PATHS OF HEART [ON HOLD]

5 (18+)

It was a peaceful evening at Anuj's house. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden hue across the sprawling garden. Inside, the air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the sound of light conversation. Anuj's parents, Rajesh and Meera, had come over for a family gathering, and Anupama was in the kitchen, helping Meera with some last-minute snacks while Aanika played happily in her playpen.

Anuj was in the living room, discussing some business matters with his father when the doorbell rang. Anuj glanced at the clock, a bit puzzled by the unexpected visitor at this hour.

"I'll get it," Anuj said, rising from his seat and walking toward the door.

When he opened it, his expression shifted from curiosity to surprise—and then to a mix of wariness and concern. Standing on his doorstep were Niharika and Vanraj. Niharika looked tense, her eyes filled with a mixture of determination and desperation, while Vanraj stood beside her, his demeanor radiating an air of intimidation.

"Niharika, Vanraj... What are you doing here?" Anuj asked, his voice calm but laced with caution.

Niharika stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. "Anuj, we need to talk. It's about Aanika."

Anuj's heart sank slightly, already sensing the direction this conversation was about to take. He remained composed, nodding for them to come inside.

"Let's go to the living room," he said, leading them in. Rajesh and Meera exchanged concerned glances as they saw the unexpected visitors enter the room.

Anupama emerged from the kitchen, holding a tray of tea, and paused when she saw Niharika and Vanraj. Her expression softened with concern as she placed the tray on the coffee table.

"What's going on?" Anupama asked gently, sensing the tension in the air.

Niharika took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Anuj's. "Anuj, I want my daughter back. I want Aanika."

The words hung in the air like a heavy cloud, and the room fell silent. Anuj's face tightened, his heart pounding in his chest. He had feared this day might come, but he wasn't prepared for the wave of emotions that hit him.

"Niharika, we've been through this. The court granted me custody because..." Anuj paused, trying to choose his words carefully. "Because it's what was best for Aanika."

Niharika's eyes flashed with anger and pain. "I know I made mistakes, Anuj, but she's still my daughter. I have a right to be in her life!"

Anuj shook his head slowly. "You walked away, Niharika. You left her, and you haven't been involved. Aanika deserves stability, and she has that here—with me, with Anupama."

Vanraj, who had been silent until now, took a step forward, his expression darkening. "Don't make this difficult, Anuj. Niharika has every right to be with her daughter. You can't keep her away."

Rajesh, sensing the growing tension, stepped closer to his son. "This isn't the way to handle things. If you have concerns, there are legal channels—"

Vanraj cut him off, his voice growing sharper. "Legal channels? This is our family we're talking about! Niharika has a right to be with Aanika, and we're not leaving without her."

Anupama, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up, her voice steady. "Niharika, we understand that this is hard for you, but Aanika's well-being is the most important thing. She's happy here, and she's thriving. Please don't disrupt that."

Niharika's eyes filled with tears, and for a moment, she seemed to waver, her resolve crumbling under the weight of her emotions. But then Vanraj placed a hand on her shoulder, and her expression hardened again.