Cutting Shape for Gradient Mesh

i've tried few methods cut shape gradient mesh grid follows shape (the blank line in middle path want gradient mesh grid follow) i've had no success ?

this should give pretty close approximation of need.

first select path.

then choose object > path > offset path. give shape need on top , bottom, you'll need manually edit path fix left , right ends rounded.

then choose object > create gradient mesh, , that's it!

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