To every reader,

Whom have waited so patiently happy reading.. Hope you enjoy the update and let me know what you think by comment or pressing the star button..Love to hear what you have to say as always..

Love Ekta
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"When the sparrow is no longer the star but the lightning mockingjay whom ignites to burn within"

A month earlier Sanskaar would have not believed he would have been standing at these crossroads staring into the unfathomable... He knew from the moment he had learnt of the truth from Dida that there was more to him then the story presented... As he often pondered in the endless depths of the night that nobody just appeared out of the shadows for everyone had there story and so did he however bleak that maybe...

Sanskaar could count the endless incomplete ledgers, left flickering in the cushing winds... The countless thorn pages or scribbles that would leave him so flustered to only ultimately scrunch those pages into the bin... Just like the misty night of the week before embarking back on being the person everyone expected him to be... Sanskaar knew he was a loved son, brother and friend but what he didn't know was whom was he?...Throughout his childhood the countless taunts ate into his youth for no medal or academic glory could remove the tag of being unwanted... So with time as he grew and people forgot or claimed they did for like Dida muttered at end of every day  "beta it may be a simple fact of life but as your aware money talks and always will no matter how much we shuffle it beneath a pillow... For it will always carry with it the depth that hides all may it be flawed or not... I hope you understand what I am trying to say?"... In his case this fact held president for it did both remove the tag of having no family or as he always put it the lack of a certified surname with which society would pride and open doors which would otherwise be out of the loop no matter what... So as Sanskaar stood in his hotel suite, staring at the tattered birth certificate all that would come to his mind was maybe he was wanted afterall... For the remains of the ashes, as they washed away in his hands where the proof once more that someone didn't want him to seek what really lay hidden beneath his quest... Therefore the only way forward was to either withdraw or jump and Sanskaar knew exactly the direction he was going to take... It was simple, was it not for he already knew he was going to jump...
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Badhi - Baadi - Kolkata

Back at Badhi the sudden rustling of the landline had broken Dida trance... The old maiden had been happily sipping her green tea on the porch in the early hues of the autumn chills while watching the dawn set in..  However that peaceful rivera was not meant to be as the moment had been shattered and with it only leaving a worried Dida whom had been left startled by the untimely ringing... It is not to say that Dida had not been tempted to let it be, but when it had rung a second time she simply knew it could neither be forgotten or ignored for it would be important for the caller seemed quite persistent... So Dida lay her cup back on the table while she gently swayed away from the porch to make her way back gradually into the drawing room mist mumbling a few silent curses along the way only she knew she could...

Leaving out all the morning pleasantries Dida answered the receiver with utter annoyance... She knew it could only be two possibilities of which one was either her darling Shona or Shomi for they knew she would be up for her early morning yoga session... Therefore not bothering with any of the formal etiquettes or greetings she jumped straight into the conversation...

" Bolo... to what do I owe this pleasure so earlier in the day..."

Startled by the lack of conversation Sanskaar whom had been apprehensive to make the call to begin with could sense that Dida had been annoyed by the untimely call... He knew she would be up for it had been her routine for years to walk the grounds after she completed her meditation session.... Wanting to ensure he didn't miss her that morning Sanskaar placed the call for he knew she would soon be heading out for the day... As most of Dida mornings would be spent carry out her other hobbies or social engagement which had been expedited by the neighbouring ladies... From what he recalled these expeditions could last for either mere minutes or hours if nothing constructive had been planned beforehand...

Soldiering on in his suite he rested his head back on the headboard of his bed in a sigh... "Dida mein haun... Sanskaar... Sorry meine disturb kiya par baat hi kuch aise thi ki raha nahi gaya..."

" Oh Sanskaar beta tum ho... I am sorry beta it's just I thought it was the two devils of mine, how silly of me... is everything alright?"

"No Dida how do I explain it's not all alright... you see for when I left Swara to return back to my room what I saw has confirmed what I knew all along.. Yet that is not what has been all twisted in side but I worry about Swara Dida... You see she is not safe with me!"...

Dida whom was intently listen to him was getting confused by his riddled talks.. Letting her wisdom set in she reassured Sanskaar to start form the beginning of what had happened the evening before.. So he set about telling her about the dinner they had and the documents he had found burnt in his room later that evening...

As Dida listened on intently mist sighing and smiling she felt a slight relieve... Just like Sanskaar whom had been rattled by his own demons she had been upset with the request that Sinha Saab had made... It was not that she was not happy for her children but she always hoped that this day would come out of care rather then duty... She had been feeling tired of the constant reminders she had received throughout of the promise that had been kept... As she learnt of his ordeal Dida realised that their visit had been planned and was not the mere coincidence that had been sold to her for sure she believed the attack upon her children was a sign for her to step away and this was one thing she could not promise or fulfil... For just like these men she had been intertwined by her promise to her beloved that she would always let love blossom and so as this was the matter of her children she was going to do what she felt right... She was going to reunite Sanskaar with was rightfully his all along...

Hence as Dida followed the scriptures of hymns that laid buried deep as old as time  could tell she  tried to reassure Sanskaar into silence once more... "Beta stop worrying about the shackles that try to stop you but focus upon the direction you need.. It's seems your getting closer so fight back and don't let the winds change the course that you have step upon for challenges come in all shapes and sizes but what we make of them is the reward we seek... look around you and take the strength from the people that you love... Sorry Sunny but until you don't remove this fear then no change can be made in the direction you require... All I ask of you is give me my Sunny back..."

"But Dida what of Swara ? What if she gets hurt? Beta stop worrying I tell you she is one strong cookie for what she lacks in height she makes up in spirit and when it comes to fighting for her self she will burn all in her way for the the one that will try to harm her or the once she loves...So don't worry and carry on as planned..."

"Well I suppose you are right for she has been of great  help and now that we know of what they where walking on we will be able to narrow down the road of how I landed up where I did... Also I sense that if I leave your moth behind she may eat me alive like the crows that sweep the night... For she had mentioned she was excited to see the Birla Industrial Museum for you won't believe it still houses all of uncles old research..."

"Well just for that alone she will be skipping along for she loves her babas work as much as she misses him... Beta you will be safe trust me....". Feeling reassured by her comments Sanskaar smiled at the rising sun and finally caved in to agree that it would be a great idea to move ahead after all for what had he too lose anyway... However Sanskaar failed to realise that maybe he had more to lose then his soul already had done in the past... For riches do not always need to be accumulated through monetary gains but can often be found in the memories that we create and Sanskaar would learn that these are priceless especially when the matter of the heart is involved...

So as Sanskaar lay back in bed to catch up on some much needed sleep, Swara could be seen twirling in her room all excited to tell her Dida of the journey she had so far... Unlike Sanskaar her lack of sleep had been the bundle of nerves she had build up inside due to the development of these new feelings... It's like she was walking through several cross roads and each turn she took only made her life more colourful then it had been before... She felt her inner bird calling in delight as she carried on daydreaming of the endless possibilities...

So as Swara flooded her Dida's mobile with endless messages, Snapchat's and calls showing her of her findings and worries the old maiden could be seen smiling at the sky... She felt proud to not let her judgement stop her in her mission for she could see the warmth blossoming in there friendship even if that meant that she had to walk through hell and back... But what Dida didn't not realise although she was out to unite others where on another path that would only ultimately cause destruction... As both Swara and Sanskaar had confirmed that their research had helped them find some of old projects details that where being worked on at the time... So as both mutually agreed to investigate further to find out what the the project was about and whom the main sponsors could be? As for these clues could help them lead the way to the people or place they were looking for so long...

Settling back down on the couch with her thoughts in check Dida was once again reunited with her favourite brew... Hence as order was restored for all three or so they felt none could fantom for what the surprise lay ahead... For soon the shadows of the sun would no longer be the gracing pillow but the warning of greater losses yet to come... As Dida would learn later on that evening that one may set the cards but ultimately it's the players that have to decide there moves... In Sanskaar case she hoped he would embrace the feeling he was finally letting seep within...
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"Sometimes it's the small steps that help steer us in the direction we need to be so tip toe if you must but remember always stay in control"

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum

The early hews of the morning mist where glistening with the warmth of the distressed roads that where home to several traditional buildings whom looked forlorn as time moved ahead.. As passerby looked at the monument in awe one was often left reeling of what had time had forgotten... Sanskaar looked through his aviators he was was wearing as the driver drove through the long strip of stunning Victorian buildings... Not too long into there journey had he spotted the famous iconic building that he had come to see with Swara... As the driver pattered away to Swara in his keenly wisdom of the area he had not failed to spot the glistening sign stating that they had arrived at Gurrusaday Road which was home to one of the many iconic foundations the region was well know for with its tourist...  And as luck would have it the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum was also one of the fortunate once to be part of the region... The relic was a fading monument painted in light creams and soft maroons surrounded by large patches of greenery and a welcoming warmth created by its gate that created the illusion of what was yet to come...The staple was home to various exhibitions and homage to over a 103 workers and volunteers and of which one had been Swara baba and his beloved Rizwan kaka as they had learnt in the previous couple of days... So having paid the driver and thanked him for his services Swara walked ahead to explore whilst leaving Sanskaar to dwell in the muttering of there over friendly driver...

Having arrived earlier then anticipated that morning both Swara and Sanskaar stood in keen anticipation for their guide to arrive for Arjun had informed  via text that he would be sending one of his friend to help them find the information they needed... Clasping her hands together in excitement Swara had failed the amused looks she was being garnered with from passerby..  Well to onlookers passing by they simply looked like an eager couple excited to explore... Some shock their heads as they walked by whereas others just smiled and admired the couple whom they believed looked so in love...None of the passerby could even fantom the apprehension that both where feeling for both knew the information ahead would change there course for better or worse...

Having waited for more then two hours they where graced by the presence of an very apologetic Karan whom mentioned he had been caught up in the morning rush hour... Sanskaar just nodded at the petit man whereas Swara jumped in glee as he had finally arrived as they walked up to the drive of the building mist letting Karan settle his glasses which where oddly shaped and to big for his face... He had explained in detail that he had been working on the research that Shekhar uncle had left behind as part of his various projects... Not many knew but Shekhar was a keen maths matchician and loved linking the cosmic connections of science with numbers and had over the last couple years spent most of his time working on programming such projects through which he had ultimately met Rizwan...

Having cleared clearance and being admitted with there very own entry passes Swara and Sanskaar headed in opposite directions... Unlike Swara he knew very well what he wanted to look through it had been the project 59 that had made him curious the previous night as he went through Arjun notes... It seemed that this was one of the longest project that Swara farther had been working on and would often see him make short trips to Kolkata at untimely hours on end... The number of trips had not been of alarm to him but the men that he had working with left him surprised for the likes of Durga Prasad, Avinash Sen Gupta and Mr Sinha had been liked to this project which was previously unknown to him... The fact that these sponsors where in regular contact had raised hope within Sanskaar that these men could lead him to discovering whom is birth family could have been or how he ended up with Shekhar uncle to begin with...

The key he knew always lay in unraveling the directions that Swara father had taken the eve that he had found him... So as he watched Swara settle with Karan he himself dwelled further into the project files which sadly had still yet to be computerised making it a far more strenuous task then he had anticipated...

However since the previous eve Swara had been giving Sanskaar the illusion that she was not aware of his worries... She had made sure to be brave in front of him since she had learnt of his worries and pain...It was never easy to lay forth once inner demons and that night she had learnt that the man in front of her had more of an soul then he would admit... Swara had finally learnt why her Dida it biya had been so fond of him because he was a man that never wore his emotions on his sleeves because he was led by the directions he had taken or where bestowed upon him due to others wishes... She had promised herself and Dida that she would help him come out of this darkness and a change had been made in her plan due to this... Swara was always excited to learn more about her baba but as she sat with Karan and looked through the notes in the file she had been surprised of the connection her father had, had with Durga Uncle...

They where always close with the family yet it had never been mentioned that the family enterprises where linked as well... All around there social circle it had been made clear that the optimum wealth belonged to the Maheswari which was lead in close pursuit by the Sen Gupta's... But it amazed her to learn that her baba had been part of that growth...

So as she flicked through the last of the journals laid forth to her she had been surprised by the additional initials... Swara pondered and asked Karan whom they where and how they where connected...

He looked up at her and sadly explained that he didn't know for he had tried to find out but had never been successful for it seems these initials where a pattern in all the documents... The image that laid with it had also somewhat faded but the date had been a clue and one she clutched close to her heart before she stormed off to Sanskaar to tell him of her findings...

Before Karan could even ask what had happened the elfin lady had disappeared in front of him to her muse... He just chucked and settled his glasses once more to carry on digitally cataloguing the information for his new found friends...

As Swara huffed her way towards Sanskaar she wondered how the room could have been so big for a building that looked so small... She stood still as she gathered her breaths and watched him look at her as if to ask what she wanted...
So picking up the paper she laid forth her findings... Sanskaar shifted through each piece one by one and watched her in delight... He could not help but smile for her knew she had spotted the same initials in the document that had been in his birth certificate... It had warned his heart in immense pleasure for he knew it meant that they where on the right path and for that they had to approach one of the men that had been working on the project with Swara father...

He watched her explain that she believed one of these men or even Sinha uncle could help them learn more of her fathers work and other associates that had been involved... Although they had received a clue and a better understanding of Swara fathers work it never took away the feeling of uncertainty...

Sanskaar tried to explain that the initials could mean anything and should not be read to much into but seeing the hope she carried in the clue he didn't have the heart to break her faith and this is when they had finally been joined by Karan... He came back and explained that Swara had stumbled upon the key Maheswari projects and this one was special because it had been launched on the eve of there Gala where all men had been present to launch the new initiative... So it was indeed a breakthrough in there research because it also happened to be that this year all of the men would be present at the event once more..

Karan passed them the file and advised them to attend if they could for it would be of great help as they would be able to meet some of the key employees that had helped them at the time... Swara and Sanskaar looked at the file in hand confused as he explained that he made a timeline of Shekhar work and hoped it would help them with there research...

Sanskaar felt grateful for his help and shock his hand whilst he watch Swara hug him before he mentioned that he had to leave for the day as he was required to meet the dean of the department for a final meeting of the day... So as Karan departed both headed towards the taxi stand musing over there thoughts of the day... Swara not being able to stay away any longer had embraced Sanskaar that all would be okay... She muttered away explaining that she would ask uncle to help them as she settled her head at the crock of his neck... He shifted her closer and took in the comfort offered and let his confusion fall for the time being because he had been wondering why Sinha uncle had never mentioned this to them to begin with when Swara had first approached him... He knew that the man was hiding a lot more then would have liked for them to believe but at this moment his mind was not in control of his heart... But Sanskaar allowed himself to mellow away in the embrace as she pulled her closer for he knew that the days ahead where going to be far more tremulous then he had anticipated for... For Sanskaar knew the cobbled roads were neither the foundation of the justice he seeked but the confusion of what he felt blossoming within... As Sanskaar could neither deny or acknowledge the warmth he had felt at the moment... The embrace had left him somewhat dazed but in a positive way... Maybe for once he believed it was okay to let go of control for the little moth he held in his arms would help him tip toe through the steps he knew where going to be a mile long for better or worse...

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"Eventually all pieces fall into place, for it all has to start with a direction that ultimately ends at the destination intended"

Maheshwari Residency - Kolkata

Surrounded mist several boxes of invitations Anupurma Maheshwari watched her husband cross the threshold of there home... Her eyes glistened with pride as she watched the love of her live arranging himself with the household helps... For it was her Durga daily routine to pass his brief case to Sanjay mist drinking a class of water when finally making his way up the stairs to there room ... Yet this is not what made her so attentive towards her husband but it was rather his sautan  that he liked to carry with him at all time... An outsider looking in would believe her husband was obsessed with the item for he would daily check his pocket watch before attaching it back to the gold chain mist the brooch he wore, only to finally place his pocket watch back in his sherwani pocket per usual... She couldn't fantom her husband love for the trinket for it was so outdated and somewhat of a statement piece... It's not like she had not tried to make him change it but he had been so adamant in his stance that he would not part with it for the memories it held...

So as she watched the chilling evening set to a close she prayed to her divi once again for letting them enjoy the gentle breeze as it brought with the cool of the nights after the long summer they had shared... She loved the season for the calm it bought home... Truth be told she loved it for the simple fact that it gave her some much needed family time for neither her children or husband would be around for they would either be away due to work commitments or studies and hence as she welcomed in the season with the occasional festivities she couldn't help but feel blessed to be given such a loving family...

Of course like any young bride back in the early days of her marriage Anupurma had struggled with the demands of the household but soon had managed to adept with the gentle guidance of her husband... Hence as Anupurma had settled into her role with time she had learnt to expect the pecking order... It had been made very clear to her that she would  never question either of the decisions that has been laid forth to her by either Durga or Saraswati, which she did with utmost sincerity... Yet it was not all gloom and doom for but when it came to organising the social events of the house just like the true malkin she was she had free reign to do as she pleased for her husband had made it clear as the lady of the house her final say would hold no matter what... Hence Anu had been astonished when she had been joined by  both an half hour later in the central drawing room hall... Laying down the pen she had been holding she stood up to make way for them to join her round the drawing room table while ordering Sanjay to bring water for both Saab and Bari Memsaab as he parted they heard him acknowledge the order "Jee memsaab abhi laya" as he scampered out the room to compete the task in hand...
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Sargam Foundation- Banaras

Fallen leaves littered the walkway, bathing it in dark red and orange, as she stepped on them with a satisfying crunch. The porch light had  been flickering away in the misty night as Swara walked the paths deep in her thoughts.. It had been two days since she had returned with Sanskaar from there little excursions.. She had hoped to stay back for a little more exploring after they had completed there visit at the planetarium... But her wishes has been cut short by the call of her mother whom had confirmed that the engagement date had been fixed for her bhaiya.. In all her excitement she had ran to Sanskaar room and informed him of the same...

She had run into his arms without knocking the door and told him all about it... Sanskaar whom had been on a call with Aman was left startled with the sudden impact which had taken all his strength to ensure he didn't stumble back.. But as luck would have it or say the universe had other plans for in his urge to lessen the impact both of them had fallen onto the bed mist crashing his phone to the floor..

He watched her as she mumbled away in her usual chirping self about all the plans she had for the engagement from what she planned to wear to what she would eat and boy was her list endless he thought.. Yet that was not what had made him feel restless but it was the gentle breaths that where causing havoc at the base of his neck.. Sanskaar had realised that Swara was yet unaware of there position or surroundings for she had rested her head at the base of his neck while intertwining her fingers at his back.. The slow movements where causing him to feel a whole new set of emotions once that he wanted to welcome with open arms yet couldn't fantom how..

Not wishing for the moment to end too soon he had let his heart tap into the urge and hugged her back ever so gently... However what Sanskaar had not realised was that even his mere touch would melt Swara in her own fantasies.. She has always dreamt of her own prince and she somewhat had started to carve her dreams around him without realising it... So as she let herself mellow in the embrace furthermore she heard him call her ever so gently by her name in a mere whisper from his mouth "Swara"...

"Mmmm Swara you are on top of me"...

Oh okay.. kya! Phir se kaho?..

But before Sanskaar could even say the words once more Swara had jumped as soon as she had registered his words while fluttering her eyes all round the room in the hope of being able to get herself out of any awkward conversation regarding their little moment earlier... As luck would have it the moment Sanskaar started to make his way towards her his phone had buzzed breaking away the trance that had been cast... So as Sanskaar walked away Swara had taken the opportunity to exit his room only to mumble a silent prayer to the almighty for helping her out once more....

But as Swara walked the grounds of the foundation this eve she had been left with an odd feeling of disappointment as she recalled the moment for Sanskaar had neither mentioned the moment or tried to talk with her here after.. He had kept it casual and would only answer in his usual one or two tone monotones...

Yet in all her musings Swara had failed to notice the shadow that had been watching her from afar... Just like her Sanskaar had been left flustered or somewhat insecure of the feelings he had felt for her... He was always a man that prided himself that he knew how to keep his emotions at bay... But then she has decided to fly in like a butterfly and sweep him off his feet... Yes he could acknowledge it with pride that the little nymph was beautiful but that didn't make him forget that she was not his to cherish for his past was to unknown and a man of his stature couldn't risk tainting the image of such a gentle soul.. Sanskaar had promised it to himself that he would always protect her even if Dida had made him promise to seek her help to learn of his truth.. Thus he had taken the sudden decision to step away and mingle only when needed for she was just a mere friend whom he wished would stay around when he learnt of the past that had been hidden and not become a mere acquaintance just like all the other he had met before her...

However what Sanskaar had forgotten was that the decision was not solely his for if he decided to be aloof she had made up her mind to find out why and stick around after all she had promised to be his friend through tick and thin... she smiled as she hugged away the gentle autumn chill of the night.. It was as if her baba had heard her prayer and shown her the way forward so what if they had a prior engagement to attend nevertheless she still could speak with uncle about the discovery they had made the other day.. For neither could she let her fears dominate her mind or heart and as a they say a change of direction is sometimes the best solution to a problem that we wish to tackle wishfully..

Thus Swara knew that she was no longer the sparrow that was going to sweep away the stars but the mockingjay that was going to ignite the ray for Sanskaar that would ultimately calm the burn he felt within... For the winds had not spoken but the rattling of keys could be felt once more and this time they had to return back to where there journey had started Kolkata the city of truth...
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Sen Gupta Residency - Kolkata

Having called the bell for several minutes Avinash had been seen walking the corridor towards the door he had tried to call the servants to answer at the door... It seemed liked the person in the other end was in a hurry for the rattling of the bells could be her numerous times throughout before he spotted Hari Kaka dealing with the untimely visitor at the door... From what Avinash could gather it seemed like he was talking to a woman at the door feeling somewhat curious he called out to Hari to let the maiden in... So as the doors opened wider to let her entry he had been surprised to find Saraswati Maheshwari at his doors... Before he could even utter a word he heard her offer her thanks to the help whilst making her way through to the drawing room....

A couple of minutes later Hari kaka had ensured that Saraswati was settled comfortably in the drawing room surrounded mist various snacks and drinks apologising as he walked back to his Saab study to inform him of there visitors... Avinash whom had not wanted to be disturbed today had been avoiding answering his call or messages on purpose for he neither wished to talk or meet anyone.... Ever since he had heard from Sinha that the engagement dates had been fixed his whole house had been turned upside down... He could hear his wife's endless chatter with the maids about all the chores that needed to be done which consisted of cleaning, cooking and shopping for there guest.... Oh no he was not one of those men that was worried about the spend but rather the opposite for he loved to dazzle people at social gathering  but for some reason hated the concept of having to make small talk to people he really didn't not care about.... Off course he was proud of his son happiness and this is why he had been left worried after breakfast today as Sahil had left without saying a word...

Avinash had watched his son leave for the office as usual as he watched Hari tend to his needs at the door... He was not willing to admit but he was feeling left out and this somewhat left him feeling worried about Sahil whom had neither come to see him or speak with him about how he felt about the turn of events...As he looked at Sahil photo he felt proud of the son he had raised as he could see his boy had grown up into a beautiful tall man with a heart of gold so unlike him yet dangerously quite... Its the quite nature of his son that had always raised alarm bells within Avinash ever since his son childhood for it's a part of his soul he had yet to decipher...

The gentle tapping on the door had ended his musing for Hari had informed him that he had a visitor waiting for him in the drawing room... Twirling his chair around he nodded at Hari kaka as he confirmed that he would be down in 5 minutes for he already knew that Saraswati was waiting for him... He gathered his thoughts together as quickly as he could whilst he masked his worries finally leaving his study to join the lady waiting in the adjacent room...

Slauntering his way in he waved away Hari kaka to deal with the rest of the chores of the day as he slowly settled at the far end of the room... Avinash had turned his back as he watched directly out at the lawn a act of defence he had prepared as he rested his hands back into his trouser pockets.... Saraswati had felt amused as she watched him settle for she had only come to discuss the matters of the gala function... It had been a tradition that the Maheshwari always opened the event but however she had been left surprised by Mrs Sen request earlier at there kitty party for she had asked if the Sen Gupta's could open the evening with the official toast... This is when she had learnt of the planned announcement and the preparations that where happening behind her back...

"So to what do I owe this pleasure today? For a lady of your statue you seem to always be busy around this time of year especially when the gala is just around the corner...So for you to just drop things and come over it must be important... care to explain?"

"Oh Avi seems you have not lost your sense of humour, can a lady just simply come over for a chat..." she raised her eyes like that of a cherished cat as she reclined back into her chair to gain a closer look... Saraswati watched Avinash turn slowly towards her till he was looking her in the eye... Amused some what she picked up her drink and started to sip whilst he watch her do so... In all these years after the death of her husband she had learnt that the best defence was to simply wait and watch for how else would she have managed to both keep her house and business in order rules where to be followed yet she loved to break free from traditions especially if she felt they would benefit her just like her social visit would do today or so she thought anyway...

"Well I could ask you the same thing Saraswati for you have never come over before for a social visit unless it has been a prearranged visit so don't mind me if I am somewhat curious to know what you want from me?"

"Oh well for now I would love for you to join me for a cup of tea for it's getting cold and we wouldn't want the helps hard work to go to waste right?" Avinash watched as she spoke... She did have a piont he thought and picked up the lemon tea that had been made for him by Hari as he stood back at the bay of the window watching the views of the lawn once more...

He raised the cup as he signed for her to speak of what the visit was all about... As Saraswati gentle sipped at the tea she tried to see what Avinash had been looking at for the lawn was all bare after all the autumn chills had started to settle in leaving the trees all bare of their skin a sight that was neither pleasant to watch or even somewhat beautiful for she had never loved the season as it only reminded her of the dark long days ahead... Having drank the last sip of her tea she lay he cup and saucer back on the table mist settling the pallu on her saree in order only to deliberately join him at the window at last...

"Fine Avi I will give it to you since you seem so engrossed in watching the lawns that my visit is not of a social nature but for that you have have your darling wife to thank..."

"Excuse me? But what do you mean by Avantika came to you with a request for I do not recall asking her to come with such a demand... don't be silly you must have miss understood.."

"Not at all its actually the total opposite of what you think you see at our kitty party today..." she watched him arch his eyebrows as he spoke...

"Oh don't give me that look yes we ladies tend to discuss these matters on our own turf as you boys believe it's not all about the family or clothes but rather it's our network to business to keep up with the whoms and what's of our society after all the ladies of the house tend to know far more about the dealings of there husbands business then they would like to believe... Well having said that she has asked me to let you open the gala by holding the first toast rumour has it your Sahil is to be engaged? May I ask whom the lucky girl is?"

Oh so this is the matter Avinash thought she was worried about the change in her family image... He was not naive for he knew Saraswati did what she did all those years ago for the well being of her family and so the visit today was once again related to that fact... She could care less of whom opened the evening for the gala had always been her son brain child which skilfully was run by his wife Anu whom was a lady of another ilk so unlike her whom stood besides him seeded deep with vile intentions just like him...

Smirking back at her Avinash look at the woman from the corner of his eye knowing she hated the fact that there social ranking could be adjusted for he was not naive as she thought he was for the fact that she wanted to know of Sahil bride had nothing to do with his will being but was more out of business for the girl that he would wed would bring home not only her share of dowry and potential business deals that would always remain exclusive amongst there families... After all they had played with people emotions twenty years back just for this monetary gain to begin with...

Well for now he wanted her to leave so thought it was best to end her misgivings... " Sorry to say but it's not what you thinking for our Sahil  is not getting engaged as we have been helping Sinha plan the engagement of his beloved daughter... You seem to have forgotten that Avantika always wanted a daughter of her own after our Sahil and so since she has practically helped raise the girl she wants to make sure she has her special day as she always dreamed... And since he is a dear friend and a beloved uncle of my son we only want him to have the best... so you can stop worrying and let them have there day.."

Well Saraswati supposed she could let Sinha have his day after all he hand been a loyal employee and friend for years for what did she have to loss from it... He was neither a treat or enemy that was out to attack... What she had not realised was that these were the gates that were going to give her the first glimpse of the past shadows that she believed had laid deep almist the rotting soil...

"Well I suppose your right Avi anything for kavya as she is such a sweet girl... leave it with me as I speak with Durga he will be more then happy to accommodate... I suppose I will leave as I have to be at a meeting soon, so will catch you later.." he nodded in agreement at thee parting words as he finished his tea...

She didn't wait for him to speak as she shortly thereafter turned on her heal and walked through the double doors while leaving Avinash watching her drive out of the patio from the window as he had been doing all along... If only she had just turned once she would have spotted that man in front had been anything but sincere for there had been an sinister undertone to his words, as he tried to reassure her mist hiding his own menacing plans... So as the dust lay back on the gravelled paths the leaves once more brazed themselves to fall in the direction that they though they were supposed to be as they settled Avinash walked back to his study to carry on with the work in hand...

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Metro Station - Park lane

Having spent there final day at the Victoria Memorial hall, the time had finally come where Swara and Sanskaar had to checkout... Neither had expected to discover what they had... The file that they had been given was a key that lay the foundation to the unraveling of the other shadows... The content of the file had been a surprise for both for whom learnt that that the Swara baba and the Maheswari where already well acquainted in the business world.. It had not been unknown to Swara that her famiy shared a social bond afterall since he baba demise Sinha uncle had ensured that she had the best upbringing and that meant she was at all the social gatherings know to man in town no happening event could be compete without there attendance for Anu ma as she so lovingly callled her would make sure she was available to attend... But yet she could not understand why she had never learnt of the business connection the family had.. Neither sides had ever mentioned it and as she remembered looking at the images of the men at the opening she was once again left with an odd feeling of guilt as if she was missing a piece in the puzzle.. Of course she was to young and naive to understand the networking of their community but know she wondered what secret lay hidden so deep... For Swara one Sinha uncle would never give her the answers even if she asked so her only hope lay with one person and she knew exactly where to meet them... Clutching at her luggage as she walked out of the taxi she smiled as she saw a small Mandir near the station... She turned towards Sanskaar whilst passing him the files she had been carrying in her bag.. Sanskaar had been amused at her act but watched her keenly as she pointed at a stall of gol gapas.. Looking at his watch he nodded and agreed for her to go... Swara sighed in relieve as she walked away to join the prayers for she knew Sanskaar would never agree to otherwise... During  there trip she has learnt that Sanskaar neither entered a temple and nor believed in god so as to not upset his feelings she had lied .. In her heart Swara knew it was because of his past and the pain he has felt as an infant.. It must have been all those taunts and silent looks that has ultimately closed his heart and made him the man of steel he was today.. But today Swara knew as she watched him closely that within that exterior lay a delicate soul a child whom had been wronged without any fault whom only ever longed to be long... It was her Dida that had told her once that a soul is as intertwined with the mind as the gentle caress of heart... The beat of it is the breath we take to impress the one we love and the smile is the promise we take to belong... Afterall in life from the time one is born we long to belong and he longed for that promise... Swara knew the file was a key to him finding his inner peace and therefore she could not risk losing it while she joined the other travellers at the platform...

So as Sanskaar securely placed the file in his suitcase he held out his hand to help her with her luggage.. He loaded there luggage into the cabin as he waited for her to join him... Sanskaar settled himself by the bay of the window and watched the  station come alive with the various of activities.. He smiled as he watched the travellers like himself wish there loved once whilst others simply lay waiting for there train at the station most browsing there phone or simply reading the morning paper... Oh how he loved the simple pleasure of life.. It was a balm that so soothes his soul and would always make him smile... And that's when he had spotted Swara talking keenly with an elderly lady... He wondered what had happened for her to stop but as he was about to stand up he had noticed that the lady had been offering her some prasad... As he rolled his eyes into a chuckle he could not help but smile at the little woman he had grown to admire for she was so childlike yet such a spitfire and one of the many reasons he adored calling her a moth for reactions would leave him in endless bliss...

It had been during this moment that he had once again heard the final calling at the station about the departure of there train.. No matter how adorable he found her she still managed to bring out the beast in him... Sanskaar always hated people being late and reckless and she was being one once more... Not wanting to miss the train he was about to get up when he spotted her running towards there cabin... Picking up his pace he joined her at the cabin door which was about to close on her and stretched out his hand to hers... Swara felt relieved as she had seen Sanskaar for she knew she would have been killed both by her ma and Dida if she had been home late and so lay her hand upon his as he pulled her up towards himself into there cabin... As Sanskaar watched her scared reaction he wanted to assure her she was save and all would be okay but it was like as if Swara eyes had stilled and the musings of his soul had failed to reach her... Yet he felt the need to assure her and so did so by uttering the words he believed he never would...

"Chalo Swara ab jab meine haat pakar hi liya hai to choraunga bhi nahi... yeh Sanskaar ka vaadha raha"...

A promise that had been solidified by the intertwining of there hands and an embrace that mellowed away with the puffing steams of the locomotive as it left the rustling tracks in it's pursuit.... Neither could tell the time for lost in there trance they snuggled closer laying to rest there heads as if the change of destination may not be the only key laying down to ignite the shadows that could burn before the evening sun had even set in its warmth...
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Reference:

Wikipedia.org/wiki/Birla Industrial & Technological Museum

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