Anupama
Anupama – Written Update – May 18, 2024
Early Morning – Shah Household
The morning light filters through the windows of the Shah house. Anupama (calm and composed) enters Vanraj’s room with a steaming cup of tea. Vanraj (tense and restless) stirs awake, surprised to see her.
Anupama: I thought you might need this. (Places the tea on the bedside table)
Vanraj: (Scoffs) You shouldn’t bother.
Anupama: It’s just basic courtesy, Vanraj. We may not see eye to eye, but we still share this house.
Vanraj avoids her gaze, taking a long sip of tea. An awkward silence hangs between them.
Anupama (softly): Did you sleep well?
Vanraj: (Gruffly) Doesn’t matter.
Anupama: It does matter, Vanraj. We have a big day ahead. Pakhi’s graduation ceremony.
Vanraj tenses again at the mention of Pakhi.
Anupama: Look, I understand you’re upset about Adhik. But Pakhi needs both her parents today. Can we put aside our differences for her sake?
Vanraj: (Sighs) Fine. But don’t expect any grand gestures.
Anupama nods, a flicker of sadness in her eyes. She leaves the room, the tension lingering in the air.
Later – Kavya’s Apartment
Kavya paces restlessly in her apartment. Vanraj arrives, looking equally stressed.
Kavya: Any word from Adhik?
Vanraj: No. He’s probably still sulking.
Kavya: This is all Pakhi’s fault! Creating a scene in the cafe like that. Now Adhik’s career is on hold.
Vanraj: Don’t blame Pakhi entirely. Adhik shouldn’t have lied.
Kavya: (Scoffs) You’re taking Pakhi’s side?
Vanraj: I’m just stating facts. Look, let’s just focus on the graduation for now.
Kavya: Fine. But this isn’t over, Vanraj. We need to teach Pakhi a lesson.
At the Graduation Venue
The venue bustles with proud parents and excited graduates. Anupama and Samar (supportive and beaming) help Pakhi adjust her gown.
Pakhi: (Nervous) Mom, what if Adhik doesn’t show up?
Anupama: (Soothingly) He will, Pakhi. Don’t worry. Today is your day. Just focus on celebrating your achievement.
Samar: (Grinning) And besides, if he doesn’t, it’s his loss. You’re a rockstar, Pakhi!
Pakhi manages a small smile. An internal struggle plays on her face.
Vanraj and Kavya arrive, Vanraj looking stiff and Kavya radiating an air of disapproval.
Pakhi avoids their gaze. An uncomfortable silence descends upon the group.
Anupama (trying to lighten the mood): Look at our Pakhi, all grown up!
Just then, Adhik enters, looking sheepish.
Pakhi’s eyes widen. A wave of emotions washes over her – relief, anger, and a touch of hurt.
Adhik: (Approaches Pakhi) Pakhi, I… I’m so sorry.
Pakhi: (Coldly) Do you even know what you’ve done?
Adhik: I messed up, Pakhi. Big time. I panicked, and I lied. But please, believe me, I never meant to hurt you or your career.
Anupama (interjects): We can discuss this later. Right now, let’s focus on Pakhi’s graduation.
The ceremony begins. Pakhi receives her diploma with a forced smile. Her parents manage a clap each, but the joy feels forced.
Later – Shah Household
Pakhi sits alone in her room, tears welling up in her eyes. Anupama enters, concern etched on her face.
Anupama: Pakhi, what’s wrong?
Pakhi breaks down, sobbing uncontrollably. Anupama sits beside her, holding her close.
Pakhi: (Voice choked) I feel so hurt, Mom. Adhik lied, and now everyone thinks it’s my fault.
Anupama: (Rubbing her back) I know, sweetheart. It’s okay to feel hurt. But remember, this doesn’t define
