Ok.. So My dear readers, 

Here comes a very short update. 

I will be posting next part soon too. I don't intend to keep you guys waiting, till I am done with next one which might take a couple of days.This seemed like a piece which would fit as part..hence decided to post. Be warned, it's short. 

Like always, Do read and keep sharing your thoughts and drop some stars too. Would love to hear.They keep me going.

Please, ignore any errors and typos found. Happy Reading

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While Stars seemed to be shining upon Swara and Sanskaar for next few days, sadly same couldn't be said to Maheshwari's. First, it was the accident of Ram Prasad Maheshwari, his close encounter with death when a truck crashed into his car.It was 'sheerluck', as quoted by police he could get away with few bruises and a leg fracture. Brake failure of the truck was the reason that came up in the investigation.

Next was in form of major contract Maheshwari's had been resting hopes on, absolutely sure of their bid emerging to be a winner. Sadly it was lost to a rival firm much to their disappointment.Though not a huge loss, but the contract would have just been another success on the loaded cap of Maheshwari's.

Sujata had been continuously rambling about gruh shanti pooja to wade off any buri najar

befalling upon their household ..Annapurna couldn't agree more.Though Sujata didn't dare to mention, she had few apprehensions on whose buri nazar it could be.It could be only of that bengali chori, she felt but her every doubt would be written off as silly, she knew , by rest of household.Hence she chose to remain silent but decided to work upon solution on her own.

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Sanskaar stood silently watching the woman in front of him. Who would believe such pretty face could be capable of vicious schemes, but today he intended to put an end to this.

" You should stop if you have any other plans up your sleeve Kavita. I Didn't say a word during scandal because I knew it was Laksh's fault. Hence I refrained, but the play you have staged with Simran and other actors, you might have succeeded momentarily, but as you can see, Its no longer effective. I would suggest ,you stay off and drop any more ideas you have ." He stated straight. He never believed in beating around the bush. Few words, clear and straight would do the job.

Kavita who had been listening to him intently gave out a reckless laugh " So you figured it out. I knew you would," She moved to little closer, Sanskar stood unflinching." Tum smart ho...Not an emotional fool like that stupid fiancee of yours....who..'

"Words ..Kavita "Sanskaar snapped at her next minute, grabbing her hand which he felt was intruding his space ' you better mind them," He warned in a low tone. Kavita held her back her anger. So he wouldn't tolerate a word against that Bose. But she didn't to want to burn bridges, before trying to mend them.

" Oops Sorry, I didn't mean it, that was not intentional "Kavita brought her sweetest tone,"Sunny...I meant.."

"Sanskaar .. .."He quickly cut her in, "Its Sanskaar for you , Kavita, "His eyes moved to the closing distance between them,"you better step back.I appreciate my personal space." His tone was enough cue for her to get the message .

Kavita stepped back scowling. What would it take to get him? Beauty, charm, grace, position, money, A well-known family name.That Swara bose had nothing yet she managed to wrap him around her finger. Ok ! Fine, there's no use trying to be nice. Since her ploy is out, better play it open

"Fine Sanskaar.." Kavita leaned back on pillar facing him, her face up "Let's talk straight! Yes, I did stage the play .. and the circulated the photograph too, What would do, Send me to jail? for what? For Scandal, for rumors ? Or you would bring it out in open? It's of no use.If you are Maheshwari, I am Roy too."

What an arrogance! And he was right about her. She is so full of herself.Glad she was off him. Thanks to Swara!

"I have to admit Sanskaar, you managed to turn the game around with your little engagement. Smart move," Kavita gave a little clap in mock appreciation," But let me tell you. I am not the one to give up. So.."

"What is it you want Kavita?Up and straight."Sanskaar didn't want to drag discussion anymore.He was already irked to the core

"You .." came her answer.

Taken aback for a minute, Oh! This is all about him, and he had no doubts Swara was the soft target to reach him.Sanskaar shook his head."That's never gonna happen and doesn't make sense too. I am engaged. I love Swara. You cant have me Kavita" Sanskaar tried to make her see sense.Is she dumb or what vying for him, who doesn't love her.

It felt like a bruise on her ego.She was tired of hearing this. 'You can't get him.'and it just seemed to fuel her madness in greater proportions, to have him."I don't care Sanskaar, If I can't get you, be assured I will not let you have Swara.."Naked hatred flashed in her eyes, "That good for nothing Bose snatched you from me, If not for her intrusion things would have worked between us, but now ..I will not spare her."

Sanskaar held back his reigning anger.It was clear Kavita had her evil eyes set on Swara."What are you planning to do? "He asked, his voice and fury restrained.

"Ruin her..." and she intends to do it.

This lady is no dumb but vile who wouldn't battle an eyelid to put other at stake for her own interests and held no remorse.Sanskaar realized that moment.

"Try to stop me, save her if you can, but I promise and will make sure ..she will rot in hell..even worse.." Her voice choked as well breath, as his hand grabbed her neck. His eyes burned with a lethal rage, as he tried not to give into his momentary madness, the wish to strangle her to death, "Don't you dare...Kavita." his tone chilled down by several degrees into a deadly warning. As his grip loosened Kavita masked her fear at his unleashed fury.

"Touch her ..he will rip you apart. "Sahil's words popped in her mind, out of nowhere. This is what it is. He would..with no second thoughts.

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Swara stepped out of library" Pata nahi ye Sanskaar kaha reh gaya?' He was supposed to meet her in the library."Call karti hoon, "About to reach to her mobile in the back pocket, she caught a glimpse of him down the corridor from the upper floor.There seemed to be another person which she couldn't get a clear view of. How does that matter? She would wait if needed.It was not until she reached near him and took his name, She realized, It was Kavita.

Swara's temper flared. All these days she had been ignoring her, focusing on getting her love life back on track. She didn't even confront Kavita on Scandal.She has Sanskaar, That was enough, but she was absolutely aware, how Kavita still had eyes for Sanskaar. Watching them together just stirred some strong emotions in her. An unknown fear of losing Sanskaar, an instinct to protect him from claws of this woman, the hidden anger on Kavita, they resurfaced. Ignoring Sanskaar who was about to say something..Swara charged at Kavita

"What are you doing here Kavita? And how dare you .."

"Oh sweetheart," Kavita crossed her arms with a sly smile" Why don't you ask same to your fiance?". Her eyes moved to Sanskaar, back to Swara "He wanted to meet me.Oh Ho..he didn't tell you, did he? Sad, tck..tck.."

Swara's eyes moved to Sanskaar.He gave a slight nod.Swara held back her anger. He must be here for a reason but she no way was willing to leave him with Miss Roy, not for a minute.

" Sanskaar, Let's leave." She held his hand expecting him to move.

" We better reach a closure for our discussion Sanskaar, "Kavita interrupted,"You don't want to leave it midway, do you? "

" Sorry, But We are done," Swara shot back quickly,"Sanskaar chalo yaha se..chalo."But Sanskaar didn't move a bit, his eyes still throwing daggers at Kavita.He was not yet over with her.

"Swara tum jao yaha se .."

Swara started at him in disbelief. He wanted her to leave, not Kavita." Sanskaar..." Swara voice echoed the same. " But ..I .."

"Swara, Leave ..." his fiery gaze turned to Swara." I don't want any arguments, Leave right now.." and the message was clear. He wanted her to leave. Swara's eyes moved back to Kavita who seemed to enjoy her being cast off like unwanted and Kavita's victory smile was just salt sprinkled on her hurt pride.Not saying a word, Swara drew back her hand ,cast one more look at Sanskaar who seemed unaffected and warded off with no second glance.

She didn't intend to make spectacle before Kavita.He would give her answers sooner or later...he will have too.

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Sanskaar had no intentions of giving any answers. He intended to keep Swara away from all this mess. She had endured enough already.The bottom line of his discussion with Kavita was, " Be mine. Swara would be safe." If Kavita thought he would be giving in to her threat of this, There would be no greater fool than her. True, Swara is his weak point, but he will never let anyone take advantage of same. He made it clear too, "Jab tak main hoon Kavita, tum Swara ko choo bhi nahi sakthi.." She would stay away if she is any wiser.His anger didn't subside yet, and worry started to take over. He had no clue of Kavita's intentions, but she would strike soon since they would be heading for marriage preparations in a couple of months.But how? She seemed so confident..God!The thought Swara might be harmed because of his presence in her life crossed his mind, it was quickly brushed off.But the fear of unknown gripped him as well the anger still simmering in him.

It was the sight of Swara at the end of the corridor that should have made him feel better.Her presence mostly worked wonders on his mood but not today, instead the dread took new proportions.His steps slowed down as he approached her.One glance at her he knew she's in a mood for a fight but he was not, in his murderous state.

Swara oblivious of Sanskars state, demanded answers.

"Nothing you should know "like always he stated clearly which irked her more.

"Oh !then it is definitely something I should know ..and I want to know."Swara countered and was in no mood to back off,"You know her don't you?Is she hatching up a new plan to snatch you away from me?Sanskaar I need an answer ...now."

Sanskaar wished Swara would leave him alone, but Swaras insistence just seemed to fuel him further.She more or less was acting like a stubborn kid, demanding answers.Troubled that Sanskaar didn't want share snippets of his and Kavita's discussion with her, he intended to keep it a secret, hurt Swara further. "Oh, So she didn't want your secret being shared with me right!and you are obliging it.So it's on her rules we are going to run ...Right Mr.Maheshwari?"

Swara didn't intend to taunt, but somehow it turned out to be one. She waited.And his silence just riled her up ." I don't believe Sanskaar that you supported her over there. Do you have any clue how it felt? Kabse chilla rahi hoon ..you are not even bothered." her voice came in sharp, a little brittle too like it was about to crack with pain. He didn't react. And That was last straw

" Now you need her permission to speak isn't it? .."

"Shut up Swara..." His voice roared, Grabbing her shoulders, he exploded with rage, he had been holding back. " Just shut up. Shut up.Are u out of your mind?Do you have any clue what rubbish are you uttering?And you think I am stupid like you to fall for Kavita's tricks.Agar tumhe thoda sa bhi akal hota na .. ye sab nahi hota.Main bhi kisse baat kar raha hoon?Tumse?Kavita was right! You are an emotional fool.Ek aur baat Swara, main kisse milta hoon, kya baat karta hoon, it's none of your concern.I don't owe you any bloody explanation.Get that straight!"

Shocked first at unexpected lash out, tears filled her eyes.As they slide down her cheeks, the sight of those drops of pain brought him back to senses.His hold loosened, and Swara stepped back next instant.It's not just tears that stung her, but heart too.But Swara held the rest of tears.

"Thank you Mr.Maheshwari for letting me know I am a stupid emotional fool and for showing me my place in your life.I thought I had right to ask, but I am sorry If I crossed my limits. " Swara wiped off a tear sliding down stubbornly.

Sanskaar squeezed his eyes shut, drew a deep breath. What the hell did he just do? It was no way to react.He opened them back at her words.

"I am sorry again I interrupted your important conversation, but please be assured, I have learned my lesson, will not disturb you further.I will not be bothered anymore." Not giving him a chance to react Swara dashed off with tears finding their way out

"Swara ...Meri Baat Suno.Swara please listen to me.."

His voice from behind reached her but she didn't turn back and was out of his sight in a matter of minutes.

Damnit! Sanskaar banged his fist on wall frustrated and furious with himself, " Main tumse gussa nahi hoon Swara." He murmured, his eyes casting a long glance at the path she just left.

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Laksh never questioned his brother. "Bhai is always right! " was a strongly rooted notion right from their time as kids.But today after a call from Ragini, he chose to.

After numerous attempts to reach out to Swara, Sanskaar gave up, sank tiredly on his bed." She's angry..aur abhi manegi nahi. Kal manavunga." May be he was wrong in trying to hide the fact from Swara that Kavita intends to harm her. It would keep her more alert, and make it easier for them both to face Kavita. Damn you! Sanskaar, he muttered a silent curse at himself. Why didn't he think of this before, his lash out was no were justified. Shouldn't have directed his anger on Kavita towards Swara. With his head pounding badly, Sanskaar decided to retire early that day. He would sort it out tomorrow in a better mood.

That's when Laksh dashed in. " Tere problem kya hai bhai? " He shot suddenly taking Sanskaar by surprise, but Laksh didn't stop.," One side we have been trying hard to set things right for you both when everything's falling back into place why are you hell bent on ruining it.?Not done bhai." His disappointment was strikingly visible,

"Lucky! Saaf Saaf bol baat kya hain?" Sanskaar didn't want any puzzles at that moment

" Did you have a fight with Swara? Ragini called me up. She says Swara had been crying continuously for almost an hour or two, wouldn't say a word to her in spite of probing.All she said was, "I have nothing to do with him"

Sanskaar heart sank. What does she mean by that?" Lucky ... main gussa main tha.I just burst on her. Trust me yaar , I have no intention to hurt her. You don't think I would do it purposely. I have been trying to call her crazily ,but in vain. Maine socha kal mana lunga..I.."Sanskaar tried to explain

"It if it had been just that bhai.. "Laksh paused him, " I wouldn't have bothered to walk in here. It's much more."

"Matlab?" Sanskaar curbed the sudden dread he felt.

" Matlab, Swara nightclub gayi hain .. and guess with who ?" Laksh paused gauzing Sanskaar's expression, "Sahil " he completed to the utter shock of Sanskaar. " When Ragini tried to stop her, she was in no mood to listen and when Ragini pointed out saying you might feel bad, Pata hain Swara ne kya kaha?..

He shouldn't be bothered. It's none of his concern.

And everything fell into absolute silence for a minute

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