Meher’s TS – Love beats all odds shot 2

Shot 2

~a week later~

Swara was dressed in orange and pink bridal lehenga, her hands were clad with henna, off white and red chooda was adorning her slim wrists. A simple yet elegant golden and Black beaded mangalsutra was increasing her beauty. Vermillion, on top of her head​ was no less than any crown. Sanskar was standing besides his queen.

“Swara, Sanskar, please come soon. We will be waiting for you.” Annapurna said, putting a hand on Swara’s head to bless her daughter-in-law.

Swara gave her a faint smile.

“Achha Sharmishtha ji, chalte hain. Apni bahu aur poti apke paas chhor kar ja rahe hai, Dhyan rakiyega.” DurgaPrasad said joining his hands.

“Jee DurgaPrasad ji, I will.” Sharmishtha said emotionally.

DurgaPrasad and Annapurna turned to leave, when she felt a grip on her saree’s pallu. She turned and saw sad Vidhi with tears filled in her eyes.

“Vidhi, why are you crying bachha?” Annapurna asked lovingly.

“Dadi, mat jao na!” Saying this she hugged Annapurna.

Swara was wondering, how much Vidhi got attached to Sanskar’s parents in the short span.

“Aww! Itti so baat. Beta, you are also coming soon na. Dadi will prepare everything for your welcome.” She said wiping her tears.

“Nai! I want to go with you.” Vidhi said.

Swara was shocked. Before this Vidhi never went anywhere without her and this time she wanted to go, this ignited the possessive Side of the mother inside her.

“Vidhi, go in your room now. Let Aunty go, she is getting late.” Swara scolded her.

“Aunty nahi! Dadi, Mumma.” She scolded Swara, leaving her speachless.

Sanskar realised the situation getting awkward and decided to divert the topic.

“Batao, mujhe par to kisi ka Dhyan he nahi hai. Bechara mai.” Sanskar huffed dramatically.

Annapurna held his ear tightly…
“Tu nahi sudhrega!”

“Ahh!! Maa!! Awwoo! Sorry.” Sanskar said with puppy expressions and Annapurna left his ear. While Vidhi was enjoying this.

Suddenly, Vidhi’s face turned sad as it was time for their departure. DurgaPrasad and Annapurna left. Vidhi was upset but Sanskar knew how to lift her mood.

“Achha ji, you are laughing when ma was scolding to me! Just wait!”saying this he started to tickle her, making her laugh.

Swara smiled satisfactorily seeing Vidhi in safe hands.

Next Day

Swara was checking her things if she had left anything important or not. She was tensed as she could not leave Sharmishtha here alone.

“Ma how you will manage all alone?” She asked in tension.

“Shona, stop worrying about me. You are married now, you just need to enjoy your new life with Sanskar. Aur Haan! Gussa Kam karna seekh le!” Sharmishtha said, hitting her head playfully.

“Maa, I can’t leave you alone here.” Swara said, sadly.

“Who said that aunty will stay here?” Sanskar asked coming in.

Swara and Sharmishtha gave confused look to him.

“Don’t stare at me like this ladies! Aunty, you are also coming with us. Ofcourse, Swara won’t leave you here alone.” He said.

“Nai beta, I can’t go with you. I will stay here​ and will talk to you guys on call.” Sharmishtha smiled.

“And this won’t happen! I have made all the arrangements and. Because you will hesitate in living at my parents’ house, I have taken a neighbouring house on rent, and before you could say anything let me tell you that Swara is going to pay the rent not me! So, problem solved. Now come fast we are waiting for you both.” He said with a smile and left.

Swara was astonished with his behaviour. For her it was unusual for any man to be kind and generous. Sanskar has arranged everything in such a way that it won’t hurt either of Swara’s or Sharmishtha’s self respect and on the top of that Swara can take care of her mother all by own.

****

@Dehradun

Swara was fidgeting her the pallu of her saree, where as Sharmishtha was sitting in front seat, with a sleeping vidhi in Sanskar’s lap at rear seat, and a tensed, nervous and anxious Swara besides him.

“Water?” He said passing a water bottle to her.

She nodded no and Started to bite her lips in nervousness.

“Do you want anything?” He again asked.

“Can’t you sit without disturbing me? Apne kaam se kaam rakho!” She said angrily.

Sanskar sighed. He knew she was now no less than any angry tigress, who can tear him apart within a fraction of seconds.

Soon, everyone reached to his house. Where his mother was waiting for them impatiently.

When Annapurna heard the car horn, her eyes glued on the main gate. The moment She saw Sanskar coming towards the gate her heart jumped in happiness.

“Stop right there!” She ordered, making Swara nervous.

“Sorry” she murmured.

“Mom! Not again. Look, you have scared her.”Sanskar said smilingly.

“Sorry beta, I didn’t mean to scare you. I want to perform some rituals.” Annapurna said.

Swara nodded.

Annapurna, handed the Pooja ki thal to DurgaPrasad and covered Swara’s head with a red dupatta. Then, she applied Tilak on her forehead, followed by Tilak on Sanskar’s forehead and finally Vidhi’s.

“Now, push this Kalash and enter the house.” She said.

Meanwhile vidhi spoke in Sanskar’s ear.. ” papa, your house is very big”

“Really?”he said to her while entering.

“Haan, even my school was smaller than this.” She said.

“And now this house is yours.” Sanskar smiled.

“Will dadu and dadi scold me if I shout here? Or make the house dirty?” She asked.

Although she believes that she was saying this only to Sanskar her voice was audible to everyone present there and all were chuckling, except Swara.

“Vidhi! Keep quiet!” She said angrily.

“Are beta, why are you scolding her? Let her say what she wants to. Afterall she has right to ask anything. And vidhi you can shout, run, jump, or you can make this house messy. You can do whatever you want to.” DurgaPrasad said, taking Vidhi from Sanskar.

“Vese, Vidhi would you mind sharing your custard with me?” DurgaPrasad asked.

“Custard!!” Vidhi beamed with joy listening to custard.

“Vidhi, go with your dadi she will give you custard.” He said. Vidhi went with Annapurna, whilst Annapurna was serving custard to her Sanskar showed the neighbouring house to Sharmishtha and Swara, which he had taken on rent.

****

Everyone kept on taking for hours, inspite of a long and tiring journey they kept themselves engrossed in chit-chat. While Swara was quite.

“Anyone wants tea?” Annapurna asked.

“Me!” Sanskar said immediately.

“Yeah, I know you love tea. Just wait for sometime.” Annapurna said and moved into the kitchen.

Swara too went in with her.

“Look beta, Here I kept all the spices, there pulses, and flour and rice is in these containers.” Annapurna said, giving a brief information about kitchen to her.

She simply nodded. Annapurna sighed and put a hand on her shoulder.

“Beta, Sanskar has told us everything about you and Vidhi. I know it’s difficult for you but take your time and be the part of our family from​ your heart. Only mere by marrying my son, you won’t become a family member, for that you need to trust us, you need to share your problems with us. Okay?” Annapurna said kissing her forehead.

Swara was overwhelmed with her behaviour. She just loved them, but her mind was saying that she should not trust them so soon.

***

@night

“Vidhi, come beta. It’s late.” Swara said calling Vidhi, who was playing with her grandparents.

“Vidhi will stay with her dadu and dadi! Right Vidhi?” Annapurna asked.

“Right dadi!” Vidhi said giving hifi to her.

Swara was uncomfortable leaving Vidhi with them but she has no other option. She came to Sanskar’s room, which was ‘their’ room now.

When she entered she saw Sanskar taking out comfortor from the bed storage.

“Thank God Swara you have came!” He said closing the bed storage.

“Here is the key to this wardrobe, this is they key of this room I have taken out most of my things so that you can put your things in, I will clear everything from here tomorrow. Now, I am going to sleep. I am tired.” Saying this He moved out of the room leaving Swara alone, respecting her privacy.

Whole night Swara kept on thinking how could his family love her without any motive? How could he respect her so much? How can a man respect a woman so much? How can his parents love Vidhi ? How can they accept Vidhi wholeheartedly? How ?

****

The time was passing and the bond between Swara and Sanskar’s parents grew stronger, she was less awkward with them but on the other hand, her and Sanskar’s relation has worsen.

Vidhi along with her grandparents went to a family function in Shimla, whereas Sharmishtha had been to Kolkata in her native town.

Sanskar’s shift ended soon. So, he decided to spend some time with Swara. So, that the awkwardness which grew between them could vanish.

“Let’s go to movie! What say Swara?” Sanskar asked her on call.

“Umm… Vo… Sanskar I have work at home. I can’t go” she lied.

“Swara, I know you are lying. You have nothing to do and you must be fidgeting your dupatta while talking to me.” Sanskar said.

Swara jumped in amazement. Indeed, she was fidgeting her dupatta while talking to him. But she never knew he noticed​ such small thing about her.

“Vo… N-nothing like that.” She tried to cover.

“Swara, give me a chance. If you won’t allow me to remove this awkwardness between us. How on earth we are going to manage for life?” He said with disappointment.

“Sanskar, we got married only because of Vidhi. There is no scope for our relation. And I cleared this very thing before our marriage.” She said rudely.

“I am not saying you to be my wife, damn it! But we can’t live like strangers, earlier we were friends and now we are living like unknown! ” Sanskar said, controlling his frustration.

“I’m sorry.” She apologized.

Sanskar closed his eyes in dispair. Took a deep breath and spoke.

” I didn’t intend to​ hurt you. Well, I am sorry. Chuck it. I will get late.” Saying this Sanskar cut the call.

Swara realised that she was wrong. She should have given Sanskar a chance to remove the awkwardness. She immediately took her clothes out and got ready. She even booked a table for their dinner.

She kept on waiting for him, but he came nearly around 11.

“Sans-” Swara was about to say something, when Sanskar just walked off, making Swara Sad.

That was the last effort from his side to make their relationship lively. After that, he stopped taking initiatives for their relation and started ignoring Swara.

His ignorance worked what his presence couldn’t. It affected her badly. She was missing his talks, his jokes, his demands, everything. Sanskar reserved himself in a strict way, not willing to disturb Swara.

Now, it was her turn. She started to take initiatives unknowingly yet wholeheartedly.

******

Night

“Hello aunty. When you all are coming?” Swara dialled Annapurna and asked her.

“Beta, we are going to stay here for one more week. Vidhi’s outing is still pending.”Annapurna said.

“Ohhhh!” Swara sighed sadly.

“Achha, ma I was thinking to make something special in dinner, can you suggest me something? Which… Sans-” she stopped and cut the call abruptly without even completing.

Here Annapurna smiled and felt happy listening to ma from her mouth, and her happiness doubled after guessing that Swara is taking steps to better their relationship. She immediately called back.

“Swara! Control yourself! Ma kya sochengi mere bare me? Wait! Did I just addressed her, ma? Yes! I did!” Swara smiled recalling that. Her phone rang and she lifted that hesitantly.

“Swara, make Shahi paneer. Sanskar loves that. And if you want prepare idli for breakfast, he loves that too. You can ask me anything, beta. Take care.” Saying this Annapurna disconnected the call, making Swara blush.

“Oh god! What’s happening with me!” She gasped.

******

Sanskar came home earlier after finishing his shift. When he came, he saw Swara wearing anarkali suit, with long danglers. He felt something strange seeing her ready, but ignored.

Swara was roaming around him, gathering courage to ask him out. She was buzzing around him, trying to catch his attention.

“Speak up! If you want to say anything.” Sanskar asked.

“Vo.. ummm… If you don’t mind… C-can we go out for dinner?” She asked hesitantly.

Sanskar got shocked at first and then agreed.

“Sure!” Saying this he moved towards the car.

Swara slammed her hand against her head and ran behind him, Sanskar frowned seeing her.

“Atleast change your clothes.” She said.

“Swara, I am tired enough to change clothes. And these clothes are not bad at all.” Sanskar said, checking his clothes.

Swara sighed and sat into the car. Sanskar drove to the restaurant where she wanted to have dinner.

******

“Sanskar, what you wanna order?” She asked.

Sanskar, without seeing the menu spoke ” dum biryani, rumali roti, mix veg raita, dal makni and in sweetdish, two chhena payesh. In starter, bring french fries”

Swara wanted to hide herself. Sanskar knew her choice, he knew her reactions, he knew everything about her and Vidhi and she just knew Shahi paneer and idli in the name of his choice. She was cursing herself mentally.

They had dinner Sanskar was happily munching the food, while Swara was just feeling guilty for not even knowing his choices even after three months of marriage.

“I am done!” Sanskar said, pouring water into the glass.

“Me too!” She said.

They paid the bill and came near the car. In the mean time Swara thought for long drive, afterall who doesn’t love long roads, away from traffic, cold breeze.

“Sanskar, let’s go on a long drive.”

“Well, I don’t like long drives. It’s just wasting fuel, time and energy. And if you want to go on a drive, I promise I will take you tomorrow but not today. I am tired moreover, the weather seems not good.” Saying this he was about to sit in the driving seat but Swara sat there first.

“I will drive back to home!” She said excitedly, thinking to give some rest to him.

“Swara, get off the seat, you can’t drive here!” Sansakr said

“Why can’t I? I have liscence, I know driving well. Don’t worry you just sit with me. Trust me I am a good driver.” She said.

“Swara, it’s not about driving! Road here are very different from the one in Mumbai or Kolkata. There are roads with steep turns, narrow lane, even roads could become slipry in rain. So, you better let me drive.” Sanskar said, trying to make her understand.

“Don’t worry trust me! I will manage.” Swara said assuringly. Sanskar gave up.

Swara was driving very carefully. Sanskar seemed to be satisfied with her safe driving, but still he was keeping an eye on road and her. Suddenly, Swara lost her lane at a steep turn Sanskar tried to stabilize the steering but failed and the left side of car crashed with a tree, leaving Sanskar injured.

******

Hospital

Swara was waiting outside the ward, with tears in her eyes. She got a few stitches on head and rest was fine. But, Sanskar was severely injured. Time stopped moving for her. The thought of separation from him sent cold shivers down her spine. Even in her worst nightmare she didn’t want the separation from him.

“Mrs Maheshwari, Dr Maheshwari is fine now. But, he had lost large amount of blood, so take care of him. Right now he is unconscious. And we will be keeping him under observation for three days. After that you can take home.” Dr said and left.

Swara entered the ward and saw unconscious Sanskar, having a bandage on his head, he has fractured his left leg and stitches in left arm. Swara murmured a sorry to him, and planted a kiss on his forehead. She caressed his head with trembling hands.

“How much you got hurt only because of me. I’m sorry!” Tears skipped her eyes.

Morning

Sanskar opened his eyes and saw Swara sleeping on the couch. He tried to get up and whimpered in pain, breaking Swara’s sleep.

“Sanskar, do you want anything?” Swara immediately asked.

“Just water.” He said.

Swara made him sit and she made him drank the water, and later wiped his face with hanky. Sanskar was just adoring her care.

****

Swara was almost fine. Even Sanskar was recovering fast. Annapurna, DurgaPrasad and Sharmishtha too came back after listening to their accident.

“Maa, I am going hospital.” Swara shouted before leaving. Today she is going to take her Sanskar back to home. That happiness was clearly seen on her face. The elders felt satisfied seeing Swara’s attraction towards him.

***

Swara entered the ward and saw a nurse unbuttoning Sanskar’s shirt. She hurriedly went near them and stood infront of that nurse.

“What are you doing?” She asked angrily.

“Mam, it’s time for Dr Sanskar’s sponge bath.” She said politely.

“You can go, I will do this.” Swara orderd and nurse left.

Swara kept on cursing that nurse. How dare she to touch her Sanskar? How?

“Swara, you don’t need to do this. I will ask any male nurse to do this. So, that you won’t feel uncomfortable.” Sansakr said, seeing the hesitation in her face. But was that really hesitant look? No. That was pure blush.

“No need, I will do.” Saying this she shyly removed his shirt, revealing his muscular body.

She dipped the cloth in Luke warm water and started, cleaning his chest. She was trying her level best not to touch his skin with here bare hands but failed. With each passing moment, her shyness was increasing rapidly. She could adore his muscular body shamelessly for the whole day, and why not afterall that only belongs to her.

******

Swara wanted to apologize to him for her stupidity because of which he got hurt but couldn’t gather the courage.

“I am sorry Dr Sinha, I can’t attend that conference this time. This plaster is going to irritate me for 6 more weeks.” Sanskar said to Dr Sinha, his senior, his mentor.

“Sanskar, but you always wanted to be a part of this conference. It’s dream of every doctor don’t miss this, it’s once in lifetime opportunity. And the conference is after 8 weeks, by then you can walk easily.” Dr Sinha said, explaining the importance of conference.

“Actually, Dr Sinha, on the same day, my daughter is going to take part in her zonal poem recitation competition and she wants me to see the program. And to be honest, that’s more important for me.” Sanskar said.

“Beta, I understand. You are like my son that’s why I am telling you, sorry for being stoic but you can miss that program but not that conference. Even I had missed many programs of my son because of my work. And trust me your daughter will understand.” Dr Sinha said.

“Sorry sir, you are wrong here. I can’t miss her program.” Sanskar said smilingly.

“Well, then it’s upto you. Take care my son!” Dr Sinha said and left.

Swara, who had overheard their conversation felt overwhelmed with Sanskar’s love. This time she couldn’t control herself and hugged him tightly making him shock.

“Swara?”

“Swara, what happened?” He again asked.

“I am sorry, I am so sorry for everything. I was stupid, I never gave you the importance which you deserved​. I never gave you care which I should. I am sorry because of my stupidity you got hurt. Now, because of Vidhi you are skipping your conference. Sanskar, don’t Skipp that, I promise. I will manage, Vidhi.” She said in between sobs.

“Oh god! Tumhara Rona aur sorry bolna khatam ho Gaya ho to kuch bolu mai bhi?” He said, parting her from his chest and whiped her tears.

“Don’t be sorry for anything. What you did was only because of your bitter experiences with men, but Swara all men are not same. And Rahi baat accident ki to, it happens, it’s petty thing. And for conference, I can attend that next time, but Vidhi’s competition is more important for me. Afterall her father would see her first competition. Stop feeling guilty unnecessarily.” He said and planted a kiss on top of her head.

Swara kept her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeats, his heart which only beats for her. This time she had a satisfactory smile on her face.

“Thank-you!” She said.

Sanskar smiled and tighten the hug murmuring “I love you, Swara.”

“I love you too!” She said giving him another shock.

He immediately parted the hug and looked at her in disbelief.

“Did you say, what I heard?”

“I love you Dr. Sanskar Maheshwari, with all my heart and soul.” She said with tinted cheeks.

“Swara, you have no idea how badly I want to jump and dance in this whole house. But, damn! This plaster.” He said with a pout.

Swara chuckled a bit ” we will dance together, once you get fine.” Saying this she again placed her head on his chest.

The end.