Hi there!
Yea, late on the update, I know.
What to do? I got lazy. 😂

Important - To everyone wondering about the company that Sanskar owned? Well, here I showed that to start anew, he gave up all the things that he had that reminded him of his mistakes. He gave up the company as a form of punishment for himself and to repent for his mistakes. Not to mention it only served to make him miserable, reminding him of his betrayal.

Anyways, Onwards!!!

"Words in double quotes" - Talking

'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts

(Words in braces) - Telephone conversation

Chapter 16 - A Surprise Turned into Disaster

#Next Day#

Ever had the feeling of your head being stomped over by an elephant, while it was playing a drum in the loudest way possible, while a parade was passing nearby your ear?

Yeah. That's exactly what Manish (Mani) felt right now. Being the only son to a big enterprise meant that all responsibilities of the company fell onto him. He handles it quite well he might say. Nevertheless, there are times when he wishes he could just escape into a jungle away from all the stress and complications.

"Mani? Why aren't you aren't ready yet? We must leave soon! Why are you wasting your time?"

"Maa, I don't know if I will be able to go with both of you today. My head is killing me! Not to mention this file that I have to look over. I have to complete this deal by today."

Shikha came near him and massaged his head. "Beta, you stress too much. I always tell you not to take up so much work at once. But you? You always dismiss my warnings."

"Our company needs to be on top Maa."

"What is with you and competition? You do not need to be the top dog. You just need to run the company well. That is all we want. It doesn't matter if you are in second or first."

"It does to me! No way will I let myself be stomped over by anyone. I want my father to be proud of me."

"I always am Mani. And always will be, regardless of what you achieve beta." Raj spoke as he entered the room. "This company is close to my heart. But you are far more precious to me. I don't want you to over work yourself."

Mani smiled at his father. "I know father. But I want to do it for you."

"Then you better get a wife soon who could take care of you 24*7." Shikha remarked.

"Maa, please! Not again."

Shikha glared at her son. "Why not? Its high time you got a girl for yourself! Other parents are throwing their daughters in front of our doorstep to get your hand in marriage. But you! You're married to your work! Are you planning to remain a bachelor forever?"

"No. But I haven't found the right one for myself yet. The love of my life!" Mani exclaimed dramatically.

"Love can happen after marriage Mani. Look at me and your father. We love each other. But we fell in love only after we got married. We didn't even know each other till our marriage."

"That is why you're called old generation." 😑

Shikha twisted his ear. "Want to say that again?" 😡

Raj rubbed hand over his face in frustration. "Oho! Stop it both of you. You two are like little toddlers! Mani, you take rest. Shikha and I will take the driver to drive us to Shekhar's address."

#Gadodia House#

Ragini put on her earrings and looked at herself in the mirror. 'And done! Now to go get Sanskar.'

She happily went out of her room and headed towards Sanskar's room. She saw that the door was half-open and entered, thinking he was ready.

"Sanskar, I'm do-" Her eyes widened on seeing him shirtless. He was facing the other side, with his head inside the wardrobe. He seemed to surfing for a shirt. On hearing her voice, he turned to look at her.

"O... you're done? I'm still stuck as to what shirt to wear." Laksh had brought him his things after he was thrown out. However, Sanskar couldn't decide what to wear. Ragini could be said to be the cause of it. She wouldn't tell him where they were going and so, he didn't know what shirt would be best for the occasion. He saw Ragini stand there like a statue. "Um...Ragini? Are you alright?"

Ragini stood there frozen with her mouth open and eyes wide. Don't get her wrong. She wasn't like other girls who stare at boys in magazines and drool over them. She usually was someone who would keep herself away from such things. But now...now seeing Sanskar, chest naked in front of her, it made her feel things that she never felt before. After all, she was just another growing teenage girl with hormones.

Sanskar looked at her in worry. He walked over to her and looked at her quizically. "Ragini, you're all red. Are you sick?" He placed a hand on her forehead. "You're temperature seems fine. Then what's wrong?"

Ragini gasped at his closeness. At once, she pushed him back out of nervousness, making him stumble back.

"Hey! What did I do?" 😣

"You...you're doing this on purpose! You just enjoy making me uncomfortable, don't you?" She shouted, although she knew Sanskar didn't do anything. But what's a girl to do? She needed some excuse to convince herself that she wasn't openly staring at Sanskar's body, right?

"Whaaaaa? What are you taking about? What is my fault?" 😓

"Everything! You..you...Ugh! I'll be waiting outside. Hurry up!" saying that, she stormed away from there, leaving behind a clueless and dumbfounded Sanskar behind.

"Great men were right. Its impossible to understand women!"

Dida looked up as a blushing Ragini came towards the living room. Swara had told her everything about her doubts on Laksh. Although Swara told her that it wasn't Ragini's fault, she didn't believe her. 'I think Pravati is behind everything. She is teaching Ragini to trap Laksh again. It must be them who are plotting against my Shona. I won't ever let them succeed!' She thought in determination. "Ragini, come here for a second."

Ragini nodded, earlier embarrassment forgotten, and came to stand before Dida. "Yes, Dida?"

"Ragini, you really love Sanskar, right?"

"Of course Dida."

"I see. Are you sure of it? I mean, it's not another infatuation of yours is it?"

Ragini looked at her in confusion and bewilderment. "It's not Dida. I truly love him. But... But why are you asking such questions?"

"Don't take me wrong Ragini. I only want the best for you and Swara. That is why I asked. I mean I don't want for you to later find out that Sanskar was another one of your obsessions."

Ragini's good mood disappeared at once, her insecurities coming back in full force. Dida's words were reminding her of all the events that happened in the past. She thought she was done with those matters. But now... Now she can see that what happened won't ever be erased from her life. No matter how much she tries to forget it, it will find a way to come back to present itself before her in the most bitter way possible.

"And not to mention that your deeds might harm Swara as well." on hearing those words, Ragini had to grab on to the chair near her so that her legs don't give away. It was like salt being poured on wounds.

"What are you saying Dida? I would never do anything to harm Swara."

"Is that so? Your actions are speaking otherwise."

"I can't understand anything you are saying Dida. Please be clear." Ragini spoke, barely holding back her tears.

Dida came and placed a hand on Ragini's shoulder. "Look Ragini. I don't want to hurt you. But I still worry that you will try to pursue Laksh again. My Shona loves him and he loves her. I just don't want their lives ruined and for you to not be heartbroken. Laksh would never love anyone other than Swara. Besides, Sanskar would be hurt as well, won't he?" She asked in a soft tone, looking at Ragini with sorrow, trying to make it look as if she cared a lot about all four of them.

It was true to an extent. She did care for both Ragini and Swara. But it ends when she has to choose between both of them. She would not hesitate to snatch Ragini's happiness if it was what it took to make Swara happy. All she cared about Swara's happiness. Ragini and Sanskar didn't matter now.

"Dida, you've got it all wrong. I'm over Laksh. I realized that I was wrong in chasing after him. And...and Swara is my sister. I would die for her! Even if I had any feelings for Laksh now, I would sacrifice it for her. Trust me Dida."

'Good to hear. I hope you keep your word Ragini.' Dida smiled. "Oh Ragini, I'm so sorry. I should have known that you would never do anything to upset Swara. I'm sorry for doubting you. I don't know what came over me. I di-"

"Its okay Dida. I know it was just you worrying for us. Its okay." Ragini pulled her into a hug. 'Dida cares about me so much.'

"Thank you so much for understanding Ragini. Thank you so much." Dida spoke through fake tears. She patted Ragini's head and went away. 'This doesn't mean I won't keep an eye on you Ragini. If I ever feel that you're trying to get between Laksh and Swara, just wait and watch what I can do.'

"I'm ready! Lets go!" Sanskar exclaimed as he came into the room. However, his smile disappeared on seeing Ragini standing there, with tear tracks on her face. He came close to her and held her face in his hands. "Just tell me who to kill."

Ragini shook her head. "No one Sanskar. I'm fine, don't worry. I was just having a heart-to-heart talk with Dida."

"If it makes you cry, then just don't talk about such things. There are other things in the world to talk about. You know I hate seeing you like this!"

"These are tears of happiness Sanskar. From knowing that Dida cares about me like her own granddaughter."

"Then cry before me so that I can rub them away before they escape your eyes." Spoke he as they walked together towards the door.

Ragini looked at him in amusement. "Is that so? I thought boys don't like to talk about feelings and all. They are more of the 'talking with their fists' type."

"True. But for you, I'm ready to cry out my heart. We can paint each others nails while we share secrets, braid each others hair. I'm willing to cry with you until snot comes out!"

"Ewwwww! Gross Sanskar! Don't make me lose my breakfast."

"Hehe...sorry."

#Central Park#

Sanskar looked around the park, watching the kids running about. 'Sometimes, I wish I had never grown up. If I could be a child of nature forever, I would never have to worry about anything!' He sneaked a glance at Ragini sitting beside him on the bench. 'But then again, I would not have ever realized what love is if I remained a child.'

"Stop staring Sanskar." 😒

"Eh? How did you know I was staring at you? You're looking ahead!" 😱

"Woman's intuition." Ragini spoke with a wink towards him.

"Whatever! You still hadn't told me why you brought me here."

"Patience!"

"I already sent it to the after world when I was born. R.I.P." 😑

"Oho. Quit being an idiot."

"But I'm your idiot, aren't I?" 😊

"Someone looks in a fun mood." Spoke someone from behind them. Sanskar gasped as he recognized that voice. At once he got up to look behind them.

"Ba-Badi Maa?" He looked at Ragini to see her giving him a soft smile.

"Surprise Sanskar. This is why I brought you here."

Sanskar could only stare at her, speechless. Yes it was true he longed to see his family again. But he didn't once speak of it and neither did he let his expressions give any such indications. He didn't want to bother anyone. But still, Ragini managed to read his mind. 'Just when I think I've known all about you, you continue to surprise me more and more. Do I really deserve someone so amazing like you Ragini? I can't help but feel that you deserve someone better.'

Annapurna came near and pulled him into a hug. "How are you beta? Are you taking proper care of yourself? Oh wait, Why am I even asking that? I should know that Ragini won't let anything happen to you." she spoke with a smile as she extended her arm to pull Ragini into the hug as well. "How are you Ragini beta?"

"I'm fine Badi Maa. How are you?"

"I'm fine as well. I hope Sanskar isn't troubling you much."

Ragini giggled on seeing Sanskar pout. "Not much. Baba keeps him under control."

"That man is like a bull dog Maa. Always ready to pounce on me and rip me to shreds. Even me breathing in his presence pisses him off!"

"Awww....you're still alive, no? You can count that as a positive thing."

"Badi Maa, not you too! Stop teasing me. I'm serious here!" 😕

"Hahaha..okay beta. I won't joke about it. Tell me about the rest. Have they accepted you?"

"Dadi and Shramishtha Maa treat me well. Swara is like a sister to me, albeit an obnoxious one. Dida...well, I've never talked to her much."

"I'm glad they are treating you well. I wish our family could understand you as well."

Sanskar sighed. "I know Badi Maa. I wish the same. But we can't change the reality, can we?"

"I never thought things would turn out this way for you beta. I should have let you tell the truth at the hospital."

"Don't blame yourself Badi Maa. You couldn't have known this would happen. We can never know what will happen in our lives until we are right in the middle of it. So don't blame yourself, alright? Its not your fault."

"Yes. It's yours!" Annapurna, Sanskar and Ragini looked towards the voice to find Parineeta standing there, looking pissed off. She walked towards them and looked at Annapurna in disbelief. "You told everyone you were going to visit your friend. But you came to meet him? Sanskar!? The one who plotted against our family?!"

"Parineeta try to understand. Sanskar isn't th-"

"Enough Badi Maa. Its been days! When will you understand that he is to blame for everything?!" Parineeta shouted, making some passers-by look their way. She was pissed beyond limits. Badi Maa was ruining her entire game plan. 'Why must she persist her attempts to bring Sanskar back home!? If he is back, there would be another division in the property!'

That was actually the real reason she didn't want Sanskar back. Durgaprasad planned to divide the property between Laksh and her husband, Adarsh. She knew if Sanskar was forgiven by Durgaprasad, then the property would be equally divided between him, Laksh and Adarsh. Which meant the shares for Laksh and Adarsh would need to be reduced to make up for Sanskar. She didn't care about Laksh, but she would not let her husband's share to be reduced.

"Bhabi... Parineeta bhabi, please listen to us once. Sanskar didn't want to hurt anyone intentionally."

"Don't even try to defend him Ragini. Of course you won't find wrong in his doings. You're to blinded by his love to realize the truth, you foolish girl!"

"Watch it bhabi. You can insult me as much as you want. But not a word against my girl."

Parineeta paused on that and looked at Sanskar's face closely. 'Why didn't I think of this before? Ragini is the perfect way to keep him away from the family. Till now, its our family that doesn't want him. But they may forgive him and bring him back. However, or Sanskar comes to despise his family, he will never want to come back.' She smirked inwardly. "You sound so defensive about her. Is it that she was working with you? Helping you in your plan?"

"Parineeta! What are you saying? Do not cross your limits." Annapurna shouted, losing her temper.

"Badi Maa please! Don't try to tell me otherwise. Besides, you should probably go and calm down Adarsh. I called him and told him everything. He's heading here as we speak."

Annapurna gasped and looked towards the entrance. 'If Adarsh sees Sanskar, he will no doubt hit him. No! I must stop him.' She walked past them and headed for the gate, unaware that that was what Parineeta wanted.

Parineeta turned to look at Ragini. "Tell me Ragini. How much of the property did Sanskar promise to give you? 20%? 40%? Or 50-50?"

Ragini put a hand over her mouth in shock. She couldn't believe Parineeta was accusing her of being a gold digger.

"Bhabi!"

"Don't shout Sanskar! I can too. I'm only saying what your Baba and Bade Papa think of her."

That shocked Sanskar to the core. "Wh-what?"

"Yes. Its your Bade Papa and Baba who keep saying that Ragini was involved in your plan. It was you two who were plotting against us. In fact, I even heard Sujata Chachi say that it was Ragini who may have provoked you to go against your family." She lied, enjoying the devastated looks of Ragini and Sanskar. It seemed her words had the desired effect. 'Shouldn't have given up your company Sanskar. Now, you don't even have your family's support. Anyways, my work here is almost done. Just to drop the last bomb.'

"Bade Papa even called her a character-less girl who traps people for their money! Ready to go to any extent for it!" Parineeta saw Ragini's body shaking and decided it was enough. "Don't come near the Maheshwaris! I warn you." with those last words, she left.

Ragini stood there, frozen. She couldn't have even dreamed that Bade Papa and Sujata would think so low of her. They were people she considered family!

Sanskar, on the other hand, was livid. He couldn't believe his family would disgrace Ragini's name. Their thoughts about him, he could understand. But on Ragini? How could they doubt such an innocent person?

Sanskar turned to look behind him when he heard a 'thud'. He saw Ragini on her knees on the grass.

"Ragini!" He went near her and made her look at him. "Hey....hey, don't listen to her, alright? I know you're not like that. You know you're not what she said. Your entire family knows it! Don't take her words to heart."

He felt a part of him die when he saw the broken look in Ragini's eyes. "Sanskar have you...have you ever been so hurt that your body is crying, your heart is aching so much that you can't breathe and your mind and heart is set on pain?"

"Ragini I..." Sanskar didn't know how to answer her.

"Sanskar why? Why is it always me that is misunderstood? Why is it always I who is to suffer? Don't...don't I ever deserve happiness? Don't I deserve to be happy?"

"Ragini you deserve happiness more than anyone I know."

"Then why?! Why does this happen to me? No matter how much I try, no matter how much good I do, people always end up seeing the flaws in me. Its like every time I think I have finally found happiness, it all quickly comes to an end in the worst way possible!" Sanskar could only hold her close as she broke down crying.

He felt helpless. He promised himself not to ever let Ragini shed a tear. And yet...yet she was right in front of him and he could do absolutely nothing! He could do nothing but watch it all play out. Each and every whimper of hers felt like a knife to his heart. If only...if only there was a way to lessen the pain. If only he never let Parineeta speak those words. But she had only spoken what his family thought of Ragini and him.

Sanskar gritted his teeth in anger. 'You insult me? Fine. You kick me? Okay. You want to kill me? Even then I may forgive you all. But you should never have said those words about Ragini. Because of you all, she is broken. Because of you all, I stand here helpless as she cries in my arms. Its all Because. Of. You. All! I won't ever forgive you for this. No matter how much you hurt me, I prayed for all of your well-being. But I guess some people are truly clueless to how much they hurt others. Its time I gave up holding onto you. From now on, the Maheshwaris are dead to me. Never will I ever let your shadow fall on me or Ragini, ever again!'

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To be continued...

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~ 🌹 Mona 🌹