A/N

Hello everyone!

One of my most active readers @emananadeer8 has brought to my notice that I have shown very little about the sufferings of DP and AP and a few more scenes must be included as they have lost their son. I agree I overlooked that part a bit and I must show this thing as well to give the story a complete effect. So, here you go dear. The first part is especially because you asked for it. I hope you all will like it.

*** CHAPTER 06 ***

Finishing the last bit of his work Durga Prasad moves out of his study room making his way back to his room. Opening the door, all he meets with is darkness and silence. Not even a single noise is heard. Is Annapurna asleep already? He thinks and switches on the light only to find his wife lying on the bed holding a picture frame against her chest and staring aimlessly at the ceiling. She seems unfazed by the flickering of the lights as if only her body is extant, her soul long lost.

Durga Prasad: Annapurna, what's wrong?

Annapurna: Everything!

She replies with a sigh, her eyes still concentrating onto the ceiling. Durga Prasad takes a deep breath and sits on the bed next to her. Keeping his hand lightly on her palm he tries to get her attention.

Durga Prasad: I'm sorry Annapurna! I have failed. I have lost everything that mattered to me. And not only this I have even dragged you along with me.

Annapurna: You haven't dragged me anywhere. We are in this together. You and me, as one. If any of us would have been alone, it would have been even more difficult.

For a moment none of them speaks anything. Not that they didn't want to, but none of them has any idea what to speak to comfort the other. The silence seems to be deafening and at last Annapurna decides to speak. Getting up from the bed and taking a seat beside her husband, she looks at him.

Annapurna: I'm sorry too!

Durga Prasad: For what?

Annapurna: I know I have been behaving very rudely with you ever since Shlok. But... But we have already lost Shlok and if... anything happens to... Swara then...

Her voice gives up from wording out her deadliest fears. She herself doesn't know what she would do if something happens to Swara. She is the only ray of hope and life left in their lives. A muffled sob escapes her lips as Durga Prasad wraps his arm around her shoulder hugging her sideways.

Durga Prasad: I'm sorry too. I can't even imagine how difficult it would have been for you. I even know that you don't appreciate me bringing Vidhaan here but...

Annapurna: But that's our only chance and if that's the only way to save Swara then I'm ready to take that chance.

Durga Prasad: (tightens his grip on her shoulder) Everything would be fine. We'll find out what happened to our son.

Annapurna: (whimpers) Why is it always us?

The feeble voice of his enervated wife makes him realize where the things are heading to and he instantly feels the need to divert her mind.

Durga Prasad: Whose picture are you holding?

Annapurna: Our!

She loosens her grip on the picture frame and slides it down her palm into her husband's hands. One look at the photograph and he grieves for the days when they actually were happy. The picture in his hand is the witness of their happy days. Shlok is having both his hands wrap around his parents, his lips lingering on his mother's temple in a light kiss and Durga Prasad adoring his family with a small smile on his lips. If it wouldn't have been this picture, they would have forgotten that once they even had such beautiful days. But now it's all gone!

Durga Prasad slightly traces his fingers on Shlok's picture fighting the tears that threaten to flow out of his eyes any next moment. He sighs deeply as Annapurna rests her head on his shoulder, a few tears escaping her eyes seeing her family crumbling right in front of her eyes.

Durga Prasad: I'm sorry! I couldn't protect all of you.

Annapurna: (wiping her tears away) We can fight it. I'm sure God is not so heartless. We'll find a way out.

---------------------.

SEN GUPTA MANSION

The clattering of the things makes everyone jump in fear as the thumping against door fills the mansion.

Mahesh: Sahil, open the door!

Loud banging against the wall makes everyone even more worried. Sahil has shut himself up in his room for last half an hour and all one could hear from outside is nothing but noises of everything falling and shattering into pieces.

Mahesh: (loudly) Sahil, don't be stupid. Open the door.

Sahil: (shouts) I. Want. Her.

Mahesh: Kavita, just ask your brother to open the door. He would only listen to you.

An extravagantly dressed girl steps forward knocking the door lightly. Her entire personality screams arrogance and pretense as she held her head high.

Kavita: Bhai, open the door.

Sahil: Go away, Kavita.

Kavita: She'll be yours. I promise. Just... just come out.

Sahil: Kavita...

Kavita: Please. For me.

They hear a deep sigh from the other side of the room and the next minute the door opens with a click. Loud gasps escape everyone as they take in his disheveled condition. Eyes burning red with rage and fury, knuckles all bruised and bloodied, jaws clenched tight as if he's trying to fight something very strong inside of himself.

Mahesh: (keeps a hand on his son's shoulder) Sahil...

Sahil: I have done so much for her dad and now I won't lose my chance with her because of some douche bag.

Mahesh: I know, Son. The history won't repeat.

Sahil: From where the hell is he back!

Kavita: We'll find who he is. Don't worry. She'll be yours. Just calm down and give me some time.

Sahil nods his head knowing what his sister is. She always gets what she sets her mind to. She's one devious sly being disguised in human skin and she stops absolutely at nothing. Kavita smirks taking out her mobile phone and walking down the hall straight to her room.

--------------.

The atmosphere of Maheshwari Mansion is lively once again as today's is the day when Durga Prasad's younger brother, Ram Prasad is coming with his entire family. Swara is all giddy at the thought of seeing her best friends after months. Laksh and she have been friends ever since college, and he's the one who convinced Swara and Shlok for the marriage.

Annapurna is all busy in getting everything ready. The last time she has seen all of them was when they came after hearing the news of Shlok missing and Swara in critical condition. Later they heard that Shlok would never come back as no one had a single trace of him.

Durga Prasad is in study along with Vidhaan discussing his comeback along with the details of Ram and his family, especially mentioning how he should behave with them in front Swara, as they don't know a single thing about Vidhaan. This is not a thing that could be discussed over the phone, so, they decide to let them know of the whole situation once they're here.

The doorbell rings and Swara almost runs to open it, squealing in happiness. She opens the door with a big goofy smile as her best friend returns her gesture with a smile mirroring hers and forwarding a bouquet of white roses towards her.

Laksh: Here you go! White roses for my best friend.

Swara: (pouting slightly) But I like red ones more.

Laksh: But I don't think Ragini will like it if I gift the red roses to you.

"Did I just hear you bad-mouthing me, Mr. Maheshwari?", his wife scowls following right after him. She's surely one beautiful woman, carrying herself graciously wearing a blue saree with minimal make-up and bangles, earrings, mangalsutra, and a solitaire ring as the only accessories.

Laksh: (chuckles) How can I ever dare to do so, Mrs. Maheshwari?

Swara smiles looking at her and instantly wraps her arms arms around her.

Swara: It's so good to see you again, Ragini.

Ragini: (smiles) Same here, Swara. How are you?

Swara: Absolutely fine!

"And where is my champ", Durga Prasad says lightly coming from behind with Annapurna following right after him. Laksh and Ragini touch their feet as a gesture of respect and they give their blessings.

Laksh: (calls) Chits!

"It's Chaitanya, Pops!", glowers a little bundle of joy of five years and everyone chuckles seeing how cutely his nose flares whenever he's angry.

Laksh: And it's Papa, my dear son Mr. Chaitanya Maheshwari.

Chits: You're so bad. Swala (Swara) Mumma, whele (where) is Sanky Papa? At least, he calls me Champ.

Swara: Oh, he is...

Laksh: Swara, I'm so sorry about him. He's still a kid.

Swara: I know he's a kid Laksh, but why are you apologizing!

Laksh: Well Bhai...

Durga Prasad: And there are your parents!

He cuts in between intentionally as another car stops in front of them. A middle-aged man steps out, all formally dressed, followed by his wife, who's a little younger to Annapurna but the beautiful smile on her lips makes her seem pretty younger.

Ram: Bhaisa!

Both the elderly men share a brotherly hug much as the women share a hug.

Ram: I know how difficult it would have been for both of you after...

Durga Prasad holds his brother's hand pressing it tightly making him stop his talk. Just at that moment, Chits squeals and he runs down the stairs towards the hall.

Chits: Sanky Papa!

And before anyone could say anything, he runs straight into Vidhaan's arms who's coming towards the entrance with slow and heavy steps. Vidhaan picks Chits in his arms with a smile as the little one giggles being in the arms of his favorite man.

Vidhaan: How's my Champ?

Chits: Pelfect (Perfect)!

Vidhaan chuckles at how sweet the word sounds roll down his tongue as he finds it difficult to utter the letter 'r' being so young. Laksh narrows his eyes at them and looks at Durga Prasad and Annapurna with confusion etched all across his face. Not only him, three other pairs of eyes have also turned towards them seeking an explanation but all they get are two pleading eyes and a signal of getting the explanation later.

Screw the explanation! His only son is in the arms of an impersonator and he's not going to let it go!

Laksh growls as he storms towards them. Annapurna discreetly holds Durga Prasad's hand fearing something bad. Vidhaan could see what's coming. Before Laksh could do anything, Vidhaan wraps his free hand around him pulling Laksh into a hug.

Vidhaan: Lucky!

Laksh: (whispers) Who are you?

Laksh wiggles in his arms but Vidhaan tightens his hold on his back whispering in his ears.

Vidhaan: Please, don't react. We'll explain later. Please. It's for Swara!

Laksh nods his head reluctantly as he turns around to see the beaming face of his best friend. But even that couldn't stop him from snatching Chaitanya from Vidhaan's arms. Protective father's instincts!

Annapurna: Swara Beta, please ask Joe to get the breakfast ready for everyone.

Swara: Ji Maa!

She makes her way towards the kitchen when Chits shouts from behind.

Chits: Swala Mumma, wait! I'm also coming.

Swara smiles and waits for him to join as he runs out of his fathers arms towards her.

-------------------.

After the breakfast, Swara is sent along with Annapurna to check the final preparations in all the rooms. In fact, it's just a way to send her away, so that Durga Prasad could explain everything to them.

All of them are sitting in the study whereas Vidhaan is standing next to Durga Prasad as he explains everything to them. All of them listen to him patiently their expressions changing every next moment.

Ram: But Bhaisa! How's it possible? I mean he looks exactly like Shlok.

Vidhaan: Not exactly! Our eyes colors are different.

Vidhaan speaks for the first time in a while and everyone stares at him. He shifts on his legs uncomfortably feeling all the gaze over him.

Durga Prasad: Now, we are thinking of something to make up for his absence. I was planning on using our new business set up in US for disguise.

Ram: But Bhaisa, that still won't explain his complete absence from India.

Laksh: (angrily) Even though I don't totally approve of this whole arrangement, I think I have a plan.

Durga Prasad: What?

Laksh: We can say that he needed a break and as there wasn't anything much happening here, so, he stayed in US for a while under a low profile. Meanwhile, he was checking the whole set up of our business over there. If you want I can ask one of my friends to create an alibi saying that he stayed with him all this while. I don't think that's necessary but we never know if someone goes to that extent to find out the truth.

Ram: I think that would be better. We need a backup. We can't let Swara know anything.

"Poor Swara", Ragini sighs, tears threatening to pour down her eyes. Laksh instantly reaches by her side, holding her shoulder tightly.

Laksh: She'll be alright. She's a fighter.

Durga Prasad: Laksh, if you wish you can talk to Vidhaan.

Laksh: I think we need a small talk!

He glares at Vidhaan and Ragini straightens herself up standing next to him. In case if anything goes wrong, she has to be there!

Ragini: I'll also go with them. After all, I have known Swara ever since our college times.

Both the men nods their head as Vidhaan, Laksh and Ragini step out making their way upstairs.

-----------------.

For a moment no one speaks anything struggling to find words and finally, Laksh breaks the silence.

Laksh: Why are you doing this?

Vidhaan: Pardon!

Laksh: Why did you even agree to help? You don't even know any of us!

Vidhaan: I agreed because a father asked me to save his daughter. I didn't have any reason to say no. I just did what my heart felt was right.

Laksh: I don't believe this. No one in the world today is so good. Don't tell me you don't want anything!

'Answers to the questions that his weird dreams have been throwing on his face every now and then', he so wants to speak his heart out but everyone might think he's some sort of crazy being. How can he say anything when himself doesn't know what those dreams mean?! So, he just shakes his head in denial. Laksh scoffs in disbelief as he heads towards his room on the second floor.

Ragini: Thank you!

Vidhaan: Huh?

Ragini: Thank you for helping us! I can see you're a good person.

Vidhaan: (gives a small smile) Thank you!

Ragini: And please don't mind my husband. He gets a bit cranky when it comes to his loved ones and Swara is his best friend.

Vidhaan: I can understand!

Ragini: So, who do you have back in your own house?

Vidhaan: (smiles) Father and my one hundred and forty two children!

Ragini chokes on her own breath as looks at him with wide eyes.

Ragini: W-What? One... One hundred...

Vidhaan: (chuckles) I live in an orphanage in Mumbai run by Father Francis!

Ragini: Oh! I'm sorry. I thought...

Vidhaan: It's okay! I know it was a bad joke. Well, I have lived there for all my life and now that I have grown up I'm a teacher there.

Ragini: Wow! A teacher! But if you don't mind me asking... um... what about your parents?

Vidhaan: (takes a deep breath) I don't know and honestly I don't even want to know. I have never seen them.

Ragini: I'm so sorry. I didn't want to hurt you.

Vidhaan: Please don't apologize. That's completely okay with me.

Ragini: You really are a very good person. And don't worry Laksh will understand that soon.

Vidhaan: (nods his head) I can understand it's not easy for him. It's about his brother and his best friend.

Ragini: So, does that make us friends then? What say?

Vidhaan: I would love that. It feels good to have a friend.

Ragini: (forwarding her hand) Friends! It was nice meeting you Vidhaan... um... Sanky!

Vidhaan: (shakes hand) The pleasure is all mine. All thanks to you, I finally have a friend

Ragini: (smiles) I should better get going or my husband will start freaking out.

Vidhaan chuckles and nods his head. Ragini smiles and with final words of goodbye she heads towards the second floor.

-------------------.

A/N (IMPORTANT)

Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you all know about this new interview book by alahna_star. And when I say new, it really is new. It's quite different from all the interviews I have given till date as it will let you know your favorite writers personally. It's not about their professional life, instead she has focused on their personal life for a difference. Personally, I feel this one is really good. Please show her your support as she has really worked hard for this one.

That's all we have for now. See you all tomorrow with the next chapter of TO YOU, MY HEART I SURRENDER. Till then stay blessed and happy reading!

With love,
Stella ❤️