So back with a quick, short update. This update as title suggests would give back story of Swara  which is quite crucial and you will be meeting some new characters. 

Please ignore errors and typos. Happy Reading. Do vote and  please let me know your thoughts 

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  There's so much grey to every story - nothing is so black and white. - Lisa Ling

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Sumitra Bose, Second wife of Sekhar Bose. Their marriage was not out of love but of convenience. After unfortunate death of his first wife Sharmistha in an epidemic, Sekhar reluctantly bowed down to his mother Parvati's wish of second marriage , not because he needed a wife but his daughter Swara, needed a mother.

Sharmistha and Shekhar fell in love during college days. Despite vehement protests of his parents, Sekhar chose to marry Sharmistha, who belonged to lower caste and was prepared to leave Kolkata which forced his parents to accept this alliance. Prakash Bose, Sekhar's Father owned a little business in Kolkata. They had a humble beginning but with Sekhar joining in, the business found a new lease of life and eventually Prakash warmed up to his Son and daughter in law, who never gave a chance to complain and adhered to every norm set in ,willingly. Only Parvati didn't.

Parvati Bose , known for her big mouth , quarrelsome and dominant nature had many dreams for her son and couldn't bare Sharmistha to be her bahu. But she didn't have an option, her son didn't leave any. It came across as a shock when Sekhar announced the news of his relation with Sharmistha and his intentions to marry her .Parvati tried every resort to change his mind , but Sekhar was adamant and they had to give in at the end.

She always looked for chance to trouble Sharmistha, but Sharmistha never complained which was source of irritation for Parvati and above all her husband seemed to accept them wholeheartedly which was grate on her sore wound.

Losing her parents at young age ,Sharmistha was brought up by relatives where she was treated as nothing but burden. She grew up feeling the need to be loved and cared.Sekhar walked into her life like a boon and filled the void. Her marriage life with Sekhar was going perfect other than her mother in law. Sharmistha tried her best to win heart of Parvati , but Parvati's hatred blinded her towards Sharmistha's pious nature.

But fortune was smiling upon Shekhar and Sharmistha. The business was going well and soon they were blessed with their bundle of joy , Swara. Sharmistha wished this would warm up Parvati towards her but Parvati only had more complaints. She wanted a grandson and Swara being a girl and spitting image of Sharmistha fueled her hatred more which she buried within. She was minority so she chose to stay silent but the ill feelings nursed within.

Little Swara never had a clue why dadi resented her when rest of family loved her to bits and pieces. When she questioned her parents on same she was told they did something which angered Dadi and they hoped she would forgive them soon.

That's when Swara decided she would never do something which will anger her Dadi or rest of family.Being loved felt like a better option than inviting wrath of loved ones. Life had been going smooth but very soon tragedy struck Bose family as Sharmistha fell victim to an epidemic break out. It was at age of 6, Swara lost her mother. Sekhar drowned himself in sorrow and drink unable to come to terms with loss of his wife.

That's when Parvati decide to get Sekhar married again. Swara was the reason given. Sekhar protested idea first but he gave in after continuous pressure from his mother. That's how Sumitra entered Bose Family. Sumitra had always been first choice for Sekhar .But since Sekhar chose Sharmistha, Sumitra was married to Brijesh . Like the fate would have it Brijesh fell victim to same epidemic .Sumitra was left with 5 year old daughter ,Kavita. Then It came down to matter of convenience.Swara needed mother and Kavita, a father figure .

Sekhar had his own apprehensions about Sumitra but very soon he was proved wrong. Sumitra came to love Swara as her own and little by little he warmed up to Sumitra. It was in third year of marriage they had their child, Aadyot.Parvati was more than happy.She had proper bengali of same class and statuts as bahu in form of Sumitra and ofcourse 'Ghar Ka Chirag' in form of a grandson.

Kavita hated Swara from the start. She never like extra attention her mother paid to Swara and Swara was Sekhar's favourite from start. She always complained and cribbed about same, how Swara got best of everything and Swara was understanding enough to give up her stuff for Kavita, for she hardly had any interest in material possessions.Dolls,Frocks,ribbons and other girly pretty stuff were never of her interest Kavita was more than happy to hog Swara's share too and she always loved limelight while Swara preferred shadows.

Dadi always held resentment against Swara with her hatred of years for Sharmistha culminated and it directed towards Swara.She would hint Sumitra very often how Swara could be a threat in coming days for Kavita. Swara is Sekha's own blood after all. Sumitra tried to ignore but seeds of doubt were already sown and it was only time ,they took deep roots.

As days passed ,equation changed bit by bit.Swara was outcast slowly. Swara never complained. Sekhar was busy building up business and it was only in the evenings he could spare time for kids which was already divided.Swara would be happy in few minutes of her Dad's company and would look forward to it every day.

Biggest blow in her life came when she was in her 12th. Death of Sekhar and Prakash in an accident as they were returning from a business trip turned life around.It took lot of time for Bose family to recover from this tragedy.

Sekhar had banked enough finances to have them going , but Sumitra very well know they might run out of it soon, She took upon the handholding of business by herself . She was well educated and smart , only she chose to be a homemaker, but with turn of events, she had to step in.

The family dynamics of Bose run this way. Sumitra was bread earner , Dadi managed the home Aadyot was pampered prince, Kavita was spoilt brat and Swara being the elder was responsible and silent one.

Loneliness had been Swara's companion ,post Sekhar's death. Years passed ,Swara drifted slowly towards other interests like music and reading which gave her much needed solace and kept her occupied. She spent hours away from home, post college either in library or music classes.

She had a family but she didn't as well. She was not sure If she was loved by anyone or not. At the end of day it always felt she was seeking shelter with some known strangers, it was never sweet home. That somehow led her towards seeking more independence and she knew it would be possible only if her career takes off well.Less dependence on family finances after a point would earn more confidence and sense of self respect. She had always been studious and hardworking ...and her grades are what earned her scholarship in graduation to get into one of the best colleges in Kolkata.

An adamant Kavita managed to get in as well through private seat for her grades were mediocre.She wasn't ready to settle for anything less than Swara has .She wanted it either by hook or crook right from childhood.

Swara's life would have been same if not for Sanskaar. .From the time she had seen him, for the first time, she was drawn irrevocably towards him.He made her happy ,The mere sight of him or thought. Her fascination with Sanskaar was that magic which dragged her away from harsh reality into a dreamy world, like he added a dash of colour to her otherwise bleak life .She loved her little world

.The sight of Sumitra jerked Swara out of her' sunny' world. Sumitra gave her a polished, reserved smile .Swara was a duty she had to fulfill ,like all these years. She had been doing it quite well. Sumitra had always known the implications a step mother brings in, but she never gave a chance for anyone to point or complain. Of Course, who wouldn't love the goody goody image, she was no exception.

"How was your day Swara?"Sumitra took slow measured steps towards Swara, her smile intact.

"It was good ,choti maa " Swara replied pushing the scrapbook behind teddy bear, out of Sumitra's sight. Her step mother, even in middle age, carried a certain charisma and she had such a face , a saint one. No one would ever believe she is capable of any vile intentions.Swara always held a certain admiration for Sumitra for the way she held family ties and had them going, but their equation had always been awkward ,after change is Sumitra's disposition towards her which was even before Swara could accept her as 'Maa'. She always remained choti maa'.Her presence always had been intimidating and imposing especially after Sekhar's death.

"Guide and all.Are you comfortable?"She asked sitting at corner of bed.

Good! was all Swara said.

"What about Kavita?Did you make sure everything is fine for her?" Her next question came up.

Swara knew this is all about Kavita, not her.Like always .No! She didn't and she hated to babysit Kavita. This expectation of elder fending for younger ones especially when their equation was not very encouraging irked her at times.

Before she could answer, "I don't need anyone to keep a check on me".Kavita's voiced boomed across the room . They turned towards entrance Kavita stood ,her eyes throwing daggers at Swara .

"It would be great If she could take care of herself . I don't need her and Mom, I was sure I will find you here.After all she's your favourite " Kavita's tone dripped with sarcasm."She's not only one ,who worked hard on first day of project.I would be glad If you would pay some attention to me." And She stormed off. Kavita hated anyone paying attention to Swara, even a bit of it. The feeling of casting her out ,had always been a boost to her ego.

It was not new for Swara...she chose to ignore , like always .Sumitra looked at Swara and threw her "You know her don't you?" kind of look.

Yeah ! I do Swara muttered under breath and watched Sumitra walk out.She could hear voices from next room. Kavita complaining her to be a attention seeker, Sumita trying to explain. Swara sighed. The same old story.

Her phone beeped diverting attention. The flash of name brought a smile on her face. Her saviour, like always and her only one friend and neighbour ,Ragini.

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Next update would be on Monday. Thanks for Reading.

Love

Lucky