SWASAN – SHE’S NOT FOR ME
Heyy, It’s Anjali back with the next chapter!!!
Thnxx for comments and to my silent readers….
HAVE FUN!!!
ALL CHAPTER LINKS :
https://www.tellyupdates.com/?s=swasan+she+not+for+me
CHAPTER 31 LINK :
https://www.tellyupdates.com/swasan-shes-not-chapter-31/
PREV
Sanskaar and Swara get married
EPILOGUE
Swara looked glumly at the ipad screen.
Swara : When are you going to come back? I miss you.
Sanskaar (ruefully) : I miss you too, Swara. You know if I had my way, I would never have gone to the meeting. But you couldn’t attend and one of us had to go..
Swara (smiling) : I understand, Sanskaar. It’s just bad timing on both our parts. The flight will leave tomorrow, right? The airport won’t be shut for another day in Chennai?
Sanskaar : Swara! I could leave by the next train and come there sooner.
Swara (shaking her head) : Don’t take the risk. What if it starts to rain again? Just be safe and come back home in one piece.
Sanskaar (protesting) : But Sweetheart… You shouldn’t be alone right now. I should be with you.
Swara : You will be with me soon, Sanskaar. But neither baby nor I can risk anything happening to you.
Swara showed her protruding belly, A visible reminder that she was 6 months pregnant.
Swara : We both love you and miss you. Just come back to us safely.
Sanskaar finally smiled and nodded.
Swara : Besides, How am I alone? Ma, Mom are there with me, not to mention, my mother and the entire family. Did you forget? Uttara’s baby’s naamkarann is there in 2 days.
Sanskaar’s face fell. He had completely forgotten in the heat of the moment.
Sanskaar : Oh no. I forgot. I’ll definitely try and come before then. Urghh… Stupid rains. I love you, Swara. I love you too, Baby.
Swara : And we love you.
She blew him a flying kiss and then reassured him that she was fine before hanging up the call and sitting down in a sofa on the patio. She placed a hand on her stomach.
Swara : Well, Baby… Papa might not come here by tomorrow. Hopefully he comes day after. He’s been gone three days already. Don’t you miss him? (waiting a moment) Yes, Me too. Well, It looks like Papa’s got his girls wrapped around his finger, right?
Well ofcourse, Swara didn’t know if the baby was going to be a girl for sure, but somehow she thought of this baby as a girl. Though she wanted a little Laksh, her mother’s intuition was leaning towards a girl being born. Not that anyone was complaining. In fact, Sanskaar was fervently praying for a girl.
Swara smiled to herself as she remembered a conversation they had had a few months ago.
Swara : Sanskaar! Why do most men want daughters? Everyone seems to want a princess – you, Adarsh has two, Sahil has one… Why not sons?
Sanskaar : It’s not that we don’t want boys, Swara. Let me speak for myself at least. Are you kidding me? I would love a boy. Our little Laksh running around the house and calling us Mumma and Papa. Swara darling, I would be ecstatic. But a daughter is no less… She too would be my world. My Swara junior…. My princess. I don’t know. I just have this idea in my head that if we have a girl first, I will be softer. I am worried about putting too many of my hopes and dreams on to a boy if we have one first. I know it sounds old fashioned, but I am bent on spoiling our girl to bits.
Swara accepted the kiss Sanskaar gave her forehead then smiled warmly at him.
Swara : What you say does make sense in a weird logical sense. But I’m sure you won’t differentiate between a son or a daughter when it comes down to it.
Sanskaar smirked wickedly.
Sanskaar : You know the remedy to this problem?
Swara (surprised) : What?
Sanskaar : We have one or two of each and then we compare.
Swara looked at his eager expression and began laughing.
Swara : You’ll never change, Will you?
Sanskaar pulled her close and hugged her tight.
Sanskaar (whispering) : Why will I? As long as you are here with me….
Sujata : Swara beta!
Swara was startled from her thoughts and she smiled at her mom. It had become a very easy transition from Chachi to Mom and now, The three of the women – Annapurna Ma, Sujata Mom and Swara were closer than ever.
Swara : Ji, Mom?
Sujata : Did you talk to Sanskaar? How is the weather in Chennai? When can he come back?
Swara : Don’t worry Mom. He said that the rain seems to have stopped and hopefully, The airport is opened by tomorrow. He said he’ll make it here by the function on Thursday.
Sujata (sighing with relief) : That’s good then. What about you? Are you okay?
Swara (smiling) : Yes. I was just tired of sitting in the room.
Sujata : It’s good. I was going to ask you to accompany me on a walk after a while, anyways. By the way, Sharmishta Ji and everyone else are coming tonight right?
Swara : Yes mom. Thank you once again for allowing the naamkarann to take place in Parna.
Sujata : Chup! They are my family as well. Jiji and I do not think of your brothers and sisters as belonging to you alone. You get it? Don’t ever tell that again.
Swara hugged her mom and nodded, A silent apology in her eyes. Sujata smiled and went back inside.
Swara (looking towards the mountains) : Come back soon, My love. I miss you.
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MEANWHILE
Sanskaar hung up the phone after talking to Swara. He looked at it wistfully for a few minutes before turning to gaze at the wet sunset through his hotel window.
Why on Earth had he come for this meeting? He knew it was important for the company but not more than Swara.
Sanskaar (sighing) : This is why people should be allowed to see the future. If I had known I’ll be stuck in Chennai three days, I would have cancelled the meeting, loss be damned.
But ofcourse he didn’t know what was going to happen and now, A day’s activity was going to take nearly 4 days. He sighed again.
Sanskaar (thinking) : Maybe I can go outside today and buy something for Swara, the baby and the family. I do have to get something for all the other kids and Uttara’s baby’s gift too. It doesn’t look like it might rain for some time. I atleast won’t spend all my time moping.
He became his cheerful self, got ready and informed the hotel concierge that he was going out for a while. The roads while damp, were not flooding and Sanskaar soon found an Uber willing to take him to T Nagar, One of the major shopping districts in Chennai.
Three hours later, Sanskaar returned to the hotel, his hands carrying more bags than he could handle. He sought the bell boy’s help and soon sat down in his room tired out.
Sanskaar ordered room service and then proceeded to unpack the packages. He had bought the famous Kancheevaram silk sarees for all the ladies – His mothers, Mishti Ma, Ragini, Uttara, Aparna, Parineeta and Swara. For the men, He had bought something that the salesman had called a “veshti”. It was more commonly known as a dhoti. For the kids, he had bought “pavadais” for the girls and small dhotis for the boys. Besides the clothes, He had also bought toys and chocolates for the kids.
As Sanskaar packed everything neatly in his suitcase, He took the sapphire blue saree that he had picked out for Swara and smiled at the thought of her pleasure when she saw the present. The saree was rich in colour with delicate gold designs present in the border. Sanskaar knew Swara had never worn sarees of this type and hoped she would like it.
He thought of her wearing the saree and his heart almost missed a beat. Three years into their marriage and Sanskaar loved Swara more each day. Every day with her brought something new in their lives.
He remembered how devastated they were that they had not yet conceived a baby– After all, Swara had wanted one so badly. At first, Sanskaar had wanted a baby only because it would have made Swara happy beyond measure. But soon, The pangs of fatherhood began to sting him as well.
Sanskaar had longed to be a father and when Swara finally told him that she was pregnant, He had been ecstatic. They had danced with joy that night and made all sorts of plans for their baby.
Sanskaar came back to the present with a jerk.
Sanskaar : Oh no! I forgot to tell Swara what I wanted to name the baby if she was a girl. Should I send her a message or call her now? Actually no, Sanskaar… Surprise her over there.
His phone rang and Sanskaar picked it up.
Sanskaar : Hello! Yes, Sanskaar Maheshwari speaking. Oh, the travel agent? Yes, Mr Dubey, What is it? What? The airport will be cleared tomorrow. I can take the 10:45 flight to Kolkata? Thank you so much, Mr Dubey. I really appreciate what you’ve done. Thank you.
He hung up the phone and beamed at the suitcase.
Sanskaar : I’m coming back, Swara!
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THE NEXT DAY, 3:00pm
Bored out of her mind, Swara strolled in the gardens wishing her family wouldn’t be so over-protective.
Swara : I mean it’s not like Ragini and Uttara haven’t had kids. Surely they should know how boring it is to sit in your room all day. Especially when there’s so much work to do for tomorrow. I just hope no one finds out I’ve escaped.
Just then a child shouted out her name.
Voice : Swara Bua! Swara Bua….
Swara turned sideways and smiled at Adarsh’s seven year old daughter Akira. She beckoned her closer and sat down on a nearby bench with her.
Swara : Hi, baby doll. Did you finish your game of monopoly?
Akira : No, We decided to continue it later. Everyone grew bored. Bua… When will Sanskaar Foofaji come back?
Swara frowned in mock anger.
Swara : So Akira only wants her foofaji? She doesn’t want bua?
Akira looked horrified and hugged her bua and kissed her cheek.
Akira : Bua! No, It’s not like that. It’s just that I want him back quickly. When will he come back?
Swara (sighing) : I’m not sure, Sweetheart. He told me he might not make it back today.
Akira pouted in the manner that only young kids could do and then sighed dramatically.
Akira : Bua, Now what do I do? I need Sanskaar Foofaji. I looooveeee Sanskaar Foofaji. He’s just wonderful.
Swara almost laughed, because the look in her niece’s eye was one she’d seen a thousand times before. Women adored Sanskaar. It seemed even seven-year-old girls were not immune to his charm.
Swara : So, you also think Sanskaar is handsome, huh?
Akira looked at her aunt blankly.
Akira : Handsome? I guess he could be.
Swara tried to stifle her smile and looked gravely at her niece.
Swara : You guess so?
Akira : I love Sanskaar Foofaji because he takes me out for ice-cream after bedtime.
Swara (in mock surprise) : NO! He does?
Akira : Yes, And he promised me that he’ll teach me how to salsa when I met him next. Papa says I can’t learn until I’m 35.
Swara rolled her eyes and chuckled softly. Adarsh had always been over-protective of his sisters and now that he had a daughter, He would be even worse.
Swara : Well, Akira! Foofaji isn’t here. But what if I teach you to dance?
Akira stared at her skeptically.
Akira : Bua, Do you know how to salsa?
Swara : Ofcourse. (whispering in Akira’s ear) Sanskaar Foofaji only taught me.
Akira smiled at that and nodded, then jumped off the bench and pulled her aunt.
Akira : Come on, Swara bua. Come on, Let’s dance.
Swara : Haan haan beta. Just one minute, The baby needs time to get up.
Akira waited for her aunt and then they walked to the nearby pavilion and soon the two of them were dancing. Swara taught Akira the basic salsa steps and moved as much as she could with her ungainly body.
Akira (delighted) : That was awesome, Bua. I just wish it would rain. Then it would be even more fun to dance.
A new voice floated towards them.
Voice : Now doll, What would the fun be in that? You’ll suffer later.
Akira turned ecstatically and ran.
Akira : Sanskaar Foofaji! You’re back.
Swara stood where she was, stunned and delighted to see Sanskaar back. She watched him carry their niece and swing her around. She looked at Akira and laughed.
Swara : I am instantly forgotten.
Sanskaar looked at her with such love that it made her heart skip a beat.
Sanskaar : Not by me.
He had finally reached her and gave her a small chaste kiss on her forehead, then turned to Akira who was poking him with her finger.
Akira : Bua and I were dancing.
Sanskaar : Yes, I saw. You both were wonderful. You’ll make an amazing salsa dancer one day, Doll.
Akira (eyes gleaming) : Really?
Sanskaar : Ofcourse. Now, Shouldn’t the budding little dancer get a gift?
Akira : Presents? For me?
Sanskaar : I’ve given it to your mother. Go and get it before she opens it.
Akira gasped terrified that her mother might do such a thing. She got down and ran towards the house before turning back and giving her aunt and uncle a big kiss.
Akira : I looooveeeee you, Foofaji.
She turned back and started running again while the couple chuckled.
Swara (sighing) : Another one falls.
Sanskaar took her hand and tugged her toward him.
Sanskaar : What is that supposed to mean?
Swara grinned a little and sighed a little and spoke dramatically.
Swara : I looooveeeee you, Foofaji.
He kissed her thoroughly.
Sanskaar : I certainly hope so, Though I could do without the foofaji part.
She looked up into his eyes and let herself ease against the warmth of his body.
Swara : It seems no woman is immune.
Sanskaar : How lucky I am, then, that I want only one.
Swara (shooting him a look) : Lucky for me.
Sanskaar (smiling smugly) : Well, yes. But I wasn’t going to say it.
She swatted him on the arm. He kissed her in return.
Sanskaar : I missed you and baby.
Swara : We missed you, too. You told me you weren’t going to come today.
Sanskaar (shaking his head) : I tried to give you a surprise. Imagine my grief when instead of pining for me, My wife was dancing happily with someone else.
He made a gesture of despair and Swara laughed. He pulled away from her.
Sanskaar : Now she’s laughing. Oh God, Won’t you please help me?
Swara : Excuse me! You left for that stupid meeting. I missed you so much but I’m sure you never thought about me.
The two of them scowled at each other, but the next moment, they began laughing and Swara hugged Sanskaar.
Swara : I missed you each and every minute of every day. Don’t go away again.
Sanskaar : Hopefully, I’ll never have to. It was torture staying there without you. You know, I didn’t even pack clothes for the five day trip? I had enough only for two days.
Swara (giggling) : Then, What did you do?
Sanskaar : I went shopping, Of course. Speaking of which, Come…. I have a gift for you as well.
Swara : Me? Come on then, Let’s go. Sanskaar.. Sanskaar! Let me down. I can walk back home. This is so filmy. Let me down!
Sanskaar : Now, Swara. You’re pregnant and you used your energy while dancing. Now be quiet and let me carry you.
Swara sighed, but complied. She gazed happily at her husband as he walked back to the house.
Sahil : Ah! The lovebirds are together again. How happy they must be.
Sanskaar : Don’t you have a wife who loves you?
Sahil : Yes, I do.
Sanskaar : Then go to her and leave us alone.
Swara sniggered while Sahil gave a huge guffaw behind them. Sanskaar carried her all the way to their room and placed her on the bed. He then got into bed beside her and huggedher tightly.
Sanskaar : I missed this the most.
Swara : What? The bed?
Sanskaar : No baba! You, near me. I couldn’t sleep peacefully without you. The bed was too cold and lonely.
Swara smiled and leaned against her husband.
Swara : I love you.
Sanskaar : I love you too, My sweetheart.
They clutched hands and soon, the two of them were fast asleep.
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FEW MONTHS LATER,
Swara : Sanskaar!
Sanskaar : Haan, Swara. One minute.
He came out of the washroom and turned to his wife. His jaw dropped. Swara was wearing the saree he had bought for her from Chennai.
She twirled around for him showing the entire saree with her hair made up in a messy plait and her jhumkis tinkled as she moved. She looked breath-takingly lovely and Sanskaar was speechless.
Swara : What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?
Sanskaar (hoarse) : I think you should change your dress.
Swara looked at him in dismay.
Swara : Why? Is it bad? Does the blouse not look good?
Sanskaar : No. You look fabulous, My love. That’s why you shouldn’t wear it.
He walked towards her as she looked at him confused.
Sanskaar : No one will believe that you’re my wife and the mother of our child when they see you in this saree. You look terrific.
She smiled and smoothened his dhoti before they turned and looked at the mirror.
Swara : Mr and Mrs Maheshwari are ready to name their baby. Shall we go then? We have something to do before the puja begins remember.
Sanskaar : Yes, but first….
He bent down and kissed her softly.
Sanskaar : I couldn’t resist.
Swara laughed and cupped his cheeks.
Swara : Don’t worry, My love. I know that you’re the one for me just as I’m the one for you.
She kissed his nose and then went downstairs. Sanskaar followed her and they walked with their baby to Laksh’s gardens.
They stood in the middle and Swara took her daughter in her arms.
Sanskaar : Laksh!
Swara closed her eyes and she thought she could feel Laksh listening to them.
Swara : Laksh! I gave birth to a baby girl ten days ago. But ofcourse you know that. Today’s her naamkarann and there’s a grand celebration at home.
Sanskaar : You would have enjoyed it a lot. But before the priests and other guests come,Swara and I want you to be the first one to know her name and we want you to bless her.
Swara : Bless her to be as kind as you were, as loving as you, as calm and brilliant.
Sanskaar : Bless her to know the difference between right and wrong, to stand up for the poor and the needy, to make a difference in this world.
Swara cuddled the child and Sanskaar placed an arm around her.
Swara : She looks exactly like Sanskaar, You know. Her nose, her eyes… Even her face seems built like Sanskaar. I see no resemblance of me in her. It’s quite unfair.
Sanskaar : She’s going to be her daddy’s girl. Swara and I debated a lot on what to name her… But finally we decided on a name that she knew you liked. I love the name too and it was unanimous.
Swara : Laksh, meet Sahithi Sanskaar Maheshwari!
A new breeze seemed to float towards them, touching them gently with it’s invisible hands and just as suddenly as it appeared, it disappeared as well.
Swara looked at Sanskaar. who looked ecstatic as well. It seemed as if Laksh had given his blessings. Swara and Sanskaar looked down at their baby, who had brought them such happiness.
Sanskaar : Sahithi… You were right, Swara. Somehow you knew this baby was going to be a girl.
They began walking back to the house and Swara grinned at Sanskaar.
Swara : Well, I’m always right.
Sanskaar shook his head but at her warning look, smiled sheepishly at her and put an arm around her.
Sanskaar : Yes, You are right.
Swara : I love you. You know that, Don’t you?
Sanskaar : I do. I love you too.
Sahithi, who had been sleeping thus far, suddenly gave a loud wail and the new parents chuckled.
Swara and Sanskaar : Yes baby, We love you too.
Sahithi settled back into a contented sleep as Swara rocked her gently.
Sanskaar (wonder in his voice) : She understood us.
Swara : Ofcourse, She’s our perfect little girl.
Sanskaar : You know what’s next, Don’t you?
Swara : What?
Sanskaar : We should have a little Laksh Sanskaar Maheshwari in the house soon.
Swara stopped and laughed at her husband who started laughing too.
Swara : Soon maybe, My love, But not now.
Sure enough, Two years later, Swara gave birth to their son Laksh Sanskaar Maheshwari, who looked exactly like his mother.
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I’m so sorry for the late update 🙁 🙁
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