Locking the main door as the beautician left after passing a strangely smug smile in his direction, Anuj had just turned around when he stilled, his entire world stopping right then and there.

Damn!!

He refrained himself from pulling away his glasses to rub his eyes. Because no way in hell his eyes could be working right!!

He refused to believe that his eyes were worthy enough to witness such an unreal vision.

He let out a breath, as his hesitant but eager eyes rove over the enchantress standing right in front of her.

His entranced eyes examined her from head to toe like a gemologist studying an extremely rare diamond.

The minimal light makeup highlighted her clear skin and added more emphasis to the naturally pretty face of hers. Her doe-eyes looked captivating, while her peach-coloured plump lips looked as inviting as ever.

Oh, what he would pay to just run his hands through those silky curls, gripping them back while he placed his lips to taste those soft, plump ones—

He ceased his thoughts right there.

But it didn't worked, because his breath hitched as his gaze dropped lower. That semi-transparent palla was doing an extremely poor job in covering her perfect proportions and her skin.

God, he was a dead man.

Death by 'ethereal beauty' has got a nice ring to it.

His gaze travelled down the length of her neck, on the choker he chose, sitting proudly there. He gulped as his eyes took in her exposed décolletage. Her beauty bone and her cleavage was pretty visible from the netted baby-pink palla.

Like the rest of her perfection, her waist was visible behind the pink as well.

The nude-baby pink of the saree blended so well with her skin tone, that it almost camouflaged, leaving nothing but beauty and glitters to the imagination.

Clad in the colour he chose for her, the lamp lights abruptly struck the minimal crystals on her clothes and jewellery, making her twinkle like the ethereal dream she was.

If drop-dead gorgeous was a picture, it would be of hers...

The urge to rub his eyes now was immeasurable. Acting on it, he took of his glasses and rubbed his eyes, vigorously.

Because in case he had been imagining her, he had went far....

Far beyond sanity and limits.

In front of him, Anupama stood tensed. The poker face he had kept as he examined her from head to toe didn't helped at all...!

She wanted a reaction, for god sake! And all she received was blank face and silence.

But when her boss abruptly ripped away his glasses and rubbed his eyes, concern overpowered her, making her aching feet itself steer in his direction.

She didn't had time to think, it seemed like her body had got a mind of its own. Before she knew, she had already pried away his hands and blowed air into a fistful of her pallu, pressing it to his eye.

She felt him going rigid, making her realise what she was doing.

Their eyes met, both widened in panic, and they jerked away.

For Anuj, it felt as if a lightning bolt of reality, passed through his body when he felt her fragrance, her presence, her touch, up that close.

So she was indeed real. Very, very real.

It was getting unbelievably hot in the air-conditioned room.

Beside him, Anupama felt equal parts embarrassed and spellbound.

Because one: She was barging in his personal space while that man looked at her with a hardened poker face, impossible to decipher.

And two: he had to look soo good doing that.

"Woh aapki aankh mei kuch..mujhe laga..isliye mai.." She fumbled over words with hands flying around to explain her point.

Anuj inhaled a deep breath.

God, he needed immense self-control to deal with this.

She was a lethal threat.

"No my eyes are fine. Let's go." He passed a tight smile in her direction, refraining himself from shamelessly checking her out again.

Anupama wasn't happy with his response. Maybe because she expected a word on how she looked?

Considering how insanely handsome he looked himself.

It had been the millionth time Anupama had ogled at Anuj. Dressed in black dress pants and a royal blue shirt, he looked nothing less than a model.

He was missing his usual blazer, making the shirt do wonders with shaping his hidden muscles. His tall, lean but muscular stature, was demanding too much attention.

Not to mention his beautiful face. The same face which she had unknowingly grown to yearn, admire and love. But an unaware Anu had yet to realize that.

Anupama's eyes didn't knew where to settle!!

Every piece of him was perfection, how can she take it all in at once? Besides that, he had to smell so heavenly and inviting!

If Anuj hadn't been so engrossed with his inner turmoil, he would've realised that he had already been checked out for the billionth time, by the same pair of bashful eyes he loved.

"I think we should go." He muttered, after composing himself a bit.

Anupama was disappointed.

Still not what she wished to hear.

But she nodded, and they made their way outside his apartment.

As Anupama stood near the wall while Anuj slouched to lock the door, she couldn't contain herself anymore and blurted, "How do I look?"

The lock clicked shut just as Anuj raised his head up. Ever so slowly, Anuj rose to his full height and turned towards Anupama.

Her innocent question was his breaking. One leash from the coils of bundled up control gave away. And he knew if he didn't let go of that one string, he will burst from everything he had hidden and felt for her.

So, resigning to his fate, he ever so slowly stepped in her direction. Standing her ground, Anupama stayed rooted to her spot, knowing fully well that a wall is behind her.

But she quickly lost her thought process when he approached, his scent clouding her senses. His blank eyes weren't so blank anymore.

No, this time his gaze was storming with emotions. A lot of them, which somehow their little interaction had unleashed.

Heart beating in anticipation, Anupama breath hitched when the back of Anuj's hand brushed along her cheekbone.

Her eyes observed how he looked as serious as ever as he pushed a stray lock behind her ear. It somehow made her cheeks grew warm.

"You wanted to know how you looked, right?" He asked lightly as his finger trailed behind her ear, then down to where she wore that earring.

The warmth travelled along with his hand, and she was too tongue-tied to respond. She just nodded as she felt her heart racing inside her.

She visibly shivered as she felt him playing with the earring. Her eyes closed on their own accord when he leaned in near her ear.

"You're a really beautiful woman, Miss Joshi."

His husky whisper sent a current down her body. For the first time since very long, some man had called her beautiful.

And it had to be him. The most handsome and perfect man to ever exist.

This was as much as Anuj allowed himself to unleash control. He had been truthful and that's it. Crossing his boundaries will forever remain out of question.

Thus, he pulled back, somewhat feeling guilty to have cornered her. But as soon as he turned around, he heard a voice meekly whisper. "Aap bhi."

Whipping his head around, he enquired, "Kya kaha?"

She was leaning against the wall, with fists folded behind and a furious blush over her face. Keeping eyes downcast, she mumbled and Anuj almost missed it. Almost. "Aap bhi bohot, bohot acche lagte hain."

Anuj tried his best to keep the poker face intact. He himself felt his ears growing hot.

~~~

The ride had been silent. After that little moment of honesty back in the hallway, they had been quiet. Silently absorbing each other's compliments.

Anuj's hand felt jittery over the steering wheel while he processed her words again and again. She had said "lagte hain" means that it wasn't the first time he looked good. It implied that she finds him attractive quite frequently, right?

Oh go— He tried his best to not go crazy right there.

Beside him, Anupama bit her lips. She felt strangely happy. Very happy. His compliment felt like she had won a gold medal. It made her feel as confident as ever to face the world, yet too shy to face him.

The ride continued in blissful silence.

Finally, Anuj pulled near the hotel's entrance. Anupama looked wide-eyed at the flashing camera and the amount of reporters that huddled near the entrance.

As Anuj drove through the numerous people, he looked at Anupama and stopped the car. "Now Anupama, don't panic."

She stared at the scene. "There are so many people. They're asking questions and clicking pictures..!"

"It's fine. You've beautifully handled them at the Bhoomi Poojan, you remember right? You know what to say, how to answer, you'll do perfect." He assured.

His words again worked like a charm. It motivated her and she nodded in determination.

Smiling at her confidence, he gestured that he is about to step out. She nodded again in reassurance to convey that she's fine and ready.

Anuj clicked open the lock and smoothly stepped out in the sea of blaring flashlights and deafening questions. She watched as numerous men in black suits quickly came forward and seperated him from the crowd.

Swiftly, he came around towards her door and clicked it open, extending his hand.

With wonder, she observed how the men in black suit stood behind him, like his army and shielded them from the crowd. He gently pulled her up when she placed her hand in his.

The camera clicks multiplied as soon as she came into view, with her hand clasped in his.

Before she could ask the burning question, he bent down, confusing her.

Puzzled, she looked down to find him gathering her saree pleats and arranging them orderly.

She tried not to blush when she heard the multiple 'awes' and 'oohs' from the crowd. She found trouble digesting how she, the woman who was just a worthless item in Shah house was being treated as a celebrity. And the main celebrity himself, was crouching at her feet while his bodyguards stood around them and the world watched.

She could combust.

Unfazed by the attention, he stood up and asked, "Chalein?"

Suppressing her overwhelmed self, she nodded. Smiling, he gestured her to lead the way.

Again, her heart beat raced.

That had been happening a lot lately when he's around or on his sweet gestures like this.

Trying not to trip, she came forward and he followed closely behind like a shield, while the bodyguards parted the crowd away from them.

The clicks followed alongwith the questions and she blocked them out, instead focused on the entrance that led them to the main door.

The bodyguards stepped away as soon as they were safely inside.

While Anupama gawked at the lavishness of the interior, she addressed the man beside her. "I didn't knew you had bodyguards."

Anuj chuckled. "I usually don't tag them along when I'm alone. But when you have a beautiful, priceless gem, you got to protect it in every possible way."

Anupama hummed distractedly, as she took in the glamour of the hotel.

As his statement slowly sunk in, her eyes widened and she whipped her head around at him in question.

What did Shayar Kapadia just said? Did he just flirted with her? No way..!

Before she could voice her question, another voice beat her to it.

"Anuj, Anupama! I can't believe you guys came!"

Turning, Anupama saw the excited couple approaching towards them.

Mr. & Mrs. Dhillon had always been the sociable, crazy kind of couple. They loved parties. Their hotel mirrored every bit of their crazy personality.

"This place looks amazing Mr. and Mrs. Dhillon. Congratulations." Anupama complimented genuinely.

Their smile widened and Mr. Dhillon stepped forward, patting Anuj on the shoulder. "Nothing like what you two are going to build. It would be a true haven."

Mrs. Dhillon chimed in. "Did I said that both of you look amazing? I saw the media going crazy when you two arrived."

Anuj and Anupama laughed lightly, not knowing what to say.

Mr. Dhillon was ready to back his wife. "Oh yes, college friends to business partners. So good-looking, hardworking, yet single."

Anuj and Anupama were now truly at a loss of words.

Unfazed, Mrs. Dhillon added, "Yes. You partners should find your life partners. Don't look too far, ok."

With that, she winked at them, then linked her arm with her husband's, and went away to greet some other guests. Leaving an embarrassed couple behind.

~~~

Some late entries were still arriving but now the crowd had shifted inside to enjoy the party, so the entrance was relatively empty.

Trying to take advantage of the situation, Vanraj tried to enter through the main door, but his path was immediately blocked by two security guards.

"Invitation card and name?" One of them inquired.

Pulling on his best 'helpless man' facade, he let out. "Look, I don't have an invitation card but I know a woman in there. And I have to meet her, it's really urgent."

They looked skeptical. "A woman in there? Who?"

"Anupama! She's my wif—" He caught his tongue in time. "She's the mother of my children."

At his words, the security guards gave him a thorough look. Rumpled shirt and pants which looked a bit dusty, hair messed and 2-day old beard, eyes hung with dark circles; all of it made them burst out laughing.

"Yeah sure. And I'm the Anuj Kapadia." They laughed again.

"As far as we know, Anupama ma'am is single, and just look at yourself." They emphasized by examining him from head to toe.

"Look at your status, then hers. You won't have a chance with her even in a million years." Vanraj's blood boiled as he heard those words.

The other guard joined in as well. "Yes, don't wander around in delusion, and stop dreaming up beauties. If you're looking for a job, servant's entrance is behind to the left. Ask the manager."

The word 'servant' made the blood thump in his veins. He was the senior employee in his office before he lost his job. Workers like them saluted him in his office.

He was about to beat up the the guards for insulting him when the idea clicked.

'Servant's entrance? A good way to enter the party without drawing attention and find Anupama.' He thought, devising a plan.

~~~

Vanraj had successfully entered inside the hotel. As difficult he had assumed it would be, on the contrary, it was actually a piece of cake.

Nobody had given him a second glance as he had ventured inside. Maybe because his unkempt white shirt and black pants matched with those of the hotel sweepers and waiters. Though theirs' looked more neat and tidy then his.

On his way from the basement kitchen to the ground floor, he had been assumed as one of them uncountable times. In every five second, a hurrying staff member would order him to either cook, serve, or clean.

He scoffed at them.

'As if the Vanraj Shah who had been living the king's life would do low tasks like that. It was an insult to him. Hell would break loose but he won't pick up even a single spoon, as it'd taint his status and reputation.'

He had casually nodded at them, then ignored their order straight away. After all, he was here on a mission. It's not like they knew who he was.

With his goal crystal clear in his mind, he made his way to the party hall. As seconds passed, his temper rose alongwith it.

'Him and his family had been suffering from the past few days just because of Anupama, and madam is here attending high-class parties. Not to mention the insults he had endured to reach her. Just you wait Anupama, you'll pay for it once I find you.'

He thought angrily, and kept moving with determination.

~~~

"You should sit down, don't put much pressure on that ankle." Anuj advised after a few seconds.

In all honesty, Anupama had completely forgotten about her healing ankle. But Anuj didn't.

Finding a nearby table, Anuj held out the chair for her to sit, then he took one for himself.

Their ears perked up when the DJ switched to an all too familiar song.

"Apne diwaane ka, apne diwaane ka, karde bura haal re ki ankhiyon so goli maare, ladki kamaal re ki ankhiyon se goli maare..."

Their eyes met and both smiled, clearly knowing that the other was remembering that dance at the reunion party. Where they first met.

"Remember that night, Miss. Ahmedabad Hyderabad?" Anuj teased.

Anupama narrowed her eyes in mock offense.

"How can't I, Mr. Chapri Dance ke expert?" She countered back.

Anuj mouth dropped open, and the next moment, both burst out laughing.

As their laughter ceased after a few moments, they sobered up with a soft smile while their eyes remained locked with each other's.

The smile grew more tender as the replay of their journey flashed in front of both of their eyes, like a camera reel.

It felt as if they were revisiting and relishing their memories together. Both felt amazed by how their paths have converged together, and felt grateful for the way they did.

~~~

From behind the pillar and potted plants, a figure stood by, watching their every movement since they had arrived.

His blood furiously boiled as he observed how close that Anuj Kapadia is getting to his pretty wif—, no ex-wife.

He had been left speechless the moment Anupama had stepped outside the car, glittering in pink like an angel.

He had been staring at her like a fool ever since. A sharp pang of regret shot through his body when he saw his surprisingly beautiful wif—, ex-wife, laughed at something Anuj Kapadia had said.

His fists clenched in anger when he observed how Anupama's eyes shined brightly with hero-worship when they fell on Anuj. Her face glowed and her spirits seemed to sparkle as she sat across him.

Where was this glow when she had been married to him?

He abruptly slammed the pillar he was hiding behind when he remembered how once he was the one she admired like a hero. But the shine wasn't as bright back then, her eyes looked more lifeless, scared and sad.

Whereas now, they looked confident yet coy, full-of-life, happy, and dare he say....lovestruck.

No!

The anger wasn't as much now, as other feelings like regret, jealousy, had taken him hostage.

But most of all, fear clawed him in its death grip.

No! She can't! She loves us! Her family!

She belongs to us, she had always will, and will always be. She will be in Shah house with me, with my kids.

As he watched Anupama looking like a goddess, while her curls brushed her cheeks, and her skin glowed under that sheer saree; Vanraj knew that he couldn't let her slip away.

He had to, and he will get her back.

She belonged to him. To his family.

So he suppressed the urge to barge near that table, grab her hand, push her into his car, and drive home with her. Instead he chose to wait for the best opportunity, thus opting to suffer watching Anupama looking radiant while she looked at Anuj like he hung the stars for her.