Scene: Malhotra Mansion, sea Queen apartment Mumbai**

**[The study is cozy and warmly lit. The aroma of butter chicken and roti fills the air. Raj stands by the table, looking expectantly at Yuvraj, who has just come in after cleaning himself up. Yuvraj's clothes are now clean, but his expression is still tinged with a mix of embarrassment and exhaustion.]**

**Raj** *(raising an eyebrow, looking at Yuvraj with a mixture of concern and disbelief)*: **"Yuvraj, tell me, where were you bathing in the muck at this hour? And don't tell me it was another one of those late-night bike races."**

**Yuvraj** *(rubbing the back of his neck, sheepishly)*: **"Yeah, I guess you could say that. Things got a bit out of hand."**

**Raj** *(sighing, shaking his head but smiling slightly)*: **"Come on, sit down. I made your favorite-butter chicken and roti. But before you dig in, have this kadha. I know it tastes a bit bitter, but it'll keep you warm and ward off the cold."**

**[Raj hands Yuvraj a steaming cup of kadha. Yuvraj takes it with a wince, but his eyes light up at the sight of the butter chicken and roti on the table. He gives his father a playful, pleading look.]**

**Yuvraj** *(with puppy eyes)*: **"Alright, Dad. I'll drink it, but only if you promise there's dessert."**

**Raj** *(chuckling, patting Yuvraj on the shoulder)*: **"You always manage to find a way to ask for dessert, even after causing a ruckus. Yes, there's dessert. I made your favorite kheer. But first, drink the kadha. You give me so much worry. Since childhood, I've been both your mother and father, and I don't want you getting even a single scratch."**

**Yuvraj** *(smiling warmly, accepting the kadha with a nod)*: **"Thanks, Dad. I know I worry you a lot. I appreciate everything you do for me. And for the record, this kadha is already starting to feel like comfort food."**

**Raj** *(smiling, serving the butter chicken and roti)*: **"Good to hear. You know, sometimes I wish you'd slow down a bit, but I wouldn't change a thing about you. Now, eat up and tell me about your night. I'm all ears."**

**Yuvraj** *(digging into the food, his face brightening as he enjoys the meal)*: **"Well, it was a bit crazy, but... it's nice to come home to this. Thanks for always being here, Dad."**

**Raj** *(sitting down across from him, his expression softening)*: **"Anytime, son. That's what I'm here for. Let's just make sure your next adventure doesn't involve quite so much mud."**

And thus the day ended with a warm dinner.
Raj was a very busy man. But he would always try to devote some time off his busy schedule for yuvraj.

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**[The morning sun casts a golden hue over the Sea Queen Apartment Complex. A sleek red car pulls up to the entrance, and Neyonika steps out, adjusting her sunglasses and looking around with a sense of purpose. Ishita who happened to be present in the compound.]**

**Neyonika** *(removing her sunglasses, her tone authoritative yet polite)*: **"Excuse me, kya aap mujhe bata sakti hai where's the malhotras residence in this apartment**

**Ishita*: **"You mean Raj Malhotra? He's in Wing C."**

**Neyonika** *(nodding, her demeanor shifting to a more confident and poised stance)*: **"Thank you very much."**

**[Neyonika turns and heads towards Wing C, her high heels clicking decisively on the marble floor, as Ishita watches her with a hint of curiosity.]**

[Archana, Anjali, and Juhi are gathered near the entrance of Wing C, chatting casually. Neyonika, having just arrived, is making her way towards the Malhotra residence. The three neighbors spot her and start discussing.]

Archana (noticing Neyonika and speaking to the others): "Yeh Raj bhaisahab se milne kon aayi hai?"

Anjali (squinting, trying to place the face): "I feel like I've seen her somewhere before."

Juhi (with recognition, her eyes widening): "That's Neyonika-the principal of Space Academy."

Ishita (gasping in surprise, joining the conversation): "You mean Raj's wife?"

Juhi (nodding): "Yes, that's her. I've heard she's quite influential in educational circles."

Archana (looking impressed): "Well, that explains why she looks so familiar. I had no idea she was Raj Malhotra's wife."

Ishita (still surprised, looking after Neyonika): "I wonder what brings her here today. It's not every day we see such prominent figures around here."

[The neighbors watch Neyonika as she continues towards Wing C, their curiosity piqued by her unexpected visit.]
_________

*The grand living room of the Malhotra Mansion is filled with tension. Neyonika enters, her face softening as she spots her son Yuvraj after a long time.*

**Neyonika** *(with affection)*: Yuvi beta, kaise ho?

*Yuvraj, who had been distant, turns towards her with a mix of emotions, his voice laced with bitterness.*

**Yuvraj**: So finally, aapko yaad aagaya ki Manik ke alawa bhi aapka koi beta hai, right?

*Neyonika's eyes well up with emotion. She moves closer to him, her voice trembling with sincerity.*

**Neyonika**: No, baccha, ek bhi aisa din nahi gaya hoga when I have not missed you...

*Before Neyonika can continue, Raj steps into the room, his tone harsh and unforgiving. The tension escalates immediately.*

**Raj**: Oh, cut the crap, Neyonika. Ab jo legally hamari divorce proceedings hai, usko hum finalise karke rahenge, taaki hamesha ke liye chutkara mile mujhe tumse aur uss Manik se.

*Neyonika flinches at his words, but Raj doesn't stop. He points towards Yuvraj, his voice filled with possessive anger.*

**Raj**: Yuvraj pe hak jatana bandh kardo... Woh mera ansh hai. Uske naam mein *RAJ* hai-*YuvRAJ*.

Yuvraj had always been jealous, thinking Neyonika left them for Manik. He always craved the motherly affection that he felt was given to Manik instead.

*Neyonika looks at Yuvraj, her heart aching for the son she feels she has lost.

Yuvraj stands rigidly by the window, his face etched with pain and frustration. Neyonika stands near the desk, holding a photograph of Yuvraj and Manik from their childhood. Raj sits behind the desk, his expression serious and resolute.

**Neyonika** *(pleading, trying to make a connection)*: **"Beta... whatever fallout there is, it's between me and your dad. Even if I don't speak to Raj, I will always be your mother."**

**Yuvraj** *(voice trembling, struggling to contain his anguish)*: **"Mom? Really? You were never there for me. Not on my annual day. Not when I failed chemistry. Not when I graduated. When I was bedridden after my accident, you were nowhere to be found. I felt completely abandoned while you were preoccupied with Manik. Your golden boy, your younger son. (sarcastically) By the way, where is your 'Raja beta' now?"**

**[Yuvraj turns towards Raj, his frustration evident.]**

**Yuvraj** *(angrily)*: **"And why this charade? Why did you bring this woman here?"**

**Raj** *(calmly, but firmly)*: **"Yuvraj, please. Just six more months. Your grandmother's will stated that for the property to be inherited, the entire family must live together. Manik is one of the legal heirs. We need him here for that, and during this time, we'll finalize the divorce proceedings. Afterward, I promise you won't have to deal with them again."**

**Yuvraj** *(discontent, his voice sharp)*: **"Fine, Dad. Just make sure this Manik stays out of my way and minds his own business for these six months."**

**Neyonika** *(calculative and cold, shifting her focus)*: **"Alright, Raj. But I want my dividends and all that's due to me. Manik will be here soon**

**[Neyonika's expression hardens as she speaks, revealing her financial interests. Raj nods, acknowledging her demands. Yuvraj turns away, his face a mix of anger and resignation. The room is filled with a tense silence as the family navigates their strained relationships and the looming changes.]**