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Here is next update.
Sorry it was delayed by a day.

Happy reading.Please ignore any errors or typos found .
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She didn't expect him to show up , not even in her worst night mares, but nightmares come un announced , He was one. She and Tara were at the park as planned , and Swara felt it was a good decision watching how Tara took all the new hustle bustle around with her wide eyes and smiley face. She clapped in glee watching kids play and fidgeted in Swara’s arms  to get down . Swara looked for a safe place in the lawn. She can't let Tara wander away, not in a place relatively new .Finding one safe spot ,She slowly let down Tara , smiling wide at her excitement, but her eyes were alert.

It was then the voice came from behind.

Hello Swara! 

And she froze.She didn't need to turn back to confirm but she did , desperately  wishing it to be a fragment of her imagination. But the shock landed on her finally as he came face to face with a monster  that ruined their lives.

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Sahil flashed an evil grin as his eyes moved to Tara . “Oh! That lovely kid is my daughter, isn't she?’

Swara instinctively grabbed Tara and held her close in a protective stance. 

“I am sorry , I couldn't make it to funerals.  I was busy making little money . That's a better deal,  right ! Dear sis - in law. But Alas, My luck ran short … and I needed more money. Socha idhar udhar kyun? Seedha tumhare paas aa jata hoon. Pehle tumhare ghar gaya . Tum mili nahi ,Lekin I found the child care address! Then I  followed you.

Looks Like you are doing well for yourself .I have seen you going into that big mansion. Not bad! Not Bad!” 

Ab dekho…Swara!

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Swara’s feet refused to move even after Sahil left as if ice hit her veins . Then as if some lightning had struck she ran …and in no time she was near her scooty and back in the mansion. Her hands shivered all the way but she managed to hold back.

 Locking herself up , Swara curled on bed holding Tara. Fear and despair hit her at once recalling his words.

“She’s Mine and you can't stop me. I will be back tomorrow to visit my daughter.”

No ! No! Swara mumbled incoherently . He is not getting Tara. No one can  snatch Tara from her. No one. No one! Tears spilled out as she kept on murmuring. She is not stepping out. What if he comes here , takes Tara away? What about the promise she made to Asha di?  She would die before letting him touch Tara.  Dreadful past rushed back to her . And Time made no sense any longer, until the faint voice of Sanskaar pushed her out of slumber.

He is here. And with no thoughts she dashed towards the door and crashed into his arms.

“Sanskaar ! “

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Her Sobs were never ending as she mumbled in bits and pieces about Sahil and Tara . Sanskaar didn't need to  hear the whole thing to make sense.

He gathered a shivering Swara into his arms and strode quickly towards bed. He lowered her gently, settled himself in the middle of bed and then picked Tara, cradling them close on either side.

“Bas! Bas ! I am here ! Kuch nahi hoga”  He murmured soothing words till he felt Swara relax and cooed till Tara fell asleep. Lowering and securing her on bed, he turned to Swara. He reached for a glass of water and held it out urging her to take slow sips while his hand stroked her back softly …He waited till Swara felt better , better enough to narrate events of the evening.

“He wants money ! Asha di saved some amount on Tara’s name and her legal guardian has rights on it. He somehow got a whiff of it and he wants Tara only for money! Sanskaar .. I was so scared I can't even tell you. I just .. didn't know what to do .. I, “  Swara looked for words. “ I can't let Tara go . Never. Agar Tara mujhse dur hogayi toh main…mar..” 

“Sshhh! Chup! “ Sanskaar placed a finger on her lips, not letting her finish the sentence.He cradled her face , his fingers tracking her cheeks in softest strokes.

“Do you trust me, Swara?” He asked, his eyes turning a shade deep as he gazed into hers.

Swara nodded with misty eyes, “Sabse Jyada”. 

“You think I would let anything happen to you and Tara? I will not let that bastard lay a finger on you both. Tara is yours. And it's gonna stay that way. Ye Sanskaar Maheswari ka waada hain tumse. Jab tak main hoon , kuch nahi hone dunga ” And he sealed the deal with a kiss on the forehead and a hug …offering Swara all love he could. Swara held onto him taking in every bit of love and comfort  His presence soothed her like none. And with Sanskaar next to her , she knew she had nothing to fear.

But Sanskaa’s  thoughts were centred around one person, he had to settle.

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After 4 days 

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Sahil found himself in Sanskaar Maheswari’s cabin. His eyes roamed around taking in the rich polishedness of the cabin . His sister- in - law  sure managed to catch hold of the real prize in form of scion of Maheswari group. Well Done, Swara! At Least you didn't turn out like your loser Sister. 

He had no clue of inklings between Mr .Maheswari,  Swara and Tara , but he had every intention to find out. It's not an everyday scenario that a multi millionaire business tycoon has his interests placed in someone as common as a Swara. He already had plans going around , but he would wait …to hear what this man has to offer  before playing his cards.

This little game just got interesting , He smiled . 

It was after 20 minutes , he found himself staring at Sanskaar Maheshwari. A confident aura with an air of arrogance ,He for sure has an intimidating presence, Sahil concluded . He quickly wiped his sweating palms waiting for the meeting to start.

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“How much? “

Sahil didn't expect it to be this straight . He anticipated a nice long talk where they could discuss terms , but this man looked like he didn't want to waste time. Well! Good for him. The sooner he gets his hands on crispy notes , the better.

“Excuse me ! “ He countered,'' I am here for my daughter and  May I know what is your relation with Swara and Tara? And who are you to get involved in our family matters?” 

Sanskaar felt like laughing. Only if this man  had least consideration for what he termed family , the card he played as per convenience. 

“Would you prefer money or an answer?” Sanskaar replied , his eyes intent on Sahil.Well! We will play if you want was the message.

Sahil was in a fix. He didn't expect his question to turn on him and realised he isn't dealing with any rookie here . What if this man just gives an answer and shoos him off. He will be left with nothing, leave alone money.

“I don’t have much time, Sahil.” Sanskaar looked at his watch and tapped the table impatiently, “ How much to stay away from Swara & Tara?”

Sahil did some mental calculations. For now he could fish a few lakhs and when needed, more. Of Course, it would be foolish to let go of this golden goose. Jab paise chahiye … he will have his wallet full. All he has to do is show up around Swara or Tara with empty threats.And his work would be done . For God Sake ! He had no intentions to get trapped with a kid. Such fussy , irritating creatures. If this man doesn't have a problem shelling a few lakhs he shouldn't have minting the money. He quoted 25 willing to cut down by few , if needed. 

But when he saw Sanskaar scribbling on a cheque book with no questions, his eyes shone with greed.Gotcha!

Damn! Should have asked for more , he thought . No worries! He can always come back for more. How did this man run a business? Such an Emotional fool. Throwing money for some random outsiders. 

Does it matter? His purpose is being served.  Sahil licked his lips in anticipation.

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He waited for the cheque to be passed, instead he had an agreement slide smoothly across the table to his side. 

“What is this?” He asked picking the bunch of papers.

“This is an agreement our lawyers have drawn up. The content in short says,'you are in no position to take care of the child and offer her good, secured upbringing  given your financial state and your other ways of living.Hence you are willingly foregoing all rights on Tara and appointing Swara as her legal guardian. And in no way you will have any claim on Tara hereafter.” Arjun sitting next to Sanskaar explained for benefit. 

Sanskaar watched in his usual cool demeanor as Sahil went outrageous, refusing to sign the papers, throwing warnings that he would go to court, fight them . “You will not be able to stop me ,Mr. Sanskaar Maheshwari. ” 

“Well! I have another file which might appeal a little more to you.” Sanskaar smiled , “Have some water Sahil, You might need it.” He signalled Arjun to pass another file. As Sahil flipped the pages , color drained from his face, sweat broke on his forehead . 

“It took a little time for my team to pull this together, but it was all worth it.” Sanskaar leaned back comfortably in his plush chair. He had his ways to crack thick skulls “It has colorful details of your life, your debts , money squandering and cheating skills, gambling prowess and of course the complaint filed by Asha on your abusive nature and … much more. I am sure the police would love it as people whom you have been avoiding paying money to . Quite a few bad ones there you messed up with, Sahil.They would love to have a piece of you. What do you say?” His lips curved to a wicked grin.

Sahil curled his fists.  It was clear now. This was no discussion to offer him more money, just a one time settlement .. Sahil sat , shaking with anger. His all best laid plans have gone to waste. And this was a raw deal in all ways. He will not have more money or kid and he can't even fight back.

This was all a plan to trap him , rob him of  all future possibilities.And he walked straight in like a fool.

Sahil gritted his teeth , “You bas…”

And he didn't have a chance to complete. All happened in a blink & shut. Sanskaar shooting up from his chair with a force enough to tumble it down …his hands grabbing Sahil's neck in a hold ,enough to choke him to slow death, bit by bit. 

“Mind your words,Sahil, “ His voice ..frost and deadly and his eyes a menace, Sanskaar tightened the choke , now eye to eye with Sahil. “ You think you would randomly show up one day , threaten my girls and walk away with it? Swara and Tara are my world. And a scratch on them … I would be raising hell.” His hand closed tighter. Sahil struggled for breath, but what scared him was the person before him. He wasn't a cool regal business man anymore rather a devil in its full form. The rage in his eyes… Lethal. 

“ Agar tum Swara ya tara ki aas paas bhi dikha… mind you, I will ensure you will never see light in your life. Ever!” His grip loosened but the warning was clear.You mess with my people. You die!

Sahil stumbled from the chair with bouts of cough, gasping for breath .He reached for water with trembling hands ..and gulped all at once.Sanskaar leaned forward , his demeanor now cool as cucumber.

“Either you sign the agreement, take the money and never come back or your file is going right to its proper place . I will leave the choice to you . And you have exactly 10 minutes” Sanskaar finished back to his usual self.

It was after 15 minutes Sahil walked out with cheque and out of Swara and Tara’s life, forever.

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Swara stared at agreement in her hands. 

“This needs to be produced in court and approved. There is nothing to worry, Our lawyers will take care of it. Just a matter of few days, Tara will be yours legally.” Sanskaar said with a smile. He could feel the relief the way she relaxed , her posture no longer rigid like stone. He could have imagined how tough the last few days had been for Swara  juggling between constant fear and hope. He didn't leave her side for most of the time other than when they had to  snatch a few hours to meet  lawyers. Swara assumed the role of the guardian given the situations, but she was never appointed as one legally which posed complications. And Sahil, being a biological father definitely held an advantage. 

But Sanskaar was glad this nightmare was over. His world is safe and nothing or no one can threaten it further. The tears of joy in Swara’s eyes as she clasped Tara close “Ab hum saath rahenge Hamesha,’ she showered kisses on the kid. He watched them with his heart full …and the moment Swara looked up at him , her eyes brimming with unnamed emotions, He felt love and only gratitude that she was sent into his life. She stretched out a hand and Sanskaar joined the hug … and they celebrated this moment …together.

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Sanskaar didn't expect Swara to jump in joy at the news of money being offered to SahiL. He knew she would protest and as expected she did. It was in the evening  at their usual spot in the garden.

“Swara! It was needed.”  Sanskaar assured. “Trust me! Money is the motive behind his actions and it's not much, given we are having Tara to ourselves. Frankly Speaking, It's  a raw deal and he was at a losing end. Agar itne bhi nahi milega tho he will unnecessarily turn vengeful and harbor hate towards you and kid.”

“What if he comes back for more money? We can’t trust him, Sanskaar. He is ..” Swara expressed her concern. 

“That's taken care of already, Swara.” Sanskaar reassured, “ We have a watch over him.  One wrong move and he is aware of the consequences.  You don’t have to worry about anything.”

Swara felt relieved . How could she ever thank Sanskaar? He stood by her like a rock, never leaving her side all these days, but she had something to say .

“Sanskaar , I have no clue how to thank you for all you are doing to me and Tara. I really appreciate all your concern and care for us both and I trust you too. But this amount might not be a big deal for you , but it's huge for me and I can't stand watching you throw away your hard earned money . Please let me pay back even small installments from my Salary. You already have been generous enough to lend us the roof and .. now..”

“Concern? Care? That's all you can see, Swara? ” Sanskaar  cut her in between and stared at her in disbelief , “Generous ? Really Swara! He sounded disappointed . Swara immediately felt bad. That wasn’t her intention. She waited for him to continue.

“There is only one motive behind all my actions. And that's the love I have for you and this kid.” He would repeat it a thousand times if he had to .  Sanskaar cupped her face, his fingers sliding as gentle caress.

“Swara! You know it by now. Don’t you ? That there is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.Because I think of you both as mine! I took a decision in the best interests of you and Tara  because I believed I have a right! Tell me I am not wrong! ”  He pleaded, trying to read her eyes. 

And wished she would understand they are his world in every sense.

Swara gazed at him in silence. If not for Sanskaar , she had no clue how she could have tackled this, all alone . For sure she would have put up a fight , but she can never deny that it's because of Sanskaar things moved quickly and smoothly. He always claimed she made a huge difference in his life . Would she ever be able to tell him , show him the difference he made to their lives? How he simply turned this dull, lifeless little world of theirs into sunshine and rainbows.

“Tara is yours as much as she’s mine. There is no way I can take that away from you,” Swara assured, placing her hands over his “ I am sorry , if I hurt you …I ”

“That’s enough for now.” Sanskaar didnt let her finish as a tear of joy sprang in his eyes.  “Now,Give me a hug, will you?”

Swara smiled and sank into his familiar embrace but she knew she could always convince about installments from salary, if not today then tomorrow. 

At this moment all that mattered was their little word was safe from all threats

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Kavita curiously gazed at a photo of a petite woman before her , standing next to Sanskaar.  It was from a business party she recently attended. And who garnered all her attention was Scion of Maheswari group, who volunteered to charm her that night.

She hadn’t been able to get him out of her head. And she had been loving their frequent catch up. She had been well aware of The Sanskaar Maheshwari even before their personal rendezvous. Who wouldn't in the business world given the way he graced magazines. Ofcourse she knew of the little tragedy of his family, but what was so admirable about him was the way he rocketed Maheshwari group to unattainable heights of success. That showed grit, will and never give up attitude, everything she loved. And good looks. Ah! She eyed his photo in black 

He scores so well in that department .  Such a Hard to resist combination.

She joined her dad’s business 2 years ago and had been making quite a mark by herself but she always aimed for the best. It was a known fact Sanskaar Maheshwari never took interest in women. His personal details, social life had always been clipped. They were hardly spoken about or let's say he was more of a private person. She met him briefly in one or two board meetings but that night the party took her by surprise.

His subtle approach and she did feel special being pursued by Mr. Sanskaar Maheswari. She wished to take it further, but he hadn’t been reciprocating her advances or even calls from the past 2 weeks. He cited he was occupied and she didn't want to disturb him further.

As she was scanning through photos from the party that night, this particular one immediately had her interest. Who was she ? Sanskaar usually attended parties alone , she had taken a note long back , but he looked so comfortable and the way he was gazing and smiling at her , definitely piqued her interest .A friend ? A business associate or more?

She intends to find out.

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A star and few words .
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