An equilateral triangle, having each side as a , has its corners cut away so as to form a regular hexagon. The area of the hexagon is

A

$$\frac{\sqrt3 a^2}{6}$$

B

$$\frac{2\sqrt3 a^2}{3}$$

C

$$\frac{\sqrt3 a^2}{12}$$

D

$$\frac{\sqrt3 a^2}{4}$$