Anamika entered her hotel room, shutting the door softly behind her. She let out a deep sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirl within her. A part of her felt raw, wounded by her encounter with Vineet and the memories it stirred, but another part of her felt a glimmer of strength and satisfaction. For the first time in a long while, she’d been able to hold her ground in front of him, to speak her truth without backing down.

She leaned against the door, letting the silence of the room settle around her as she processed everything. The sadness was still there—a dull ache that tugged at her heart—but it was accompanied by a sense of relief. She had faced him, confronted the reality of their broken relationship, and managed to walk away with her head held high.

Anamika placed a hand on her belly, a small smile forming on her lips. "Maybe this is the start of something new," she whispered to her unborn child, feeling a gentle warmth spread within her. "I may not have him by my side, but I have you. And we’re going to be okay."

She moved to the window, looking out over the bustling city. Her thoughts drifted back to Vineet for a brief moment. She couldn’t deny that seeing him had stirred memories, even reopened wounds that she’d tried to keep buried. Yet, it also made her realize that her strength didn’t depend on him anymore. Her life, her future—it was her own, and she was ready to embrace it.

Determined to focus on the path ahead, Anamika took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the next steps she needed to take. There was a lot to accomplish, and she was no longer tied down by the past.

There was a sudden knock at the door, snapping Anamika out of her thoughts. She hesitated for a moment, wondering who it could be, then made her way to the door and opened it. Standing there was Ashok, his expression soft yet hopeful.

“Anamika,” he began, his voice laced with concern, “I just wanted to check in on you. I know all of this must be...a lot.” he spoke.

Anamika hadn’t expected him to show up, but then why wouldn't he come? Before things messed up between her and Vineet, they were on good terms, he had always shown respect to her.

Ashok looked at her earnestly. “I’ve been meaning to say this, and I hope you won’t take it the wrong way,” he continued, shifting his weight slightly. “I know you’re staying here because you want your space, and I respect that. But Anamika, I’d really like for you to consider staying with me and my wife, at least for a little while. If not permanently, maybe just for a few days?”

Anamika’s gaze softened as she listened to him, sensing his genuine concern. He was extending a hand of comfort, trying to make things a bit easier for her in his own way. She knew that, deep down, he was worried about her and the effect everything was having on her well-being. Also, he wants things to be like before but it's never going to happen.

“You don’t have to feel alone in all of this,” Ashok added gently, his tone encouraging. “Our home is open to you, and we’d love to have you with us. It’s just...I’d feel better knowing you were around family.”

Anamika took a deep breath, feeling a wave of emotions rise within her. She appreciated Ashok’s gesture and knew that he meant well, but the thought of staying with him—of constantly being reminded of Vineet and the life she was leaving behind—made her hesitate.

“Thank you, Ashok,” she replied softly, a faint smile appearing on her lips. “I appreciate it, really. It means a lot that you’d offer this. I’ll think about it.”

Ashok nodded, sensing her hesitation but respecting her need for space. "That's all I ask. Just know that we're here for you whenever you’re ready."

Anamika took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. She looked at Ashok and said, “Thank you for the offer, Ashok, but I’ll be leaving the state tomorrow. My work here is done.”

Ashok’s face fell slightly, and he hesitated before speaking. “I understand,” he replied quietly, then added, “But… would you at least have dinner with me tonight? Just one meal together before you go? Please mana mat karna!”

Anamika looked at him, surprised by the gentle request in his eyes. She could sense how much he genuinely cared and wanted to see her off on a warm note. After a moment’s pause, she gave him a small nod. “Alright, Ashok,” she said, her voice soft. “Dinner sounds nice.” She replied, well, she can't fight him for Vineet's deeds.

Ashok’s face lit up with gratitude, and he smiled, relieved she had agreed.  He thanked her and took her leave as he needs to prepare for the night.

.......

After visiting Anamika, Ashok decided to stop by Vineet’s room, with the determination to invite him as well and try to make things a little better. When he reached his room the door was open.

He found him pacing angrily, clearly distressed. As soon as Ashok entered, his footsteps attracted his attention and Vineet vented his frustrations, recounting his encounters with both Anamika and Vandita.

Ashok hesitated, observing his brother's tense expression, then softly asked, "Vineet, what's going on? You seem… disturbed."

Vineet stopped and exhaled sharply. "Disturbed? Ashok, that’s putting it mildly." He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes unfocused, struggling to articulate the storm brewing within him. "Anamika showed up, I try to make things simpler with her but it turns other way. And if that wasn’t enough, Vandita and her husband came to my room to confront me. It was chaos," he admitted, his voice thick with both anger and regret.

Ashok listened, absorbing every word, watching as Vineet struggled with conflicting emotions—guilt from seeing Anamika and the raw frustration of his unrequited feelings for Vandita.

Ashok placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Look, Vineet… maybe you just need to take a break from all of this tonight. How about we go out for a nice dinner? Clear your mind a bit.”

Vineet frowned, clearly uncertain but tempted by the idea of escaping his turmoil, even if just for a few hours. "Dinner? I don’t know, Ashok. I just don’t think I’m in the mood for… company."

Ashok kept his tone casual, knowing he needed to be careful not to reveal his plan. "You don’t have to be in a mood for anything, Vineet. Just show up, relax, have a meal. It’s not every day I get to spend time with my brother, and… well, I could use some company too. You can think of it as a favor to me. Dekh aise akele tu aur frustrate ho jaayega. Aaj ki raat kuch mat soch, Vandita Bala sab bhool jaa. Tujhe acha lagega, aur fir tu clearly soch paayega." Ashok spoke.

Vineet looked at him, his defenses slowly lowering. "Fine, Ashok," he finally said, with a slight nod. "Dinner it is. Maybe I do need a distraction tonight."

"Toh fir taaye raha, aaj raat ko milte hai. Tera intezaar karunga main!" Saying this, Ashok takes his leave.

As Ashok left, a subtle satisfaction flickered in his eyes. He knew Vineet would be caught off guard seeing Anamika there, and maybe—just maybe—it would push them both to confront what lay unresolved between them.

....

That evening, Vineet arrived at Ashok’s home, a spacious, warmly-lit house filled with the cozy air of family life. The faint smell of spices drifted from the kitchen, and soft music played in the background, setting a relaxed tone. Ashok welcomed him in with a broad smile and a casual wave toward the living room.

"Make yourself comfortable, Vineet," Ashok said as he led him inside. Vineet settled onto the plush couch, looking around and feeling oddly out of place in the domestic warmth of his brother's home. He had come expecting a simple family dinner, but there was something in Ashok's manner that hinted at more. Just as Vineet took a sip of the water handed to him, he heard a familiar voice coming from the dining area.

"Good evening, Ashok."

Ve looked up, his hand momentarily freezing mid-air, as he saw Anamika standing a few feet away. She was calm and collected, a faint but polite smile on her face as she acknowledged his presence. Ashok, feigning obliviousness, quickly ushered both of them toward the dining table, hiding a satisfied grin.

“Come on, sit down. Let’s enjoy a proper family dinner,” he urged, gesturing for them to take their seats. Vineet and Anamika exchanged a brief glance, both taken aback but choosing to follow Ashok’s lead for the sake of civility.

As the meal began, Ashok kept the conversation lively, sharing funny anecdotes and memories from their childhood. Anamika, though initially tense, soon eased into the conversation, her laughter mixing with Ashok's stories, and for a fleeting moment, the weight of her past with Vineet seemed distant.

Vineet, meanwhile, struggled to focus. He found himself watching Anamika more than he intended, noticing how her guarded expression softened in Ashok's familiar company. Seeing her here, so close yet so unreachable, stirred a complicated mix of emotions—regret, longing, and something he couldn’t quite place.

After a while, Ashok glanced at them both, leaning back with a thoughtful look. “You know, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you two together like this. Life’s taken us all on different paths, hasn’t it?”

Anamika offered a small nod, not meeting Vineet’s gaze. “Yes, it has. But sometimes, the past belongs in the past, right?”

Her words, though spoken casually, carried a weight that lingered in the air. Vineet shifted uncomfortably, feeling a sudden urge to respond, but Ashok steered the conversation away, sensing the tension.

When dinner concluded, Ashok walked them to the door, his voice carrying a hint of hope as he said his goodbyes. “Thank you both for coming tonight. I know it meant a lot… to all of us.” He paused, giving Vineet a meaningful look before he turned to Anamika. "And Anamika, don’t be a stranger, okay? You’re always welcome here.”

Anamika offered a warm smile, her eyes softening as she nodded. "Thank you, Ashok. I appreciate it."

As she left, Vineet watched her walk out, feeling the ache of her departure once more.

....

To be continued...