"I'm so sorry," Kavya purred as she picked up some tissue paper to wipe the spill off Anuj's shirt. Anuj had been walking around talking on his phone when Kavya had "accidentally" bumped into him, spilling some of her coffee on his shirt in the process.

"It's okay, I have a spare shirt, I'll change," Anuj responded trying his best to distance himself from Kavya. Anupama's decision to remain friends hadn't elevated his mood in any way and now Mrs. Shah, as usual, was trying to create a scene in a place where Anuj couldn't respond without lack of restraint. This woman seemed to have a knack for bumping into him always at the wrong time.

"No, no, please let me help," Kavya stepped closer to him, her lips, a breath away from his face, and began wiping the stain off his shirt while sensuously rubbing her other hand on his chest.

Anuj raised his head, uncomfortable with the way he could feel Kavya's breath on his neck. "Mrs. Shah," he tried to reason, bringing her attention to the gaping media that was clearly having a good time at his expense. He pulled a handkerchief out and wiped his forehead. He was sweating in an air-conditioned environment. If only it had not been about Anupama's future.

All of the media had stopped doing what they were and had begun to look at the two. A few had their camera reels running recording this very gossip-worthy footage. He could hear loud whispers and interesting speculations.

The sniggering sounds and snide remarks only added fuel to the fire. Kavya Shah was embarrassing him publicly. If she thought she could get away with this cheap act of hers, she had another thing coming. Taking a deep breath, he was about to push her away, damn the media, when he spotted Anupama walking into the Conference Room.

*****

Anupama was not surprised by what she saw. This wasn't the first time she was seeing and experiencing something like this. After all, she had caught Kavya and Vanraj red-handed on their bed, in their bedroom on her wedding anniversary. She'd fainted then because she hadn't anticipated deceit to this degree.

But today...

She walked up to Kavya and plucked the tissues from her hand.

"I believe I can help my fiancé. Thank you."

Ignoring the look of anger on Kavya's face at being snubbed by Anupama, she turned to Anuj and handed him the spare bag that was lying at the foot of the podium.

"Your spare clothes are here. Please go change. I'll check what else is needed before the press conference begins."

Anuj gladly took the bag, mouthed a thank you to Anupama before disappearing into one of the side rooms. The look of relief and gratefulness on his face as he disappeared further irked Kavya.

Although irritated and disappointed, she nevertheless decided to put it all behind her and soldier on. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day.

She walked up to Anupama and extended her hands to shake hers.

"What a pleasant surprise Anupama, it's so nice to see you here."

Anupama smirked. "What did you expect Kavya? This press conference has been organized by my fiancé to talk about US. Of course, I was going to be here."

Before Kavya had a chance to retort, Anupama spotted GK and excused herself.

*****

Anuj's head of PR had announced the commencement of the press conference. A short disclaimer followed that the press conference would be conducted in Hindi. English news channels would have to separately reach out to the AK Group for bytes in English.

Before he could speak any further, Anupama signalled that she wanted to say a few words. Unable to ignore her request in front of the media, he invited her to speak.

Anuj was perplexed. This was not part of the script. Anupama was supposed to stay silent until the Q&A began. He was supposed to handle everything. Worried but unable to do anything at the moment, he pulled his magnets out of his coat pocket and began fiddling with them.

Anupama got up, cleared her throat, looked at Anuj and GK and then the audience. She closed her eyes to give herself that much-needed strength. She'd already decided what she was going to say. She reminded herself as to why she was doing this.

Her hands shivered. Stage fear. She prayed to Kanhaji to give her strength. She could do this. She was a teacher. Public speaking was her domain. She imagined the audience to be her students and began her speech:

"Hello everyone. Most of you know my face," she circled it for emphasis. "It's been splashed across all popular dailies and news channels over the last few days. But not many know my name. So I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Anupama Joshi and I am a school teacher."

Some murmurs, smiles. Anupama looked at GK. The love and encouragement in his eyes was enough for her to continue.

"I know there have been rumours and speculations about my relationship with India's most eligible bachelor. Sorry ladies to break your heart, but Anuj Kapadia ji is no longer a bachelor. Anuj ji and I are soon to be engaged."

If GK and Anuj were shocked by Anupama's declaration, they hid it only too well.

As soon as she said this, a barrage of questions were hurled towards her.

"When did you first meet Anuj?"

"You mean when he first noticed me?"

There was some laughter.

"It was two weeks ago at a school function. He's one of the trustees of the school I teach at."

"What was it that attracted him to you?"

"Aren't you asking that to the wrong person?"

More laughter erupted from the audience.

"How did you guys fall in love?"

Anupama smiled at that. "We aren't teenagers to fall in love. Both Anuj Ji and I are mature individuals."

"What is it that attracted you to him?"

"He's the nicest man I've ever met who's always been there for me when I needed him. I don't know who Anuj Kapadia the businessman is, but the Anuj Ji I know is a very good, kind, and loving soul."

She dared to look at him after that statement, but he was busy looking at the audience and increasing the speed of his twirls. She sighed. 

"When is the engagement?"

Anupama looked at Anuj again. The magnets were being twirled at record speed. It was time for her to make an exit.

"That is a question I believe for Anuj Ji."

Before another question could come her way, she thanked the audience and made her way to her seat.

The PR Manager next called upon Anuj Kapadia to say a few words. But before he could begin his carefully crafted speech, the media was hurling questions his way.

"What made you fall in love with Anupama?"

Anuj smiled. "As Anupama said, both she and I are not teenagers to fall in love, we're mature individuals and more than love what we seek is intellectual compatibility and companionship."

"Why this sudden decision to get married?"

"I'm nearing 50. Clearly, the decision cannot be sudden."

Some more laughter erupted from the audience.

"What was it about Anupama that made you feel that she would be the perfect life partner for you?"

Anuj looked at Anupama and smiled. 

"She reminded me of my mother," he replied honestly. "The same unassuming nature, warmth, love, compassion. In fact today, Anupama is wearing one of my mothers' saris."

The audience waited with bated breath for Anuj to continue: "If anyone can carry on my mother's legacy, it is Anupama. Anupama is just the kind of daughter-in-law my parents would've been very proud of." 

Turning towards Anupama, he said: "Thank you for walking into my life."

He'd poured his heart out in front of a room full of people. He didn't care whether they believed him or not. He hoped she did.

"Mr. Kapadia, when is the engagement?"

"Six months from now. My parents, had they been alive, would've celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Anupama and I would like to honour my parents by getting engaged on that day."

The press conference was a hit. Every journalist who had come looking for juicy gossip left with a fairytale love story. Prince Charming had found his Cinderella.