"Swara, I cannot support this proposal." He declared with surety. Today, when he finally made a decision after a long battle between his heart and mind, he decided to be vocal about it with his wife.
He continued staring at her big doe eyes, "This is my decision. I know you will be hurt and angry with me as my stand will for sure have an immense adverse impact on Ragini, Laksh, also your Ma and Baba. But you are free to make your own decision. Trust me, I did not want to influence your decision. I understand, you are again trapped between the devil and the deep sea." 
"You tell me what I should do tomorrow?" She asked helplessly.
"Swara, you have to use your sanity while making a decision tomorrow. Think about it carefully. Tomorrow, in Meeting there will be a long discussion, you can listen to it. You can also raise your questions and then come to any conclusion." He wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
"I don't want to come tomorrow." She shook her head against his chest. She was scared to break the bonding she was successful to bloom over the last few months.
"There is no escape, Swara. Either tomorrow or in the next meeting." He explained.
"It will be your decision. Whatever you will decide, I don't want you to feel guilty or ashamed of it. It will be your professional decision and being your husband, I promise, it will not have any impact on our marriage. Decision will be inside the boardroom, tomorrow when we both walk out of the boardroom post meeting, the decision will be left behind. I promise, I will never bring it anytime between us." He assured her though one part of his heart was screaming her support over his stand. 
But his love for her selfless nature overpowered his heart's whispers. He knew his wife's unconditional love towards her family and sister even after their biassed behaviour towards her over years. 
'Afterall she is their daughter, she is Ragini's sister, no daughter and sister would want any hardships for her loved ones.' 
Sanskar had vowed not to let the current storm hit their marriage this time. He had seen her efforts to build their lost bond, to repair their marriage. He was thankful. Whatever her decision, he would accept it with a smile on his face, even though it would give a pang in his heart if she went against him.
Swara did not say a word after that but thoughts submerged her for the entire night. Same was the condition with Sanskar. Both kept on glancing at each other but none of them made any effort to break the deadly silence.
Next day, it was a day when Maheshwari Incorporations was holding shareholders meeting to decide on Durga Prasad Maheshwari's expansion proposal. Swara and Sanskar both got ready and came downstairs to face the entire Maheshwari and Gadodia family.
"Swara, beta, you are the daughter in law of this house. You are also an ideal daughter one should have. You need to make the decision which is in the best interest of everyone. Your family, your parents, your sister and her future." Annapurna blessed, when Swara bent in front of her after morning arati. 
Sujata stared at them dejectedly, again her heart was grappling with the fear of her son's heart break. Her daughter in law had always prioritized her sister and her family's wellbeing in front of her son's unconditional love. She prayed silently to her Kanhaji for her son's happiness. She blessed with a forced smile.
"Stay blessed" Swara again observed hesitance, fear and pain in her mother in law's eyes.
Whereas Gadodia family and Ragini, again started their convincing session highlighting their so called bonding, their future, their betterment. 
Sanskar was silently hearing their pleas along with the rest of the others.
"Shona, now everything is in your hands. Think about Ayush. Think about me and your Baba... we will be on roads. Your Dada Dadi, at this age do you want them to beg around the society?" Sharmishtha folded her hands crying bitterly.