A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step

Satellite, Ahmedabad

The dark navy blue walls emitted peaceful vibes in the dimly lit room. It represented the vastness of life. The subtle nuances through the changes in life. It gave in a sense of serenity. The calmness was a stark contrast to the chaos of the lone figure that stood in the dark. It was Anupama who was standing in the shadows of black. Samar stopped at the threshold of the room. It was unbearable for him to see his mother in this condition. He entered the room and switched on the stereo. The faint music made Anupama turn around when Samar held her hand and made a swift move.

Om tryambakam yajamahe

Sugandhim pushtivardhanam

Urvarukmiva bandhanan

Mrityor mukshiya maamritat

End and farewell were the hardest goodbyes indicating the arrival of the freshness of spring. It was time for resurrection. Samar twirled his mother around holding her hand gently.

Kehta yeh pal

Khud se nikal

Jeete hain chal

Jeete hain chal

Jeete hain chal

Gham musafir tha jaane de

Dhoop aangan mein aane de

Jeete hain chal

Jeete hain chal

Jeete hain chal

He danced around her, cheering her up. He made another swift turn whilst bursting the poppers. He then swayed slowly. They danced together with the rhythm as the song was a perfect fit.

Talvon ke neeche hai thandi si ek dharti

Kehti hai aaja daudenge

Yaadon ke bakson mein zinda si khushboo hai

Kehti hai sab pichhe chhodenge

Ungliyon se kal ki ret behne de

Aaj aur abhi mein khud ko rehne de

Kehta yeh pal

Khud se nikal

Jeete hain chal

Jeete hain chal

Jeete hain chal

Ek tukda haseen chakh le

Ik dali zindagi rakh le

Jeete hain chal

Jeete hain chal

Jeete hain chal

Hichki ruk jaane de

Siski tham jaane de

Iss pal ki ye guzaarish hai

Marna kyun, jee lena

Boondon ko pee lena

Tere hi sapno ki baarish hai

Paaniyon ko raste tu banaane de

Roshni ke pichhe khud ko jaane de

Kehta yeh pal

Khud se nikal

Jeete hain chal

Jeete hain chal

Jeete hain chal

Devika smiled at the duo with misty eyes. The dance was the symbolic representation of Anupama's second innings in life. Samar and Anupama had always bonded over a dance. It was their passion. Something that Shah Household had refused to acknowledge as a career and a dream. Devika thought that it was time that Anupama focused on her passion and give her dreams a chance. There would be a lot of learning and unlearning to break away from the patterns of her old life. It was time she did things that she always wanted to do and she would make sure that Anupama uncovers her hidden potential, the fire that she possesses within her. She joined the duo and danced her heart out. Samar spoke with a finality in his tone, when they just fell down on the bed, tired from continuous dancing Anupama got an inkling about his unfinished business and so she replied to him, Samar nodded his head and looked away. , finished Anupama, and with that, she went away to make some tea for all of them. Samar stared at his mother in bewilderment. He wondered whether she was a face reader, when Devika said to him, Samar scratched his nape as the statement brought a full-blown smile to his face. said Samar to Devika, and with that, he exited the house whereas Devika went to have a conversation with Anupama over a cup of tea.

Devika entered the kitchen and helped Anupama and soon settled down with two cups of tea in the cozy seating of the balcony. Anupama had never imagined herself to be sitting idle as she was always caught in something or the other. said Anupama. said Devika, while holding Anu's hands. She further continued, , when Samar entered the house in a gloomy mood. Devika left the duo alone knowing that they needed some time to deal with myriad emotions about starting a new chapter of life.

Ghatlodiya, Ahmedabad

Baa had been miffed as she had to begrudgingly accept the decision of divorce. Though she tried her best to stall the divorce, by manipulation or even by emotional blackmail and chains in the name of responsibilities and duties, Anupama had stood firm about the separation. Bapuji had requested her to let go of the radar. The dynamics of relationships had changed overnight. Vanraj received cold treatment from his father and sister. Baa refused to forgive his heinous mistake. She avoided him like a plague. The kids had distanced themselves from him. Kavya had been clearly crossed with him. Even thinking about his and Kavya's relationship made his heart heavy at that moment. He was denied the liberty to share his feelings regarding Kavya knowing that he would face flak from his family. He had knowingly got into an affair but now getting married to her was next to impossible. His personal life had already been in shambles as relationships had turned sour when the professional blows at his workplace made him frustrated. The issues added to his woes when Anupama had asked for alimony after the mandatory period of six months. He wondered how could someone change so much and that too overnight. He had a morose expression on his face and was lost in his thoughts when Samar entered the Shah Household. The scenario was unusual as everyone was busy with their own work ignoring Mr. Shah. The entry of Samar gave hope to Baa, Paritosh, Pakhi, and Vanraj whereas Bapuji and Mamaji were waiting for the drama to unfold. Vanraj got up and was about to caress him lovingly when Samar took a step back and began, in an enraged voice, Vanraj was livid with rage and yelled Samar's name with a few decibels higher, holding his collar. finished off Samar in an exasperated voice whilst gritting his teeth in anger. He stormed out of the house. Samar had dropped a bombshell on everyone. It had sent everyone reeling. Vanraj sat down on the sofa with a thud. Baa cursed mentally and blamed Anupama for the rift. Bapuji sighed at Leela's audacity. Though he was unhappy about the separation at least his grandson would be better off without his father, for he will always have his mother around. Paritosh had gone numb. The decision left him conflicted. Pakhi was still caught in a raging conflict with herself. The magnanimity of changes had shaken up the Shah Household and everyone had a tough time accepting it and dealing with it. The household was yet to experience more jolts at the hands of fate and also due to their karma as well.

Kavya had been subjected to trial and tribulations as her divorce from Anirudh had rued her financially. She had been disturbed by the turn of events. The affair was now out in the open, all thanks to Anupama and Anirudh. Though Vanraj did turn up at her house to spend some time the hostility surprised her. She coaxed him to share his woes. All these years she had been pestering him to get married and now when that moment was here, he seemed to be all aloof. It was unexpected. Though she was keen to get married to him, she was skeptical considering the current circumstances. She was satisfied by the fact that the marriage would now be happening in front of everyone rather than being concealed. The dilemma was overwhelming for her. She rubbed her temples in frustration. Kinjal had learned about the events through Devika. She had been aghast with the conflicts escalating thereby changing the dynamics. She wondered whether had she really known Paritosh. The sham of an extramarital affair showed her the values that this guy heralded. The treatment and respect he gave to his parents reflected two opposite extremes love and embarrassment. It made her question her love for Paritosh. The actions put forth a question before her leading to a battle between mind and heart. The question was whether Paritosh was the right partner that she had chosen for herself as falling in love is different and the person being right for you is different. The suffering of Anupama Aunty had her heart. She looked on lost in oblivion yet she had decided to give her a visit.

AK Group of Industries Head Office, New York

The spacious cabin had been absolutely tranquil. White and grey monotone defined elegance and poise. It represented a class that spoke volumes about integrity and character which is rare in the competitive fast-paced world. There sat a shadow in the dark giving in a powerful and authoritative aura that was contrasting to the white blinds in the background that could be seen amidst the yellow lighting. The last night's conversation with GK was ringing in Anuj's ears. He was twirling the magnets whereas Vikram looked at him knowing how stubborn he could be at times. spoke Vikram after an elongated silence. Anuj sighed, and said, " he looked at the views from the glass. He further continued, finished Anuj when his secretary knocked at the door. He gave her a cold yet soft look raising his eyebrows as he was clearly displeased at the interruption. A look that was reserved for employees. said his secretary. He nodded as he wanted to ensure safety and security. Thus the immediate paperwork would also ensure his easy shifting of the base. Anuj also wanted to have a look at his dream project. A project that had his heart and soul. He was awaiting to find someone who shared the same interests, zest, and zeal. Soon, destiny was going to answer this question.

An hour later when Anuj entered the room the conversation was picked up from where they left. Vikram began in a fear-strained voice, unsure about Anuj's reaction, as he was possessive when it came to Anupama. Anuj was perplexed nevertheless he asked, Vikram nodded his head in rejection. He sighed, as he didn't want to be privy to those private details as well yet he requested Vikram to keep his tabs on Devika regarding this conversation only if Anupama herself opens up when Vikram shifts permanently to Ahmedabad.

Ambawadi, Ahmedabad

Samar and Devika had seen the bright spark in her eyes as if she had figured it out and they smiled inwardly. Anupama called out to Samar and Devika after dinner and said She took a long breath and said to Samar, Samar and Devika hooted in happiness. Then, they went to packing as they were to shift to that household. That day, Anupama had a sound sleep in all these years whilst thinking about her dreams and future life. The next day morning she was surprised to find Samar wide awake earlier than usual. He was taking online classes as he had accepted an offer when he had received some time back. It brought a genuine smile to her face. Samar nodded his head otherwise and said and gave her a warm hug. He separated from the hug and further said, He got a bag and removed an intricately designed wooden box. The box seemed familiar to Anupama however she could not recall it. Samar opened it and the sight brought a faded memory. It was every dancer's pride especially classical dancers, the revered ghungroo. Anupama brought the box to her head bowing down to the anklets in respect. Samar was astonished and said, Anupama nodded her head and shared the sweetest memory of her father. Samar looked at the glow on her face. Anupama was teary-eyed to see her son being so considerate of her. The respect that she always wanted for herself. She embraced him tightly.

The journey has begun for the souls were entwined by destiny long back.