like that our secret was out in the open.

Laksh looked shocked and betrayed for the lack of words, He felt like Swara betrayed both Kavita and him by falling in love with his brother. And without a word he walked out leaving Swara panic about his behavior.

Sanskar was on the plane by now. There was nothing she can do except wait for his return. But somehow she knew the timing was so wrong. She wanted to run behind Laksh and beg him not to say anything to his mother. Her life hasn't even started yet. And she didn't need the interference of his mother. But a part of her knew even if Laksh Didn't say anything, Getting him to accept them will be much harder.

The next day Nikhil left, Swara wanted to remain angry at him. But it wasn't his fault. He didn't know the entire history of them. So it was with an smile she send him off and waited for Sanskar to return so she can tell him the recent problems. Not knowing the storm as already started brewing near her.

Annapurna Maheshwari held her poker face as she did her daily duties. Her mind however was focused on her sons. She knew from the moment her eyes landed on the girl named Swara. She would bring nothing but trouble.

Somehow she knew Swara would get between her sons and yesterday her fear came true. As if one of her sons falling for her was not enough. Both of her sons loved her.

Swara, she tried to like her. But she reminded her too much of Sujatha. The name she wants to forget. Sujatha was the center of the world for both of her sons. And Annapurna won't let another girl separate her from her sons. She knew someday she would find the right person for her sons. Someone who would never come between them. She won't lose them over anything after the extent she went to gain them.

Last night Laksh told her something she knew all along. Swara was playing with both of their hearts and it was time she takes care of Swara before she loses her kids .

And as if her questions were answered her husband's best friend and Annapurna's Distant cousin walked inside. And Annapurna knew it time to ask for little help. Just like she did lots of years ago. Because who else can she lean on to except her family.

P. S :" That it for now .Let me know your feedback and thoughts Hit the votes if you liked it. "

Juanita Reid