Hi All

Back with an update.Warning: drama ahead, lol.

Happy Reading. Please ignore any errors or typos found.

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What the hell is she doing here? was Sanskaar's first thought. It took a minute and quick scan for Sanskaar to realise, Kavita is donning the exactly same avatar of Swara.

It was Swara back there in his arms, he would bet his life ...but where the hell is she? His eyes looked around totally oblivious of fact Kavita had stepped closer. Then his eyes caught the silhouette, an outline of black. His heart vouched it's Swara.

Is this some prank Bose sisters are trying to pull on him? was his second thought

Sanskaar didn't feel good about it. He definitely needs to have a word with Swara and make it clear, his disapproval of involving third parties in their equation. His thoughts halted as Kavita invaded his personal space and his instinct was to step back. But he didn't. And waited ..to watch how far she would let this go on.

"So finally, you figured out I am your masked girl, Sanskaar" Kavita whispered, trying hard to sound sexy.

Like really? He would laugh off in other scenarios at the joke. Did they really think they could fool him on this? At least they could have spared this special night, their special moment. For the first time, he felt the anger simmering. He found strange hands snaking up over his shoulders. His fists curbed the need to push Kavita away, yet he didn't ... still, hope flickering. For once his eyes didn't leave her black form, playing hide and seek.

Some other woman was holding him, right here, in front of her eyes, Yet it didn't bother her. He would have ripped apart if some other man touched his Swara. And it was cringy, the way Kavita was holding on to him. Enough! This is getting out of hands. Pushing away from the new theory, his mind was spinning. It can't be ...

He waited...only to watch her disappear leaving only blackness behind.

Sanskaar froze, an icy feeling hitting his nerves. His mind quickly reeled in. Swara's silence whole evening, her abrupt missing, Kavita turning up in the same dress, the same venue holding Swara's mask claiming to be his masked girl. Then it struck him. This is no prank but a planned move, to lead him to ...Kavita?

Something snapped inside him that very moment. A sharp stab of deceit right on his heart by the very one holding it, the very night he bared his heart to her and bowed down to her love.

Of all Swara?

He stood silent, totally ignoring Kavita hands around him. He didn't feel a thing, his eyes still fixed on darkness stretched before him, tears stinging his eyes. One night she robbed his heart and this night she left it broken. His love, his assassin.

Then he spoke, his words devoid of any emotion, "Glad, you are unmasked."

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Swara sobbed silently, her face buried in a mass of pillows. This night wasn't supposed to end this way.

"You called this upon yourself, didn't you?" A voice chided her. True, and it all started on an evening. An evening, when Sumitra assembled the Bose family members barring Adi who was out of town for a tournament. Swara felt a little thrill when Sumitra shared her favourable opinion on Sanskaar and his being a possible prospect match. It was only till she took the name of Kavita.

"Since Kavita loves Sanskaar ..."

Swara froze. Kavita loves ...Sanskaar? When and How? Her eyes moved to Kavita who probably was excited at the news and back to Sumitra, a happy face, she had not seen in ages. But ...

"Kavita...?"Those words stumbled, without a second thought calling everyone's attention and Swara's crestfallen face was hard to be missed.

"What happened, Swara?" Sumitra frowned a little.

Before Swara could say a word, Kavita sprang up to her feet. " Now don't tell me Swara, you have taken a liking for Sanskaar as well, Please!"

Every eye moved to Swara in question and she suddenly felt like a culprit. Swara didn't miss the note of accusation in Kavita's tone. In Fact shouldn't she be the one to be asking it? Yes! She had a liking for Sanskaar even from the time, Kavita can't imagine and not intending to keep them in dark, "Sanskaar doesn't love Kavita." She said in a quiet tone and could see faces turn pale, Sumitra by few degrees more.

"And who does he love? You ?" Kavita's tone turned bitter.

Yes! Swara wanted to say, but Sumitra raised a hand and everything fell into silence. She walked in very slow steps to Swara.

"Do you have feelings for Sanskaar?" She asked, straight to the point. Swara nodded yes, under her piercing gaze. "Does Sanskaar too..? Sumitra paused midway and got a nod as an answer.

Sumita took a step back instantly. "Did he tell you so?" she asked, dreading her answer.

No, he didn't, but he would soon, Swara wanted to say but all she did was to nod in negative. For Swara who expected a bunch of questions coming her way, nothing came in and silence suddenly felt uncomfortable.

Sumitra simply looked at Kavita and glanced back at Swara, retired to her room in silence.

"Happy Now! Kavita glared, " Thank you, Swara for ruining everything."

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Kavita locked herself and seemed in no mood to get out of the room. Sumitra skipped dinner and wanted to be left alone. It was more than an hour which had Swara worried. Despite Sumitra's need for loneliness, Swara dared to step into her room with a plate of food.

A knock and slight push.Sumitra had her eyes closed, leaning on the bed, holding a photograph. A close look, one would notice tear stained cheeks and water pooling in corner of eyes, ready to spill out. The sight was painful .. for Swara who had never seen her 'Choti maa', this dejected. Not even in the toughest of situations. She had always been a fighter.

Swara would have welcomed all doubts and accusations but not this.

"Choti Maa'

The faint voice pulled Sumitra out of her lost world and her eyes met the sight of Swara. Her first instinct was asked to be left alone..but then... Sumitra placed the photograph back on table Her marriage photograph with Sekhar, Swara noted as she sat on one corner of the bed.

"You know, Swara. I had first seen your dad, fighting with Parvati aunty to carry the luggage, as they moved to the portion next to us, Sumitra recalled. "We had been neighbours for years and I had practically spent so much time in their house because aunty was particularly fond of me and I loved her pampering. She would always say

'Badi hokar tum maari bahu banegi '

'Teri shaadi mein apni sekhar se karungi.'

They didn't hold any importance to me as a kid but as I grew up ... at one point I believed them to true. I believed I would be the one step into Sekhar's life. Years passed. One day, We were asked to make preparations for engagement and I was happiest one. It was one of the most awaited moments of my life."

That day, when she held dreams in her eyes of the man, she came to love, The same day when dream shattered.

"On the very same day, " Sumitra held back, breaking voice, "Sekhar walked in holding the hand of another woman."

She didn't have to take the name. Swara didn't hope for her to...the pain was still there, her eyes conveyed. That day was right before her eyes. The shock, the pain and the fights ...and it still hurts, Sumitra thought wiping her tears.

"That's when I realised Sekhar was never in favour of this alliance and we were given wrong hopes. Your Dadi is stubborn so as Sekhar and both had a point to prove. My dad was enraged at the insult and before I could realise and heal the wounds love has given me, I was married off to another."

Until tears flowed down her cheeks Swara didn't realise she had been crying along.

"Brijesh was a nice person...understanding one. He gave me time...and soon I resigned to my fate and made peace with the fact this was my life ahead. I wish, things had stayed that way. Fate again forced me and Shekhar to come together but this time as parents of kids. I thought life was giving me a second chance...but...it was nothing but a compromise to Sekhar. In initial days he viewed me with suspicion because he was sure I wouldn't be able to accept you."

"I don't blame him ..it's the irony of society. They talk about stepmother as a plague but no one says a word about stepfather. Sekhar never loved Kavita as his own ..but he expected it from me. I didn't want to disappoint him. I wanted to prove him wrong ...and I did."

Only she knew, how much this meant to her, Sumitra thought. The pride she felt in proving the society wrong.

"But I never realised in a bid to win Sekhar's heart, I was being unfair to Kavita. I never realised in my attempts to be a good stepmother...I failed Kavita as a mother. I always kept her second with the fear of being pointed out, with the fear Sekhar would never love me if I prioritised Kavita over you. Down the years, Sekhar accepted me ...and that was one more happiest moments my life..but...I soon realised Sekhar had never been completely mine. ..We always had an invisible wall between us."

Swara knew what was coming and she didn't want to hear ..but she could not move an inch as Sumitra's eyes met hers with a layer of hate.

"Your mother Sharmistha"

For the first time, her mother's name didn't sound sweet to Swara...the deep contempt Sumitra held underneath for Sharmistha found its way out in rush of words.

"Your father never realised I was a different person. His comparisons would never end. Mysti hoti toh aise karti ...mysti ye ,mysti woh...there were times I wanted to scream ...I am Sumitra, not Sharmistha.

Your father was still so much in love with your dead mother, one word against her, I knew would be the end of us. I stayed mum even when I was told, I didn't know how to bring up a kid and I should learn from Sharmistha because you were the epitome of perfection, the ideal one, whereas my daughter deprived of both mother and father's love was nothing but a spoilt brat...

Your dad's words were like these little sharp pricks which bled me bit by bit. I know, why Kavita turned the way she is. I know, I had wronged her big way...as a mother. That's the only reason I had been lenient with her. Anyways you were the righteous, good one right! The great Sharmistha's daughter who never did a wrong ."

Swara bit back her sobs at the sarcastic tone. Now, she could see where the hate stemmed from, why was she cast off in Sekhar's absence. Can Sumitra be blamed when her dad had been root cause with his unrealistic expectations and comparisons?

"This time Sekhar left again forever, leaving behind tons of sorrow, the responsibility of 3 children, a business and house to run. It wasn't easy, yet I took it up. Answer me honestly, Swara. Have I ever deprived you of anything in this house? I never differentiated between you and Kavita other than giving her a bit leeway. Yes or no!" Her question came straight.

Swara nodded negative tears filling her eyes.

"I did everything I could, beyond my capability to give you a good life despite you being a constant reminder of your mother. I tried to love you like my own....but..." Sumitra broke into tears with all pent up emotions taking over " All I see is, fate repeating the same game with 'my daughter' and again it's you, just like your mother. And the same man. I know how it feels, not to get the one you loved and I can see 'my daughter's 'future trapped in a loveless marriage. After many years, for once I felt relieved of guilt, I carried these many years. For once, I thought and wished I would give 'my daughter' the life, she wished for...the man she loved but I failed again ...as a mother ...it's all because of ..." Sumitra didn't finish her words.

Swara silently bore the accusation This was expected but what hurt her most was

Every time Sumitra stressed 'my daughter.' a reminder, she was not. A harsh one. It reminded her of the times when the word 'maa' escaped from her mouth ...and she had to remind herself it's Choti Maa. The times when she silently craved for a pat, a hug...in contrary to a cordial smile. The times when she stared at food wishing to be lovingly fed, like jaanki maasi. One day, she wished...one day...

"I ..I am your daughter too," Swara's words trembled as her hand on Sumitra's shoulder "Maa.."

"No, you are not!"Sumitra exploded jerking Swara's hand which left both of them shocked Sumitra took few minutes to gain her composure, as a thick drop of tear leaked from the corner of her Swara's eye, unbidden.

"If you had been my daughter, Swara. I would have asked you to let Sanskaar go, let your sister have her share of happiness. Would you?"

Let Sanskaar go? Swara took a step back instinctively.

"I won't ask you because then I would be the bad stepmother snatching her step daughter's happiness for the sake of own blood. Right, Swara."

And Swara wished that night would have ended right there, Only it didn't.

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Kavita was in a mood to celebrate. Things had fallen nicely into the place ...for her. She was well aware her chances were slim, with Sanskaar affections clearly tilting towards Swara, but life is all about taking chances and she took one.

It all started the night, Sanskaar dropped into Bose house. The titbits of conversation between Ragini and Sanskaar left her intrigued. She clearly remembered the excitement, the masquerade ball theme stirred in college. She faintly recalled her mother's class to Swara when she turned up unsully late that very night citing she was with Ragini. Her mother never appreciated Swara's closeness with Gadodias and have been quite open about her disapproval.

So Swara, Masquerade ball and Sanskaar.

All she could make out was Swara had been to the party, Sanskaar and Swara never discussed the same ...still there's more to the story, the missing pieces. Swara being out for a treat offered a perfect opportunity to check for any clues and she landed exactly on what she needed. Her little secret scrapbook which completed the puzzle of masked girl.

So Swara had this sweet crush on Sanskaar right from college days. Wouldn't it be fun to snatch Sanskaar and make him her own?

Sanskaar being nice to her, on the dinner night before was the push she needed, and of course, the little emotional scene she played out in lawn, making sure it falls into right eyes. That very night, it was by luck she caught a conversation between her mom and dadi about Sanskar being a prospective groom.

And she exactly did what was needed next ..making sure Sumitra gets an inkling about her like for Sanskaar. A not so accidental slip of photographs from her books, before eyes of Sumitra and cooking up the story of her crush on Sanskaar from college days.

Her mother as expected was beyond elated. Only if Swara had kept her mouth shut like a good girl, but no she had to speak. Her mother whom she had been counting upon, her strange silent behaviour was puzzling, not a word in support, not one question ...definitely not a piece of good news. She waited locked in her room for her mother to come in.. but there was no trace of her.

Sh decided to have a word with Swara first, shed some tears banking on sisters love, but she was missing as well. That was the right time for her to slip back scrapbook back into its place.It was then her eyes, caught the card, with details of another masquerade ball and of course Sanskaar's little note.

It scared her. If the night passes between Swara and Sanskaar, her all chances would be up.No! The secret should be a secret. Tossing the card back in its place, she went looking for her mother.

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Kavita's hatred for Swara notched a level high as she stood outside door witnessing her mother's emotional outburst. She had been right always. It's because of Swara, she was deprived of her mother's rightful attention, and her mother suffered no less ...and at that moment Kavita decided, she will have Sanskaar by hook or crook. That would be Swara's payback.

And she took an extreme step .. cashing on her mother's emotional upheaval.

A fake suicide attempt ...

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Swara never in her would have imagined Kavita's drastic step. It was with Dadi's scream she and Sumitra rushed of the room and caught sight of Kavita in the kitchen trying to slit her wrist.

That was the last scene Sumitra would have ever wished to see.

Kavita ....

Her scream was what held Kavita back and she was dragged out of the kitchen next. The traces of blood on her wrist ...Swara rushed for first aid box and approached Kavita hastily.

"Don't you dare !" Sumitra voice echoed across the hall midst deafening silence. Swara froze on the spot as the box was snatched from her quite ruthlessly.

"Don't you dare come close to my daughter. Pehle tumhari maa jo marke bhi mera peecha nahi choda aur ab tum...jeete jee meri beti ko maarna chahthi ho?Kya bigada hain humne tumhara?" Wiping her tears Sumitra rushed to Kavita, muttering few more curses.

Blinded by tears, Swara rushed upstairs muffling her sobs.

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The present night induced a fresh pain, Swara knew it would be a never-ending one, a pain she signed up for a lifetime, presenting Kavita as a masked girl. Midst all accusations and emotionally wreck state, that wasn't one of the wise decisions she made, but that seemed only option to let Kavita have Sanskaar.

She warned Kavita, Sanskaar might know, she's not the one.

"If he does... I will give up, Swara. I won't bother you anymore. You can have Sanskaar. We will say it was a prank," Kavita said much to her surprise, "but if Sanskaar accepts me, you wouldn't utter a word and step back forever from Sanskaar's life."

That was the pact.

And Swara hoped and prayed Sanskaar would figure her out. And he did.. When he took her name at the end confessing his love during the dance.

I love you Swara.

The words, she would have given her life away just to hear them once and for a moment she didn't want to let him go...never, but ...she had a word to keep. She led him to Kavita, stood in shadows ...her heart thudding faster and faster. She waited ...as Kavita went on to claim she was the masked girl. She waited he would speak... say something putting an end to Kavita's claims, right in darkness, but he didn't. He didn't. All he said was ...

"Glad, you are unmasked."

And those words sealed her fate ...that very moment.

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