Hola People, Wishing you all a Merry Christmas again.

Feels good to be back and if you are here, Thank you for keeping up with a long wait.

Here comes the update ... Be warned not much of direct Swasan scenes but I promise, from next update you will have a healthy dose of them. This part is crucial for story movement in many terms. I hope you guys understand. Please ignore errors and typos.

Happy Reading.

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There are two types of people. One who is content with what they have and the other, who crib and complain about what they don't have, Kavita Bose definitely belonged to the second category.

Kavita, Daughter of Brijesh and Sumitra, born in the second year of their marriage, had always been a pampered kid as a child. Her being the only child, Brijesh catered to her wish and it didn't take much time for Kavita to turn into a spoilt brat. Things would have gone smoothly, if not for the untimely death of Brijesh. Sumitra's marriage to Sekhar stirred the things further.

It hadn't been easy for any of them, this sudden new development.

While both Sekhar and Sumitra tried to tackle transition smoothly, the same couldn't be said to the kids. Kavita, who had been the centre of attraction all this while found herself stranded with a half-sister Swara, a shared room ... and worst of it, shared parents.

Kavita never warmed up to Swara and Sekhar 's natural inclination towards Swara just added to her budding resentment. Though not intentionally, Sekhar always found himself drawing parallels between Kavita and Swara.

He disapproved adamant ways of Kavita: 'get - me- what- I -want' contrary to Swara who in every way was the exact opposite to Kavita. Sekhar felt the need to curb this stubborn nature of Kavita early on and hardly catered to her unreasonable demands but Kavita took it otherwise.

'My dad would have never said no to me. He only loves Swara.' She would crib to Sumitra. When Sumitra would try to reason out. "You love Swara more now? Don't you?" would be her retort.

Sumitra always nursed the guilt of not being fair to Kavita. In a bid to win Sekhar's heart, and to avoid misconceptions of 'stepmother' she focused more on Swara in initial months of marriage making Kavita feel left out.

And Kavita exactly used this guilt to her advantage. Swara was the epitome of perfection, at least for Bose household barring Dadi. The gentle, obedient one with good grades ...which Kavita was not. Comparisons were naturally drawn which irked her further and the comments with good intentions such as.

"Kavita ...Let Swara help you out in this subject." were taken as an insult.

And the resentment grew with years. Swara's ever giving nature didn't help much either. In fact, it had a reverse effect on Kavita.

'She's doing it for attention to put me down before everyone. Just to show off.

Since she couldn't bring herself to be generous enough to give up her stuff she didn't mind having the share of Swara too. This seemed one way to get back to her.

She can be Miss goody two shoes Who cares? I will have all of hers.

Anything snatched away from Swara and having it for herself was of great pleasure for Kavita

It gave her a sadistic satisfaction and a balm on her wounded ego, from the time they were kids. But with Sekhar in the picture who believed in keeping kids grounded Kavita didn't have much say.

Kavita always had her eyes on extravagant costly stuff and simple things didn't appeal to her. A constant reminder of them being middle-class family and thrift spending nature didn't sit well with her.

With the death of Sekhar things slowly turned in favour of Kavita. Swara was outcast much to her happiness and she was reigning once again as did her hi-fi dreams. She imagined herself living in a mansion with dozen servants catering to her every whim and as a part of elite social circle flaunting her riches, burning others to ashes over her fortune.

She was born middle class, she's not gonna die one. But she didn't want to work hard. Why should she? when all she has to do is go for 'great catch'.

Swara's admission to one of the elite colleges was the just right cue for Kavita. Wouldn't be hard to fish one of the rich heirs out and woo. Sumitra totally unaware of her intentions gave into Kavita's demand over getting into the same college only because she thought her daughter deserved no less.

Though it cost her dearly held savings, She managed to get a seat for Kavita. But things hadn't been easy for Kavita.

She hardly interacted with Swara and managed to get into one of the elite circle of girls. Though intimidating given she was not of their stature Kavita had a task on her hands. She would keenly listen to gossips never missed a chance to be a part of parties, extended her circle slowly ...but never gave her intentions out. By the end of college, she had a list on her hands of most influential and rich families in Kolkata ...and a bit of inside exclusive information.

Sanskaar Maheshwari was definitely topper in her list but he hardly took interest in girls. He didn't even spare his fangirls a glance and tended to avoid them as much as he could which didn't leave Kavita much chance. And Kavita knew she wouldn't make it to Maheshwari industries intern list. Hence she focused on others.

She managed to get into Gupta industries, one more affluent business families and had her eyes set on Sahil Sengupta. While she managed to brew things up a bit ...you wouldn't imagine Sanskaar Maheshwari walking right into your house, standing at a mere distance of a few feet, just out of reach. And when this happens ....there is no way she's letting him out of her hands.

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Kavita was no fool. It took only a few minutes for her manipulative brain to connect dots. A bandage on Swara's ankle ..SM and Swara's internship with Maheshwari Group. She didn't want to work out on how Swara managed to land up close with Sanskaar that he would put in an effort to drop her personally. Leaving it up for later ...she decided to play her cards quick.

"Oh My God, Swara!, Kya hogaya hain tumhe? "Kavita rushed to Swara's side, her eyes and voice full of concern. Sanskaar would have dismissed it to be a common response, if not for a gasp of shocks from behind. It took a minute for him gauge the expressions of Sumitra and Dadi as if an unexpected event was unfolding and his eyes moved to Swara who looked equally troubled as Kavita squashed her into a hug.

Something definitely fishy, Sanskaar noted. He may not have first-hand knowledge of Bose family dynamics but he had been a witness to Swara's discomfort over the mention of family. Is Kavita one of the troublemakers?

Swara tried not to look awkward, brought up a smile and ventured to introduce Kavita to Sanskaar...but Kavita took it upon herself. She rushed to Sanskaar and thanked him for helping her dear sister, for taking all the trouble...and introduced herself. As their hands met for a very brief handshake, she added about being from the same college.

Oh! Great! Sanskaar nodded with a smile. Then he was showered with 'special khaatirdaari'. Swara didn't find it awkward. Maheshwaris are a well-known name in Kolkata and it's not that Sanskaar Maheshwari walks into your house every day. No doubt Kavita was acting all weird. But she was glad her family got over initial entry shock of her and Sanskaar and they are busy making their first comfortable. Dadi seemed excited as well for she was quite familiar with Annapurna Maheshwari and her Bahu being regular visitors to Kanha ji Mandir. After confirming the same with Sanskaar she went on about their temple acquaintance till Sumitra interrupted checking if he would like to have something.

"I make very good coffee," Kavita enthusiastically volunteered. Any little chance to impress was valuable.

Coffee...and all Sanskaar could think of was Swara. It definitely deserves a special place in their love story.

"Thank you Kavita but..." his eyes moved to Swara, his lips curving up to a small teasing smile

" I have certain preferences for my coffee."

"Oh! I am sure I can keep up." Kavita was not ready to give up.

Even Sanskaar was not "I really appreciate it Kavita but don't you think it's your sister who deserves all your attention at this point. Maybe you should check with her ." he added with a sweet smile and was quick to note the change of expressions "Got you !" He thought inwardly. Did she really think he would fall for this little caring act of hers? Only if she has a clue of who she is up against.

Caught in her own game Kavita forced a smile."Sure! "

She turned to Swara plastering the smile. "Would you like to have something Swara?" Each word was nothing short of a bitter pill but to get into good books of Sanskaar Maheshwari ...she would swallow a pile of them.

Swara had never been ignorant of Kavita 's bitterness for her. She quickly sensed discomfort. Hoping to put her out of misery, " Woh Kavita"

She's gonna deny, He knew it. Sanskaar shook his head. His girl seriously needs some lessons. Too much goodness can be injurious. Before Swara could say a word further "Milk?" He butted in between, " I think a glass of hot milk should do and something to go with it. Kyu Swara?"

His expressions made clear he wanted her to play along. Swara didn't defy and nodded trying to figure out why Sanskaar seemed highly intent on troubling Kavita. Sumitra came to Kavita's rescue.

"Tum rehne do Kavita ... I will.."

Thank God! Kavita was about to sigh with relief, Sanskaar threw in next googly.

"Arey Aunty! Kavita itne Pyaar se Swara ke liye Kuch karna chahti hain, given the caring and loving sister she is. I am sure she won't mind at all. Right, Kavita!" He crooked a eyebrow and message was given. Dare to contradict.

Left with no option, "Not at all!" Kavita struggled to keep her smile intact. As she turned to leave, Parvati Bose passed an order " Aur ussi haath se maare liye bhi ek glass garma garam dhoood leke aana thoda haldi daalke. Maare khaatu shyamji."

Kavita scowled within on being ordered by dadi. Not once all these years this old woman dared to say a word to her and now...

As she stepped out of the room she was no longer smiling. After few minutes Sumitra excused herself. Kavita hardly stepped into kitchen leave alone getting a glass of milk. She might need help.

Meanwhile, Sanskaar got stuck with Dadi listening to her chronicles stealing glances at Swara who seemed to enjoy his plight. So we have a gossiping orthodox dadi...a not so smart sister of Swara and a silent mother in law ...who else?

Are there more?

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Next was Adi...Swara's little brother. Sweet one and genuine, Sanskaar concluded as he witnessed the exchange between Swara and Adi. He acted exactly like an overprotective sibling concerned, then complaining about how she still treats him as a kid and didn't feel the need to call him and angry at self for staying back at his friend's place post-practice.

Seated at one corner of the room on couch Sanskaar was glad he didn't fall into the immediate purview of visitors. That offered him a chance to stay out of focus. He couldn't help but chuckled as Adi cast a suspicious glance at him and had a hush-hush discussion with Swara. All he could grasp was one-word 'boyfriend'

And Sanskaar smiled. Well, he would have loved to introduce himself as his would be Jiaji but that can wait. Done with introductions when Kavita walked in, Adi didn't hide his shock like rest.

"Did I land into a wrong house? Who are you? Kav Version 2.0?"

Sanskaar couldn't hide his giggles which definitely had Kavita glaring at Adi.

"Shut Up Adi . Neeche jaavo Mamma bhula rai hain and aur dadi , aap ka dhoodh neeche rakhdiya." That looked only way to grab a few minutes with Sanskaar with no extra parties other than Swara. Wish she could be eliminated too.

And Sanskaar shared the same sentiments. He wished for quite alone minutes with Swara. He's already missing 'their time.' And it seemed highly impossible in midst of family drama. Wish he had a magic wand, swish and flick, he could smuggle Swara to a magic island.

God! Please help me!

Just like his prayers were heard, Ragini rushed in.

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It was Adi who gave the news ...and Ragini didn't wait for a minute and dashed to Bose House. She had spent whole day mulling over her fight with Swara and concluded she was equally at fault for pressing Swara despite her protests. Maybe she shouldn't have pursued it further.

By the evening she was all set to have a word with Swara and patch up, the news came in. Missing Sanskaar from the picture. "Ye kaisa hua Swara? And why didn't you call me up? You never take care of yourself. Let me have a look. What did doctor say and how did you manage.."

She paused abruptly looking at Sanskaar and had her answer.Without a word she turned to Swara whose mist-filled eyes were enough to crumble her. "Now stop getting me emotional! I missed you too." Sanskaar watched them share a warm friendly hug, muttering sorry to each other and they looked absolutely adorable. This bond he would buy anytime to be of siblings. Then a middle-aged woman walked in and who turned out to be Ragini's mother Janaki.

"Shona.. Kya hua? Tum teek ho na beta." She asked taking Swara's hand into hers.

Shona? Sanskaar wondered

"That's her pet name". Ragini gave the cue standing next to him. Well! If Swara has chosen to be with this man, she needs to warm up to him.

Surprised at Ragni's contrary disposition towards him, Sanskaar muttered a thank you and watched the scene unfold.

"Main teek hu maasi.aap tension mat lo" Swara gave her a small comforting hug and Janaki patted her hair softly.

The motherly love of Janaki was absolutely missing from Sumitra, he noted and they were on lines on the basic courtesy level. From the looks of it, Kavita and Ragini wouldn't mind killing each other if let loose, their eyes already throwing daggers at each other and he was exactly in the middle ...like a line of control( LOC), Adi standing like a lone warrior out of the room.

The whole dynamics of his would be Sasural seemed like a maze. "Ladki ke saath, family bhi free. Wow! Kaha phas gaya tu Sanskaar," He mumbled under breath.

Kavita was not happy. Her plans to have a little talk with Sanskaar are going for an absolute toss and that was not a good prospect. She needs to get him out of this room.

"I think we are tiring Swara out. Maybe we should give her some space and let her rest " She played another card and it worked. Everyone nodded.

Sanskaar and Swara exchanged a look, full of longing. Ragini rolled her eyes. Typical mushy stuff. But they deserve a proper bye, don't they?

"Be the last one to leave, "she whispered to Sanskaar like a secret.

"What?" He asked not quiet getting meaning.

"I can get you 2 to 3 minutes for goodbye or whatever. Be quick."

"What! She's getting him time. When did this happen? He expected to be on not - so - good books of Ragini. Laksh was right. These both friends are like mysteries.

"Thank you so much."

"I am doing this only for my friend." Ragini made it clear.

He could see that. " But still I owe you thanks and can I talk to you for few minutes after that? It's important." He had to clear and clarify a few things.

Ragini considered him for a minute and nodded.

Standing outside Kavita wondered what did Ragini have to talk with Sanskaar? Whatever at least he's out of the room away from Swara. She better get down and wait in the hall. Maybe she can walk him down to the car. All pepped up at idea Kavita rushed down.

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Ragini took up the responsibility of holding anyone from going to Swara's room and she was glad midst crowded hall no one seemed to notice, but she better keep an eye. It was after 5 minutes, Sanskaar walked out with a little smile.

Kavita didn't have any luck as Sanskaar insisted on making a move and Ragini snatched away the walk and talk opportunity. Nothing seems to be going her way, but now he is here and Kavita exactly knows where the key lies...

Swara.

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They stood near his Car.

"Ragini, Thank you so much. I really appreciate what you have done for me and .."

"I had my reasons, Sanskaar." Ragini interrupted. "I won't ask for much. I know Swara is serious about you and I hope you are too. Swara is very sensitive and I can't see her hurt. I know Swara would never ask this. All I want to know is who is that other girl in your life Laksh mentioned in cafe that day. Is she still a part of your life? What happened to her? And I need answers."

Sanskaar watched her in silence for a while "You will have your answers, Ragini... all of them, "He replied in a sure low tone," but I have few questions too."

"For me? "Ragini asked confused.

"Yes! and quite serious ones. So it 's a give and take. I will go first and you can't back out later. So are you up for it?"

He could read the confusion on Ragini's face but he meant business. He waited for 2 years. He will have his answers today at least a few of them.

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Contd...

And if you still here...I love you and sending your way a few virtual hugs. Thanks for sticking by. I am not gonna ask you how was the update, I am just too happy to be back.

Love

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