Hello dear readers! Thank you so much for your patience and for sticking with the story, even with the delay in uploading this chapter. Life sometimes has a way of pulling us in different directions, and unfortunately, this week was one of those moments for me. I know many of you have been eagerly awaiting the next installment, and I appreciate your understanding during this brief delay. I promise that the upcoming chapters will more than make up for it!
In this chapter, we take a deeper dive into Rudra's growing internal conflict and the friendship between him and Ravi, which has been a cornerstone of his personal life. You'll also get to see the subtle yet significant impact Anaya is starting to have on him—whether he's ready to admit it or not! The contrast between Rudra's tough, cold exterior and his quiet concern for Anaya is something I've been excited to explore, and I hope you enjoy this glimpse into his softer, more vulnerable side.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how the relationship dynamics are evolving—whether it's the bond between Rudra and Ravi or the slowly developing connection between Rudra and Anaya. I truly believe it's the relationships in this story that will drive the plot forward, and I'm curious to know which ones resonate most with you.
Also, for anyone who might be new here—welcome! I recommend starting from the earlier chapters so you can fully appreciate the depth of Rudra, Anaya, and all the other characters that have made their way into the story. You're in for quite a ride, and I can't wait to share more of this journey with all of you.
Now, grab your coffee or tea, settle in, and let's dive into this chapter. I hope you love reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
——————AUTHOR's POV:~~~
The office cabin was bathed in the golden hues of the late afternoon sun, casting long shadows across the vast wooden desk where Rudra sat, his eyes focused on the mountain of paperwork that had consumed most of their day. Across from him, Ravi worked quietly, his own desk a mess of documents and files that needed sorting, signatures, and approvals. The soft hum of the air conditioner was the only sound breaking the silence between the two men as they diligently worked, their focus unyielding.
Rudra's pen scratched across the last page of the final document, his signature a swift motion of practiced ease. He leaned back in his leather chair, stretching his arms as if to shake off the weight of the hours they had spent locked in the office. A deep sigh escaped his lips, and he tossed the pen onto the desk with a soft thud.
"Finally," Rudra muttered, rubbing his temples. "I thought we'd never get through all this."
Ravi, seated across from him, was still immersed in his work but looked up briefly, a small smirk playing on his lips. "You say that every week, sir."
Rudra shot him a glance, his expression somewhere between annoyance and amusement. "Ravi, how many times do I have to tell you? When we're alone, just call me Rudra. No need for the 'sir' nonsense."
Ravi nodded, leaning back in his chair as well. "Habit, I guess. Fifteen years of calling you 'sir' makes it hard to switch when we're in the office. But I know, Rudra... I know."
The camaraderie between the two men was palpable, a bond forged through years of working together, but more than that, it was a friendship that had been nurtured since their childhood. Ravi had been seven when they first met, a scrappy kid full of energy and curiosity, while Rudra had been twelve, already bearing the weight of his family's expectations on his young shoulders. Back then, they hadn't spoken much, but over the years, their paths had aligned, and their friendship had become as strong as steel.
Now, fifteen years later, Ravi was more than just Rudra's right-hand man. He was one of the few people Rudra could trust completely, someone who understood the unspoken struggles Rudra faced every day.
Ravi broke the comfortable silence, flipping through one last file before setting it aside. "So, what's next? More paperwork? Or do we finally get a break?"
Rudra glanced at his watch, noticing how late it was. He stood up, stretching his legs. "No more paperwork, at least not today. But I do have something else on my mind."
Ravi raised an eyebrow, watching Rudra as he walked around the desk to where his laptop sat. Without another word, Rudra opened the device, his fingers quickly typing in a few commands. He paused, then looked over at Ravi.
"Have you checked in on her department lately?" Rudra asked, his tone casual, but there was an underlying curiosity that Ravi could easily detect.
Ravi knew exactly who "her" referred to—Anaya. He had noticed the subtle changes in Rudra over the past few weeks since the marriage. Rudra's demeanor hadn't softened much outwardly, but there was something different about the way he carried himself, a quiet awareness that Ravi recognized as concern. And for Rudra Singhaniya, concern meant a lot.
"I did. Everything's running smoothly," Ravi replied, leaning forward. "Why do you ask?"
Rudra didn't answer right away. Instead, he turned the laptop toward Ravi, tapping a few more keys to pull up the office surveillance feed. The screen flickered before settling on the camera that overlooked the area where Anaya worked.
Ravi's expression shifted slightly, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "I knew it. You wanted to check on her."
Rudra shot him a warning glance, but there was no real heat behind it. "I'm just making sure everything's fine," he said, his voice cool but not indifferent.
Ravi chuckled softly, folding his arms across his chest. "You know, for someone who claims to be indifferent, you sure spend a lot of time keeping an eye on her. It's okay, Rudra. You care about her. There's no shame in that."
Rudra didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the screen. The feed showed Anaya at her desk, focused on her work, completely unaware that she was being watched. She looked calm, composed, and completely at ease—far more than Rudra usually felt when she was around.
After a moment, Rudra finally spoke, his voice lower now, almost contemplative. "It's not about caring... well, not just that. She's... new to all of this. The office, the work, everything. I just want to make sure she's not overwhelmed."
Ravi tilted his head slightly, watching Rudra closely. "Is that what you're worried about? Or is it something else?"
Rudra shot him a look, and for a brief moment, the guarded expression that usually masked his emotions slipped. "What are you getting at, Ravi?"
Ravi smiled, leaning back in his chair, clearly enjoying pushing his friend's buttons. "You've never been the type to worry about anyone this much—at least, not openly. But with Anaya, it's different, isn't it? She's more than just another part of your life. You care about her, Rudra. Whether you admit it to yourself or not."
Rudra sighed, running a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated with the conversation but knowing Ravi wasn't wrong. "It's... complicated."
"Everything with you is complicated," Ravi quipped, grinning. "But that's what makes life interesting, right?"
Rudra shot him a wry smile, shaking his head. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"I've been told," Ravi replied, his tone light, but there was a seriousness in his eyes as he looked at Rudra. "But you've known me long enough to know I'm right. You don't have to keep up the act with me. We've been through too much for that."
Rudra nodded, appreciating Ravi's ability to cut through the façade he kept up around most people. Ravi had seen him at his worst and his best, and over the years, their friendship had grown stronger because of it. There weren't many people Rudra could be real with, but Ravi was one of them.
"Remember when we were kids?" Ravi suddenly asked, his tone turning nostalgic. "Back when I first met you. I thought you were the most intimidating person I'd ever seen."
Rudra raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "I was twelve."
"Exactly," Ravi laughed. "Twelve and already acting like the weight of the world was on your shoulders. I was seven, a scrawny little kid with no idea what I was getting into. But even then, you had this... presence. Like you were meant for more than what we could see."
Rudra leaned back in his chair, his expression softening as he remembered those early days. "You weren't so bad yourself, Ravi. Even at seven, you had this knack for getting under my skin. You still do."
Ravi grinned. "What can I say? It's a talent."
The two men shared a brief moment of laughter, the tension that had built up from the day's work easing into the comfort of their shared history. It wasn't often they got the chance to relax like this, to talk as friends rather than boss and employee.
But even in the midst of their banter, Rudra's thoughts drifted back to Anaya. He glanced at the laptop again, watching her as she continued to work, completely unaware of the silent attention she was receiving from him.
"You're thinking about her again, aren't you?" Ravi's voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present.
Rudra sighed, closing the laptop. "Maybe."
Ravi smiled, shaking his head. "It's okay, Rudra. You don't have to pretend with me. Whatever you're feeling, just... let it be. You don't have to figure everything out right now."
Rudra didn't respond, but there was a quiet understanding between the two men. Ravi had always been the one to keep him grounded, the one who could read him like a book even when Rudra didn't want to be read. And in this moment, Ravi was right.
Maybe Rudra didn't have to figure everything out right now. Maybe, for the first time in his life, he could just let things unfold as they would.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow across the office, Rudra leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of calm that had been absent for far too long. He wasn't sure what the future held for him and Anaya, but for now, he was willing to let it be—whatever it was.
Ravi glanced at the time, standing up and stretching. "Well, I'd better get going before the next pile of work finds its way to my desk. I'll check in with Anaya's department again tomorrow, just to make sure everything's running smoothly."
Rudra nodded, watching as Ravi gathered his things. "Thanks, Ravi. For everything."
Ravi smiled, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Always, Rudra. That's what friends are for."
________________
Anaya sat at her desk in the open-plan office, her fingers tapping lightly on the keyboard as she worked on the task at hand. The hum of conversation surrounded her as her colleagues, Jai and Pranali, sat at a nearby table, discussing their project. They had been with the company much longer than Anaya, which made them the go-to people for advice, and they often worked as a team. Anaya admired their experience but kept to herself, focusing on her work with Janvi, her newer colleague, who was just as diligent.
The clock on the wall ticked closer to the hour when the HR lady was scheduled to come by for a routine check, and Anaya felt the pressure to ensure everything was in order. She and Janvi exchanged quick glances, silently agreeing to pick up the pace.
"Let's finish these reports before the HR inspection," Janvi muttered, her eyes glued to her screen.
Anaya nodded, pushing aside any distractions, unaware of the fact that, from miles away, a pair of eyes was watching her every move through a camera feed. Rudra, in his office, was still observing her quietly, ensuring she was comfortable and not under any stress. Ravi sat next to him, smirking, knowing his friend was doing exactly what he had predicted—checking on Anaya without even realizing he was so invested.
Back in the office, Jai stretched in his chair, tossing a casual glance over to Anaya. "How's it going with your tasks, Anaya? Need any help?"
She shook her head with a soft smile. "I'm good, Jai. Just trying to wrap this up before HR shows up."
Pranali, who had been focused on her own work, looked over as well, giving Anaya an encouraging smile. "You've got this. The first few weeks can feel overwhelming, but it gets better once you find your rhythm."
Anaya appreciated their kindness, but she still felt like she had to prove herself, especially with the pressure of her personal life weighing heavily on her. She was still getting used to being Rudra Singhaniya's wife, even though their marriage remained a secret to most people at the office. She kept her head down, focusing on her tasks, and stayed professional. No one here knew her as Mrs. Singhaniya—she was just Anaya, the new intern.
As the minutes ticked by, Anaya was entirely engrossed in her work, switching between files, double-checking her reports, and making sure everything was flawless before HR came around. Janvi finished her part quickly and gave Anaya a thumbs-up before getting up to grab a coffee.
Just as Anaya was putting the final touches on her work, her phone buzzed softly. She glanced at it quickly—no new messages. A small part of her expected to see something from Rudra, maybe checking in on her, but she pushed the thought away. Why would he message her during office hours? He was probably busy with his own work, and besides, they didn't interact much outside of the rare moments they shared at home.
Unbeknownst to Anaya, Rudra sat back in his chair, observing her carefully through the camera. He admired her concentration, the way she handled herself, and how seamlessly she fit into her role. There was something about watching her in this setting that gave him a strange sense of pride. She was doing well, even if she didn't know that he was silently rooting for her.
Ravi, who had been quiet for a while, finally spoke up. "She's doing great, Rudra. You can stop worrying."
Rudra closed the laptop, clearing his throat. "I'm not worrying."
Ravi chuckled. "Sure you're not."
Anaya, oblivious to the silent conversation happening between the two men in Rudra's office, continued with her work. The HR lady entered the office space, clipboard in hand, moving from desk to desk, checking in with each team. Anaya straightened up, feeling a slight nervousness but knowing she had everything in order. Her reports were ready, her tasks were completed, and she was prepared for whatever questions HR might have.
"Good afternoon, Anaya," the HR lady said, stopping by her desk with a polite smile.
"Good afternoon," Anaya replied, offering a brief but respectful nod.
"How's everything going so far? Any issues or concerns?"
"No issues," Anaya said, smiling. "Everything's going smoothly."
The HR lady seemed satisfied, marking something off on her clipboard before moving on to the next person. As soon as she was gone, Anaya felt a wave of relief wash over her. Janvi returned from her coffee break and plopped down into her chair, glancing at Anaya with a grin.
"See? Easy," Janvi said, sipping her coffee.
Anaya smiled, glad that things were going smoothly. Little did she know, a silent observer from afar had been keeping an eye on her the entire time.
----
As the HR lady moved on, Anaya took a deep breath, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over her. The first check-in had gone smoothly, and her confidence was building. She glanced over at Janvi, who was already lost in her own world of work again, sipping her coffee quietly.
Across the office, Jai and Pranali were back to their usual banter, discussing a new project they were working on. Jai caught Anaya's glance and waved, giving her a thumbs-up. "You did well, Anaya. HR's a breeze after the first few rounds."
Pranali, with her usual cheerfulness, nodded. "Yeah, don't stress about it. You're doing great for someone new. How's the internship treating you so far?"
Anaya smiled softly, appreciating their support. "It's been good. Busy, but I'm getting the hang of it."
"Good to hear," Jai replied, leaning back in his chair, stretching his arms behind his head. "Let us know if you need any help. We've all been through the newbie phase."
Anaya nodded, grateful for the friendly atmosphere. Despite being the new face in the office, everyone had been welcoming, and that made the transition much easier. She could feel the pressure, but there was also a sense of camaraderie forming with her colleagues. Even Janvi, who was a bit on the shy side, had started opening up little by little.
What Anaya didn't know was that, miles away in his top-floor office, Rudra was sitting behind his desk, the glow of the city skyline behind him, his laptop closed as he stared out at the sunset. His mind was on her, as it often had been since their secret marriage. There was something about her resilience that drew him in, even though he tried to keep his distance, emotionally and physically. He respected her independence, but a part of him wanted to be more involved, to understand her world better.
Ravi, sitting across from him, broke the silence in the room. "You've been staring at that sunset for the last fifteen minutes, Rudra. Anything on your mind?"
Rudra glanced at his friend, momentarily pulled from his thoughts. "Nothing much. Just thinking."
Ravi smirked. "Thinking or worrying?"
Rudra leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing playfully. "You've been with me for 15 years, Ravi. You should know I don't worry."
Ravi chuckled, leaning forward as he crossed his arms on Rudra's desk. "Sure, let's go with that. But I know you, Rudra. When it comes to Anaya, you're different."
Rudra's expression softened for a moment, but he quickly masked it with his usual stoic demeanor. "She's handling everything fine. I don't need to intervene."
Ravi tilted his head, studying Rudra with a knowing smile. "You don't need to, but you want to."
Rudra didn't respond right away. He had grown up with Ravi, the two of them meeting when Ravi was just seven years old and Rudra was twelve. Despite their difference in age, they had become fast friends, their bond deepening over the years. Ravi had seen every side of Rudra—the reserved, calculated businessman as well as the protective, guarded man who rarely let anyone in. But with Anaya, Ravi could sense something shifting.
"When we're alone, I'm just Rudra for you. No titles, no formality," Rudra said finally, his tone softer than usual.
"I know," Ravi replied with a grin. "But I also know you're thinking about her right now."
Rudra gave a small, reluctant smile. "Maybe."
Ravi leaned back in his chair, satisfied. "Well, she's doing fine. I checked the cameras like you asked. She's settled in, making friends, and handling her work like a pro. You don't need to worry."
Rudra glanced at the closed laptop on his desk, thinking of the moments he'd watched her earlier. She had been so focused, completely immersed in her work, unaware of his silent presence. It was strange how drawn he felt to her, despite the distance he tried to maintain.
"She's strong," Rudra said quietly. "I don't think she needs me."
Ravi shrugged. "Maybe she doesn't. But that doesn't mean you can't be there for her."
The conversation between the two men lingered in the air, neither pressing further, but the unspoken understanding between them was clear. Ravi had known Rudra long enough to recognize the internal struggle his friend was facing. Rudra wasn't the type to easily open up or express his emotions, especially when it came to personal matters. But when it came to Anaya, things were different.
Ravi stood up, gathering the last of the paperwork. "Alright, let's wrap this up. I'll handle the rest of these reports. You should head home soon, or at least message her."
Rudra didn't respond immediately, his thoughts still lingering on Anaya, wondering how she was adjusting to her new life, both as his wife and as an employee in the company. He pulled out his phone, hesitating for a brief moment before typing a quick message to her.
Back in the office, Anaya's phone buzzed on her desk. She glanced at the screen, seeing a message from Rudra. If your work is done, Ravi can drop you home.
Anaya read the message twice, feeling a strange mix of emotions. She appreciated the gesture, but part of her wanted to maintain her independence. She typed a quick reply. Thank you, but I can go by myself.
She placed the phone back down, returning her focus to her work. Little did she know, across the city, Rudra read her reply, feeling a small, unexpected pang of disappointment. He had hoped she would let him do this for her, but he respected her decision, even if it left him feeling slightly disconnected.
The sun had nearly set by now, casting a warm glow across the city. In the quiet of his office, Rudra leaned back in his chair, staring out at the horizon, his thoughts still on Anaya, even as the world around him continued to move.
##To be continue...**