Hey, lovely readers! Before diving into this chapter, I just wanted to take a moment to thank each one of you for being here. Writing this story has been an incredible journey, and your support means the world to me. Whether you're new or have been with me since the beginning, I hope you enjoy the twists, emotions, and characters that continue to evolve in this story.
In this chapter, you'll see Anaya stepping into a pivotal moment where she's determined to make her own choices, even in the face of Rudra's intensity. It's a turning point, and I'm excited to hear your thoughts on how the dynamic between them unfolds. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for some drama, emotions, and those heart-stopping moments we all love!
Let's dive in!
Much love, Penola.S
_______AUTHOR POV:- ~~
The grand dining room of the Singhaniya mansion was alive with soft murmurs of conversation and the clinking of silverware. The long dining table gleamed under the golden chandelier lights, and an air of excitement filled the space—one that Anaya both welcomed and felt distant from.
Rudra hadn't joined them for dinner. After the events of the day, he had gone straight to his room, not saying a word to anyone. Anaya felt his absence sharply, a reminder of the tension between them that had yet to be resolved. But tonight wasn't just about their personal struggles. The family was in high spirits, and she didn't want to let her inner turmoil dampen the mood.
As everyone settled in their seats, Mr. Singhaniya, the family patriarch, entered the room. His usual reserved demeanor was replaced with a rare expression of curiosity and warmth. He glanced around the table before taking his seat at the head, his sharp eyes observing the excited energy in the room.
"So, what's the special occasion tonight?" Mr. Singhaniya asked, his deep voice commanding the attention of everyone at the table.
Mrs. Singhaniya, seated beside him, smiled proudly and placed a gentle hand on his arm. "We're celebrating Anaya's achievement," she said, her voice filled with pride. "She has been selected for an internship at Techigh."
Mr. Singhaniya's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Techigh?" he repeated, clearly impressed. His face broke into a broad smile, something Anaya had rarely seen from him. "This is remarkable! The first time someone from the family has been accepted into Techigh purely on their own merit."
Anaya blushed slightly under the weight of everyone's attention, feeling both proud and a little overwhelmed.
"I must say, Anaya," Mr. Singhaniya continued, his eyes gleaming with approval, "this is a significant accomplishment. Do you know how rare it is for anyone, let alone a member of this family, to be chosen for such an internship? You've proven yourself today, and I couldn't be happier."
His words sent a wave of warmth through the room, and Mrs. Singhaniya's smile widened. "She's done us all proud," she added, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Anaya.
Everyone at the table nodded in agreement, and the focus shifted to Anaya, with questions and compliments flying her way. Even Rubi and her mother, Mrs. Kukreja, had joined the dinner, though the tension from earlier still lingered beneath their polite smiles. Rubi, though clearly still irritated by the situation, had no choice but to join in the polite congratulations.
As more plates of food were passed around, the conversation grew livelier. Aarav, Rudra's younger brother, sat at the opposite end of the table, eating in silence, his eyes focused on his plate. Anaya noticed his quiet demeanor, a stark contrast to the excited chatter from the others.
Ria, ever the one to keep things lively, picked up on Aarav's silence and couldn't resist teasing him. She leaned over and nudged him playfully. "Aarav, what's wrong with you? You're quieter than usual. Don't tell me you're becoming cold like Rudra."
Aarav glanced up briefly, his expression unchanged, and shrugged. "Just eating," he muttered before taking another bite.
Ria rolled her eyes and grinned. "Oh, come on! I already have one cold brother, I don't need another one. It's like sitting next to a block of ice," she teased, making an exaggerated shiver as if to prove her point.
A faint smile tugged at Aarav's lips, though he didn't say much. Ria's teasing seemed to ease the tension slightly, and the atmosphere lightened.
"Don't worry, Ria, I'm sure he'll warm up eventually," Anaya said, trying to keep the mood playful. Aarav shot her a quick, almost imperceptible look before returning to his food, but she could tell there was something on his mind. He had barely said a word to her all evening, and she wondered if it had something to do with her new role at Techigh.
"See, even Anaya's noticed your new 'cold fire,'" Ria added, unable to let the teasing go, though her affection for her brother was clear.
The light banter continued as everyone enjoyed their meal. Even Rubi's mother, Mrs. Kukreja, joined in occasionally with polite conversation, though Anaya could sense the tension between the Kukrejas and the rest of the family. Rubi, on the other hand, remained quiet, her eyes occasionally flicking toward Anaya with thinly veiled irritation. It was clear that, despite her outward politeness, Rubi was still bitter about the earlier events.
Mr. Singhaniya, however, was in an unusually talkative mood, basking in the excitement of the evening. "This is an important milestone," he said, his voice carrying across the table. "It's not just about the family name. Anaya, you've earned this through your hard work and knowledge. Techigh is lucky to have you."
Anaya smiled gratefully, her heart swelling with pride, though she couldn't help but feel the weight of what Mr. Singhaniya was saying. Her selection wasn't just about her success; it was about representing the Singhaniya name in a new light.
Ria, always supportive, added, "I can't wait to see you in action, Anaya. You're going to shake things up at Techigh. I just know it!"
Amidst all the excitement, Anaya felt a subtle undercurrent of anxiety. She hadn't told anyone about the locker or the mystery surrounding it, as she had promised Rudra to keep the secret between them. The heavy responsibility of both the internship and the hidden puzzle gnawed at her, but tonight wasn't the time to dwell on it. She would keep her promise, and for now, her focus would remain on the future ahead.
As the dinner continued, everyone shared stories, laughed, and celebrated Anaya's achievement. But through it all, the absence of Rudra lingered in the back of her mind. She couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking, up in his room, away from all the festivities. His earlier words echoed in her head—about the challenges she would face, about the complexity of stepping into Techigh.
And then there was Aarav, sitting silently at the table, his eyes occasionally drifting toward her, though he didn't engage. It was unusual for him to be so distant, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something more was going on.
As the evening wound down and dessert was served, Mrs. Singhaniya raised her glass in a toast. "To Anaya," she said warmly, "for taking on this new challenge with grace and strength. May this be the start of many more successes."
Everyone raised their glasses in agreement, clinking them together in celebration.
"To Anaya!" the family echoed, their voices filled with pride.
Anaya smiled, feeling a mix of pride and uncertainty. She had taken a big step today, and the family had embraced her success. But the road ahead, both with Techigh and the hidden mysteries surrounding the locker, felt full of unknowns.
As the dinner ended and everyone began to disperse, Anaya lingered for a moment, her mind still whirring with thoughts. The weight of Rudra's absence, Aarav's distance, and the family's expectations sat heavily on her shoulders.
But she was determined. She had made a promise to herself—and to Rudra—that she would face whatever challenges came her way.
And with the support of the family, and despite the lingering tensions, she was ready to face them head-on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the soft hum of conversation carried on around the dining table, Anaya found herself slipping into her thoughts, her mind drifting back to Rudra. Despite the celebratory atmosphere and the warm words of her in-laws, Rudra's absence weighed heavily on her. She couldn't help but think about the way he had distanced himself after she received the internship letter and how cold he had been toward her. His sudden withdrawal left her questioning what was truly going on in his mind.
She absentmindedly traced her fingers along the edge of her cup, staring off into space, lost in the swirling confusion of her thoughts. The laughter and conversations at the table seemed distant as her mind wandered deeper into her worries. She recalled the locker, the secrets they were keeping, and the intense look on Rudra's face when they had last spoken. Was it the internship? The locker? Or something deeper?
Before she realized it, a gentle tap on her shoulder pulled her from her thoughts. Anaya blinked, returning to the present to see Komal standing beside her, her soft eyes filled with concern.
"Anaya," Komal her grandmother in-law whispered gently, her voice warm and full of understanding, "are you thinking about Rudra?"
Anaya hesitated for a moment, her thoughts still foggy from the whirlwind of emotions. She gave a small nod, unsure how to express the worry that had been building up inside her. Komal smiled knowingly, her face glowing with the kind of love only a mother could show.
"Would you like to talk to him?" Komal whispered, her voice low but tender. "I can see it in your eyes. You want to understand what's been going on, don't you?"
Anaya swallowed and nodded again, her heart feeling heavy but relieved that Komal had seen through her silence. She had been trying to keep up appearances throughout the evening, but the truth was, she needed to speak to Rudra. She needed to know what was bothering him, why he had pulled away so suddenly.
Without another word, Komal glanced at the staff in the corner and gave them a soft command. "Bring a plate of food for Rudra," she said quietly, her tone gentle but firm. She turned back to Anaya and placed a comforting hand on her arm. "I know he hasn't eaten. He's likely still in his office. Go to him. Sometimes, he just needs someone to be there, even when he doesn't say it."
Anaya felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. Komal always seemed to know what to do, her instincts so finely tuned to the emotional needs of her family. Komal's voice was low but loving, filled with a quiet joy as she urged Anaya forward. "Take this food to him. He may not say it, but he'll be glad to see you."
Just as the staff prepared the plate of food and handed it to Anaya, someone else caught sight of the quiet interaction from a distance—Rubi. Her sharp eyes flickered with curiosity as she subtly tried to listen in on their conversation, her expression darkening slightly. She stood just out of view, pretending to focus on the conversation with her mother and the others, but it was clear she was trying to piece together what was happening between Anaya and Komal.
Komal, ever perceptive, seemed to notice Rubi's watchful gaze but didn't acknowledge it. Instead, she leaned closer to Anaya and whispered, "Go, now. Before he retreats further into himself. Trust me, dear."
Anaya stood up carefully, holding the plate in her hands, and smiled gratefully at Komal. "Thank you grandma," she whispered softly.
Komal gave her a reassuring nod, her eyes full of affection. "Go on, darling. It will be okay."
Anaya moved toward the door, her heart pounding as she made her way toward Rudra's office. She could feel Rubi's eyes on her as she left the dining room, but she didn't turn around. There were more important things to focus on now. She needed to talk to Rudra, to figure out what was really going on.
With each step closer to Rudra's office, Anaya felt the tension grow within her. She wasn't sure what awaited her behind that door—whether Rudra would open up or shut her out once again. But Komal's words echoed in her mind, filling her with a quiet hope.
She reached the door of Rudra's office, her hand trembling slightly as she knocked gently. The sound of papers shuffling on the other side confirmed his presence. After a moment, his familiar voice, low and commanding, came through the door.
"Come in."
Anaya took a deep breath and pushed the door open, stepping into Rudra's office. He was seated behind his desk, surrounded by documents and files, his sharp features illuminated by the dim light of the desk lamp. He looked up briefly as she entered, his expression hard to read.
She approached slowly, holding the plate of food. "I… thought you might be hungry," Anaya said quietly, unsure how to break the tension that had settled between them.
Rudra's eyes flicked to the plate and then back to her, his expression softening ever so slightly. He didn't say anything for a moment, his silence weighing heavy in the room. Finally, he leaned back in his chair, exhaling softly.
"You didn't have to bring me dinner," he said, his voice low but not as cold as it had been earlier.
Anaya took a seat across from him, placing the plate on his desk. "I know," she replied, her voice gentle. "But you haven't eaten, and… I wanted to talk."
Rudra's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his dark eyes searching hers. There was a pause, a moment of hesitation, before he spoke again.
"I've been thinking," he said quietly, his voice strained. "About everything. About you, about Techigh… about us."
Anaya's heart quickened at his words. She had been waiting for him to open up, to share what was really on his mind. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed on him, silently urging him to continue.
"I'm not against you being at Techigh as a intern," Rudra began, his voice steady but heavy with unspoken tension. "But it's not as simple as you think. The business, the family—there's more to it than what you see on the surface. And now that you're stepping into that world, you're going to face things that you're not prepared for. Our marriage is not Public yet."
Anaya nodded, listening intently. "I understand," she said softly. "I know it's complicated, but I'm ready to face it."
Rudra sighed, his eyes darkening. "It's not just about facing challenges, Anaya. It's about trust. There are people—family members, business associates—who will try to manipulate you, to use you. And now, with this internship, they'll see you as a way to get to me."
Anaya felt a pang of understanding. She had known that stepping into Techigh would come with its own set of challenges, but hearing it from Rudra made it feel more real, more dangerous. Still, she wasn't willing to back down.
"I'm not afraid of them, Rudra," she said firmly. "I can handle myself, and I'll handle whatever comes my way. But I need you to trust me too."
Rudra looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded, though the tension in his shoulders remained. "I do trust you," he said quietly. "But this world... it changes people. It changed me."
Anaya stood up from her chair, her fingers brushing over the paper stamp as she moved it to the side. A determined look settled on her face as she met his eyes.
"I have an idea," she began, her voice steady, yet carrying a note of resolve. "You're worried about our married life, aren't you? Then... what if I go there, not as your wife, not as a Singhaniya? Just as a college intern, with my own skills and knowledge. As Anaya Malhotra."
Rudra's eyes narrowed as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze locked on Anaya. Silence lingered, her words echoing in his mind. His jaw tightened, and a muscle flickered in his cheek.
"Anaya Malhotra?" he repeated, the name sounding foreign on his lips now. His expression darkened, frustration and something deeper flickering in his eyes. "You think it's that simple? That you can just use your old name and leave everything else behind?" His voice was low, controlled, but sharp. "You're my wife, Anaya. Whether you use Malhotra or Singhaniya, that doesn't change."
He stood, pacing a few steps, his agitation clear as he turned back to her, eyes burning with intensity. "And what happens when people figure it out? When they realize my wife is pretending to be some college intern? This isn't a game. You can't just walk away from the truth, Anaya."
Anaya met his gaze, her eyes steady and calm despite the storm brewing in his. She straightened her posture, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"I'm not walking away from the truth, Rudra," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "I'm trying to protect it. We both know the situation we're in. Hiding our marriage is the only way to avoid complications—for now. You're worried about what people will think, but I'm trying to keep us from becoming a scandal."
She paused, her fingers twisting together. "If I go in as Anaya Singhaniya, questions will start immediately. But as Anaya Malhotra, no one will think twice. I'm not erasing who I am, or what we are—I'm doing this so we can survive until the time is right."
Her eyes softened as she looked at him, her voice almost a whisper. "I'm doing this for us, Rudra. To protect what we have."
Rudra watched Anaya closely, his expression unreadable as she moved around the room, still carrying herself with the quiet grace that always captivated him. He had never imagined their relationship would turn into something so complicated, so wrapped in secrecy. Yet, here she was—his wife—living in the shadows of her own life, and it tore at him.
As she sat back down, Rudra couldn't tear his gaze away. There was a certain strength in her, a determination that both frustrated and fascinated him. She didn't complain, didn't show any sign of weakness, even though he knew how difficult this was for her.
"Anaya..." he started, his voice softer than he intended. She looked up, her eyes meeting his with an innocence that made his chest tighten.
"How are you doing this?" he asked, almost to himself. "Hiding... pretending like none of this matters?" His voice carried a trace of frustration, but there was admiration too.
Anaya smiled faintly, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm doing it for us, Rudra. I know it's hard, but we don't have a choice right now."
Rudra's jaw clenched as he looked away, his hands balling into fists. She was stronger than he ever gave her credit for, and it made him feel guilty—guilty that she had to endure this because of him. He wanted to protect her, shield her from the world, but in doing so, he felt like he was trapping her in a life she didn't deserve.
For the first time that evening, Rudra's eyes softened, and he placed his hand over hers. The cold distance that had settled between them seemed to thaw, if only slightly. They sat there in silence for a moment, the tension between them easing, the weight of their unspoken fears slowly lifting.
"I don't want to push you away," Rudra admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Anaya smiled softly, her heart swelling with hope. "Then don't," she whispered back.
For now, the world outside the office—the family, the business, the secrets—faded away. It was just the two of them, finding their way back to each other, one step at a time.
##To be continue...**