I don't know why all readers don't vote or leave a single comment. 200+ views but vote not even reaching 50. How will you feel when your hard work won't be appreciated? Just think once before ignoring after reading. Silent readers please vote and comment the stories you read.

A week had passed since the confrontation between Anupama and Anuj, and both had made a conscious effort to maintain a professional facade at work. Despite the tension between them, they had successfully kept their personal issues from spilling over into their work commitments.

Meanwhile, Yashdeep and Shruthi had grown closer, bonding over their shared interests and work responsibilities. Yashdeep, however, remained oblivious to their complicated past, and Shruthi seemed content to keep it that way.

On the business front, the project to launch a new branch of the "Value of Happiness" restaurant was gaining momentum. The location had been finalized, and the team was now engrossed in discussions about the restaurant's interiors. The excitement was palpable as they worked together to bring their vision to life.

"I think the interior of the restaurant should exude warmth and serenity," Anupama suggested, her eyes sparkling with creative vision. "We want our customers to feel like they're walking into a home, not just a restaurant. A homely environment will make them feel comfortable and at ease, allowing them to truly enjoy their dining experience."

Shruti's eyes sparkled with excitement as she chimed in, "And we should definitely add a touch of elegance to each table with a beautiful flower vase! Plus, scented candles will create a warm and intimate ambiance." She winked playfully at Anuj, who raised an eyebrow in amusement.

Yashdeep, oblivious to the subtle exchange, chuckled good-naturedly. "You're really going all out to make this a romantic hotspot, aren't you, Shruti?"

Shruti shrugged, unfazed by Yashdeep's teasing. "What's wrong with creating a romantic atmosphere?" she asked, a hint of defensiveness in her tone. "Many of our customers will be young couples or newlyweds. They'll appreciate the warm and cozy ambiance. It'll make their dining experience even more special."

"I agree with Shruti" Anuj who was silently listening to them spoke "what's your opinion on it Miss Joshi" he asked looking at Anu.

Since their confrontation, Anupama had made a conscious effort to maintain a professional distance from Anuj. She only spoke to him when absolutely necessary, and even then, her words were crisp and formal.

But despite her best intentions, her heart refused to cooperate. It continued to beat for Anuj, betraying her resolve to move on. Her eyes, too, seemed to have a mind of their own, constantly scanning the room for a glimpse of him.

Anupama couldn't explain why she felt this way. She had thought that time and distance would help her heal, but the ache in her heart remained. And now, as she worked alongside Anuj, she found herself torn between her duty to maintain a professional relationship and her desire to reconnect with the man who still held a piece of her heart.

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

Anuj and Anupama stepped out of their car and onto the bustling streets of London, their eyes fixed on the vacant plot before them. This was it – the perfect location for their new restaurant. The heart of the city pulsed with energy, surrounded by shops, markets, and amenities that would provide everything they needed to bring their culinary vision to life.

As they walked through the site, Anuj's entrepreneurial mind whirred with possibilities. "We'll have an extensive network of suppliers right on our doorstep," he said, his voice filled with happiness

"And the best part is, there's a lack of restaurants in this area, so we'll have a captive customers!" anupama's voice was filled with excitement looking around the site "and there will be our kitchen" Anuj watched her, a smile spreading across his face as he saw her face.

Anupama's imagination ran wild with visions of their future restaurant, her face radiated excitement, added by hint of nervousness. The soft, golden light of the evening sun, which was slowly dipping below the horizon, cast a warm glow on her features. Her eyes sparkled, and her skin glowed with an inner light, as if the very thought of bringing her dream to life as sense of purpose and joy.

Anuj's gaze drifted to Anupama's face, and he found himself getting lost in its radiant beauty. For the first time since they'd met, he saw genuine happiness etched on her features, and it took his breath away. Anuj's heart skipped a beat as he felt an unexpected pang of emotion, his eyes helplessly drawn to the joy that radiated from her very being.

After Inspecting everything they went to hotel to have something after long tiring day. They have booked rooms for themselves to stay at night considering the fact their partners ditched them to enjoy a new movie.

Both of them ordered thier dishes eating silently when Anuj started to cough suddenly taking anupama's full attention.

"Anuj what's wrong?"  she asked, concern etched on her face as she quickly got up and rushed to his side.

She began to rub his back, trying to help him catch his breath. But Anuj's cough worsened, and he struggled to speak.

"All...ergy...food," he managed to stammer, but his words were cut off by another bout of coughing.

"Where is your allergic medicine?" She asked searching in his coat pockets but didn't find it.

Anupama's worry turned to panic as Anuj's face turned pale, and he began to feel dizzy. She grabbed his arm, holding him steady. "Oh my god, Anuj! Stay with me!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with fear.

"I forgot" he managed to say breathing heavily making her more panic.

"Anuj, please don't close your eyes I beg you please" her voice tremble. Her hands shook as she rummaged through her purse, her fingers frantically searching for something.

Anupama's relief was palpable as she handed Anuj a tablet and a glass of water. "Here, take this," she instructed, her voice still laced with worry.

As Anuj took the medication, Anupama's expression transformed into a mix of concern and anger. "How many times have I told you not to forget your medicine, Anuj?" she scolded, her voice firm but laced with a hint of fear. "You know you have severe allergies to peanuts, but still, you're so careless sometimes. It's good I kept your medicine with myself for emergency"

Anupama's eyes narrowed, she glaring at him as she continued, "What if I wasn't here? What if you were alone when this happened?" The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she reached out, her hand grasping Anuj's arm unknowingly as if to ensure he was safe.

Anuj's eyes remained cast downward, his head hung low in a sheepish gesture, like a child who'd been caught red-handed. His lips pouted, and his shoulders slumped, as if he was bracing himself for the full force of Anupama's scolding.

The faintest hint of a blush crept up his neck, and his ears reddened, giving away his embarrassment. Anupama's words had struck a chord, and Anuj knew he'd been careless. He muttered a barely audible "Sorry" under his breath, still not daring to meet Anupama's gaze.

But both failed to notice a pair of eyes looking at them in shock.

Adhya adopted daughter of Anupama and Anuj who got manipulated in her childhood thinking her mother don't care about her leading to seperation of her parents stood rooted witnessing the scene in front of her.

At first she got angry seeing anupama after long time flashes of that day came in front of her where her mother saving little pari before her making her feel abandoned. She clenched her fist to control her anger not wanting to creat a scene in hotel.

But later her anger turned into concern seeing her poppy coughing and pale face but become thoughtful at anupama's concern and love for Anuj. A small smile broke into her lips looking at her poppy who is looking adorable. She is not a fool not to notice the shine in his eyes when her mother showed concern in form of anger and scolding.

"It's been long time I saw his happy which is reflecting in his eyes" adhya thought and left from there decided to confront then in home.

As Anuj's apology hung in the air, Anupama's expression softened, and she gazed into his eyes. Anuj, sensing her gaze, looked up, and their eyes locked in a tender, apologetic moment.

Time seemed to stand still as they got lost in each other's eyes, the tension between them dissipating. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of unspoken emotions not aware of upcoming storm in form of their daughter.

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

Precap: confrontation

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

Please like and comment