Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, Mumbai

Anuj had boarded the plane along with GK. He was awaiting the plane to take off. The amused, weird, and sympathetic glances that he was receiving made him uncomfortable. He knew that this flight was going to be the longest one. He had always been a nervous flyer but touching down Ahmedabad had given him cold feet. He tried to let go and get himself a nap as the last few days had been hectic for him but it was futile. It was a rare incident when Anuj would try to remain low key as possible rather than garnering attention when his family was concerned. He had been fiercely protective of his family and had kept them away from the prying eyes of the media. He disliked being accosted in public with his loved ones in the picture. It was so ironic as he chuckled at his thoughts for Anuj was one of the world's wealthiest business tycoons. He had graced his presence on the pages of Forbes Inc and other magazines or even been courted on television giving way to all the fame and glamour. However, one thing that was stark opposite to his high-profile status was his nature. He continued to be down-to-earth, humble, and generous for he possessed Gayatri Kapadia's personality traits. He glanced at the bird's eye view of the city as the flight took off. His mind went into a flashback as he recalled the drastic turn of events in the last one and a half year.

Vikram had left for Ahmedabad on his insistence and continued monitoring the work profile. Saveer had returned home after topping the university making him proud. Saveer was currently interning at one of the prestigious business firms in New York rather than being cushioned under his father's name. He was happy and contented yet his soul yearned for love. He missed his baby terribly. Saveer now helped him with his business. He was learning the ropes of it. Anuj was in Houston attending a conference when GK suffered a stroke. He left everything and rushed back to New York. Though his health was on the mend doctors suggested giving him a change of atmosphere that would lead to a speedy recovery. Anuj recalled the conversation that he had with Dr. Kapoor. "Anuj, you are hardly around him although you have given him everything you can to make his life comfortable. GK is still lonely." The doctor spelt it out for him, by stating, "Send GK to India. Let him spend time with his friends and family." Anuj looked uncertain. Dr. Kapoor kept his hands on Anuj's shoulder and further continued, " You are our biggest benefactors, and would not invite the ire of the board of directors by upsetting you. I am suggesting you as I believe in it and I have seen it myself." The conversation went on further when GK put forth his wish as he along with some other people could get away with anything as far as Anuj was concerned. His heart melted and gave away to his wish. GK could really be persistent at times. He remembered the glow on GK's face when he had given in to his demand of coming to India with him. The conversation stirred something within him as he looked on blankly, " You have done a lot for the people in Ahmedabad, Anuj - funded schools and hospitals, made donations to charities and projects that have benefitted the local communities. But you haven't really been home, not even for a business meeting." said GK. The tenacity that Anuj had was something that he had learnt from GK. The stroke forced him to shift his base to India more specifically Ahmedabad whereas Saveer looked after the work that needed to be wrapped up there. It was going to be a long time before he could see his son again. Thus began the heavy lifting before he could begin with the shifting process when he received the news of the site being cleared for the hotel from the head of the Mumbai Branch. It was Kanhaji's signal to him. It had made him take another major decision. The decision to shift to his homeland permanently. It had taken him six months to sort out the process before he could move to India.

Therefore, he expected to wrap up the hotel's legal work and finalize the layout within six months but it went on longer. It took him one year to get done with the hotel work, and thus he was in Mumbai for the last one year. He was overlooking the work in Mumbai as well as kept tabs on the project in Ahmedabad. He was well-updated by Vikram. He also looked after GK personally. The joy his face radiated had put his inhibitions to rest. The choice of shifting the base had been right till now. Anuj felt himself feeling a conundrum of emotions when the catastrophe struck. He had gone numb and he hated hospitals. The mere sight of it would give him an intense anxiety attack. The fear that was long lost had come back again. He was scared more than fear. A feeling that he had been alien to all these years was creeping back. He had already lost a lot of people in his life. He had learnt to live with it but only he knew how he felt. It was like his world had stopped for a millisecond. There was still a nagging pain in his heart as the void was too big. He had really accepted Mukku getting distant or cutting off ties with Ankush or losing his parents in that ill-fated accident but with each blow, the crack had deepened. He sought assurance and security that life had denied him. He had kept his feelings to himself when he had lost his parents for he had a small Malvika to look after. He had grown up overnight taking over the role of a parent, a brother, and a friend. The responsibilities had increased. Saveer entered his life a few months after that terrible accident. Saveer, his adopted son was truly a blessing in disguise. He was the reason that he had been living his life. He entered his life when he had hit the rock bottom. The day he left Ahmedabad as there was nothing left for him according to his logic he found a baby being abandoned on the steps of a temple when he had gone to the temple for the one last time to question the plays of the almighty despite his faith and belief that his parents had instilled in him. He was glad about the support that Saveer had provided him.

Anuj had grown used to fighting his battles himself be it emotional ones or the ones that life threw at him. He used to fall weak at times yet continued to hold himself together for Malvika and Saveer. GK was the father figure but would make sure that his health would be his priority given his age so he would have light conversations with him. It was only when he was pushed to the edge he would confide in him. The word "Love" was there in his life but the magnitude was selfless. It was unconditional and transcendental. It gave a sense of power and courage. He did have his own share of flaws but he had learnt the art of giving from his mother. He was and is Gayatri Kapadia's son which matched up to the art of limiting boundaries passed on to him by his father, Anand Kapadia. He was and will continue to be a shield, for now, he would soon have his equal match. A partner that would turn his shield. Destiny would give him more than he deserves.

Thaltej, Ahmedabad

Anuj was brought out of his reverie when the announcement was made. It was time for a touchdown. He inhaled a sharp breath as he stepped out of the Airport along with GK. It was almost midnight. He had arrived a day earlier than scheduled and that gave him some kind of rest. The familiar smell hit his nostrils. The drive to his posh penthouse in Thaltej was nostalgic as he saw through the changes that the city had undergone. He was glad for Vikram had already arranged an alternative exit for him rather than being thronged by the media at the exit of the airport along with some house help for his house. The jet lag and fatigue had taken a toll on his health and thus he was fast asleep as soon as he hit the bed before making sure that GK had his medicines and informing Saveer about his safe arrival to the city.

The seven hours of sound sleep had left Anuj surprised. He woke up to the torrential showers that the city had been experiencing. A faint memory came back rushing to him which was associated with a house that he had never managed to sell all these years yet he refused to step in, the Kapadia Mansion. Thus he ended up staying in the penthouse. He missed his mother for she was truly a class-apart lady who had instilled strong values and rains always reminded him of her. Every time it rained she would make his favorite onion fritters or onion pakoras. He was back home after nineteen years and in an instant, he knew what he had to do. He was going to cherish the memories again and so he went off to the kitchen to fry some pakoras along with some piping hot tea. He and GK were living the moment.

An hour later he called up Vikram wanting to meet him and Devika. He had already planned out the reunion but his body needed rest and so to keep him away from work this was the best way. GK had been away visiting his relatives and gorging on the delicious Gujarati delicacies whereas he was awaiting the arrival of his friends when the doorbell rang. Anuj was engulfed in a bone-crushing hug by Devika as soon as he opened the door whereas Vikram looked on at her antics. said Anuj. Devika enquired. said Anuj while embracing Vikram in a hug. The friends settled themselves on the sofa whereas Anuj requested for Sheela to bring in the tea and snacks. answered Anuj removing his frames. That day was a bittersweet reunion as they reminisced about their college days and the conversation went on from business to life. Devika's stomach grumbled and they realized that it was lunchtime. All of them burst into fits of laughter. Lunch was a scrumptious affair as Anuj had himself prepared the delicious dishes. It was a rare opportunity for Vikram and Devika.

Ghatlodiya, Ahmedabad

Vanraj Shah was in disbelief. He looked at the letter again. It was a notice which stated that AK Group of Industries was offering 5 crores for his rusted garage that had turned into a cafe. They apparently wanted to build a hotel and a school. The huge amount of money got his eyes sparkling. He could sense the power-hungry businessman coming back. This was his chance to pay off the debts and get into the good books of AK. He thought that he could present the business proposal the next day when he would be meeting AK along with Kavya by his side. However, the taxes were still an issue as none of them had seen the tax notice and the due date had passed which troubled him. He could see a faint silver lining after ages as he would rise professionally again unknown to the storm. His thoughts went to Kavya. She was loud and clear in her nature and approach. Though she was trying her best to pick up the responsibilities and balance them he could not bring himself to find a comfortable and common ground between them. They fought a lot yet she was holding onto him. It pained him that their relationship had changed a lot. The financial crunch had left him devoid of security and he was finding himself to be unable to grant assurance to her. His relationship with Anupama was only for the sake of the kids yet the old habits made him act recklessly at times due to the need of controlling and holding authority over Anupama despite no strings attached. Anupama had changed and now that she could see through his ploys she would ignore him royally leaving him irked. He still had not come to terms with her growth in professional and personal spheres of life.

Kavya had been excited ever since she heard about the notice and when she read the headlines in the newspaper she connected the dots. Pride of Gujarat - Anuj Kapadia was in town and this was his company. Kavya sighed as she recalled her initial days after her marriage to Vanraj. He had been a recluse. The attention that she craved from him was missing and she was irritated by the people of the household who would drag Anupama into every petty issue. She was left aghast when Vanraj went ahead and befriended Anupama again which was flatly turned down by her. The circus was paining her as she tried hard to fit and mold herself into this household. She tried to make her place in the heart of the family members. She wanted to feel loved and accepted by this family. She sought financial and emotional security. Sometimes she wondered whether marrying Vanraj was an erroneous mistake on her part. Though she was happy that at least Bapuji did come around but Baa was still giving her a hard time. She was so done hearing her jabs and taunts every day. Pakhi and Paritosh were truly spoilt kids. Kinjal did talk to her only when necessary whereas Samar was happily living with his mother. Her thoughts went to Anupama. She felt jealous yet a part of her was proud for she knew how hard had she worked to climb the social ladder of the corporate world. She envied her as Anupama had swiftly and subtly outgrown her in terms of personal and professional life.

Satellite, Ahmedabad

Anupama's Ashiyana

Ever since Anupama had heard about the college reunion she was nervous and jittery. She was an introvert during her college but by god's grace, she found some great company. The friends in the form of Anuj, Devika, and Vikram were truly priceless. Though she had reconnected with Vikram and it surprised her. That's what friends are. You tend to pick up from unfinished conversations. It's pure magic. However, the college get-together made her apprehensive. It was the next level. There was an inferiority complex when it came to their achievements in life as compared to hers. All of her batchmates were doing far better than her and were quite successful too. Some were influential and famous too. Anupama failed to realize that she was looking at the superficial accomplishments that the world had been measuring. It was a necessity in this fast-paced competitive world. Though she was rebuilding her life, it felt like she had missed out on a lot. There was something missing that she could not pinpoint at that moment. She had gotten married early as her life went on a downward spiral after she lost her father. She wanted to create an identity for herself but was tricked by that man and his mother seventeen years back. She thought she would be allowed to study even after her marriage but her hopes came shattering down as Baa was the typical mother-in-law. Those were plain sugar-coated lies.

Samar had been observing his mother being all lost and confused. He could sense the fear of being judged creeping up. Thus, he walked to his Rockstar and kept his hand on her shoulder. Samar's words were like a balm however she was still unconvinced and so he called up Devika and Vikram. They decided to celebrate her growth since the divorce debacle in lieu of awakening her inner potential. Thus, that's how they met at the Sabarmati Riverfront later that night.

Thaltej, Ahmedabad

He had been deeply contemplating something as if he was hesitant and finally spoke in a stern voice, There was pin-drop silence as Devika and Vikram shared a glance at each other. They had straightened up as one was numb and the other was vulnerable. Anuj spoke up, Vikram squeezed her hand and spoke, Though Vikram knew it in parts and bits the truth was beyond his comprehension. Devika took a deep breath and gulped down the glass of water that was kept nearby on the table. answered Devika in an ardent voice.

That's when Vikram looked at her whereas Anuj was blank. The answer had left both the men unsettled. Devika took a pause, and continued in a feeble voice, Devika broke down into tears. Anuj was speechless. He had gone numb. Vikram was aghast. Both the men were unable to fathom the pain and suffering. It was beyond their imagination. There was an awkward silence. The revelation was too much to digest. Anuj realized that the magnitude of the deceit was bigger which forced her to make a big choice. He felt myriad emotions whereas Vikram was still reeling under shock. Anuj got up with a start and retreated to his room. He badly needed a distraction.

Anuj turned serious as he twirled the magnets whilst going through the files. He had been deeply contemplating something as he recalled the conversation with Devika and Vikram. He had a giddy feeling regarding the reunion, as if there was hesitance from his side, knowing about her in parts and bits through Vikram which was purely professional. The personal information about her life was there and that too with her confidence but it made him anxious and restless. He felt evasive. He sighed and closed his tab. He sat on the chair closing his eyes. The ground beneath his feet had slipped. A little later when GK entered the house the eery silence scared him. It had sent his heart racing. GK looked at the lost figures sitting on the sofa. Three people being distant meant that it concerned that one particular person. Her. He looked at the closed door and decided to give Anuj some space. He caressed Devika and Vikram lovingly. Devika and Vikram felt their worries wash away in a warm father's embrace. They felt at home. GK consoled them and comforted them. He was held tightly by these two kids who had the void of a father in their lives. He caressed their heads affectionately and soon these two were fast asleep. GK was about to check on Anuj when he felt a tug. Devika and Vikram were holding his fingers. The sense of comfort they felt.