As I continue to delve into the intricate tapestry of the Singhaniya family, I've been captivated by the dynamic between Anaya and Rudra. Their relationship, fraught with tension and unspoken emotions, is a fascinating exploration of love, power, and societal expectations. In this chapter, we witness a clash of personalities and hidden agendas, as Anaya navigates the complexities of her new life within the Singhaniya household.
I'm eager to see how the events unfold and whether Anaya and Rudra will find a way to bridge the gap between them.
Stay tuned for more!
____AUTHOR POV : Penola.s
Anaya sat in the living area of the Singhaniya mansion, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and tension. Rudra's abrupt change in behavior earlier that day had shaken her. The way he had shut her out, snatched the locker and the bracelets, and told her to leave—it all replayed in her mind. She couldn't figure out what had caused him to react so harshly. One moment, they had been close, and the next, it was as if all the progress they'd made had vanished.
Her nerves were on edge, and it didn't help that her surroundings felt different. The mansion, which had become her home, felt cold and distant. She sat there, staring off into space, unsure of how to approach Rudra later.
As she sat lost in thought, the front door opened, and in walked Rubi, one of the executives from Singhaniya Corporation. Rubi had always carried herself with an air of superiority, and though Anaya had tried to be civil, there was no denying the coldness in Rubi's attitude toward her. Rubi's sharp eyes immediately spotted Anaya sitting alone, and a small smirk played at the corners of her lips.
Rubi walked confidently over to Anaya, her heels clicking on the polished marble floor. She stopped just in front of her, towering slightly, her smirk widening as she looked down at her.
"Well, look who it is," Rubi said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Sitting all alone, waiting for Rudra, I assume? He's a busy man, you know." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes glinting with something that felt far too much like enjoyment at Anaya's discomfort.
Anaya looked up, trying to keep her expression neutral, though the tension in her body betrayed her unease. "Just taking a moment to myself," she replied softly, her voice steady despite her racing thoughts.
Rubi's smirk deepened. "Taking a moment? I suppose that's all there is to do when you don't have much else going on, right?" she said, her words laced with subtle cruelty. "I mean, running a business, managing a family like the Singhaniyas—it's not for everyone."
Anaya opened her mouth to respond, but just as she was about to say something, the sound of footsteps interrupted them. Mrs. Komal Singhaniya entered the living room, her presence instantly changing the dynamic. Rubi's condescending smirk faded, and she straightened her posture, her tone immediately shifting to one of professionalism.
"Ah, Mrs. Singhaniya," Rubi greeted smoothly. "I just dropped by for some business matters with Rudra. I was hoping to catch him, but I suppose I'll wait."
Komal, sensing the tension between the two women, glanced between Rubi and Anaya but chose not to address it directly. She gave Rubi a polite nod. "Rudra's tied up at the office, but he should be back soon. Feel free to wait here, Rubi."
Rubi, however, had no intention of leaving the room. She smiled sweetly, though the condescending tone hadn't fully left her voice. "Oh, I don't mind waiting here. After all, I've spent so much time with the family, it feels like home."
Anaya felt a knot form in her stomach at Rubi's words. The implication was clear—Rubi was positioning herself as more familiar with the family than Anaya, who had always felt like she was still finding her place.
After a few minutes of casual conversation, Rubi's demeanor shifted slightly again. She began speaking as if she were ingrained deeply into the fabric of the Singhaniya family, subtly undermining Anaya in the process. "You know, Mrs. Singhaniya, I remember when I used to visit Rudra here for business. I've always felt like part of the family, really," Rubi said with a casual shrug, her gaze flicking toward Anaya. "Of course, some people come and go, but it takes time to really belong."
Komal, ever the diplomat, didn't react outwardly, but Anaya could feel the sting of Rubi's words. She was making it clear that, in her eyes, Anaya was still an outsider.
Before anyone could respond, the sound of a door opening and quick footsteps echoed through the hallway. Ria, Rudra's younger sister, strode into the room, fresh from an evening outing. She took one look at the scene before her—Anaya sitting tensely, Rubi standing over her with that familiar smug look—and immediately understood what was going on.
Without hesitation, Ria marched toward the living area, her expression fierce. "Rubi," she said sharply, her voice cutting through the room like a knife. "What exactly are you saying?"
Rubi, startled by Ria's sudden entrance, tried to recover. "Oh, Ria! I was just chatting with your mother and Anaya," she said, her tone laced with false sweetness. "You know, just talking about how some people... take time to feel like they truly belong in the family."
Ria's eyes narrowed. She stepped closer to Rubi, her voice now dripping with sarcasm. "You mean like you, Rubi? Because last I checked, Anaya is my best friend, and she's been part of this family long before you ever started working with my brother."
Anaya looked up, surprised but grateful for Ria's sudden defense. Rubi, on the other hand, visibly bristled at Ria's words, but she tried to maintain her composure.
"Ria, I didn't mean it like that," Rubi said quickly, her smile tightening. "I just meant—"
"I know exactly what you meant," Ria interrupted, her tone icy. "And let me be clear—Anaya is not an outsider. She's family. She was family when we were in school together, and she'll continue to be family. You, on the other hand, work for the business. That's where your involvement begins and ends."
Rubi's face flushed with embarrassment, but before she could respond, the door leading to the garden opened, and in walked Mrs. Kukreja—Rubi's mother—alongside the Singhaniya family's grandmother. They had been out for a stroll and now entered the room, sensing the tension.
Mrs. Kukreja, immediately sensing the hostility between her daughter and Ria, quickly spoke up. "What's going on here? Is everything all right?" she asked, her gaze shifting between the women.
Ria didn't back down, her arms crossed as she shot a look at Rubi. "We were just clearing up a little misunderstanding. Rubi here seemed to forget her place."
Mrs. Kukreja's eyes narrowed slightly at Ria's words, and she quickly moved to her daughter's side. "Rubi has always been a trusted part of Singhaniya Corporation," she said defensively. "She's worked closely with Rudra for years. She's practically family."
Ria raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Practically, sure. But don't mistake business ties for something more."
Anaya sat quietly, watching the exchange, feeling a mix of gratitude and discomfort. She didn't want to cause a scene, but Ria's defense of her made her realize she wasn't alone in this. Despite Rubi's attempts to make her feel like an outsider, there were people in the family who saw her for who she was—someone who belonged.
As the tension continued to simmer, the Singhaniya grandmother, who had been quietly observing the entire situation, finally spoke up, her voice calm but authoritative.
"That's enough," the elderly woman said, her tone silencing the room. "We are all part of this family in some way or another, whether by blood or by bond. And in this house, we treat everyone with respect."
Her words were a subtle rebuke, aimed at both Rubi and her mother. Jaya and Mrs. Kukreja exchanged glances but said nothing further, realizing they had been outmaneuvered.
Rubi, clearly flustered and unable to salvage the situation, forced a tight smile. "Of course, Grandma," she said, her voice strained. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
The tension in the room slowly dissipated, though it lingered just beneath the surface. Anaya remained quiet, though she couldn't shake the feeling that Rubi's resentment would remain.
Still, she took comfort in the fact that Ria had stood up for her, making it clear that she wasn't alone. Rubi might try to make her feel like an outsider, but in her heart, Anaya knew that she had a place in this family—one that no amount of condescension from Rubi or her mother could take away.
As the conversation shifted to more neutral topics, Anaya sat back, the weight on her heart lightening just a little. No matter what, she had Ria and the Singhaniya family by her side. And that meant everything.
As the tension between Rubi and Ria escalated, the air in the living room felt heavy with unspoken words. Just as Ria prepared to retort to Rubi's latest condescending remark, a staff member entered the room, breaking the charged atmosphere. He approached Anaya, holding an envelope.
"Ma'am, this letter is for you," the staff member said, his tone respectful.
Rubi's eyes lit up with a mocking glint. She smirked, unable to resist the chance for a jab. "A letter for her?" she said with exaggerated surprise. "Who would even bother sending Anaya a letter?" Her sarcastic tone was unmistakable, and she crossed her arms, enjoying the moment.
Ria's patience snapped. "Why not, Rubi?" she said sharply, her eyes narrowing. "At least Anaya doesn't spend her time just talking and talking." Her words cut through the air, a direct challenge to Rubi's condescending attitude.
Ria gracefully rose from her seat and strode over to the staff member. Taking the envelope from his hands, she dismissed him with a polite nod. "Thank you, you can go."
As Ria glanced down at the envelope, something caught her attention. The logo in the corner—a sleek, embossed emblem of Techigh, Singhaniya Corporation's tech division—stood out immediately. A wide smile spread across Ria's face, and she shot a knowing look toward Anaya, her excitement barely contained.
"Well, well, look at this," Ria said with a teasing lilt in her voice, waving the letter slightly for effect. She made sure Rubi caught sight of the Techigh logo before opening the envelope. "A letter from Techigh itself. Now, this is interesting."
Rubi's smirk faltered as she caught sight of the logo, her confidence visibly shaken. She hadn't expected this.
Ria quickly skimmed the letter, and her eyes lit up with joy. Without warning, she rushed over to Anaya and pulled her into a tight, celebratory hug.
"Congratulations, Anaya!" Ria exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement as she hugged her tightly. Her outburst filled the room with energy, catching everyone's attention.
Anaya, completely caught off guard, looked at Ria with wide eyes. "Congratulations? For what?" she asked, still confused by Ria's sudden enthusiasm.
Ria pulled back slightly, grinning as she waved the letter for everyone to see. "It's an official letter from Techigh, congratulating Anaya on her approval to be part of the new project team!" she announced, her smile widening as she turned to Anaya again, pride glowing in her eyes.
The room fell silent for a beat. Rubi's face drained of its earlier smugness, her expression tightening as she processed the news. Her mocking attitude dissolved, replaced by barely concealed irritation. She had been so quick to dismiss Anaya, only to watch her receive a formal acknowledgment from the very company Rubi prided herself on being close to.
Mrs. Singhaniya, who had been observing the situation quietly, smiled warmly at Anaya. "That's wonderful news, my dear," she said, her voice full of pride. "You deserve this opportunity."
Anaya, still trying to take it all in, felt a surge of emotions. Being recognized by Techigh, Singhaniya Corporation's prestigious tech division, was no small feat. It meant she was becoming part of the family's professional legacy, not just by marriage but by contributing to the future of the business.
Ria's eyes sparkled as she stood beside Anaya, giving her an encouraging smile. Anaya glanced over at Rubi, who now wore a strained expression, her earlier confidence shattered by the news. The sense of validation Anaya felt was overwhelming—Rubi's mockery had been silenced without her needing to say a word.
Ria, sensing the perfect moment, turned to Rubi, her smirk growing even wider. "Looks like Anaya's doing a lot more than just sitting around, doesn't it, Rubi?" she said, her tone dripping with sweet satisfaction. There was no mistaking the triumph in her voice.
Rubi, her face flushed with embarrassment, forced a tight smile. "Well… congratulations, Anaya," she said, though the bitterness in her voice was hard to miss.
Anaya, choosing not to dwell on Rubi's insincere words, smiled back. She felt the warmth of Ria's support and Mrs. Singhaniya's pride wrapping around her. Despite Rubi's earlier attempts to undermine her, Anaya knew she had earned this recognition, and nothing Rubi could say would take that away.
For the first time that day, a sense of peace washed over Anaya. She was not only part of the Singhaniya family by marriage but was also carving out her own path within the legacy. The moment was hers, and no amount of jealousy or mockery could change that.
As the tension between Rubi and Ria escalated, the atmosphere in the living room grew thick with unspoken hostility. Just as Ria was about to unleash another sharp retort, a staff member entered the room, holding a letter in his hand.
"Ma'am, this letter is for you," he said, addressing Anaya directly.
Rubi immediately seized the moment, her eyes lighting up with mock amusement. "A letter for her?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Who would even bother sending a letter to Anaya?" She leaned back with a smirk, clearly enjoying the opportunity to belittle Anaya.
Ria, never one to back down, shot Rubi a glare. "Why not, Rubi?" she snapped. "At least Anaya isn't like some people who just talk and talk, adding no value." Her words cut through the room, aimed directly at Rubi, who visibly bristled at the comment.
Ignoring Rubi's reaction, Ria gracefully got up and walked over to the staff member, taking the letter from his hands. "Thank you, you can go now," she said, waving him off.
As Ria glanced at the envelope, her eyes caught something that immediately brightened her expression. The logo of Techigh—the tech division of Singhaniya Corporation—was clearly stamped on the corner. A wide smile spread across Ria's face, and she shot a mischievous look at Rubi before turning to Anaya.
"Well, well," Ria said with a teasing grin, "look at this! A letter from Techigh itself." She waved it in the air, making sure Rubi could see the logo. "I wonder what it's about?"
Rubi's smirk faded as she caught sight of the logo, her confidence visibly shaken. Clearly, this was not the development she had expected.
Ria quickly opened the letter, her eyes scanning the contents. Moments later, her face broke into a wide grin. Without hesitation, she rushed over to Anaya and pulled her into a tight, enthusiastic hug.
"Congratulations, Anaya!" Ria exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she embraced her friend. "This is amazing news!"
Anaya, caught off guard, blinked in confusion. "Congratulations? For what?" she asked, her voice hesitant as she tried to process what was happening.
Ria stepped back, still smiling broadly, and waved the letter in front of her. "It's an official letter from Techigh," she said proudly. "You've been accepted into their internship program! This is huge, Anaya!"
Anaya's eyes widened in shock. She hadn't expected this at all. Her heart raced as the realization of what Ria had said sank in. Being selected for an internship at Techigh was a significant achievement, one that would not only enhance her career but also solidify her place within the Singhaniya family's world.
For a moment, the room was silent. Everyone processed the news, but Rubi's expression darkened. The earlier smugness on her face had completely vanished, replaced by barely concealed frustration. She had been mocking Anaya just minutes ago, and now Anaya was being recognized by Techigh—the very company Rubi prided herself on being close to.
Mrs. Singhaniya, having watched the scene unfold, smiled warmly at Anaya. "That's wonderful news, dear," she said kindly. "You've worked hard for this, and I'm sure you'll do brilliantly."
Anaya, still reeling from the shock, managed a soft, grateful smile. "Thank you, Auntie," she replied, her voice filled with emotion. The acceptance felt like more than just professional recognition. It was a validation of all her efforts and a step toward securing her place within the family.
Ria, as always, couldn't resist making the moment even sweeter. She turned to Rubi with a smirk. "Looks like Anaya's doing a lot more than just sitting around, doesn't it, Rubi?" she said with barely concealed satisfaction.
Rubi's face flushed slightly, but she quickly masked her annoyance, forcing a tight smile. "Well… congratulations, Anaya," she said through gritted teeth, though the bitterness in her voice was impossible to miss.
Anaya, choosing not to engage with Rubi's false pleasantries, smiled softly and turned her attention back to Ria and Mrs. Singhaniya, who had been nothing but supportive. The sense of validation she felt was overwhelming, and for once, she didn't need to prove herself to anyone—not even Rubi.
As if on cue, the door to the mansion opened again, and Rudra entered the room. His presence immediately drew everyone's attention, and his sharp eyes scanned the room as he took in the scene. When his gaze landed on Anaya, there was a flicker of something unreadable in his expression.
Ria, always quick to share good news, called out to him. "Rudra! Perfect timing. We were just congratulating Anaya on her big news. She's been accepted into Techigh's internship program!"
Rudra's brow furrowed slightly as he absorbed the news. His eyes shifted to Anaya, and for a moment, the usual guarded look in his expression softened. But as quickly as the softness appeared, it was gone, replaced by the cool, composed exterior he always maintained.
"Congratulations," Rudra said simply, his voice steady but with an underlying tension that Anaya couldn't quite decipher.
"Thank you," Anaya replied quietly, unsure how to read Rudra's reaction. There was something in his tone that made her wonder if he was truly happy for her or if something else was bothering him. She wanted to ask, but the moment didn't feel right.
Mrs. Singhaniya, ever the diplomat, stepped in to lighten the mood. "I think this calls for a celebration, don't you think?" she suggested with a warm smile. "Anaya's achievement deserves to be celebrated by the whole family."
The suggestion was met with nods of agreement, and slowly, the tension in the room began to dissipate. The family made their way toward the dining area to begin the celebration, leaving behind the strained atmosphere of the living room.
As the group moved, Rudra fell into step beside Anaya. His posture was stiff, and she could feel the tension radiating from him. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence between them thick with unresolved emotions.
Finally, Rudra broke the silence, his voice low and measured. "You didn't tell me you applied for the internship."
Anaya looked up at him, surprised by the sharpness in his voice. "I didn't know until today," she explained softly. "I just found out when the letter arrived."
Rudra gave a slight nod, but there was something in his eyes—something guarded. "This internship… it's a big deal," he said quietly, his tone serious. "It's going to put you in the spotlight."
Anaya could hear the concern in his voice, though he was trying to mask it. She knew that the world of Techigh and the Singhaniya family was full of scrutiny and high expectations. But this was her opportunity, and she wasn't going to back down.
"I'm ready," Anaya said firmly. "I can handle it."
Rudra's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small nod, he stepped away, joining the rest of the family as they gathered for dinner.
Anaya watched him go, her heart heavy with the weight of their brief exchange. There was something between them—something unresolved and complicated. But for now, she focused on the fact that she had taken an important step forward. Despite everything, she had earned this internship, and nothing would take that away from her.
As she sat down at the dinner table, surrounded by the Singhaniya family, Anaya allowed herself a small moment of satisfaction. The challenges of the internship and her future in the family lay ahead, but for tonight, she would enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.
The road ahead would be tough, but for now, she was ready to take it on.
##To be continue...**