Thank you so much for being patient and showing all the love and support for my fanfiction❤️❤️
Sorry for the delay. I know this chapter was supposed to be updated last Wednesday but I have been travelling for the past few days. Hence, I couldn't update it.
So let's start without any delay....
Anupama Dance Academy, Ahmedabad
23 August 2022, 7:30 pm
Vanraj, slowly, took a few steps ahead and peeked through the gap between the curtains only to find Anupama and Anuj Kapadia laughing and giggling with each other.
What was he still doing there?
He wondered as he stood there watching the duo from behind the curtains.
The last time he saw them together was in the Reunion party and since then he had tried to convince himself that Anuj Kapadia behaved the way he did with him because of the fraud case and not because of Anupama. He might have tried to manipulate Baa and Toshu by informing them about Anuj's crush on Anupama in college but deep down, he believed that no one can fall in love with that woman and certainly, can't stay in it for twenty seven long years, especially a business tycoon like Anuj Kapadia.
However, the recent events and seeing them so close and comfortable with each other shattered his belief and the green eyed monster in him took over his thoughts.
He knew that he couldn't deal with Anupama the way he wanted to in front of Anuj but he, for sure, knew how to sow the seeds of doubt in Anupama's mind about their friendship.
Vanraj:- Kya baat hai !!
He let out as he walked into the office with authority, disrupting the discussion going on between the duo and Anuj and Anupama looked at him startled.
Anuj & Anupama:- Mr. Shah...
They breathed in astonishment as their eyes fell on the person standing before them and wondered what he was doing here.
Meanwhile, Vanraj smirked seeing them surprised and turned to Anupama before he spoke up....
Vanraj:- Yaha to mai tumse yeh bolne aaya tha ki tum ise mere baccho se dur rakkho.....lekin tum khud yaha iske saath aise...
He commented, pointing towards Anuj but before he could finish, Anupama interrupted.
Anu:- Mr. Shah.....aap yaha kya kar rahe hai?
She questioned, getting up from the couch and Anuj followed suit feeling confused about Vanraj's comment.
Vanraj:- Abhi bataya to......lagta hai tum kisi me khoyi hui thi....suna nahi tumne dhyaan se.
He taunted and Anupama understood all his vicious insinuations but decided not to react to it in front of Anuj.
Vanraj:- Koi baat nahi.....mai fir se repeat kar deta hoo......mai yaha apne baccho ke baare me tumse baat karne aaya tha.
He repeated himself and Anupama took a deep breath hearing this.
Anu:- Boliye....kya bolna hai aapko?
She inquired, walking up to him and he looked annoyed seeing her not affected by his presence or comments.
Vanraj:- Bolna nahi.....puchana hai !!
He corrected and Anuj and Anupama looked at him in question.
Anu:- Kya?
She asked in a straight tone and Vanraj moved past her to stand before Anuj.
Vanraj:- Yahi ki tum aur tumahre is dost ki himmat kaise hui meri beti ko yaha lekar aane ki?
He stated, giving Anuj a cold glare and then turned to Anupama to have his question answered.
However, before he could say another word to Anupama, Anuj came and stood between her and Vanraj.
Anuj:- Mr. Shah....Pakhi ko Anupama nahi.....mai yaha lekar aaya tha.
He said, taking responsibility for bringing Pakhi to the dance academy and Vanraj looked at him in irritation for not letting him talk to Anupama.
Seeing that look on his face, Anupama knew that Vanraj was not going to let this go easily and hence decided to interfere but before she could, Vanraj spoke up.
Vanraj:- To kya mai jaan sakta hoo Mr. Kapadia.....aap kis haq se meri beti ko yaha lekar aaye the?.....as a matter of fact......kis haq se aap use school se lekar gaye the?
He questioned and Anuj felt a little guilty about not asking or informing Pakhi's parents before offering her a ride.
However, he took a deep breath and was about to explain that his intentions weren't wrong but Vanraj accused him of something else before he could utter a word.
Vanraj:- Aapko pata hai na aise school se dusro ke baccho ko behla fusla kar apne saath le jaane wale kaam kidnappers ke hote hai?.....aur yeh sab aap jaise bade logo ko shobha nahi deta.
He insinuated and Anupama couldn't stop herself anymore.
Anu:- MR. SHAH.......Aapka dimag kharab to nahi ho gaya....aap kya bole jaa rahe hai?
She let out in a booming tone and went on to defend Anuj in front of Vanraj while both of them looked at her stunned.
Anu:- Anuj ne Pakhi ko aise school ke bahar sunsaan road pe auto dhundte hue dekha.....isiliye use help offer ki.....aur rahi baat use yaha laane ki to Pakhi ne khud unse use yaha drop karne ko kaha tha. Wo use uski marzi ke bina yaha nahi laaye the.
She added and this irked Vanraj even more.
He was trying so hard to corner each of them with his taunts and allegations but everytime he did that with one, the other one jumped to its defence and this finally led Vanraj to lose his patience.
Mr. Shah:- LEKIN MERI MARZI KE BINA TO WO USE YAHA LEKAR AAYA THA NA?
He lashed out in frustration and both Anuj and Anupama looked at him in exasperation.
Mr. Shah:- Agar ise help karne ka itna hi shauk hai to isne Pakhi ko ghar drop kyu nahi kiya.....yaha tumahre paas kyu lekar aaya?
He questioned Anuj's intentions but Anuj kept quiet realising that Vanraj's outrage was more about his ego than his daughter's safety and he was in no mood to feed more into it.
Seeing him standing in silence, Anupama understood that Anuj doesn't want to escalate the situation and hence, she answered Vanraj on his behalf.
Anu:- Kyuki wo meri bhi beti hai aur wo yaha mujhse milne aana chahti thi isiliye wo use yaha lekar aaye....agar usne inhe bola hota ki use Shah House jaana hai....to wo use waha lekar jaate.
She said and Anuj couldn't help but notice how furiously she was defending him in front of Vanraj.
Vanraj:- To aab tum saara ilzaam Pakhi pe daal rahi ho...
He retorted, feeling infuriated and Anupama sighed in defeat hearing this.
Anu:- Mai kisipe koi ilzaam nahi daal rahi hoo Mr. Shah....bas aapse itna keh rahi hoo ki ek choti si baat ko itna bada mat banaiye.
She requested wanting to put an end to this but Vanraj was in no mood to pay heed to her request especially after how his daughter behaved with him today because of her.
Vanraj:- Mai choti si baat ko bada bana raha hoo?.....meri beti yaha se aane ke baad mujhse yeh keh rahi hai ki mai usse pyaar nahi karta....aur tum bol rahi ho ki yeh choti si baat hai......zaroor tumne hi use mere khilaf bhadkaya hoga.
He accused her in anger and Anuj tried to keep his patience after hearing this.
He couldn't tolerate Vanraj hurling insults and allegations at Anupama and knew very well how to shut him up but he didn't......not solely because it was Anupama's personal matter but because he had faith in her.....faith that she can handle Vanraj or anyone else on her own and she didn't prove him wrong.
Anu:- Mujhe samajh nahi aata.....aap har baat ghuma phira ke mujhpe kaise lete aate hai.
She retorted in a tone as furious as Vanraj and not being able to do anything, he warned her.
Vanraj:- Kyuki meri zindagi ke saare fasaad ki jad sirf tum ho.....isiliye mujhpe ek meherbaani karo aur mere baccho se dur raho.....especially Pakhi se to bahut dur.
He said but Anupama didn't hold back this time.
Anu:- Aap jisse mujhe dur rehne ko keh rahe hai na Mr. Shah....wo meri bhi beti hai.
She reminded him that Pakhi is her daughter as well and Vanraj couldn't help but threaten her with the fact that he has Pakhi's custody.
Vanraj:- Lekin hak uspe sirf mera hai.....yeh baat tum yaad rakhna.
He stated and Anupama had enough of him now.
Anu:- Pita hone ka hak jatane se pehle....pita hone ka farz nibhana seekh lete aap to bahut accha hota.....Aap jitna wakt mujhpe ilzaam lagane me bitate hai na Mr. Shah.....usme se zara sa wakt agar apne baccho se baat karne me bita lete.....to aapko pata chalta ki Anuj ne Pakhi ke liye aaj kya kiya hai aur choti si baat itni badi nahi banti.
She asked him to stop asserting his rights and start performing his duties as a father but Vanraj was too proud to listen or understand.
He had come to the academy to threaten her but her attitude and Anuj's presence has made it impossible for him to do so. Nothing seemed to go as per his plan and he rolled his eyes in agitation as he heard Anupama lecturing him on being a good father and Anuj standing on the side with a proud look on his face.
Anu:- Baccho ki sirf financial needs puri karne se kuch nahi hota Mr. Shah......unki emotional needs bhi puri karni hoti hai.....mujhe nahi pata Pakhi ne aapse yeh sab kyu kaha.....lekin itna to pata hai ki usne yeh sab randomly nahi kaha hoga..... zaroor aapne uspe gussa kiya hoga.....chillaya hoga....kisi baat pe.....aur mujhe achi tarah se pata hai wo baat kya hai....Isiliye mujhse yaha behas karne se accha hai.....aap ghar jaake Pakhi pe chillane ki jagah.....use samjhaiye.....usse baat kijeye. Aap kabhi acche pati nahi ban paaye.....kamsekam acche pita to ban jaiye.
She further added and the last comment infuriated Vanraj even more.
Vanraj:- Accha pita hone ka paath mujhe us aurat se to bilkul seekhne ki zarurat nahi hai jo apna basa basaya ghar tod ke yha akele dance academy me itni raat ko apne....
He snapped at her with a taunt but Anupama cut him off before he could finish.
Anu:- Don't you dare !!
She warned, knowing well what his next words were going to be and Anuj looked at her and Vanraj in bewilderment.
Anu:- Don't you dare drag him in between.
She repeated herself and Vanraj smirked realising that he finally got under her skin.
Vanraj:- Are mai use beech me kyu le aaunga....beech me to mai aaya hoo tum dono ke.
He said, looking at Anupama and she closed her eyes in disgust.
Meanwhile, Anuj noticed her discomfort and wanted to interfere but stopped as he was still perplexed as to what was going on.
However, his confusion didn't stay for long as Vanraj turned towards him and sneered.
Vanraj:- I am so sorry Mr. Kapadia.....meri wajah se aap dono ki yeh special shaam kharab ho gayi.
He made a snide comment and Anuj's eyes finally snapped open realising what taunts Vanraj has been passing all along.
How low can this person stoop to just to feed his ego?
Anuj wondered, trying to digest this whole situation while Anupama glared at Vanraj in a warning to stop but he ignored it and went on to make another derogatory remark about the duo.
Vanraj:- I am sure....agar mai nahi aata to.....is sunsaan dance academy me aap dono ke liye aaj ki yeh raat kaafi yaadgar hoti.
He stated and Anuj took off his glasses in anger hearing this.
There might not be a limit to how low Vanraj can stoop but there certainly was a limit to how much Anuj can tolerate and Vanraj had almost exhausted that limit.
All Anuj wanted to do at that moment was to clutch Vanraj's collar and throw him out of the dance academy like he did at the night of the reunion party but he stopped himself for he knew it was Anupama's personal matter and he shouldn't interrupt until she can't handle it or asks for help.
Meanwhile, Anupama walked up to Vanraj in small determined steps and began in a threatening tone.
Anu:- MR. SHAH....
She stated in a cold voice and Vanraj looked at her in annoyance.
Anu:- Aap mujhe apne office ki partiyon me nahi leke jaate the kyuki aapko mere haathon se masalo ki badbu aati thi....lekin.....Mere to sirf haathon se masaalo ki badbu aati thi.....aapki to baaton se aati hai....aapki vicharo se aati hai.....ghatiya soch aur ochepan ki badbu.
She called him out on his disgusting remarks and asked him to stay away from her friends and her workplace.
Anu:- Isiliye mujhpe ek meherbaani kariye aur mere kaam ki jagah se aur mere dosto se dur hi rahiye.
She said and Vanraj was about to snap at her again but this time Anupama stopped him before he could start.
Anu:- Aur apne muh se ek aur ghatiya shabd nikalne se pehle ek baar reunion party wali raat yaad kar lijeyega.....jo us din hua wo wapas bhi ho sakta hai.
She threatened and Vanraj lost it this time.
Vanraj:- Anupama.....apni hadd me raho....nahi to...
He said, taking a step towards her in rage but before he could get close, Anuj came in between and stood there in front of her as a shield.
Anuj:- Aur tum Anupama se kamsekam pachaas metre dur !!
He stated as he wore back his glasses and looked at Vanraj in a death glare while Anupama took a gulp seeing them like that.
Vanraj:- Yeh ek maa baap ke beech ki baat hai Mr. Kapadia.....behtar hoga aap beech me na aaye.
He warned, trying to get rid of Anuj but he didn't budge from his position knowing well that Vanraj was trying to physically intimidate Anupama.
Anupama, on the other hand, tried to diffuse the situation by asking Vanraj to leave.
Anu:- Aur behtar hoga aap yaha se chale jaaye Mr. Shah....kyuki mujhe aapse baat karne me koi interest nahi hai.
She said and Anuj smirked at Vanraj hearing this.
Anuj:- Sun liya....now leave.
He dictated, gesturing towards the door but Vanraj stood there fuming in anger, looking at Anupama.
He so wanted to berate and lash out at her but couldn't because of Anuj's involvement. He knew that he had crossed his lines now and if he went beyond this, it might affect the deal his lawyer was trying to make with the AK Group.
So, he controlled himself and turned to leave.
As he reached the office door, Anupama called out to him from behind.
Anu:- Mr. Shah.....Aap jaa to rahe hai.....lekin yeh yaad rakhiyega......agar ghar jaake aapne mera gussa Pakhi pe wapas se utarne ki kosis ki ya use mujhse milne se roka to......
She trailed off and Vanraj turned to look back at her.
Vanraj:- To?
He asked, assuming that she was trying to make some empty threats but Anupama surprised him.
Anu:- To mai wahi karungi jo ek mahine pehle aap is case ke dam pe mere saath karne wale the.
She said and Vanraj immediately understood what she meant.
Knowing that he was in no position to retaliate, Vanraj just huffed in anger and left.
As soon as he walked out the door, Anupama put a hand over her chest and breathed a sigh of relief.
No matter how strong Anupama presented herself in front of everyone, the truth was that it was hard dealing with Vanraj and his presence around made her feel anxious and jittery from inside.
She might not show it but it didn't go unnoticed by Anuj that she was affected and honestly who wouldn't be after hearing such disgusting remarks.
Anuj:-Tum theek ho?
He inquired, taking a step towards her but Anupama was still overcoming the scene Vanraj had created.
Anu:- Sorry meri wajah se wo tamasha...
She tried to apologise to Anuj for it but words failed her and Anuj got worried seeing this.
Anuj:- Anu....tum theek to ho na?
He asked again but Anupama was too buried in her thoughts to hear his question and answer.
Anu:- Samajh hi nahi aata.....unki problem hai kya?.....kyu mujhe chain se nahi jeene dete.....are Pakhi ke baare me baat karne aaye the to Pakhi ke baare me karte na.....usme unhe aapko beech me laane ki kya zarurat thi.....
She complained, leaning against the office desk kept behind her and Anuj looked at her in anxiousness.
Anuj:- Anupama....mai puch raha hoo.....are you alright?
He questioned aloud and Anupama replied in an instant finally hearing this.
Anu:- Nahi.
She said, looking back at him and Anuj realised she was too overwhelmed with her emotions.
Without saying a word, he walked up to her side and leaned on the office desk kept behind them.
They stood there in silence, side by side for a few minutes, gazing at the wall when Anuj felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down to find Anupama unconsciously clutching the cuffs of his suit tightly with her fingers.
He looked at his hand and then at her. In the last few days, so much has happened that he has witnessed a strong and furious Anupama he met at the reunion party for the first time after twenty seven years slowly weighing down under the pressure of the issues created by her ex-husband and in-laws.
It was not easy for him to see her like that and he feared that if things are allowed to continue in the same manner, Anupama will have a breakdown one day and there will be no one around to support her because she would never let anyone in on her feelings like she was doing right now.
Her fingers were unknowingly clutching the cuffs of his blazer for some comfort and Anuj so wanted to replace those cuffs with his hand but he knew that he couldn't. If he moves even an inch, Anupama will become conscious and will withdraw her hands, losing the support and comfort her heart was trying to hold onto for sometime at that moment.
Hence, he stood there in silence with his eyes fixed on the wall waiting for Anupama to relax a bit and after a few minutes, she finally did and turned towards him only to find him lost in his own thoughts.
Looking at him standing in silence, she wondered if he was upset with her because of the allegations Vanraj threw at him and hence went on to apologise for it.
Anu:- Anuj.
She called and Anuj shifted his attention towards her.
Anu:- Mr. Shah ne jo kuch bhi kaha uske liye....I am really very sorry.....Meri wajah se aapko....
She tried to apologise but Anuj cut her off in between.
Anuj:- Sushhh....Not a word.
He dictated and lifted his hand to indicate her to not utter another word but stopped midway realising that she was still holding onto him.
Taking a gulp, he looked down at their hands and Anupama followed his gaze wondering what got him so nervous all of a sudden when her eyes fell on his sleeves and her fingers that were clutching it.
She immediately removed her hands and turned to look at something else in consciousness while Anuj tried to get rid of the awkwardness that had creeped in by continuing their conversation.
Anuj:- Anu......us insaan ne jo bhi kaha.....uske liye tum maafi nahi mangogi.
He said, asking Anupama not to apologise for someone else's mistakes but Anupama tried to protest.
Anu:- Lekin...
She began but Anuj stopped her before she could continue.
Anuj:- Maine kaha na.....tum maafi nahi mangogi.
He stated in a firm tone and Anupama looked at him with gratitude.
Anuj:- Anu.....honestly......mujhe uski ghatiya baaton se koi farak nahi padta......because he doesn't matter to me.......agar padta hai to is baat se ki tum theek ho ya nahi?
He added still wondering if she was alright and Anupama assured him that she was.
Anu:- Aap meri chinta mat kariye Anuj.....mai theek hoo....mujhe Mr. Shah ke taano ki aab aadat ho gayi hai.
She said, giving him a faint smile and Anuj took a deep breath hearing this.
He never wanted Anupama to get accustomed to something that was insulting to her but he didn't know how to convey it especially right now.
So, he kept that conversation aside for some other day and looked at her with a smile.
Anuj:- Anu.....ek baat puchu....bura to nahi mangogi?
He questioned, wanting to ask something that had been bugging him for a while.
Anu:- Nahi.....puchiye.
She answered, gesturing him to go ahead.
Anuj:- Did you really mean when you said that you would use the case against Vanraj the same way he wanted to use it against you?
He inquired, knowing well what Anupama was talking about when she warned Vanraj before he left and Anupama closed her eyes for a second hearing this.
Anu:- No.
She said and Anuj looked at her baffled.
Anuj:- Then Why did you....
He tried to ask but Anupama answered him before he could finish.
Anu:- To keep him in line.
She stated looking at Anuj's perplexed face and went on to clear his confusion.
Anu:- Maine abhi jo kuch bhi unse kaha hai.....uski wajah se Mr. Shah bahut gusse me honge aur mujhe pata hai wo ghar jaake wo gussa kisi na kisi pe utaarenge.....mai nahi chahti thi ki us gusse ke receiving end pe Pakhi ho......Isiliye.....maine unse wo kaha.....so that next time jab wo uspe apna gussa utaarne ki soche ya use mujhe milne se roke.....to unhe wo baat yaad rahe.
She explained and Anuj finally understood the situation.
He already knew that Vanraj wanted to legally stop Anupama from meeting Pakhi by framing her in the fraud case and when Anupama said today that she is going to do the same to him if he takes out his anger on Pakhi, Anuj wondered if he could help her by keeping the case alive for a few weeks rather than giving Vanraj a settlement offer.
Anuj:- Anu.....lekin tumhe pata hai na....tumne jo kaha wo aab tum easily kar sakti ho.....Pakhi ki custody tum aasani se le sakti ho on the basis of this case......aur Vanraj chahkar bhi kuch nahi kar payega.
He suggested but Anupama refused it instantly.
Anu:- Mai kar sakti hoo.....lekin karna nahi chahti.
She said and Anuj looked at her in question.
Anuj:- Kyu?
He inquired and Anupama explained to him Pakhi's situation.
Anu:- Kyuki mai apni beti ko jaanti hoo.....wo bhale hi abhi Mr. Shah se naaraz ho.....lekin wo unse bahut pyaar karti hai.....aur unke bina nahi reh sakti hai.
She said but Anuj found her reasoning to be a little bit unconvincing.
Anuj:- Anu.....wo bacchi hai....use sahi galat ka fark nahi maloom....lekin hume to maloom hai na.....tumhe sach me lagta hai Vanraj Shah is a good influence on her?
He questioned and Anupama let out a sarcastic chuckle hearing this.
Anu:- Vanraj Shah is not a good influence on anyone.
She corrected him and Anuj wondered why she was so passive about the situation even after being aware of it.
Anuj:- To fir.....why aren't you using this opportunity to remove that influence?
He asked and Anupama looked at him with a painful smile.
Anu:- Because I don't want my daughter to go through the same things she went through last year.
She answered and Anuj waited for her to explain.
Anu:- Anuj.....Pakhi baaki baccho jaisi nahi hai......she is very sensitive and stubborn.....jab last time Mr. Shah ne custody case file kiya tha......to she went through a mental breakdown in that process because she wanted to live with both of us and it took a lot of therapy sessions to bring her back.....I can't let her go through the same thing again knowing that keeping her away from her father would make her miserable.
She added and Anuj realised the pain Pakhi and Anupama had gone through because of Vanraj.
However, he had an idea and he wanted Anupama to know it.
Anuj:- Anu.....what if you file for joint custody?
He suggested but Anupama knew that it's of no use to file for joint custody.
Anu:- There is no point in filing for joint custody Anuj.....Jab tak mai wo case jeetungi.....Pakhi would already be of age to decide with whom she wants to live.
She said and Anuj nodded in acknowledgement.
Anuj:- She is seventeen right?
He asked.
Anu:- Almost.
She replied.
Anuj:- Still it's a long time, Anu.
He reminded and Anupama hummed in response.
Anu:- I know but there is no other way than filing a court case.
She expressed her concern and Anuj wondered if there was another way, whether she would choose it or not.
Anuj:- What if there is?
He questioned and Anupama smiled hearing this.
Anu:- Then I would happily take it without a second thought.
She said and Anuj just hummed in response.
At the moment, he didn't have a way to make that happen but he was determined to find one.
However, before that, he needed to do something and that was apologising to Anupama for interfering between Vanraj and her. He didn't want her to think that he doesn't have any faith in her to handle Vanraj because that clearly wasn't the case.
Anuj:- Anu...
He called and Anupama raised her eyebrow in question.
Anu:- Hmm?
She asked.
Anuj:- I am sorry.....mujhe aise tumahre aur Vanraj ke beech me aake aise nahi khada hona chahiye tha.....I know you can handle him.....but....
He tried to apologise but Anupama cut him off in between.
Anu:- Anuj please.....hum yeh sorry sorry band kare....agar aapki jagah Devika hoti ne to wo Mr. Shah ko thappad tak maar deti aur sorry bolne....ki jagah mujhe hi sunati ki maine unhe thappad kyu nahi maara.
She said, feeling tired of hearing Anuj apologise again and again without any fault and Anuj chuckled at her statement.
Anuj:- Well Devika is Devika......wo Vanraj ka murder karke bhi sorry nahi bolegi.
He stated and Anupama grinned at this.
Anu:- To aap kyu bol rahe hai?
She questioned.
Anuj:- Kyuki mai Devika nahi hoo.....mera tumahri life me interfere karne ka koi haq nahi hai.
He argued and Anupama let out a sigh hearing this.
Anu:- Interfere karne me aur support karne me bahut farak hota hai Anuj aur yeh farak mai jaanti hoo.
She reasoned and went on to reprimand Anuj for quoting again and again that he is not Devika or Bunty.
Anu:- Aur ek minute....aaj aapne yeh kya laga rakkha hai.....mai Devika nahi hoo.....mai Bunty nahi hoo.....aap kya mere dost nahi hai?
She questioned and Anuj was left speechless.
Anuj:- Haan matalab hoo but...
He tried to form an answer but Anupama interrupted in between.
Anu:- Hai to fir yeh baar baar comparison kyu karte rehte hai?
She said and took a pause to look at him.
Anu:- Jitna haq Devika ka hai mujhpe utna hi aapka....Aapka aur Bunty ka bhi hai....aur agar aaj ke baad aapne kabhi in cheezo ke liye sorry bola to I swear mai aapki chatni bana dungi.....samjhe aap?
She reminded and Anuj surrendered in front of her argument.
Anuj:- Okay....okay !!
He stated, raising his hands in defeat and Anupama giggled at this.
Anu:- Aur waise bhi.....aap kare na kare.....agar aapki life me kabhi kuch aisa hoga to mai zaroor interfere karungi.
She joked, trying to lighten the atmosphere and Anuj looked at her surprised.
Anuj:- Meri life me aisa hoga?
He repeated her words in astonishment and Anupama smirked at him.
Anu:- Kyu aapki koi 6 foot ki vindictive ex nahi hai kya?
She asked, raising her eyebrows and Anuj played along with her.
Anuj:- Hai.....lekin ek problem hai.
He answered, adjusting his glasses, pretending to think and Anupama looked at him in question.
Anu:- Kya?
She wondered.
Anuj:- Uski tumahre ex ki tarah muche nahi hai.....
He replied with a serious face, suppressing a smile and Anupama couldn't help but laugh out loud at this.
Anu:- Acchi baat hai....kyuki agar hoti na.....to mai pakka interfere nahi karti.
She stated amidst her giggles and Anuj chuckled in amusement seeing this.
He was finally a little relieved that Anupama was okay now and was about to ask her permission to leave since it was late but then he looked at his watch and realised that it was late for her as well.
Anuj:- Accha aab ghar chale....kaafi late ho gaya hai....mai tumhe chod deta hoo.
He offered her a ride but Anupama didn't want to go home right now.
She had some work left in the dance academy and moreover her apartment felt a little gloomy and empty without Devika.
Anu:- Anuj....aap jaiye....mujhe abhi yaha thoda kaam hai....mai wo khatam karke niklungi.
She refused, citing an excuse but Anuj wasn't sure about it.
Anuj:- Are you sure?
He inquired and Anupama replied in a yes.
Anuj:- Bye then.
He said, getting off the desk and taking a few steps ahead to stand in front of her.
Anu:- Bye.....gaadi sambhal ke chalaiyega.
She replied, asking him to drive safe and a content smile appeared on Anuj's face hearing this.
Anuj:- Jo hukum mere aaka.
He stated in a playful tone as he bowed his head down in front of her and Anupama waved him bye with a smile.
Anuj:- Bye....
He said as he turned and walked out the door while Anupama felt her anxiousness return as his figure disappeared from her sight.
She immediately picked up her bag kept on the desk and took out the chocolate bar kept in it.
Taking out the wrapper, she started stuffing her mouth with chocolate trying to fill the pit formed in her stomach while Anuj watched her from behind the curtain and took a gulp.
Anuj's Apartment, Ahmedabad
23 August 2022, 9:00 pm
A smoky aroma filled the kitchen as soon as GK dropped some butter on the burning piece of coal in the pan and covered it with a lid to give his gourmet dish a smoky flavour.
Ahaa....Anuj to aaj khana dekh ke khush ho jaayega !!
He said to himself as he emptied the pan into a serving bowl and brought it into the hall.
Kitne din ho gaye hai....yeh ladka dhang se khaa pee nahi raha hai......aaj aata hai to isko batata hoo....
He thought arranging the plates on the dining table when he heard a loud slam and saw Anuj furiously marching towards his room.
Ise kya ho gaya?
He wondered and followed Anuj into the room.
However, the sight he witnessed shocked him.
Nostrils flaring, Anuj stood near the dressing table, with his palms clutching its sides as he stared into the mirror with his squinted eyes.
The events from the evening flashed before him.....
Accha pita hone ka paath mujhe us aurat se to bilkul seekhne ki zarurat nahi hai jo apna basa basaya ghar tod ke yha akele dance academy me itni raat ko apne.....
Vanraj:- I am so sorry Mr. Kapadia.....meri wajah se aap dono ki yeh special shaam kharab ho gayi.
Vanraj:- I am sure....agar mai nahi aata to.....is sunsaan dance academy me aap dono ke liye aaj ki yeh raat kaafi yaadgar hoti.
Anu:- Aap mujhe apne office ki partiyon me nahi leke jaate the kyuki aapko mere haathon se masalo ki badbu aati thi.
Anu:- Mere to sirf haathon se masaalo ki badbu aati thi.....aapki to baaton se aati hai....aapki vicharo se badbu aati hai.....ghatiya soch aur ochepan ki badbu.
Anu:- Isiliye meherbani karke mere kaam ki jagah se aur mere dosto se dur hi rahiyega.
The voice reverberated in his ears and suddenly everything seemed to add up....
Vanraj gripping Anupama's hand in the reunion party against her will.
Her pushing him to the ground in rage.
His taunt to Anupama when he was asked to leave......
Vanraj:- Ohh haan....mai to bhul hi gaya tha....agar mai yha rhoonga to tum apne purane aashiq ke saath aashiqi kaise ladaogi...
Everything added up making Anuj realise why and towards whom those taunts were directed.
A fresh swell of irritation and anger surged through his veins, threatening to spill out but he controlled himself for he knew if he loses control, he would end up causing harm to someone and that someone would probably be Vanraj Shah.
Trying his best to distract himself, he moved away from the dressing table and opened his cupboard to take out his clothes.
However, not being able to find anything according to his liking, he closed the cupboard and sat on the bed with his forehead pressed between his thumb and index finger.
Meanwhile, GK stood outside the room watching him. He knew his son was going through something right now and it wasn't work. It was something personal and he needed to get it out of him before the pain and anger started eating him up from inside.
Hence, not wasting a second, he walked inside Anuj's room and sat beside him on the bed.
GK:- Anuj.
He called softly and Anuj opened his eyes to look at him.
Anuj:- GK.....aap...
He stated, finally aware of his presence in the room.
GK:- Tu theek to hai beta?....kuch hua hai kya?
He inquired, feeling concerned about Anuj but Anuj didn't want to bother GK.
Anuj:- Nahi GK.....kuch nahi hua....mai bilkul theek hoo.
He answered trying to keep a straight face but GK looked right through his facade.
GK:- Tujhe kitni baar bolu....tera yeh poker face duniya ke saamne chalta hoga.....mere saamne nahi.....tu mujhse jhooth nahi bol sakta.
He reminded Anuj that there is no use lying to him and asked him to come clean.
GK:- Isiliye saaf saaf bata kya baat hai?.....tu itna gusse me kyu hai?
He questioned and Anuj couldn't help but burst out with feelings at that moment.
Anuj:- Us Vanraj Shah ki wajah se GK.....us Vanraj Shah ki wajah se.
He stated in a loud voice and GK wondered what did Vanraj do to get him so agitated.
Anuj:- Wo insaan meri nazaro ke saamne Anupama ke saath batameezi karta hai.....taunt maarta hai.....cheap comments pass karta hai....
He said, recalling the events from the evening and felt frustrated at his helplessness.
Anuj:- Aur mai chup chap khada dekhta rehta hoo....man to karta hai ki uska muh tod du.....par chah kar bhi mai kuch kar nahi sakta kyuki Anupama ki personal life me mai interfere nahi karna chahta.
He added as he got up from the bed and moved towards the dressing table while GK looked at an infuriated Anuj and got anxious.
Anuj:- Apni nazaro ke saamne Anupama ki beizzati hote dekh.....kaisa feel hota hai....mai kya batau aapko GK....Mera dil andar se tutata hai.
He said in a painful voice as he looked at his reflection in the mirror and rebuked himself for not doing anything about Vanraj's taunts and comments.
Sharam aati hai mujhe
Par mai mar nahi sakta....
Wo rushwa hoti hai saamne mere
Par chahkar bhi mai kuch kar nahi sakta.
He recited taking out his inner fury and rage on himself while a worried GK walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder.
GK:- Anuj....aisa kya hua hai.....puri baat bata?
He prompted and Anuj told him everything that happened in the day instantly.
Anuj:- Anupama pehle hi ek aurat hone ki keemat chuka rahi hai GK....wo kya kam tha ki....jo wo aab kisiki ex wife hone ki keemat bhi chukaye....Waise hi kisi ex ke saath deal karna kitna mushkil hota hai.....upar se wo Vanraj Shah....jo har baar....apni had....apni line...apni limit cross kar deta hai.
He further added and GK felt bad for Anupama as he realised how hard it must be for her to deal with her past especially when the past is as vile as Vanraj Shah.
GK:- Anupama is a strong woman Anuj......wo Vanraj ko handle kar sakti hai.
Nonetheless, he tried to comfort Anuj by reminding him that Anupama is capable enough to fight her own battles but Anuj didn't want her to disturb her mental peace in fighting the unnecessary ones.
Anuj:- Kar sakti hai aur kar bhi rahi hai.....lekin kyu?...Mai yeh puchta hoo GK....ki wo kyu handle kare?.....jab tak wo us Vanraj ki patni thi....usne usko jhela...uski maa ko jhela......unki baatein suni....par aab kyu sune?....kyu jhele unhe?
He questioned but GK kept quiet knowing that Anuj was right.
Anuj:- GK.....mujhe pehle yeh lagta tha ki Anupama meri zindagi me nahi hai to yeh meri badkismati hai....Par wo meri badkismati nahi hai.....meri galti hai.
He said turning towards GK and GK noticed the unshed tears in his eyes.
Anuj:- Sab meri galti hai....Satayis saal pehle Anupama ko maine apne dil ki baat bata di hoti GK.....to aaj uski zindagi aisii nahi hoti....jaisi hai.....Pacchees saal tak use us lakeer pe nahi chalna padta jispe wo chali....Pachees saal tak har din uska aansuo se bheega nahi hota GK....Sab meri galti hai....meri galti.
He stated in a furious tone, blaming himself for Anupama's present condition and GK nodded in a no denying it but Anuj wasn't listening.
Anuj:- Maine Anupama se apne dil ki baat keh di hoti......to uski zindagi aaj ek fairytale hoti....Isiliye nahi ki mai koi raja...koi king ya koi sehzaada hoo.....balki isiliye....kyuki Anupama is a queen.....she is a queen.
He added, breathing heavily while GK rubbed his back comforting him.
Anuj had regretted not confessing his love for Anupama many times in the past twenty seven years but today after seeing how their life turned out, it hit him like never before.
Anuj:- Ek sehzaadi ki zindagi pe haq tha uska.....jo use isiliye nahi mila....kyuki meri galti thi.
Meri wajah se nahi mili use wo zindagi. I am responsible for this. I am responsible for this.....
He repeated again and again and GK took Anuj into a hug before the guilt drowned him completely.
GK:- Anuj.....shaant ho jaa......purani baaton ke liye kab tak khud ko kosega.....jo kuch bhi hua usme teri koi galti nahi hai.....sab kismat ka khel hai beta.
He said as he comforted him but Anuj couldn't let it go.
Anuj:- To yeh kismat mere apno ke saath hi har baar khel kyu khelti hai GK?......har baar yeh mere apno ko hi yeh takleef kyu pahuchati hai?......aur har baar mai chahkar bhi kyu kuch nahi kar paata?
He questioned, wiping a tear from the corner of his eyes and GK took a deep breath hearing this as the duo parted from the hug.
GK:- Har baar ka pata nahi Anuj.....lekin is baar tere pass mauka hai kuch karne ka.
He said, tapping his shoulders gently and Anuj looked at him in question.
GK:- Tune hi mujhe aaj subah wo event pe jaane se pehle us settlement offer ke baare me call karke bataya tha na.
He recalled while Anuj realised he hadn't told GK everything about the deal and the situation he was in.
Anuj:- Haan GK lekin...
He began, wanting to inform him but GK interrupted before he could.
GK:- Dekh mai jaanta hoo ki tu us Vanraj ko itni aasani se nahi chodna chahta.....especially aaj jo kuch bhi hua.....uske baad to bilkul nahi.....lekin agar tu Vanraj ko jail bhejega to Anupama ki problem kam nahi hogi....balki aur badhegi.
He stated, assuming that Anuj wants Vanraj in jail after today's incident but he didn't realise that Anuj was more concerned about something else at the moment than what Vanraj did.
GK:- Agar Vanraj jail chala gaya to Leela Ben Anupama ko taane de deke uska jeena haram kar dengi aur bas itna hi nahi..... Anupama ki baccho ki zindagi par bhi iska asar padega.....us parivaar ki saari zimmedari Anupama ke upar aa jayengi aur wo bechari apne college, office aur dance academy ke saath kya kya sambhalegi?
He further added as he painted a picture of how life is gonna be for Anupama if Vanraj goes to jail and Anuj agreed to it.
Anuj:- Jaanta hoon GK.....sab jaanta hoo.....isiliye to chahkar bhi us Vanraj Shah ko mai jail nahi bhej sakta.....kyuki uska jail jaana na Anupama aur uski family ke liye accha hoga aur na hi humari company ke liye.
He said and GK sighed in relief hearing this.
It wasn't that GK didn't want Vanraj to get punished for what he did but it was just that his concern for Anupama and her well being superseded his feelings towards Vanraj.
GK:- Isiliye bol raha hoo Anuj......wo deal Vanraj ko de aur yeh case khatam kar......jitni jaldi tu yeh karega....utni jaldi wo Vanraj aur uski Baa Anupama ki zindagi me dakhal dena band karenge.....aur Anupama apni zindagi shaanti se jee paayegi.
He tried to convince Anuj to give Vanraj the deal but Anuj refused instantly.
Anuj:- Itna aasaan nahi hai GK.....Vanraj ko yeh deal dene me aur use jail bhejne me koi zada farak nahi hai. Dono ka anjaam ek hi hoga.....aur wo uske aur Anupama ke baccho ko bhukatna padega.
He said, expressing his concern and GK looked at him in bewilderment.
GK:- Matalab?
He asked, perplexed.
Anuj:- Matalab....us deal me ek clause hai....jo yeh kehta hai ki Vanraj ko press conference me puri duniya ke saamne apni galti confess karni hogi aur maafi maangni hogi......aur agar aisa hua GK......to iska asar Paritosh aur Samar ke career aur Pakhi ki school life pe padega.....aur mai nahi chahta ki aisa ho.
He explained and GK understood his concern.
GK:- Aaj jo Pakhi ke saath hua....uski wajah se tu yeh sab keh raha hai na?
He inquired and Anuj nodded in agreement.
Anuj:- GK aaj to maine situation sambhal li lekin future me fir aisa hua to?......isiliye I need to make sure ki aage kabhi aisii situation aaye hi na Anupama aur uske baccho ki zindagi me.
He said and told GK about the biggest thing that has been bothering him.
Anuj:- Lekin mujhe samajh nahi aa raha GK ki yeh mai karu kaise?....mai na Anupama aur uski family ko takleef me dekh sakta hoo aur na hi Vanraj ko aasani se chod sakta hoo.....especially aaj jo us ghatiya insaan ne kiya Anupama ke saath uske baad to bilkul nahi.
He added and GK understood that Anuj was in a tricky situation right now but he kept quiet not having any solution for it.
Anuj:- Pata nahi kis akad me rehta hai wo......ek taraf apne lawyer ko bhejta hai case settle karwane ke liye aur dusri taraf mere saamne Anupama ke saath batameezi karta hai.....usko kya lagta hai....yeh dekhne ke baad mai khush hoke usko aur aasani se chod dunga?....Samajh nahi aata wo bewkoof hai ya....
He stated and went on to vent his frustration about Vanraj's nonchalant attitude when a woman's voice interrupted him.
Bewkoof nahi egoistic hai.
It came from the door and both Anuj and GK turned towards it to look.
Anuj:- Devika.....Bunty.....tum dono?
He let out in surprise as his eyes fell on his two friends standing in the hall waving at him while GK welcomed them.
Hello everyone...
Devika greeted as she walked upto GK along with Vikram and hugged him.
GK:- Kaise ho tum dono?
He asked, patting their backs while Anuj smiled seeing them together.
Vikram:- Hum bilkul theek hai...
He answered, breaking the hug and turning towards Anuj to greet him.
Anuj:- Tum dono to kal aane wale the na?
He inquired as he took Vikram into a side hug and high fived Devika.
Vikram:- Haan....lekin meetings jaldi khatam ho gayi to socha waha ek din ruk ke kya kare.
He replied, shrugging his shoulders and Devika couldn't keep quiet.
Devika:- In short....yeh tujhe miss kar raha tha.
She said, pulling Vikram's leg and GK and Anuj chuckled at this.
Anuj:- Yeh mujhe miss kar raha tha ya tu Anu ko miss kar rahi thi?
He questioned, teasing Devika a bit and she retorted instantly.
Devika:- Mai na Anu ke haath ke khaane ko miss kar rahi thi.
She said with a pout and both Anuj and Vikram couldn't help but giggle hearing this.
Anuj & Vikram:- Bhukkad.
They commented and Devika stuck out her tongue in annoyance.
Devika:- Btw tu itna surprised kyu hai?......tujhe aur GK dono ko message kiya tha maine flight board karne se pehle ki aaj raat ka dinner hum saath karenge.
She asked, recalling the shocked expression Anuj gave on seeing them.
Anuj:- Sorry yrr....itna busy day tha ki mai messages check hi nahi kar paaya tere.
He answered and Devika indicated that it was alright.
GK:- Aur yeh ghar itne gusse me aaya ki mujhe batane ka mauka hi nahi mila !!
He added, giving a reason for not having told Anuj.
Vikram:- Haan suna humne abhi...
He began, wanting to ask Anuj the reason behind his frustration a little while ago when Devika interrupted.
Devika:- Us Vanraj ne fir se kuch kiya na?
She inquired, having heard the last part of Anuj and GK's conversation but Anuj kept quiet not knowing whether to tell them or not.
Seeing him standing in silence, Vikram nudged him to speak up.
Vikram:- Anuj....kuch bolega tu?
He prompted and Anuj gestured him to stop.
Anuj:- Batata hoo....but tum dono usse pehle fresh hoke aao....thak gaye hoge !!
He asked them to freshen up before the conversation and GK joined in his support.
GK:- Anuj bilkul sahi keh raha hai....tum log fresh hoke aao pehle....mai dinner lagata hoo....fir baith ke baat karna.
He said but both Devika and Vikram tried to protest.
Devika:- Are but...
She tried to refuse but GK stopped her sternly.
GK:- Devika...No arguments.
He stated in a firm tone and Devika frowned at this.
Devika:- Fine.....Anuj ki male gender wali mummy !!
She said, trying to make fun of GK's strictness and all three chuckled hearing this.
GK:- Sirf Anuj ka nahi.....tum teeno ka mummy hoo mai....isiliye chup chap meri baat maano.....aur das minute ke andar dining table pe aao!!
He ordered and all three friends bowed down in front of him saying....Okay Mummy !!.....before they went to their respective rooms to freshen up.
After a while, everyone gathered up in the hall and had dinner.....most of which went in silence.....as all four of them had their mind preoccupied with something. Anuj was thinking about the settlement offer, GK was concerned about Anuj's health while Devika and Vikram were wondering what Vanraj did in their absence to get Anuj so agitated.
However, they didn't have to ponder for long because as soon as they were done with their dinner and GK went to bed, the duo settled on the couch in the living room and Anuj told them everything about what happened in the past few days.....from the settlement offer.....to Pakhi's incident.....to Baa bothering Anu at dance academy and Vanraj misbehaving with them at the same place later that evening.
Both Vikram and Devika were left shocked and enraged after hearing all this.
What the hell is wrong with this person?
Vikram exclaimed in anger as Anuj finished with his explanation.
Vikram:- Isko acchi tarah se pata hai.....isko deal dena na dena humare haath me hai.....fir bhi yeh hum se hi batameezi kar raha hai.....wo bhi tab jab isko next hearing me jail ho sakti hai.
He said not being able to believe Vanraj's audacity to trouble Anupama and pass comments on her relationship with Anuj even after the threat of going to jail hanging over his head.
Devika:- Vanraj Shah aisa hi hai....use pata bhi ho ki galti uski hai tab bhi wo kisi ke aage jhukta nahi hai......apni hi akad me rehta hai.
She stated in annoyance having a quite clear idea of Vanraj's nature and attitude.
Vikram:- To todte hai na uski akad....ek baar use puri duniya ke saamne maafi maangni padegi na to saari akad nikal jaayegi.
He suggested, slamming the settlement offer, he was holding in his hand, on the table but Anuj was adamant.
Anuj:- Hum yeh nahi kar sakte Bunty......tujhe bataya na aaj Pakhi ke saath school me kya hua !!
He reminded Vikram of the situation and Devika got irritated hearing this.
Devika:- To kya kar sakte hai?.....Jail nahi bhej sakte.....yeh deal nahi de sakte....to fir chod de usko aise hi?
She stated in vexation and Anuj clicked his tongue in disappointment.
Anuj:- Mai aisa nahi keh raha hoo....bas itna keh raha hoo ki hume koi aisa raasta nikalna hoga jisse Anupama ki family ko takleef bhi na ho aur Vanraj ko saza bhi mil jaaye.
He said but Devika was set on sending Vanraj to jail.
Devika:- Mai to kehti hoo....use jail bhejo.....uske baad jo bhi us family me hoga....mai aur Anu milke sambhal lenge.
She repeated and Anuj reminded her of the things that were at stake.
Anuj:- Jail is not an option Devika. Tu bhul rahi hai to yaad dila du ki hume Vanraj aur Kavya ki zaroorat hai MG Group case ke liye. Agar wo dono witness nahi banenge to hum wo case haar jaayenge aur wo tender bhi.
He said but Devika failed to realise the gravity of the situation.
Devika:- It's just a tender Anuj. Kal koi aur mil jaayega but Vanraj ko sabak sikhane ka mauka hume baar baar nahi milega.
She argued and Vikram's eyes shot open hearing this.
Vikram:- It's just not a tender Devika. It's my company.
He stated in a stern tone, looking at Devika and she took a gulp realising that Vikram was not happy by her "it's just a tender" remark.
Vikram:- Agar hum yeh prove nahi kar paaye ki MG Group in sabme involved tha to sirf tender hi nahi jaayega humare haath se balki MG Group humare upar malicious prosecution ka case bhi karega. I want Vanraj to get punished for what he did but not at the cost of my company and reputation.
He further explained and Anuj came in his support.
Anuj:- Bunty bilkul theek keh raha hai Devu. Board of directors ko yeh bilkul accha nahi lagega....hume professional aur personal balance out karke chalna padega is mamle me.
He said in a softer tone and Devika nodded in agreement.
Devika:- I am sorry. Mera wo matalab nahi tha Bunty.....mujhe laga baat sirf tender ki hai....I didn't know ki yeh malicious prosecution jaisi cheeze bhi involved hai.....I'm really sorry.
She apologised realising her mistake and Vikram did the same for not giving her the full picture of the situation.
Vikram:- I am sorry too Devu....Humne tujhe puri baat batayi bhi nahi.....jab mai aur Anuj discuss kar rahe the is baare me to hume tujhe bhi involve karna chahiye tha.
He said leaving Devika baffled.
Devika:- What do you mean tum log discuss kar rhe the pehle?......yeh deal ke baare me Anuj ne tujhe pehle se bata rakkha hai?
She asked in bewilderment and Anuj smiled hearing this.
Anuj:- To tujhe kya lagta hai....mai iski company ka decision isse bina puche leta?....maine ise tabhi bata diya tha jab Mrs. Malhotra mere pass yeh deal lekar aayi thi.
He replied on Vikram's behalf and Devika looked at Vikram in annoyance.
Devika:- Aur tune mujhe bataya nahi?
She complained and Vikram grinned at her whining.
Vikram:- Teri gaaliyaan akele sunne ka mera koi mood nahi tha.
He stated in an amusing tone and Devika was now vexed.
Devika:- Mai gaaliyaan deti hoo tujhe?
She questioned, looking at Vikram in exasperation but before he could respond, Anuj interrupted the duo.
Anuj:- Guys....please tum dono shuru mat ho jaana firse. Abhi hume is deal ke baare me sochna hai....
He stopped them from bickering and asked them to focus on the settlement offer.
Devika:- Jab de nahi sakte to kuch aur sochte hai....iske baare me sochke kya fayda?
She suggested, picking up the file from the table and flipping through it.
Vikram:- Exactly yeh nahi de sakte but changes to kar sakte hai na.....
He reminded and both Anuj and Devika looked at him in question.
Anuj:- Like?
He inquired.
Vikram:- Is deal me sirf ek hi clause hai jo Anupama aur uske baccho ko socially affect kar sakta hai.....aur wo yeh press conference wala hai !!
He said, taking the file from Devika's hand and showing them that particular clause while Anuj and Devika listened carefully.
Vikram:- So why don't we keep the apology and admission of guilt mentioned in this clause as private instead of public?
He recommended but Anuj didn't understand his point completely.
Anuj:- What do you mean?
He asked for further explanation and Vikram did give it to him.
Vikram:- Matalab agar hum Vanraj se press conference ki jagah office me uski galti accept karwaate hai aur maafi mangwate hai to uski family pe iska koi asar nahi padega....aur jo hume example set karna hai employees ke saamne wo bhi ho jaayega.
He clarified but Devika wasn't convinced.
Devika:- Lekin baat to fir se wahi reh gayi....uski family ko to koi problem nahi hogi......but iske saath saath Vanraj ko bhi nahi hogi....this doesn't humiliate him the way he did Anupama by framing her in the fraud case.
She argued while Anuj kept thinking about the same.
Vikram:- Come on Devu.....pure office aur board of directors jinke saath usne kaam kiya hai....unke saamne khud ko chor saabit karna and maafi maangna is enough embarrassment......upar se jitni insult karni thi na media ne uski kar di hai.....he won't have respect or job in the corporate world for years after this.
He said, trying to address Devika's concern but Anuj had some of his own.
Anuj:- Lekin itna sab hone ke bawjood bhi uski ego....uski akad....waisii ki waisii hi rahegi.
He replied, putting forward his apprehensions and both Devika and Vikram got into thinking that he was right.
Anuj:- Devika is right. A private apology in front of the office is not enough. Hume uske saath saath aur kuch bhi sochana hoga.
He suggested but Vikram had run out of ideas.
Vikram:- Lekin kya?.....hum already usse twenty lakh pay karwa rahe.....isse zada karwa nahi sakte.....because I don't think that he has that kind of money and if we do that, the financial burden will ruin his family's future.....aur hum aisa chahte nahi hai.
He reminded that there is not much left to do other than increasing the monetary compensation but Anuj was not in agreement with this.
Anuj:- I'm not talking about increasing the compensation....usse uski akad nahi tutegi.
He stated, twirling the magnets between his fingers and Devika huffed hearing this.
Devika:- Uski akad kabhi nahi tutegi.....Are jo insaan tab nahi jhuka......jab uska 9 saal ka affair uski biwi aur family ke saamne aaya....wo aab kya jhukega.....uske andar itna ego bhara hua hai ki Anu se maafi mangna to dur ki baat hai....usne to aajtak yeh dhang se nahi maana ki shaadi shuda hone ke bawjood....usne Kavya ke saath affair karke galti ki thi.
She said, frustrated to see Vanraj get his way all the time and Vikram tapped her shoulders asking her to relax a bit but she went on and on and on.
Devika:- Wo har baar galti karta hai....aur fir uska justification deta hai jaise ki it's not a big deal.....chahe wo Anupama ko uske baccho se dur karna ho ya use is fraud case me fasana.....wo har cheez ke liye excuse bana lega lekin kabhi Anupama ke saamne jhukega nahi.
She added and Anuj stopped twirling his magnets hearing this while Devika asked them to devise a plan.
Devika:- Isiliye hume koi solid plan sochna hoga isse pehle ki...
She continued but Anuj interrupted her in between.
Anuj:- Ek minute.....kya kaha tune abhi?
He inquired, leaning a bit forward and both Devika and Vikram were left confused hearing this.
Devika:- Huh?
She let out perplexed.
Anuj:- Abhi tune do second pehle kya kaha?
He asked again looking at Devika and she answered him a bit hesitantly.
Devika:- Yahi ki hume koi solid plan.....
She said but Anuj nodded in a no and Vikram got curious seeing this.
Anuj:- Nahi....uske pehle?
He gestured her to go a little back in the conversation and she did.
Devika:- Yeh ki Vanraj har cheez ke liye excuse bana lega lekin kabhi Anupama ke saamne jhukega nahi?
She asked, quoting her earlier statement and Anuj snapped his fingers at this.
Anuj:- Exactly.....that's what I was looking for.
He said in excitement but Devika was still baffled by what's going on.
Devika:- Tu kehna kya chahta hai?
She asked and this time Vikram answered on Anuj's behalf.
Vikram:- Yahi ki tera so called solid plan iske dimag me banna shuru ho gaya hai.
He said with a proud grin on his face and Anuj smirked, looking at him.
Devika:- To kripya karke hume bhi involve karne ki takleef karenge aap?
She asked him to let her in on his thoughts in annoyance and Anuj let out a chuckle hearing this.
Anuj:- Zaroor Mohtarma....thoda sabr rakhiye aur suniye.
He answered in an amusing tone and went on to tell Vikram and Devika about the plan brewing in his mind, leaving them in astonishment.
Devika:- No way......Vanraj yeh deal kabhi sign nahi karega.
She let out in shock knowing Vanraj too well but Vikram convinced her that he will sign the suggested deal.
Vikram:- Karega.....agar hum yeh deal use court hearing ke do din pehle denge.
He said in assurance and Anuj joined in his support.
Anuj:- Exactly....jab jail jaane ka khatra sur pe madra raha hoga aur koi option nahi dikh raha hoga....to hum kuch bhi saamne rakhenge......Vanraj pakka sign karega.
He added but Devika was still sceptical.
Devika:- Aur agar nahi kiya to?
She wondered and Anuj told her about how he was gonna ensure that Vanraj signs the deal.
Anuj:- Kavya hai na.....yeh deal uske through bhejenge.....wo mujhe Vanraj se thodi zada sensible lagti hai and I am sure wo Vanraj ki ego ke chakkar me jail to nahi jaana chahegi.
He explained but a curious Devika still had some questions left.
Devika:- Lekin tu yeh karega kaise.....yeh sab baatein to lawyers ke through hoti hai na aur Vanraj ka lawyer pehle Kavya ko deal ke baare me batata hai ya Vanraj ko....yeh hum kaise ensure karenge?
She inquired and Vikram asked her to leave everything on him.
Vikram:- Tum dono yeh sab mujhpe chod do.....I will handle it.
He proposed but Anuj wasn't sure about this.
Anuj:- Are you sure?
He tried to confirm and Vikram reassured him that he will take care of it.
Vikram:- A hundred and ten percent.
He stated in a determined tone and asked Anuj to focus on another important thing that needed his attention.
Vikram:- Aab tu in sabke baare me sochna chod aur Project Aadhar ke launch pe focus kar.....Mrs. Malhotra se mai baat kar lunga.
He added but Anuj tried to protest.
Anuj:- Are yrr launch me abhi time hai....
He said, reminding Vikram that there is still time before the launch but Devika interrupted him.
Devika:- But jo puja tune organise karne ka socha hai.....usme nahi hai.....abhi tak guest list bhi tune decide nahi ki.
She stated as she informed him about the pending preparations and Anuj assured her that he has already thought about it.
Anuj:- Decide kya karna hai.....I m keeping it small. Family, friends and kuch important log jo is project ka part hai.....that's it.
He declared that he is keeping the pooja small and there is no need to invite many people except a few important ones but Vikram reminded him that they still need to decide who those important people are.
Vikram:- Wo important log bhi to decide karne padenge na Anuj.
He said and Anuj sighed in defeat hearing this.
Anuj:- Haan to kal baith ke discuss kar lenge....usme itni badi baat kya hai.
He reassured the duo that he will take care of the guest list by tomorrow and went on to invite them in his own way.
Anuj:- Aur Devu....maine Anu aur uski family ko invite kar liya hai.....tujhe special invitation dena zaroori nahi samajhta mai.....isiliye chup chap aa jaana.
He gave the invite in form of an order to Devika and she glared at him in irritation.
Devika:- Waah....kya tareek hai invite karne ka.....I am impressed.
She said in a sarcastic tone and Anuj teased her a bit more.
Anuj:- You should be.
He stated with a smirk on his face and Vikram chuckled hearing the duo.
Seeing him laugh out loud, Anuj turned his attention towards Vikram and asked him about Rittika.
Anuj:- Aur tu.....tera kya scene hai.....Rittika kab aa rahi hai wapas?
He inquired and Vikram informed him that he wasn't sure.
Vikram:- Sorry yrr.....Ritu ke project ka kuch pakka nahi hai....so I am not sure ki wo pooja pe hogi Ahemdabad me ya nahi.
He said and Anuj understood Rittika's situation.
Anuj:- Koi nahi launch pe to hogi na?
He asked wondering if she will be there for the launch and Vikram assured him that she will be.
Vikram:- Definitely.
He stated and the trio went on to discuss the arrangements that were needed to be made for the launch coming in a few weeks.
As time passed and all the arrangements were decided, Devika realised that it was getting late and she needed to go home before Anupama texts her again.
Devika:- Accha aab agar tum logo ka ho gaya ho to mai ghar jaati hoo......Anu mera wait kar rahi hogi....Ghar jaake use daant bhi to lagani hai.....itna sab kuch ho gaya....aur usne mujhe bataya tak nahi.
She said, taking their leave and Anuj protested hearing the last part.
Anuj:- Devu.....please aaj nahi.....wo already kaafi disturbed hai.
He asked her not to pick up a fight with Anupama today and a wide grin appeared on Devika's face hearing this.
Devika:- Accha theek hai baba....nahi pareshan karungi mai teri mohabbat.....teri jaan....teri...
She teased Anuj by calling Anupama his love but Anuj corrected her before she could go on.
Anuj:- Meri dost....meri dost ko !!
He stated in a firm tone and Devika made faces hearing this while Vikram enjoyed the scene in front of him.
Devika:- Haan haan wahi.
She sighed in defeat and stood up from the couch while the other two followed suit.
Devika:- Chal nikalti hoo mai.....tu chal raha hai?
She asked as she gave a quick hug to Anuj and turned towards Vikram waiting for his reply.
Vikram:- Nahi mujhe Anuj se kuch kaam hai.....mai thodi der me nikalta hoo.
However, Vikram refused, citing an excuse and took her into a side hug.
Devika:- Theek hai fir.....b bye!!
She bid them bye, coming out of Vikram's embrace but Anuj stopped her before she could leave.
Anuj:- Ek minute.....yeh car leke jaa !!
He said as he took out his car keys from his pocket and tossed it in Devika's direction.
Devika:- Thank you !!
She replied, catching it in time and walked towards the door to leave as the duo bid her bye.
Vikram & Anuj:- Bye.
They said and she waved back without turning around as she opened the door and left while the duo went back to their discussion.
That's it for this part.
Hope you liked it.❤️
The next part will be coming next Thursday.
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