Life is strange. Sometimes it gives you everything but at the end you will be left with nothing. The happiness you loved once disappears so abruptly making you realise the harsh reality of the cruel world. The memories you had cherished once might turn into a nightmare. Who would know that the little scratch might turn into deep scar!  That is all about life and all you need is hope! Hope to survive in the darkest life and never give up. 

Leaning her head on the car seat, Swara held her phone which had the photograph of her family- Shekhar Gagodia and Aditya Gagodia, her father and her brother. 

She loved living in Shimla, her hometown once. The place where she was born and brought by her family who loved her immensely once inspite of her wounds she had everyday by her mother. She found solace in her brother who took care of her whenever she was hurt. 

"Is it paining my doll?" The little Swara sobbed more clutching his shirt in pain as Aditya slowly blew some air and cleaned her wound gently. 

"My doll is very strong. Nothing will happen because your Bhai is here." Aditya kissed her hair softly and wiped her tears. "Smile a little na?" Aditya tickled her and forgetting all her pain she laughed and laughed along with her Bhai echoing the sounds of laughter in the entire mansion.

Swara quickly brushed off the tears which lingered from her eyes. She wished those moments would come back the way it was. Those laughter, care and love never remained the same after the biggest tragedy that happened which turned everything upside down in her life. Everything changed and she was left alone with no one beside her. Things happened so suddenly that she couldn't digest it and when she was trying to accept things the way it was again there was twist by her father, She was sent to Los Angeles. After two years of experiencing loneliness which made her feel weary at once became her strength in the end and made her what she was now.

"Swara, we've reached." Mr. Nitin Sharma voice broke Swara's trance. 

"Mm." Swara only hummed in response. 

Nitin knew she was upset as she expected her brother to pick her up from the airport. He knows how badly Swara was broken when she went to Los Angeles and seeing her grown up and mature made him happy. Nitin had always seen Swara like his own daughter he never gave birth to. Seeing her all broken and hurt those days had always broke his heart as he was helpless. 

The car stopped at the entrance of well intricate gates. Soon the gate was opened leading to the driveway which lead to the modern mansion which stood with all glory under the dark sky. Swara got down from the car at the very start of the driveway as she preferred walking. The drive way was surrounded by luscious green lawn either on both the sides which ended up till the black and white marble fountain that had crystal clear water flowing through continuously. A little away from the modern mansion they had a wine house where they store all the types and old aged wines arranged in rags. 

Swara walked further more from the mansion where the she got the clear view of the mansion. Beautifully designed and in brown timber wood, glass, steel and concrete with LED lights on the edges to add more glow in the dark. The outside long  corridors had dim golden lights which led to the kitchen door and the luxurious cars were all parked neatly at the end of the driveway. Everything looked as same as before except for the house which was dull before was now all painted in pristine white. 

"Was it renovated?" Swara still could not take her eyes from the mansion as she always had a soft corner for arts and architecture. 

"Yes a few months ago, Looks new right?" Mr. Sharma said and looked at the mansion.

"It is." Swara smiled.

"Let's get in." Mr. Sharma said and started walking forward while Swara too followed him.

She rang the door bell rang and it was attended by the worker. As the door opened Swara and Mr. Sharma walked in to the central hall in the mansion. Themed in gold and white, the ornamented precious gemstones the glass chandelier hang right above the center of the hall. The sofa set was placed at the center and at the left it had well furnished white marble dinning table with 12 chairs on whole. Just opposite from the main door a flight of stairs lead ways to the first and second floor of the house. At the right was the study of her father, where he often stays apart from office and she had no doubt that he would be in the study room now. 

Taking in a small breathe she walked and knocked the wooden door. 

"Come in." A stern voice of her father hit her ear drums. How much she missed this voice?

She opened the door slowly to see her father sitting on the black soft set reading files. She walked in along with Mr. Sharma. The room had been well furnished with black furnitures and golden dim lights were on at every corner of the almost dark room. 

Shekhar Gagodia, hearing the footsteps looked up to meet his daughter and Mr. Sharma. Mr. Sharma quickly bowed a little in respect to which he responded with a slight nod. 

"I'm back, father." Swara said with her head bowed down a little in respect. 

"Good." Swara looked up. Her father had still not changed even a bit. He was dressed in formal three suit with spectacles on while few wrinkles were on his face. 

His daughter was grown more in height and her voice has changed more feminine, Shekhar Gagodia thought.

"At 9:00 we have dinner with Maheshwari's so get ready." He glanced at his daughter once more and looked into the files again. 

"Okay." Swara replied. 

"You may go." Swara started moving towards the door highly disappointed. She expected him to ask about her and nothing as such happened. Did he not miss even daughter all through these two years like she missed him?

Swara sighed a little and opened the door. Her face again lit up seeing her brother, Aditya Gagodia standing with his hand on the door handle to open the door. 

"I'm back brother." Happiness was evident in her voice and Aditya well noticed it. 

"You should have not come back." With that Aditya went in leaving behind Swara. That cold reply hit her heart badly. 

'Nothing.. everything will be fine.' Muttering herself those words for few times Swara walked towards the kitchen. 

As she went to the kitchen she saw Reema, lady in early 50's who works in this mansion for the family for years. Swara has a great bond with her Reema aunty that they used to be play together and eat in secret at midnight To say in short she was her partner in crime before. 

Swara took baby steps and closed the eyes of Reema. Reema was quite surprised due to the sudden action but realising it her smile grew wider. No one does this except her little munchkin.

"Swara." 

That moment all her worries flew and happiness invaded her heart hearing her name being called lovingly. 

"Surprise." Swara removed her hand and took Reema in a hug. 

"How are you, child? Reema caressed her hair lovingly. She missed her so much.  

"All good goodie after all I'm with you." She giggled and broke the hug. 

"Let me take a look at you." Reema held her hands and looked at the one before her. Reema was happy to see her grown up in height but she seems to have lost weight. She has always wished Swara to be happy as she knows how much Swara had craved for love and it increased more when her mother passed away. Things happened so fast and when she got to know that Swara was going to abroad all alone that made her very worried but she didn't have the guts to argue with Mr. Gagodia and ended up loosing this kid for two years. Every day she prayed for her and waited to see her come and at last today all her prayers has been heard and her little munchkin was back home. 

"You've lost weight." Swara shrugged her shoulders. 

"I very much excepted that from you maasi (aunt).. stop being a typical mommy." Swara grabbed the orange juice from the fridge and drank some. 

"Fine, go take rest. I'll get your favorite chocolate milkshake up." Swara's eyes lit up in happiness. Quickly giving a hug to her once again Swara went to her room which was on the first floor. 

That's Swara. She tries to find happiness in every little thing she sees. 

She opened the room slowly and turned on the lights. Memories of her past flooded infront of her eyes as she closed the door and took steps further in. She remembered herself in smaller age sitting at the very corner of the room trembling and crying for many days and nights. Those nights were like horror that even just thinking of it made her feel uncomfortable. 

Swara sighed. Her room looked completely empty except for those furniture and lights. Her mind popped up with an idea. Swara went in to fresh up as the planned work of hers was well accomplished. 

Reema came with her favourite milk cake and chocolate milkshake and was awestruck seeing the scene before her. A huge portrait of Gagodia's was hung on the wall with few small photo frames of hers and Aditya's were present by the sides. The room was completely themed with toned peach and white colours with curtains on the same theme. A wind chime was fixed at the window door making beautiful sound everytime when there was breeze. Fairy lights adorned at every corner of the room and at the study table books was neatly arranged. The bed was surrounded with toned peach curtains tied up in the bed head. 

Reema was pleasantly surprised seeing the room which was empty has turned like a princess bed room. Swara came out rubbing her wet hairs and she smiled seeing Reema aunty standing at the doorstep looking at the room. 

"Oh did I make you wait for long?" Swara placed the towel on the hanger and walked to her.

"No, You've turned the normal room into a princess's room." Reema was still surprised seeing the creativity made by her. 

"Ofcourse a princess deserves a princess's room, doesn't she?" Swara winked.

"Indeed." Reema smiled. 

After having her favourites and telling everything that happened in abroad they had a great time together after quite a long time. Swara and Reema loved spending time with each other that they even forget how hours passes by. Later as her father ordered they are going out, Swara quickly dressed herself into a sleeveless red calf frock and dusting few sparkles on her face since she does not appreciate to wear more make up. She let her hair loose matching a simple diamond set and red heels complimenting her dress she looked extremely elegant and simple. 

"Mother." Swara walked fast as she saw mother,  Sharmishtha Gagodia sitting with all pride and beauty even in her age of early 50's. 

Sharmishtha looked up at the girl who was coming down. Swara looked gorgeous and well grown. That magic in her eyes has still remained intact. 

"Hello Mother." Swara greeted her once again as she got down from the stairs. Her mother still looked the same and for Swara she's always beautiful. 

"You've come." Sharmishtha gave a tight lipped smile without looking at her.

"Aditya won't be able to make it as he has some important foreign client meeting so let's leave." Disappointment was well seen in Sharmishtha's face. She really wished to see her son but he seems to be still holding on to his anger but she was afraid, what if  at one point of time where he would never speak to her.... That thought bothered her so much. Swara felt bad after knowing her brother was not coming and her pain increased more seeing the disappointed look in her mother's face. She really wanted to help but at the same time she was helpless as she can't do anything. 

As soon as they reached the Maheshwari mansion everyone got down. Swara looked at the mansion which looked no less than a royal palace comparing her own modern mansion but still both had it's own beauty. 

"Hi Uncle." Swara waved her hand a little to Mr. Durga Prasad Maheshwari who standing with Shekhar admiring the little girl standing in front of him. Holding a business empire of Maheshwari Inc. solely which was passed to him by his father as a small business back then was now well established that most of the passing students wanted to get into the Maheshwari Inc like Gagodia Industries. Both the companies has been together all the years and all credits to the owners. 

"God bless you." Durga Prasad wished her as she took his blessings.

"You are turning more beautiful as days going by." There came Mrs. Annapurna Maheshwari with all smile on her lips and sparkle in her eyes. 

"Hi aunty." Swara quickly hugged Annapurna too which Annapurna reciprocated the hug warmly. Swara had always looked up at her for her devotion and calmness. 

"Hey Swara." Swara turned behind to look at Laksh Maheshwari, only son of Durga Prasad Maheshwari all dressed up in three piece black suit looking handsome like a young grown man. 

"Hi." He walked near her and slowly took her hand and kissed it softly. How much was he had waited for this moment. Laksh looked up at her while she gave a smile and looked away. 

"Laksh has grown up well." Shekhar said giving a greeting hug to his future son-in-law. 

"Let's go it's getting chill." Mr. Durga Prasad Maheshwari said as the weather was falling down.

Soon all came into the lavish mansion all designed with detailed carvings and we'll furnished royal furniture in combination of white and golden. The dinner was no less than a feast. Filled with continental dishes as per her likes all over the table. Swara had multiple choice to pick for eating but she kept it less as she prefer eating less at dinner following the quote 'Eat like a king for breakfast, A prince for lunch and a beggar for dinner.' 

"Laksh, why don't you show Swara our garden?" Annapurna spoke sweetly to her son as they finished their dinner. Laksh well understood his mother's words and stood up. 

"Shall we?" Forwarding his hand to his lady love Laksh was all smiling. Swara placed her hand and got up with ease. As they walked together outside the elders admired the couple. 

"Don't they look perfect?" Durga Prasad asked still looking at their retreating figure and everyone agreed to the fact not knowing what was stored for the 'couple' in future. 

Cold wind embraced Swara and Laksh as they walked into the garden. Swara saw dim lights glowing to view the colourful flowers blooming and budding in the green pastures.

"They look pretty." Swara commented as she touched a red rose which was all ready bloomed into flower by tomorrow. 

"They do." Laksh agreed but he didn't know who was more prettier, the red rose or her? But both were pretty in his eyes.

Feeling his intense gaze on her Swara looked at him who was already smiling at her.

"When are you going to stop?" Swara questioned folding her arms near her chest. No more she was going to put on that sweet gesture to him and hide things behind the bush. That's not her.

"About?" He asked. 

"Don't act as if you don't know Laksh. You very know I'm talking about us." Swara snapped in annoyance. She no more can't be acting.

"I don't know what are you talking about, us? What about us?" Laksh sayings were making her get on her nerves.

"You well know that we won't have no future together." Swara walked ahead while the cold breeze hit her bare skin roughly. 

"What makes you think so that way?" Laksh had no idea of letting her slip away from his hands, atleast not now.

"You know that the engagement happened only for the respect for my father and mother and nothing else. I still respect them but we both together can't happen, Laksh. Why don't you get it? Why do you still hope for something when you know it won't happen?" Swara was tired of explaining to him about the matter but he was still adamant about keeping their relationship. 

"Hope?" Laksh walked to her and held the hand which had a diamond ring adorning her ring finger. "The ring which you are wearing still let me hope that we can be together Swara." Laksh had his own justifications that he didn't want to explain everything but at the very end all he knew was that he wanted her in his life. 

"The ring I am wearing does not decide what I want Laksh. The same ring I'm wearing now might be removed one day. I don't want you to be depressed and that's the only reason I'm letting you know.. don't hope on me more deeply, it will only leave you in pain at last. More than seeing you as my life partner I see you and respect you as a friend and good man Laksh." Swara explained again. She really wished for him to have a much more deserving person as his life partner for him. 

"Hoping on you is my choice. I can't change my perspective according to you." Swara nodded her head unbelievably. Laksh was still not able to understand what she meant. She again failed in letting him accept that the relationship they are forced to live in has no future. 

"The choice might be yours but the choice you pick has me in it and I will never accept to take this relationship forward laksh, Good night." With that Swara walked away while Laksh felt hurt. He was giving his best to her and he still could not understand what he was lacking.. he was good looking and had charm and had everything required then why she didn't want to give a try to their relationship?

Why?

Swara was about to walk into the mansion but halted seeing her father and mother coming out along with Durga Prasad and Annapurna. 

"Good that you are here Swara. Shall we leave?" Sharmistha asked while Swara nodded in acceptance. 

"I just can't wait for you to come to our house forever swara. Come soon." Annapurna's words filled her heart with guilt. She had no idea what will happen if he gets to know that the dream he's wishing will always remain unfulfilled. 

"Sooner she will." Mr. Gagodia said. 

Bidding a goodbye to the Maheshwari's, gagodia's left. On the way to their house Sharmishtha's was dropped to her house and they left to the Gagodia's mansion. Swara remained silent all the time in the car but her mind and heart was filled with questions. Whenever she wanted to think about reconsidering her decision about Laksh and her, her heart had always rejected just with the thought of that. She didn't know why but it had happened always. 

"Swara." Hearing her father calling her swara halted from going to her room. 

"Yes Father." Swara looked at him.

"You'll be going to school tomorrow." He informed. 

"Okay father. Good night." In return Shekhar gave a nod and left to his room. 

Sighing Swara left to her room and dropped herself on the bed after having a freshup. She was completely tired and at the same time was also quite excited as she was going to her school back where she pursued her studies before. She was going to meet all her teachers, places revive her old memories in school which happened back then and above all she excited too. She didn't want to look bad at the very first day of her school tomorrow if she does not sleep well due to excitement and soon before she would realize she was already asleep. 

Later that night Aditya happened to pass Swara's room and he looked at the room and saw his little sister sleeping. Though he didn't want to go in his heart lead him into the room and he saw her sleeping peacefully. He slowly placed the pillow under her head and covered her with the  bed cover. Though he don't accept that he loves her deep down his heart he knew already that he can't stop loving his little baby girl whom he loved and cared. He can't hate her even if he wants and that was the truth. 

Reema who came up to check up what swara was doing smiled seeing Aditya caressing his sister's hairs with lots of love. Reema had witnessed how much Aditya cared for Swara when they were little and he still does but the circumstances had tore both of them with a bitter truth and parted them away. Not wanting to disturb the moment between the siblings reema left with a smile.

☆ One day life would change, the darkest secrets would come out and the deepest love hidden will be displayed in light! ☆

A/n: I know some characters are not clear but you will sooner know it as the story goes by. Let me know how the chapter is as well😌

Love,
Diya ❤