As Anaya and Ria navigated the bustling halls of the college, the energy around them was infectious. Students hurried from one place to another, discussing deadlines, final papers, and upcoming exams. The familiar hum of academic life enveloped them, making Anaya feel a sense of normalcy that she hadn't felt in a while.
"Alright, let's get these documents sorted out and submitted," Ria said as they made their way to the administrative office. "Once that's done, we can relax a little before the final push."
Anaya nodded, feeling a little more at ease now that they were back on familiar ground. The weight of her new life at the Singhaniya mansion momentarily lifted as they stepped into their college roles. It felt good to focus on something she understood—her studies, her future, and her work.
As they stood in line at the office, waiting to submit their paperwork, Ria turned to Anaya and smiled. "I know you've got a lot on your mind with everything happening at home, but honestly, I think you're handling it all really well."
Anaya blinked, surprised. "You think so?"
Ria nodded confidently. "Absolutely. I mean, you were practically thrown into the deep end, but you've managed to stay calm and collected. That's not easy, especially with Rudra being... well, Rudra."
Anaya smiled weakly, though her thoughts immediately drifted back to Rudra. "It's been difficult," she admitted. "I just don't know where I fit in sometimes. Everything feels so... different. Like I'm a guest in my own life."
Ria frowned, her expression softening with empathy. "I get that. But you're not a guest, Anaya. You're part of the family now, and eventually, Rudra will realize that too. He just needs time."
Anaya sighed softly. "I hope so."
They handed their paperwork to the administrator, and within minutes, they were finished with their last bit of college business for the day. As they stepped out of the office and back into the sunshine, Ria stretched her arms above her head, letting out a satisfied sigh.
"Well, that's done! One step closer to freedom," she said cheerfully. "Now we just have to survive finals."
Anaya laughed. "Finals don't scare me. It's everything else that's a bit overwhelming."
Ria looped her arm through Anaya's, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "You'll get through it, I promise. And hey, whenever you need to escape the mansion, just come to my room. We'll binge-watch shows, eat snacks, and pretend like we have no responsibilities."
Anaya chuckled, grateful for Ria's lightheartedness. "I might just take you up on that."
They continued to chat as they made their way back to the entrance of the campus, where Ravi was waiting for them in the car, just as he had promised. As they approached the vehicle, Ria shot Anaya another teasing glance.
"You really do have him wrapped around your finger, don't you?" she whispered.
Anaya shook her head, trying not to laugh. "Stop it, Ria. Ravi's just being helpful."
Ravi, ever the professional, stepped out of the car as they approached and opened the door for them. "All done with your paperwork?" he asked, his tone polite as always.
"Yep!" Ria said brightly as she climbed into the back seat. "Thanks for waiting, Ravi. You're a lifesaver."
Anaya smiled as she slid into the car next to Ria. "Thank you again, Ravi. We appreciate the help."
Ravi nodded, giving a small smile. "No problem, Anaya sis. It's my job, after all."
Once they were settled in, Ravi started the car and began the drive back to the Singhaniya mansion. The city passed by in a blur of bustling streets and busy intersections, but inside the car, it was peaceful. Ria chatted away about their upcoming finals, discussing strategies for studying and how they could celebrate once everything was over.
But despite the lighthearted conversation, Anaya's thoughts kept drifting back to the mansion—to Rudra, to the walls he had built around himself, and to the growing distance between them. She had hoped that by now, she would have found some way to connect with him, but every time she tried, it felt like she was running into a brick wall.
"Rudra's always been like that, you know," Ria said suddenly, as if reading Anaya's thoughts. "He keeps people at a distance. It's not personal—it's just how he's learned to survive."
Anaya looked at her, surprised. "Survive?"
Ria nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. "Yeah. After Dad passed away, Rudra had to step up and take over the company. He was just a teenager, but he didn't have a choice. It changed him. He became more focused, more closed off. I think he feels like if he lets people in, he'll lose control."
Anaya listened quietly, feeling a pang of sadness for Rudra. She had never really thought about what he must have gone through, taking on so much responsibility at such a young age. It made sense, in a way—why he was so guarded, so distant.
"Do you think he'll ever... let someone in?" Anaya asked softly, almost to herself.
Ria smiled gently. "Maybe. But it's going to take time. A lot of time. Rudra doesn't trust easily, and he definitely doesn't open up to just anyone. But if there's anyone who can get through to him, Anaya, it's you."
Anaya felt a warmth in her chest at Ria's words, but she wasn't sure if she believed them. Still, it was comforting to know that someone else had faith in her, even if she was struggling to have faith in herself.
The rest of the ride passed quietly, with Ria humming along to the music playing softly through the car's speakers while Anaya stared out the window, lost in thought. When they finally arrived back at the mansion, Ravi pulled up to the front entrance and opened the door for them once again.
"Thanks, Ravi," Ria said with a grin as she stepped out of the car. "I might have to start calling you for rides more often."
Ravi chuckled softly. "Anytime, Ria."
Anaya followed Ria out of the car and smiled at Ravi. "Thank you again. We really appreciate it."
Ravi gave a respectful nod. "No problem, Anaya sis. I'm glad I could help."
As the girls headed inside, Anaya felt a little lighter, even though the weight of her thoughts about Rudra still lingered in the back of her mind. Maybe Ria was right—maybe all Rudra needed was time. Time to trust, time to open up, and time to let her in.
But for now, Anaya knew she had to be patient. And with Ria by her side, things didn't seem quite as overwhelming.
-------
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the Singhaniya mansion's lush garden. Ria, Misha, and Anaya sat comfortably in the corner of the garden area, which was close to the living room. The glass doors of the living area were wide open, allowing the cool breeze to float through. They had gathered for a leisurely afternoon chat, but the topic of conversation quickly shifted to something more serious—internships.
"Did you hear?" Ria began, her tone slightly more serious than usual. She leaned forward, looking at Misha and Anaya. "We've been getting notices from the university. We're expected to apply for internships soon. Some programs last between three to six months, and some of these internships can turn into full-time career offers."
Anaya raised her eyebrows. "Already? I thought we still had some time."
Misha chuckled softly, her voice smooth and calm as always. "Welcome to the real world. We're almost done with college. This is the next big step."
Ria crossed her arms, giving an exaggerated sigh but not without a playful smile. "Yeah, yeah. I'm just saying... I wasn't ready for this level of responsibility yet." She then puffed out her chest, her tone dripping with mock self-importance. "But now, here I am, being all grown up and responsible."
Misha laughed and gave Ria a teasing nudge. "Oh, look at you! Acting like a responsible adult. I never thought I'd see the day."
Ria grinned, enjoying the banter. "Please, I've always been this responsible. You just weren't paying attention."
Anaya smiled at the easygoing back and forth between the sisters, feeling a sense of warmth in their dynamic. Though her life had drastically changed since her marriage to Rudra, moments like these reminded her that there was still normalcy—especially with people like Ria and Misha around.
"So," Anaya interjected, "Are we thinking about applying for internships at different companies? I know Singhaniya Enterprises is an option, but... it might be good to look elsewhere, too."
Ria nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! We should aim for top tech companies. Singhaniya Enterprises is great, but there's no harm in exploring other options. It's good to get experience outside the family business."
Misha agreed, leaning forward. "And who knows? Maybe we'll find a company we really love working for. Internships can open doors."
Ria's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I was thinking of applying to some of the big tech firms that focus on AI and automation. Those fields are really growing, and it'd be amazing to work on something cutting-edge."
Anaya nodded, the conversation making her more excited about her career prospects. "I'm with you on that. I've been interested in software development and project management. It'd be great to work for a company that offers real hands-on experience."
As the three girls immersed themselves in the conversation, the sound of footsteps and voices from the living room caught their attention. The faint echo of laughter and conversation grew louder, and all three turned their heads toward the open glass doors.
A woman around 45 years old, dressed elegantly in a bright saree, entered the living room. Beside her was a younger woman, in her early twenties, wearing a fashionable outfit that seemed to scream wealth and privilege. Following them was a young man, likely in his mid-twenties, who walked confidently behind them.
Ria's smile immediately faded. Her posture stiffened as she watched the new arrivals. Misha, too, sat a little straighter, her expression becoming more guarded.
Anaya, noticing the sudden change in both of them, furrowed her brows in confusion. She leaned closer to Ria and whispered, "Who are they?"
Ria glanced at her, her lips curling into a smirk, though her eyes held a trace of irritation. "That's Jaya Kukreja," Ria muttered quietly, "Grandma's sister's daughter. And that," she added with a roll of her eyes, "is her daughter, Rubi. The guy with them... probably one of Jaya's nephews or something. They're... let's just say, not exactly our favorite guests."
Anaya blinked, puzzled by Ria's clear disdain. "Why?"
Misha, who had overheard the conversation, leaned in to explain further. "Jaya is greedy and manipulative," Misha whispered. "She's always scheming about something—trying to get a foot into the family business or, at the very least, something from the family. Rubi's the same. She's always been... how do I put it nicely? Let's just say she's got her eyes on anything or anyone with power."
Ria smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "And by anyone with power, she means your husband, Anaya."
Anaya's eyes widened. "Rudra?"
Ria nodded, a smirk on her lips. "Oh yeah. Rubi's been obsessed with him for years. She's one of those girls who grew up thinking she'd marry a billionaire CEO, and she had her sights set on Rudra for a long time."
Anaya's stomach twisted at the revelation, though she tried to keep her expression neutral. She hadn't expected this kind of tension—especially not with a woman who was now seated comfortably in the Singhaniya living room, chatting with her grandmother-in-law and mother-in-law.
"Don't worry," Ria whispered with a reassuring wink. "Rudra doesn't give her the time of day. But, of course, that doesn't stop Rubi from trying."
Anaya felt a surge of irritation rise within her. She wasn't exactly jealous, but the idea that Rubi had some long-standing admiration for Rudra made her feel uncomfortable. After all, she was still navigating her new role as Rudra's wife, and now she had to deal with this?
As the conversation in the living room continued, the Kukrejas were greeted warmly by Grandmother Singhaniya and Mrs. Singhaniya. Despite the girls' clear discomfort with the guests, the older women maintained a sense of formality and politeness. After all, Jaya was family—even if she wasn't particularly liked.
"Where are the kids?" Jaya's loud, cheery voice echoed through the room. "I've been dying to see them! It's been far too long."
Grandmother Singhaniya smiled and nodded to one of the staff members standing by the doorway. "Please inform Misha, Ria, and Anaya that we have guests. Ask them to join us in the living room."
The staff member nodded and quickly made their way toward the garden area where the three girls sat, still out of sight from the living room. When the staff informed them of the guests' request, Ria groaned quietly.
"Great," she muttered sarcastically. "Just what we needed."
Misha gave a resigned sigh. "Let's get this over with."
Anaya, feeling more anxious than ever, followed Ria and Misha as they stood and made their way into the living room. As they entered, all eyes turned toward them. Jaya's face lit up with a wide, overly enthusiastic smile, while Rubi gave them a polite, almost dismissive nod.
"Ah, there they are!" Jaya said, her voice bright with faux excitement. "The future of the Singhaniya family!"
Ria forced a polite smile, though her eyes didn't hold the same warmth as her expression. "Hello, Jaya Auntie. Rubi."
Misha greeted them as well, her tone formal. "Good to see you again."
Anaya, still trying to process everything Ria had told her, offered a polite smile. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Kukreja, Rubi."
Jaya's sharp eyes landed on Anaya, her smile widening as she spoke. "Oh, Anaya! Rudra's wife, of course. I've heard so much about you. How lucky you are to be married to such a successful man."
Anaya nodded, unsure of how to respond. "Thank you."
Rubi, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke. Her tone was soft, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "Yes, I've heard about you too, Anaya. Rudra's always been such a... private person. It must be... challenging to get to know him."
Anaya felt her jaw tighten slightly, but she kept her tone polite. "Rudra's a very dedicated person. It's one of the things I admire about him."
Ria, sensing the underlying tension in Rubi's words, leaned toward Anaya and whispered in a smirk, "Meet Rubi—your husband's secret admirer."
Anaya bit her lip to stifle a laugh, though the situation didn't feel humorous at all. There was something about Rubi that made her uncomfortable, as though she were constantly sizing her up, trying to find cracks in the façade.
As the conversation continued, Jaya didn't miss a beat. She talked animatedly about her life, her travels, and, of course, her daughter. "Rubi has been getting offers from all over," Jaya said proudly. "She's such a talented young woman. I always knew she'd make a name for herself."
Rubi gave a humble smile, though it was clear she enjoyed the attention. "I've been keeping busy," she said lightly, glancing at Anaya. "I'm actually thinking of branching into tech myself. I heard Rudra's been expanding Singhaniya Enterprises into some interesting areas.
##To be continue...**