Prahladnagar, Ahmedabad

AK Group of Industries

The interiors of the cabin were elegant and sophisticated. The combination of greys and blues gave it a sense of authority apart from power. There sat a figure that emanated a cold aura who had been twirling the glass paperweight. It was Vikram who had been deeply thinking about the information that he had just received regarding the project. A project that would bring Gujarat's history and heritage all under one roof creating ample opportunities. A knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts. answered Vikram and there entered Devika. Vikram hummed in acceptance and said, Another knock interrupted their conversation. It was Anupama who was seeking permission to enter. These friends were bound by the protocols of the office and thus the professionalism. Devika and Vikram nodded. Devika and Vikram smiled. Anupama's ability to see through the minute details coupled with generosity and kindness was the cherry on top. Quality for a businesswoman.

Thaltej, Ahmedabad

Anuj had woken up to a burgeoning headache. He sighed as he was used to this. The excess of emotions and tears would give him a headache and every time it happened he would find a cup of kadak masala chai near him. He was glad to have GK around. GK was his anchor that would stabilize him however the degree of firmness would go missing when it came to matters of his heart. No matter how hard GK tried there would be a void. He brushed away his thoughts as he knew the reason and sipped his tea in silence soaking in the morning sun before the grind began. The stillness brought back the memories of last night's conversation. He found it inexorable. His thoughts went to Anupama and wondered about her courage. The ability to smile through the pain. His heart bled for she was and will always be his unrequited love. The thought of reunion brought in a wave of anxiety yet it was inevitable. He looked up to the vast sky and muttered "Dhyaan Rakhjo". Destiny smiled at him as the two star-crossed lovers were going to meet soon thereby starting the saga of love.

A little later Anuj called up Saveer catching up on his routine. He called up his core team whilst working out on the treadmill. Anuj looked forward to the reports of the various departments of his Ahmedabad office. Though he did keep tabs he wanted details of the progress made. He decided to personally visit the office unannounced taking Vikram and Devika into confidence. He wore a brown blazer over a round-neck white T-shirt paired with light-shaded denim. The drive to the office was a silent affair as there were a whirlwind of thoughts yet the hold on the magnets kept him calm and composed.

Prahladnagar, Ahmedabad

AK Group of Industries

Ever since they had received the notice they were anticipating a surety. It would be in time and still both the husband and wife believed that it could change their lives for the better. It could bring relief to them and also that the AK would see value in Vanraj's proposal had kept the hopes alive. Thus, Kavya was like an over-excited kid who was wanting to meet AK. She took extra effort to elevate her looks. She had worn a cream sleeveless jumpsuit, with golden hoops around the ears along with black stilettos. Both the husband and wife were building castles in the air but Vanraj being the rational and practical one warned Kavya of her stupidity. Vanraj had adorned a formal attire, a crisp navy blue shirt paired with a grey blazer and jeans. They were sitting in the lobby waiting to be called. Kavya glanced at the office. The interiors were a stark contrast to the exterior fiberglass structure that gave warm and welcoming vibes. The Italian veined fine black marble tiles paired with grey monochrome walls exuded cold energy. The lobby had 18 -foot ceilings decorated with square-shaped crystal chandeliers. Unknown to them, a shark was keeping a watch.

Vikram sat down on his chair and gave two files, one to Devika and the other to Anupama. Vikram and Devika shared a conversation through their eyes. Both the ladies took the file and sat down on the sofa behind the glass partition in the cabin whereas he took out his pad to look at the paperwork. He buried himself in the files and had just completed the last page when his intercom rang. answered Vikram and after taking a pause, he spoke, A few moments later there was a knock on the door indicating the arrival of the Shah couple. Kavya was taken aback by Vikram's appearance. He looked so young. The well-toned body made her drool yet she controlled herself. Vikram gestured for the couple to take a seat. He glanced at the couple and could sense Kavya's attempts to flatter him with her innuendos. He exhaled a sharp breath and spoke, Vanraj answered, Vikram nodded and inquired, Vanraj took out the cheque and spoke, Kavya was about to speak when she noticed the nameplate kept on the table. It read VR, another top businessman in the country. Kavya was elated. She spoke in a sultry voice, Vikram jolted at the shrill voice whereas Devika and Anupama were alarmed as they recognized the person. , castigated Vikram clearly annoyed by the lack of finesse. He gave a faint smile as this was something new to him. A married lady was trying to get close to him and that too in front of her husband. Kavya had the decency to look abashed.

spoke, Devika and Anupama simultaneously even before Kavya could come up with another move. The familiar voice left Vanraj and Kavya surprised. Anupama was working in such a reputed company. It was a bombshell that had been dropped on their heads. However, it was her elegant and sophisticated dressing that had left the Shah couple flabbergasted. She was wearing a fusion of modern and traditional. A white satin shirt tucked in with an intricately designed blue ankle-length skirt, with oxidized earrings around her ears. finished Anupama whereas Devika spoke in a terser voice, Vikram's eyes turned stern as he realized Devika's indication. The secretary gave an envelope to Vikram and left the cabin., answered Vikram by sliding the envelope to the duo. Vikram and Devika left to meet Anuj whereas Anupama went to meet the team as soon as the duo left the cabin.

The thirtieth floor had restricted access for it was Anuj Kapadia's cabin. The earthy hues gave a rustic look. The arrival of the boss had taken everyone by storm. Anuj had gone through the tenders and detailed reports of the projects that had been passed by the company. He was now looking at the footage for the security breach that had happened in his absence on the laptop when his eyes fell on the tab that was showing the live footage of Vikram's cabin. The exchange between Shah Couple and Vikram along with the interference of Devika and Anupama had given him an idea about the situation. The glances that Devika and Vikram shared with each other made him realize that there was more to it. Something about the Shah couple had ticked him off. Thus, he called up on the intercom asking for Vikram and Devika to visit him. Vikram and Devika were scared about his reaction because to be at the receiving end of Anuj Kapadia's ire was equal to being doomed. Anuj's eyes fell on Anupama. She looked resplendent and there was a different kind of fire in her personality. He smiled for he had gotten a glimpse of his love after ages and was going to meet her soon. He remembered the musing that he had made to himself seventeen years back when he saw her. A promise was being fulfilled by destiny.

"Aaj nahi toh phir milunga

Pata nahi kab

Pata nahi kaha

Lekin milunga zaroor

Yeh mera khud se wada hai"

A few moments later Vikram and Devika entered. , questioned Anuj who was standing by the glass structure having his back to the friends. , answered Devika, her voice strained with fear. Anuj simply nodded his head. Anuj closed his eyes for a moment and spoke up, After a long pause, Anuj stated with a smug smile, and Vikram smacked him harder on his back by replying, He looked horrified even by the mere thought of it. A look at Vikram's face and Devika along with Anuj broke into fits of laughter.

Satellite, Ahmedabad

Anupama's Ashiyana

The meeting with the team was a success for Anupama and she left for home. The drive home made Anupama think deeply about a person whose presence had always been special. It brought a smile to her face. She had a foreboding feeling of happiness. The view of the city skyline was her favorite thing to do after office. It relaxed her. She made herself some tea when she again wondered about the reunion. The reunion had rekindled hope in her. She had questions in her heart for that one person. She wondered whether she would get to see him if he would recognize her, and if would he forgive her. The guilt had been consuming her as after marriage she had been bereft of her friends and family all in a day's time. She had unwillingly abandoned all her relationships that she cherished from her heart. A putrescent soul seeks survival even in fatal circumstances and that's what she did. She endured every pain that came her way.

The best friend that had supported her dreams of dancing. He had ignited her passion. He was her crush, her Anuj. She had known about loving glances that Anuj used to steal. However, the courage to admit her feelings was lacking back then. The fear of her mother was deep-rooted then since she had lost her father. Society gained an upper hand over her own feelings and her choice. She looked at the play of destiny when she desired love it broke her and now she has lost the capacity to love. Faith and belief had been lost. She realized that thinking about Anuj brought a certain kind of peace to her. She sighed for things had changed now. The dynamics had altered. She exhaled sharply.

A little later she was getting ready for the reunion when Bapuji called her up citing the need for medicines as the stock was over. She would have sent Samar but he had been on a date with Nandini and thus she herself went to deliver the medicines. She kept Vikram and Devika in the loop when Devika insisted that she would accompany her to that drama company. She shook her head in disbelief as Devika could be stubborn at times.

Ghatlodiya, Ahmedabad

Vanraj and Kavya were in a dull mood after they read the letter that was left behind by Anuj Kapadia. They returned home when Leela offered them the prasad. The elderly couple looked at them as there was complete silence. The two of them looked paled and thus Bapuji enquired about the meeting. Baa and Bapuji were taken aback, when Bapuji spoke, Kavya spoke up, , when she spotted Anupama entering the household with a packet in her hand along with Devika. counter answered Bapuji dejectedly. Vanraj voiced his view in agreement. Kavya spoke with suppressing anger, , looking at Anupama. A cold look by Anupama at Kavya and she shut up that instant. Bapuji smiled looking at her. He got up and removed the evil eye.

Anupama looked gorgeous. She was wearing a navy blue satin shirt tucked in ankle length, Anarkali-type black skirt. Her hair was loosely tied in a ponytail with silver dangling earrings and wore black block heels. Baa scrunched her face seeing Devika who hugged her. Devika and Anupama shared a glance and tried hard to stifle their laughter as they recalled Kavya's statement. Vanraj was irked and so he spoke up,This man clearly lacked common sense. Anger overweighed his rationality at times. answered Anupama with certitude. Even before, Anupama or Devika could answer his second question, , Vikram spoke steely as he entered the house. finished Anupama. Vikram looked at his watch and spoke, The closeness surprised all of them. This guy was calling Anupama by her nickname. Anupama could sense the looks that she was receiving but she cared less about these people now. The boundaries had been drawn long back. There was brooding jealousy and she was clearly not in the mood to watch a drama unfold. said Anupama as she held Vikram's hand and walked out of the house, with Devika in tow, whilst giving a stern look to Vanraj.

Taj Skyline, Thaltej, Ahmedabad

Devika, Vikram, and Anupama entered the posh restaurant where the party had been organized by Anuj who was nowhere to be seen. Anuj had just entered the parking lot in his swanky Red Audi. He wore a dark navy blue blazer over a V-neck white T-shirt paired with dark navy blue chinos and brown leather pull-on shoes. Devika, Vikram, and Anupama caught up with their friends and started chit-chatting when Anuj entered the restaurant with one hand twirling the magnets. Anupama was having a hard time with her black block heels as they were a bit loose in fitting and so she found the block heel missing when the power cut happened. She started looking out for it whereas Anuj tripped over the heels yet balanced himself. Anupama finally found her heels and was about to bend down when a hand kept the heel in position so that she could wear it, and at that moment the power came back. Anupama was taken aback as she could make out that it was a manly figure due to the dim lighting. She was honored by the respect given to her as it was rare. A man who held a woman in high regard. The familiar touch hit her hard and made her eyes wet. She recognized who it was. She was happy yet melancholic. Anuj got up and looked up to see who it was. He was elated and gave a faint smile to her. Both of them kept looking at each other. It was as if the time had stopped there for Anuj whereas for Anupama she stood rooted to her spot. She blinked her eyes lest the tears are seen. The song that played in the background had impeccable timing as it told the tale of two lovelorn hearts.

Chupana bhi nahin aata

jatana bhi nahin aata

humen tumse mohabbat hai

batana bhi nahi aata

The contact was broken by Anupama when she whispered a that was audible enough to Anuj. He forwarded his hand for a shake which was warmly reciprocated by Anupama and he asked, Anupama as much as she wanted to run away from the situation also wanted the moment to be captured and thus she decided to take charge. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes as she wanted to know the trials that Anuj would make. She took a deep breath and spoke, The immediate response was a Shayari from Anuj.

"Jo sabse piche rehta tha

Aaj awwal hogaya hai

Lag raha tha kissa adha

Ab mukkamal hogaya hai"

She made lame attempts as if she was trying to remember him. Anuj spoke, Anupama feigned ignorance as if she still didn't remember him and muttered a sorry that was audible enough to Anuj. He scratched his head and said,

"Khwaabon mein ek Shehar Hai,

Par Aabad Nahi Hai,

Tum Yaad ho humein,

Humein Tum Yaad Nahi"

Devika and Vikram who were dancing on the other side looked at the exchange between Anuj and Anupama. Both of them were having a hard time keeping a straight face as Anupama was pulling Anuj's leg by failing to recognize him. The Shayari made her heart swell. He was still the same yet so different and she burst out laughing. said Anupama as she embraced him. That's when Devika and Vikram joined them in a group hug making Anuj lose his balance only to be held by Anupama. Anuj released the breath that he had been holding till now. He was ecstatic yet controlled his demeanor. There was a strange awkwardness. He went ahead and met other friends as well and recited a musing, thereby shedding out his as well as Anupama's awkward inhibitions.

"Rishta bahut hain khaas mere yaar dosti

Jeeti hai isiliye pyaar se har bar dosti

Itne baras ajnabi bankar hum hain jeeye

Ab toh kijiye sarkar humse dosti"