Few answers in this update and yet to catch up on lovely comments of a few darling readers. Pardon me! Will do so tomorrow. 

Happy Reading. Please ignore errors and typos.

---------------------------------------

Ram Gadodia believed in keeping his personal and professional life apart. His job as an attorney demanded secrecy in dealings. This same principle limited his interactions with clients to strict professional lines.

Gadodia & Associates is known to be, one of the reputed and successful law firms in and around Kolkata, and it didn't happen overnight.

Post his bar exam, It would have been easy for Ram, to join one of the business firms, as in-house counsel but he had other ideas. He believed in playing fair and square and is not ignorant of undue pressures in his profession, which prompted him to go for his own firm. That would give him the freedom to work per his terms. His wife Janaki, supported his decision and stood by him through thick and thin. It hadn't been an easy route to success.

Gadodia & Associates, had a humble beginning, in a small rented office with one client and Ram knew no empire would be built in a day. He worked hard, manage to get few cases won a few, lost few. Every loss fueled his zeal to succeed and his deep-rooted determination started bearing fruits over the years.

His strong solving, negotiation and critical skills, ability to build and maintain strong client relationships helped him build a steady business and down the years, he became one of the big names in the field of law. His business mainly dealt with representing clients in criminal and civil litigations, draw up legal documents, manage and advise clients on legal transactions. His client list included who whos of the Kolkata business arena ...and Maheshwari Group was one of them.

That morning, an unexpected call from Durgaprasad Maheshwari requesting for a one to one meeting, left him surprised. He dealt most of the cases for Maheswari group, but it's usually Adarsh, who reached out to him. Though he and 'DP' as the business world termed, Durga Prasad Maheshwari...met on quite a few occasions, it never went beyond professional lines.

Hence the call left him ...intrigued.

-------------------------------------------

Durga Prasad Maheshwari didn't believe in delays. There was a reason, he kept Swara's candidature on the hold. No doubt she is bright and brilliant, academically but that wouldn't qualify her for an alliance.

It didn't take much time for him to pull some background information on Swara Bose from his sources. As he went through mailed document ... the mention of Ram Gadodia, piqued his interest. He could always use some first-hand information and he was glad Ram had accommodated his request with no questions.

And now, seated in front of him, with the aroma of piping ginger tea, filling in cabin...they considered each other.

"I would have been glad to come down, If it was needed, "Ram started the conversation.

"Because it was personal, Ram." Durga Prasad Maheshwari took a sip of his tea paused for a minute.

"It's about Sekhar Bose"

________

After an hour and a half, DP walked out of Ram's cabin with a full load of information. As he headed back to Mansion, he recalled his meet. Ram seemed reluctant first and he had few questions.

It was only after his assurance he would have his answers at the end ...he took his word for it. The name of 'SekharBose, surely stirred some distance memories, he could say from Ram's expression, of deep melancholy.

"Sekhar...had been more of a friend, a very good one than a neighbour. A simpleton and warm natured and man of principles. He handled a business of his own along with his dad. Went against family wishes to marry his love which had been a bone of contention for a while. His wife Sharmistha, and my wife is Janki bonded so well. Janaki always considered Sharmistha as her elder sister...and their daughter Shona..."

"Shona?"

"I mean Swara, "Ram corrected, "Bahut hi pyari bachi hai, soft-spoken gentle, ever smiling and my daughter Ragini ...they are besties taking over their mothers."

Durga Prasad noticed a certain fondness on Ram's face as he spoke about Swara, a fatherly feeling.

"They were a happy family. Things would have been the same if..." There was a sad sigh, as he went on to explain the untimely death of Sharmistha, Sekharsubsequent breakdown, his marriage to Sumitra, change in equations and the biggest blow of Sekhar's death.

"It kind of changed everything for them...and mostly for Swara." Ram quickly wiped a lone tear sliding out, which didn't go unnoticed by DP.

Indeed tough ..losing both the parents. So Swara had to endure such pain in childhood.

"Any Stepmother issues?" He enquired further.

"No! I mean ..as I hear from Janaki, Sumitra Bose had been nice to Swara but you know it will never be same, not when you are made to feel like a cast out. And the kid..wouldn't even breathe a word against her family. I sometimes wonder at the sheer strength, she stood up to the crisis at such a young age and she's little stubborn too." Ram added with a smile.

"Stubborn? "Dp frowned

"Yeah! I mean, for the college admission ..You know it's quite tough to get into that college. I told her a recommendation would make things easy but no, Shona wouldn't agree. You know, she topped the merit list that year," Ram told with a hint of proudness in his voice and eyes.

"Only if Sekhar and Sharmistha had been alive they would have been such proud parents. Janaki is very fond of Shona and Ragini too, in fact, we all are." Ram finished and looked at DP.

_______

"May I have my answers ?" At the question of Ram, he nodded and took a minute.

"You might be aware, Swara is an intern at Maheshwari group," Upon the agreeable nod from Ram, Dp continued. "My younger son, Sanskaar. You might have met him Right! "

"Yeah! I did.Smart and charming young man."

"Thank you." Dp took in the compliment with a smile, "So Sanskaar who had been Swara's guide, seemed to develop a strong liking for her and I assume he's pretty serious about it. I would like to believe it's mutual. So...."

He didn't have to complete. The news left Ram pleasantly surprised and it hadn't been tough for his lawyer brain to deduce, DP wanted an unbiased view on Bose Family ...hence the answers were saved to end.

Back in the car, Dp pondered upon further on information. Ram looked excited at the prospect but expressed certain concern over their communal differences.

That would be taken care of ... he assured. And now he had another task in hand and was thankful Ram had agreed to play his part.

______

Annapurna Maheshwari never questioned her husband, for she strongly believed, all his decisions would be taken in the interest of the family and best part, her husband never imposed his views on others. Disagreements were discussed and worked out.

In years of their marriage, they developed an understanding which didn't need many words. It's like she didn't have to say much but her concerns were understood, in case of rare slightest disagreements between them.

Durgaprasad valued the presence of Annapurna in his life highly, as her views. If not for her staunch support, in every facet of life, he knew things would have been different and never this smooth. She kept up with his uneven timings ...took care of kids, household responsibilities, so he never had to worry about a thing back at the house ...and this helped him to concentrate all his efforts dedicatedly on business, in the early years when he took over the business.

So , that afternoon post lunch when DP asked her to get ready to meet some friends over tea, she agreed with no questions.

She pulled out a few sarees ...placed before her husband. Durga Prasad smiled and picked a colour which he knew is her favourite. Annapurna shook her head, smiling little more. It had been the same for years. He would go for her favourite and she would end up wearing his favourite colour.

"We are going to meet Swara," he told her after a while and watched slight shock and subsequent guilt on Annapurna's face.

"You don't have to feel guilty at all, Annapurna. I have caught on your and Adarsh's conversation the other day.I knew you were soon going to bring this to my notice. I met her already ... and,"

After giving quick gist of his interview and meet with Ram " I want you to meet her as well."

"Lekin Sanskaar ne tho.." Annapurna expressed concern.

DP understood her doubt. Sanskaar is yet to get back. "I am sure Sanskaar is serious about Swara. I don't think he would involve family unless he is... so "

That answered her doubt.

"And Swara doesn't have clue either about this, I want it that way" He added in a low tone.

Annapurna knew where this came from. Arranged marriage alliances somehow portray only the bright side and her husband always preferred real over pretence.

She nodded in consent.

----------------------------

That evening, Swara woke up after a long, noon nap which was intended to be short. She lazily stretched her hand to reach mobile and two missed calls from Ragini caught her attention.

Shit! Swara got up with a jerk. Ragini had some work in her college, they planned to go together and she missed it out.

'Lazybones' read a message from Ragaini with sleepy emo. A callback and no response, Swara decided to pay a visit to Gadodia house. She rushed to the washroom, splashed her face with fresh water, smoothed her mussed up hair quickly with fingers and checked her reflection in the mirror.

Salwar does look nice on her, she thought especially, after sporting boring intern look for long, this felt like a breath of fresh air. She should get more of them ..since her wardrobe is dominated mostly by kurtas, tees and jeans. Maybe once she gets her job and the first-month salary, she will buy a few. After last night, she has no intentions of spilling more money for dresses.

Grabbing her phone, she dashed to Gadodia House.

She ignored the car in front of the house and walked in looking for Ragini and Janaki. Upon not finding them in room, Swara sped to the terrace.

Maasi... Maasi.

And that's how Annapurna Maheswari met Swara for the first time.

----------

The meet with Janaki had been pleasant and they quickly warmed up to each other. As she looked around flowers on the terrace, It was a faint sweet voice that caught her attention first and then, a petite and pretty little woman zooming on to the terrace, who looked taken aback finding an unexpected guest, then a little guilt peeking on her face on being an intruder.

"Sorry, I didn't know .." Swara muttered looking at Janaki.

"Arey Shona... Aana " Janaki, called her up with a blooming smile which Annapurna registered along with the name and the mothery love on Janaki's face was hard to miss.

Swara sported a simple white salwar, with a tint of lilac., She noted

"Ye Annapurna Ji hain...Tumhare uncle Ji dost ki Patni." Janaki did the introduction part, keeping aside few details.

Swara bent down a little and touched Annapurna 's feet, felt her hand patting hair softly. "Khush Raho."

"Shona... Main chai lekar aati hoon , Aunty ko company dena,abhi aayi." Janaki left leaving Annpurna and Swara behind.

After a minute of awkward silence, Swara asked if she should get something for her, Annapurna nodded no and asked her to sit along. They settled on the swing which swayed gently.

"Tumhara Naam beta? Annapurna started off her interview slowly, "Is it Shona?"

"Nahi aunty ..it's Swara, Shona is like a nickname." Swara answered smiling

And in next 20 minutes, Annapurna managed to fish out few details about Swara's family and noted how soft-spoken, gentle and cordial, Swara was and a little hint of vulnerability at the mention of her parents, Sensitive as well. Her heart went out for a kid who lost her presents at such a young age.

In usual circumstances, Swara wouldn't have been comfortable being probed by a stranger, but the woman before her had a certain warmth, a serenity she felt drawn to. She didn't mind.

"I completed my engineering, aunty ...abhi mera internship bhi khatam hua ..you know Maheshwari group of industries.Aap ne suna hoga?"

"Haan, " Annapurna nodded with a hint of a smile, "Thoda Jaan pehchaan hai," Then you must be knowing Sanskaar too. Right!" She asked a bit curious.

At the mention of Sanskaar, Swara felt her cheeks warming up but Annapurna's next words.

"I heard he's a bit khadoos and rude. Is he ?" She asked with a certain interest.

And Swara's smile faded with her defensive mode kicking on. How dare someone say a word against Sanskaar. "Kisne Kaha aap se? Galat Kaha, aunty. Sanskaar aisa bulkul nahi hain , aur"

And Annapurna watched, Swara going on and on about her son, enumerating all his best qualities. Is this same demure one she was a little ago. She looked like she would take a bullet and fire one for Sanskaar.

Done with her burst out , Swara tried to catch up with her breath.

"Looks like you are quite close to him," Annapurna remarked, which had Swara tongue-tied for a minute. Damn!

"Nahi ..I mean woh, We worked together right! So I know him a little better." Swara replied hoping She didn't give any wrong impression.

"Acha!.. waise do you know how to cook? Do you know how to sew ? And do you belive in god .. what about temple trips? .."

Swara looked at her confused. Cooking? Sewing? Temple ? Where is this going ."Aunty, Do you have a son? "Swara asked, "Are you planning to get him married to me? Matlab aisa lag raha hain meri Shaadi ka interview chal raha hai."

That had Annapurna laughing, who took it in good spirits. Swara smiled too. She liked this aunty. She didn't take offence and had a sense of humour. Janki walked in with a tray of snacks and tea, Swara reached out to help. They had spent a little more time chatting Annapurna came to know a few more things about Swara.

Her love for gardening , books and music . She sings well, as told by Janaki and since Swara is free, Janaki suggested on a visit to kanha mandir the next day, which everyone readily agreed.

And She can cook Maggi.

As the dusk fell upon.. Annapurna asked one last question which was important of all.

"If a girl gets married into a different community . What are your views on adjusting, meaning new family and traditions. Would that be a compromise? Bas aise hi puchna tha ...don't think otherwise." Annpurna added.

"Arey Nahi aunty. it's fine. Aap Mujhe bade hain ..aap puch sakte hain. Swara replied softly . " No, I don't think it will be a compromise, because that would be her family too and anything you do out of love and willingness for ons your consider your own , can never be a compromise."

And Annapurna had her answer. After a few minutes, Swara decided to leave as it had been quite late .

As she bid bye, "Tumse milke bahut acha laga ,beta," Annapurna gave a gentle hug to Swara, which for a moment left Swara overwhelmed. A hug, full of love and affection.

"I would love to have you as my daughter in law." Annapurna said fondly referring to Swara's earlier remark.

"Your son, better be handsome and dashing aunty, If I need to marry him." Swara replied teasingly, leaving Annapurna in all smiles.

________

Sanskaar took in all the information bit by bit. His parents met Swara and they are ok.

"Sanskaar, "Dp's voice broke the chain of his thoughts ." It's not like we don't trust your choice ..it's just as parents we were reassuring and we both ..."

"Liked Swara , infact I loved her "Annapurna took over her husband words and approached Sanskaar with a wide smile. "Bahut achi ladki hain aur pyaari bhi and and a perfect choice."

"What about her being bengali?" Adrash came up with a query as he didn't want this to be deal breaker later.

Dp cast a calm look towards Adarsh , his eyes moving to Sanskaar."I think its time we rise above this community and caste. Its virtue which decides the worth of a person.Insaan aur niyat acha ho ..bas!"

Adarsh nodded in consent.

Sanskaar still in a state of confusion over the turn of events, looked at Adarsh who looked absolutely thrilled at this new development other than Pari who came up with a complaint of being left alone . Annapurna told her plans of the temple trip and she can meet Swara in the evening.

"I am happy with your choice, Sanskaar. Swara would be a perfecrt fit into our family as your mother feels so . We will set the talks going when you want them to." Duraprasad Patted on Sanskaar's shoulder smiling, joined by his happy excited family.

----------------------------------------

Elated would be a small word for wahat Sanskaar felt that night. Everything felt like a dream . He never expected things to fall into place, at such pace and that too beautifully.

It took time for him to sync in news , but once he did, he sqaushed his dad and mom into a hug with a full blown smile ...followed by Adarsh anad Pari. Over the dinner, Annpurna narrated her meeting with Swara .

"Ah! Maggi ..How Sweet! Adarsh teased.

"Dont worry devar ji.. I will teach Swara everything." Pari came to his aid.

"And he got himself a body guard too." Adrash joked as Annpurna told about Swara's defence of Sanskaar.

Sanskaar recalled the teasing session and found himself smiling like an idiot. He never knew Swara is this fiercely potective of him. Ye tho reverse hogaya, He giggled.

And she can sing too. Wow! His girl can sing and play the guitar and he didn't have a clue. More sweet secrets, haan, Sanskaar smiled, opened his phone gallery and looked at Swara's photograph from the last date night. His fingers gently traced her smiling face. He had to curb his need to call her ..scared he wouldnt be able to contain his excitrment and might spill beans. It took a considerable effort but he managed to hold back.

He convinced his Dad to have Swaraa's name on the list . He didn't want any complications before proposal and post engaement or marriage they can propose this idea of Swara taking up a bigger responsibility at Maheswari Group..Adrash seconded his idea.

Everything sorted out.

Sanskaar swiped and looked at next photograph of them ... their first selfie. All smiles and they looked prefect next to each other.

"Do you have some magic around you , Miss Bose. You defintely do! Matlab my whole family is in love with you. Of course, I love you more than anyone else ok! And what is with this ladka needs to be handsome and dashing. Maa ne sab bataya Mujhe . You already have one, who is totally nuts about you . Dont you ?"

Just a week more, Swara ...You will be mine . I am waiting to say those three words. And I am dying to hear them for you. Trust me .. That night would be one of the most beautiful nights of our life.. A night we will never forget."

Indeed it was .

------------------------

One night changed everything for Sanskaar and Swara.How about the other one? 

Watch this space.

Thanks for reading

Love

Lucky