I have heard they are sharing same house" she continued ignoring his not interest attitude before going out of room wishing him good night...

Shruti's words kept echoing in his mind like a relentless whisper, haunting him with every breath.

Anuj tossed and turned, but sleep evaded him. The thought of Anupama, HIS Anu, under the same roof as Mr. Malhotra unsettled him.

He threw off the covers and got out of bed, pacing across the darkened room. The shadows seemed to closing in, amplifying his anxiety.

------------------------------

Anupama mechanically pushed her food around her plate, her appetite lost amidst the turmoil brewing inside. Anuj's face involuntarily flashed before her eyes, but she swiftly suppressed the memory, refusing to let it consume her.

With a steely determination, she reminded herself that "she had moved on. The scars of the past would no longer dictate her present."

"Miss Joshi skipping food is not allowed" Yashdeep narrowed his eyes.

From the time they returned he is observing his friend, she looks lost and her eyes contains pain but he didn't question not wanting to remind the painful events. He knows Anupama more than 3 years now first time they met in dance academy, he went to drop his niece where she was teaching with time they become friends.

Once he tasted her handmade food and he was fan of that. He wanted to start a cafe as it was his mother's wish and he asked her to be chef first she hesitated but with his niece's interference she agreed. As time went their small cafe changes into famous restaurants thanks to Anupama's culinary magic. He asked to become his partner as her innovative ideas and handmade delicacies earned rave view bringing huge success there THE VALUE OF HAPPINESS was born.

"I'm full" she stood up and walked to her room when her foot tripped over mattress was about to fall, Yashdeep who was sitting beside her swiftly reacted by wrapping his arms around her shoulder saving her from falling.

"Thank you" Anupama's fear was evident in her voice.

"Be careful Anupama ji, your life is very precious" he gently held her hand giving silent assurance.

Anupama's eyes reflected gratitude for the man standing in front of her due to whom she is now knowing to world for her handmade delicacies.

But across the room, a different pair of eyes told a contrasting story. Anuj who not able to contain his emotions came to Anupama's penthouse, but he was not ready for the scene unfolding through the door which is slightly open. His gaze burned with restrained anger, his jaw clenched as he witnessed the tender moment between Anupama and Yashdeep.

Their silent gesture – Yashdeep's arms wrapped protectively around Anupama – ignited a fire within Anuj, fueling his long-simmering emotions. His eyes narrowed, the air thickening with tension as he struggled to reconcile his feelings.

Anupama came out of bathroom after finishing her night routine, she wore a pink cotton fabric nightwear. She stood in from of mirror taking lotion started her skin care unknowingly her mind went to event happened few hours ago.

"Kanha ji dhyan rakho hameri" she prayed soon fell asleep tired..

*****************

Anuj, Shruti, Anupama and Yashdeep after discussing about how to advertise of new branch of VALUE OF HAPPINESS came to office canteen to have lunch. Shruti and Anupama were laughing on jokes cracked by Yashdeep.

Anuj seethed with jealousy, be his mind racing with discontent. "Can't believe she's laughing at his pathetic jokes," he thought. "Doesn't she have any taste? He's so not funny."

"Oh ho Yashdeep you are amazing" still laughing "Anupama you are lucky to have such a gentleman as your business partner" Shruti said enjoying her cappuccino.

"Not just business partner, we are best friends am I right Miss Joshi" he winks playfully taking a bite of his Mac and cheese.

"Really? Are we?" Anupama's eyes glinting with mischievous bringing frown on Yashdeep's face

"Anupama you are very bad" he pouted while Anu ate her french fries and toast.

Anuj stormed out, his heart racing with discomfort. He couldn't bear the sight of Anupama laughing and smiling with Yashdeep. The thought of her being interested in someone else was unbearable to him.

******************

Anupama's eyes widened in shock as she was abruptly pulled into the lift. The hand covering her mouth muffled her scream. She struggled to free herself, but the grip was too strong.

Yashdeep, engrossed in conversation, didn't notice Anupama's sudden disappearance.

Inside the lift, Anupama's panic escalated. She tried to bite the hand, but it only tightened its grip. A faint smell of cologne wafted through the air, familiar.

The lift doors closed, and the ascent began. Anupama's mind raced "Who was this? Why were they doing this?"

Suddenly, the hand released her mouth, and Anupama gasped for air.

"Anuj?" she whispered, recognizing the furious gaze.

"What were you doing with him?" Anuj's low, menacing tone sent shivers down her spine.

Anupama's eyes locked onto Anuj's, searching for answers. Was this jealousy or something more sinister?

"Why do you care?" She yelled pushing him "open this damn door Mr Kapadia"

"Not before you assure me that you will keep distance with that person" Anupama narrowed her eyes not getting any effect of his glare.

No, I won't!" she yelled, but her protest was muffled as Anuj's rough lips claimed hers. The kiss was fierce, fueled by frustration and anger. His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her into him with an intensity that seemed to desire nothing less than fusion.

As he deepened the kiss, she felt her resolve crumbling. Her hands, initially pushing against his chest, slowed, then hesitated. Anuj sensed her surrender and pulled back, his eyes blazing with triumph and desire.

"YOU ARE MINE ANUPAMA, MINE TO TOUCH, MINE TO LAUGH OR SMILE. I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU WITH HIM. CANCEL YOUR PARTNERSHIP" His every word screaming possessiveness for her.

"You're no one to order me around," she said, her voice firm but laced with hidden pain. "In case you've forgotten, we're divorced. Or rather, you divorced me." Her eyes flashed with a mix of anger and hurt, but she refused to let him see her vulnerability.

"And you let it happen without a fight?" His eyes blazed with accusation. "You always champion others, but when it came to our relationship, you just... gave up."

"It was you who doubted my love for you and our daughter. When the Shah family worried about Kinjal and Pari and blamed me, you worried about Choti and blamed me too. But did you ever stop to ask about me? Was I hurt? Did I need consolation? No, you just blamed me without trying to understand what really happened. Choti was young and didn't grasp the situation, but what about you? You're supposed to be the adult, the partner."

Anupama's suppressed emotions erupted like a tsunami, shocking Anuj into regret.

Anuj's eyes widened, his expression a mix of shock and remorse. "Anupama, I..." he trailed off, unsure how to respond to the depth of her pain.

"I don't need your explanation nor regret because it's too late now Mr Anuj Kapadia, well I don't blame you fully even I was at fault" her voice trembled as she fought to contain her emotions.

"I was so consumed by the toxicity that I neglected the storm I was creating. I was blinded by my own biases, trapped in my bubble."

"There's no point rehashing the past, Mr. Kapadia," Anu said, her voice laced with a mix of sadness and resignation. "You have a responsibility toward Shruti now."

Anuj's eyes widened as reality hit him like a ton of bricks. Anupama's words cut deep, a painful reminder of his new reality.

Anupama's gaze fell, her fingers clutching the pallu of her saree as if it were a lifeline. The pain in her heart was palpable.

"It's over between us, Mr. Kapadia," she whispered, the words barely audible. "There won't be an 'us' anymore."

The air was heavy with unspoken emotions, the weight of their lost love hanging precariously in the balance.

Anuj's eyes shone with hope as he pleaded, "Anu, can't we give ourselves another chance?"

Anupama's laughter was dry and mirthless. "Can we, Anuj? Really?" Her tone turned sharp, her gaze piercing as she asked, "How will you explain this to Choti Anu?"

The mention of his daughter's name hung in the air, a stark reminder of the complications and responsibilities that stood between them.

"Anuj, we both failed to give better future to our daughter. When I look back into past I only see regret. Regret of not able to protect my Anu's innocent heart. I knew she was getting manipulated but still I didn't took quick action only if I would have thrown toxicity from our life that time then" her voice cracked lost in sigh of sorrow and longing.

"There's no use dwelling on the past now," Anupama said, her voice barely above a whisper as she wiped away her tears. "All the best for your bright future, Anuj."

The words hung in the air, a poignant mix of resignation, sadness, and forced optimism.

As the elevator doors slid open, Anupama stepped out, her back straight and her head held high. She refused to let her emotions get the better of her, determined not to break down in front of Anuj.

Leaving him standing alone, surrounded by the weight of his pain and regret, Anupama disappeared into the distance, the elevator doors closing behind her like a seal on their unresolved past.

*************

Precap: Anupama meeting Aadhya.

**************

Thought to complete in this shot but as I continue writing more idea come and boom 💥. Luckily will try to complete in next shot