Hello, wonderful readers! It's Penola.s, and I'm thrilled to announce that a new bonus chapter of Mine Yes! Forced to be Yours Mr. Devil is coming your way! In this chapter, the tension between Anaya and Rudra reaches new heights as they navigate their feelings amidst family dynamics and playful banter. Will they finally break down the walls that keep them apart? Get ready for a blend of emotions, suspense, and that delicious romantic tension we all love! Make sure you're ready to dive in—this one's a game-changer!
With love
~Penola.s ❤️❤️
————AUTHOR's POV:~~
As Rudra stood by the water, staring out at the endless ocean, something shifted in the air around him. The soft vulnerability he had shown only moments ago seemed to evaporate, replaced by a colder, darker energy. His posture stiffened, and the once-gentle expression on his face hardened into something unreadable, almost distant.
Anaya noticed the change immediately, her heart sinking. She had glimpsed a softer side of him, but now, it was as if the man standing before her had put his armor back on, hiding behind the walls that always seemed to shield him from the world. And from her.
"Rudra?" she called out tentatively, stepping closer to him. But his silence was deafening, and the calmness of the waves seemed to mock the sudden tension building between them.
He turned to her slowly, his eyes dark—darker than she had ever seen them. The softness she had seen in his gaze was gone, replaced by a cold, calculating intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. His jaw was clenched, and there was a tightness in his posture that spoke of restrained fury, like a beast lurking just beneath the surface, waiting to break free.
"Anaya," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "you still don't understand, do you?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Understand what?" she whispered, her heart beating faster.
He took a step toward her, closing the distance between them, his presence towering over her like a storm about to break. "This isn't a game. This isn't some fairy tale where everything just falls into place. You married me, Anaya, but you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into." His tone was sharp, and each word felt like a dagger, piercing through the fragile peace they had shared just moments before.
Anaya felt her pulse quicken, her nerves fraying at the edges. "I... I know it's complicated, and we both are agreed for this marriage when you ask me!!, but—"
"Complicated?" he interrupted, his voice growing colder. "You think this is complicated?" He laughed, but it was a bitter, humorless sound. —I know I'm the one who ask you to be my wife!!, "You have no idea what real complications are. The world I live in is ruthless, unforgiving. And I can't afford to be weak. Not even for a moment."
Her eyes widened at his words, a mixture of fear and confusion swirling inside her. "I never said you were weak," she stammered, trying to understand the sudden shift in his demeanor. "I just—"
"Stop." He cut her off again, his eyes narrowing as he took another step closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper, filled with an edge that made her skin crawl. "This marriage... it was never about love, or comfort, or any of the things you might have dreamed about. This was about power, control. You are a piece on my board, Anaya, and I need you to understand that."
His words hit her like a punch to the gut, knocking the wind out of her. She stumbled back a step, her heart breaking as the reality of his words sunk in. This wasn't the Rudra who had reached for her hand just moments ago. This was a different man altogether—cold, detached, and terrifyingly powerful.
"Rudra," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Why are you saying this? An..and what about 7 day's ..?. You asked me? "
He stared at her, his expression unyielding. "Because it's time you see the truth. I don't have the luxury of kindness, Anaya. I don't have time to be soft. In my world, weakness is a death sentence. And I won't allow it to destroy me."
Anaya felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away, refusing to let him see her break. "So, this is it?" she asked, her voice small but defiant. "You're just going to push me away, make me feel like I'm nothing? After everything?"
Rudra's jaw tightened again, his eyes flashing with something dark and unreadable. "I'm not pushing you away. I'm protecting you. From me. From the world I live in. You don't belong here, Anaya."
Her heart ached at his words, but she couldn't let him just push her out like that. Not when she had seen the vulnerability behind his cold exterior, even if only for a moment. "I'm your wife," she said firmly, her voice steadying. "Whether you like it or not. I'm not going anywhere."
Rudra's eyes darkened even more at her defiance, and he stepped even closer, his presence overwhelming. "Then you'd better learn how to survive, Anaya. Because I won't be holding your hand through this. You're on your own."
The weight of his words settled over her like a suffocating blanket. This wasn't the man she thought she had glimpsed—the one who could be kind, gentle, human. This was Rudra Singhaniya, the ruthless, cold-hearted businessman who ruled with an iron fist. And in that moment, Anaya realized that if she was going to survive in his world, she would have to find her own strength.
She lifted her chin, meeting his cold gaze with determination. "I can survive, Rudra. But don't mistake me for one of your pawns. I'm more than that. And one day, you'll see that."
His eyes flashed with something unreadable for a brief second, but then his cold mask slipped back into place. "We'll see," he said quietly, turning away from her and heading back toward the car without another word.
Anaya stood there for a moment, watching him walk away, her heart pounding in her chest. She had married a devil, a man who wielded power like a weapon, and she knew that surviving in his world would be a battle. But she wasn't about to back down. Not now. Not ever.
As she followed him back to the car, she steeled herself for the road ahead. Rudra might be a devil, but she wasn't going to let him break her. She would find her own strength, and maybe—just maybe—she would be the one to change him.
______________
The car ride home was steeped in silence, the air thick with tension. Anaya sat in the passenger seat, her heart racing and mind spinning from their earlier conversation. The rhythmic hum of the engine was the only sound filling the heavy space between them. Rudra's knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel, his jaw clenched tight, the frustration radiating off him like heat from a furnace.
Anaya glanced at him, taking in the sharp angles of his profile. His eyes were dark, the storm within him brewing even stronger than before. She could see the tension etched across his features, and it reminded her of how quickly he had transformed from a man willing to show her his vulnerability into someone who wore his anger like armor.
After a few moments of silence, she could no longer bear it. The need for clarity surged within her, pushing her to speak. "Rudra," she said carefully, her voice breaking through the silence, "what about what you said? About showing me your love in seven days? Is that just gone now?"
At her words, Rudra's grip on the wheel tightened even further. He kept his eyes straight ahead, but she could see his expression shift slightly, his brow furrowing as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. The softness she had seen earlier flickered in his eyes at her question, a brief glimmer of something almost tender.
"I..." he began, but the words caught in his throat. Guilt washed over him as he remembered the promises he had made, the vulnerability he had shared, now overshadowed by the harshness of his own reality.
"Rudra," Anaya pressed gently, wanting him to acknowledge the emotional rollercoaster they were both on. "You can't just dismiss what you said. It's not fair to me."
His eyes softened further, and he could feel the weight of her words pressing down on him. Turning his head slightly, he finally met her gaze, the coldness melting away just a fraction. "I'm sorry," he murmured, a mix of regret and sincerity coloring his voice. "I didn't mean to—"
"Didn't mean to what?" Anaya interrupted, her frustration boiling to the surface. "Didn't mean to push me away after asking me to trust you? You say you need me, but then you act like I'm just an inconvenience."
Rudra felt the heat of her anger wash over him, and a flicker of guilt pierced through his hardened facade. "I'm not trying to hurt you, Anaya. I just... I'm trying to protect you. I thought if I showed you my world, you'd see how dangerous it is. I thought I could keep you safe."
"But at what cost?" she shot back, her voice rising in intensity. "You can't just keep pushing me away every time things get hard! You asked me to give you a chance to show my love for you, and now you're shutting me out?"
He sighed, pulling the car to a stop at a red light. The tension hung thick in the air, the silence deafening once more. Rudra's heart raced as he processed her words, the struggle inside him evident. "I know I messed up," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I shouldn't have reacted like that. I just—"
Anaya cut him off again, her eyes fierce. "You shouldn't have asked me to trust you if you weren't ready to show me that you could be trusted!"
His shoulders slumped in defeat, and he rubbed the back of his neck, the weight of her words crushing him. "I'm sorry," he said again, more emphatically this time. "I need you to understand that this is difficult for me. I've never let anyone in before, Anaya. I didn't know how to handle it."
Her expression softened slightly, but the fire of her anger still burned brightly. "Then learn. I'm here, aren't I? I want to know you, the real you, not just this version of you that feels like he needs to keep me at arm's length."
Rudra turned to her fully now, the sincerity in her eyes gripping his heart. "I apologize for pushing you away. It's not fair to you, and I realize that. I'm trying to navigate a world that is incredibly dark, and I didn't want you to be a casualty of that darkness."
Anaya studied his face, seeing the turmoil within him. She felt a flicker of hope that perhaps he could change, that they could both change if they were willing to meet each other halfway. "Then let's do this together, Rudra. But you have to promise me that you'll stop shutting me out. I can't promise to understand everything right away, but I want to try."
Rudra's expression softened even more, the guilt still lingering but now mixed with something warmer, something that felt dangerously close to hope. "I promise," he said quietly, his voice steadying. "I'll try. I can't promise I won't mess up again, but I'll try to let you in. Just... be patient with me."
She nodded, relief flooding her. "Okay. I can do that. But it goes both ways, Rudra. You have to let me in too."
He glanced at her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, even amid the storm within him. "Deal," he said, the warmth in his eyes returning, if only slightly.
As the light turned green and he drove them home, the atmosphere in the car shifted, the tension easing as they both took a deep breath. The ride was still quiet, but now there was an unspoken understanding between them. They were in this together, no matter how dark the road ahead might be.
With each passing moment, Anaya felt a sense of determination building inside her. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, both for herself and for the man beside her who was slowly, cautiously beginning to open up. The journey wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to fight for them. And perhaps, just perhaps, they would both find a way to bridge the gap between the Devil and the love they both sought.
——————
As they arrived at the Singhaniya mansion, the clock chimed 8 PM, casting a warm glow over the sprawling estate. Anaya stepped out of the car, her heart still racing from their earlier conversation. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the evening ahead. The grand entrance welcomed them with its opulence, but her mind was occupied with thoughts of Rudra and the promise they had made.
Without waiting for Rudra, Anaya made her way into the house, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She walked swiftly through the lavish living room, where family photos adorned the walls, memories captured in frames. As she turned the corner, she spotted her grandmother, Komal Singhaniya, just returning from a wedding.
Komal was settled comfortably in her favorite armchair, a plate of savory snacks resting on her lap. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she glanced up, spotting Anaya. "Anaya, my dear!" she exclaimed, her voice brightening the room. "You're back! Come here, let me see you."
Anaya smiled, but before approaching her grandmother, she paused to adjust her expression, wanting to mask the lingering tension from the car ride. She knew Komal could sense emotions and would likely read her easily if she showed any signs of distress. With a deep breath, she donned a cheerful facade and walked over, her heart warming at the sight of her grandmother's joyful face.
"Good evening, Grandma!" Anaya said, her voice bright and cheerful. "How was the wedding?"
"Oh, it was delightful! The food was delicious, and you know how much I love a good celebration!" Komal replied, patting the seat beside her. "Come, sit with me. I saved some snacks just for you!"
Anaya settled down next to Komal, the familiar comfort of her grandmother's presence soothing her nerves. They began to chat animatedly about the wedding details, the laughter of Komal filling the room. Anaya felt her mood lifting, grateful for the warmth of family amid the uncertainty swirling in her heart.
Meanwhile, Rudra stood by a nearby pillar, his eyes trained on Anaya. He had hoped for a moment to connect with her as they entered, but he felt the distance between them growing. It hurt to see her so openly engaging with Komal while he remained a few steps away, an outsider in his own home. He opened his mouth to say something, to bridge the gap, but Anaya's subtle avoidance stung deeper than he expected.
Dev and Aarav entered the living area just then, having just returned from the office. They caught sight of Rudra standing alone, leaning against the pillar, a furrow of confusion forming between their brows. They exchanged glances, sensing the awkwardness that filled the air.
"Hey, Rudra," Dev called out, trying to break the tension. "Everything alright?"
Rudra nodded curtly, his gaze still fixed on Anaya. "Yeah, just… taking a moment."
Aarav leaned closer to Dev, whispering, "What's up with Anaya? She seems off."
Dev shrugged, glancing back at the lively interaction between Anaya and Komal. "Looks like something happened in the car. They were quiet the whole way."
Rudra shifted his weight, trying to shake off their concern. He felt the heat of their scrutiny and knew he had to act. "It's nothing. Just... we're figuring things out," he replied, his voice steady but lacking its usual warmth.
As Anaya shared a funny story about the wedding, she felt a weight on her shoulders. She glanced at Rudra, who was still standing apart, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. The sight made her heart ache, but she fought against the urge to reach out. They had agreed to let things unfold naturally, yet the tension hung thick in the air.
Suddenly, Komal's voice rang out, breaking the silence. "Rudra, why don't you come and join us? We'd love to hear your thoughts on the wedding, too!"
Rudra hesitated, glancing between Anaya and his grandmother. He knew this was his chance to connect with Anaya in front of the family, but she remained focused on Komal, clearly trying to avoid him.
"Uh, maybe later," he said, trying to keep his tone casual but failing to hide the tightness in his voice.
Aarav stepped forward, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Come on, Rudra! Don't be such a stranger. You should have seen how the bride looked; it was breathtaking!"
Anaya felt a swell of embarrassment at being the focus of the conversation, knowing it was clear she was deliberately avoiding Rudra. She tried to redirect the attention back to the wedding. "Yes, and the food was simply amazing! You wouldn't believe how many different dishes they served."
Dev laughed, clearly sensing the tension. "Maybe we can have a wedding of our own here soon, with all that food!"
Anaya chuckled lightly, but her eyes kept darting back to Rudra, who remained close to the pillar, his posture stiff. She could sense his frustration building and wished for a moment they could simply talk without an audience.
"Rudra, are you sure everything is alright?" Aarav asked, concern creeping into his voice. "You seem… off."
Rudra sighed deeply, the weight of the evening crashing down on him. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said again, though his tone didn't quite match the words. The truth was, he was anything but fine.
As the evening wore on, the tension in the room danced like an unseen specter, and Anaya couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to confront it. She glanced at Rudra one last time before returning her attention to Komal, her mind racing with what to say to him when the opportunity arose. The unspoken words hung in the air, and as the night stretched on, both of them felt the anticipation of a conversation they knew they had to have, but neither was quite ready to initiate.
As Anaya settled into her conversation with Komal, the warmth of her grandmother's presence enveloped her like a cozy blanket. Komal was full of stories from the wedding reception, her eyes sparkling as she described the vibrant decorations, the delicious food, and the joyful laughter that filled the air.
"Anaya, you should have seen the bride! She was simply radiant in that gown," Komal gushed, her hands animatedly mimicking the bride's graceful movements. "And the dancing! Oh, how I wished you could have joined us. You would have loved it!"
Anaya smiled, genuinely enjoying Komal's enthusiasm, but her mind was still occupied with the earlier conversation with Rudra. "I wish I could have been there, Grandma. It sounds like it was a beautiful evening."
Just then, Aarav and Dev walked over, their expressions playful as they joined the conversation. "What's this? We're talking about weddings?" Aarav teased, leaning against the back of the couch with a mischievous grin.
"Maybe you're planning one for yourself soon?" Dev chimed in, nudging Aarav with his elbow. "You should have seen how Rudra looked when we got here. He had this whole 'lost puppy' vibe going on."
Anaya's ears perked up at the mention of Rudra, and she glanced at him again. He remained near the pillar, still seemingly brooding, though she could see the hint of a smile on his lips at the teasing.
Aarav and Dev exchanged glances, their faces alight with amusement. "Honestly, what happened to your brother's face? He looked like he was about to burst into tears when we got here," Aarav joked, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, though it was clear he wanted Rudra to hear.
Dev chuckled, shaking his head. "I think it's a classic case of love gone wrong. Someone needs to remind him that frowning won't win Anaya over."
Anaya's heart raced at their words. She wanted to jump into the conversation, to defend Rudra or at least to clarify that it wasn't just about her. Instead, she felt the tension from the car ride flood back, and she held her tongue, unsure of how to contribute.
"Maybe he's just really overwhelmed by all the wedding talk," Aarav continued, his teasing tone never fading. "After all, he's the one who's supposed to be showing love in seven days, right?"
Anaya's cheeks flushed as she caught Komal's eye, the older woman's smile widening knowingly. "Oh, I think Rudra is more than capable of showing his love," Komal interjected, casting a glance at her grandson. "He just needs a little nudge in the right direction."
At that moment, Rudra finally stepped away from the pillar and approached the group. "What's all this chatter about?" he asked, trying to inject some playfulness into his tone, though it came off slightly strained.
"Just discussing your dramatic entrance," Aarav replied, crossing his arms and leaning back with an exaggerated posture. "What happened? Did you lose a battle with a mirror?"
Rudra smirked, trying to deflect the teasing. "Very funny, Aarav. I just had a long day at the office."
Dev leaned closer, his expression turning serious for a moment. "You sure it's just work? You've been quiet since we got here. Is everything okay?"
Rudra opened his mouth to respond but hesitated. The truth was, he felt caught between his responsibilities and his feelings for Anaya. He glanced at her, still sitting beside Komal, her demeanor lightening as she engaged in their grandmother's stories.
"I'm fine," he said, though the words felt hollow even to him.
Anaya met his gaze, and for a fleeting moment, the world around them faded. In that shared look, unspoken words hung between them, heavy with the weight of everything left unsaid. But before he could gather the courage to say what he truly wanted, Komal's voice broke the moment.
"Rudra, dear, why don't you tell us about your day? Anaya and I were just sharing stories from the wedding."
Rudra felt a flicker of frustration, knowing he was under scrutiny from his family. He wanted to talk to Anaya, to address the tension from earlier, but now they were being pulled into family banter. "I'd rather hear about the wedding. Sounds like you had a good time," he replied, forcing a smile.
"Oh, it was marvelous! You should have seen the cake!" Komal gushed again, and Anaya couldn't help but laugh at her grandmother's enthusiasm.
As the conversation flowed, Aarav and Dev continued their gentle ribbing, teasing Rudra about his "lost puppy" demeanor. Anaya found herself torn between enjoying the familial warmth and the lingering weight of her unresolved feelings for Rudra.
As the laughter echoed in the grand living room, Anaya couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was crucial for her and Rudra. She just hoped they would find a moment alone to finally talk—before the night slipped away and the weight of their unspoken words became too heavy to bear.
____
As the conversation between Komal, Aarav, and Dev flowed like a lighthearted stream, Anaya's heart raced with anticipation. She watched Rudra, who stood slightly apart from the lively chatter, an almost tangible barrier of unspoken feelings surrounding him. Each teasing comment directed his way was met with a casual shrug, but Anaya sensed the tension lurking beneath his nonchalant demeanor.
"Anaya, dear, come help me with this snack," Komal said, glancing at her with a warm smile. "You must be hungry after that long day."
"Of course, Grandma!" Anaya replied, grateful for the opportunity to momentarily escape the teasing atmosphere. She stood up and walked towards the kitchen, eager to help Komal with the food, but she could feel Rudra's gaze following her.
As she entered the kitchen, she began arranging the plates, but her mind remained on Rudra. The earlier tension from their car ride gnawed at her, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of anger and confusion. Komal joined her, bustling about and humming softly.
"You seem a bit preoccupied, my dear," Komal said as she sliced fruits with a practiced hand. "Is everything alright between you and Rudra?"
Anaya hesitated, the question striking a chord deep within her. "I'm not sure, Grandma. He's been distant, and I don't know how to reach him."
Komal paused, looking at Anaya with concern. "Sometimes, the heart speaks louder than words. Have you considered that he might be struggling to express himself?"
Anaya sighed, recalling Rudra's earlier promise to show his love within seven days. "He told me he would show me his love, but it feels like he's avoiding me. I don't know what to believe anymore."
Komal placed a comforting hand on Anaya's shoulder. "Patience, my dear. Relationships often have their ups and downs. Give him some time to sort through his feelings."
"Time," Anaya echoed, her thoughts heavy. She felt as though time was slipping through her fingers, and the pressure was mounting. "What if he doesn't realize what he feels before it's too late?"
Before Komal could respond, Aarav poked his head into the kitchen, a teasing grin on his face. "Are you two plotting against us in here? We could use some of that delicious food you're making!"
Anaya chuckled, grateful for the distraction. "Just preparing some snacks for everyone."
"Make sure to save some for me!" he replied, retreating back to the living room.
Once the food was ready, Anaya carried the trays back to the living area, where laughter still filled the air. The atmosphere was lighter now, and she couldn't help but smile as she set the snacks down on the coffee table.
"Look at this feast!" Dev exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. "You're spoiling us, Anaya!"
"Just doing my part," she replied, pleased to see their joy.
As they all settled in to munch on the snacks, Anaya's gaze drifted to Rudra, who was still standing near the pillar. He watched her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine, yet she could see the conflict in his eyes.
"Rudra, come join us!" Komal called, breaking him from his reverie.
With a reluctant sigh, he stepped forward, the teasing banter resuming around him. Anaya tried to focus on the conversation, but her heart raced each time she caught his eye. There was so much she wanted to say, but the words seemed stuck in her throat.
"Anaya, you should tell us about the wedding, too! Did you see any handsome men there?" Aarav teased, winking at her.
She laughed lightly, shaking her head. "I was too busy enjoying Grandma's company to notice anyone else."
"Always the good girl," Dev said, nudging her playfully. "You have to learn to enjoy life a little more, you know?"
"Maybe I will," she replied, glancing at Rudra. The tension between them felt like a live wire, sparking with unspoken words and emotions.
Eventually, the laughter settled, and an unexpected silence enveloped the group. Anaya took the moment to meet Rudra's gaze, feeling a magnetic pull toward him. There was an urgency in the air, and she could sense that he wanted to say something too.
"Rudra," Anaya finally spoke, her voice breaking the quiet. "About earlier..."
He shifted slightly, his eyes softening as he met her gaze. "I—"
"Wait! What did you do to your face?" Aarav interjected, his playful tone cutting through the moment.
Rudra frowned, a mixture of annoyance and resignation washing over him. "It's nothing."
"Looks like someone needs a lesson in grooming," Dev chimed in, attempting to lighten the mood again.
"Not funny, guys," Rudra said, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a small smile. He was grateful for their camaraderie, even if it was at his expense.
Anaya felt a rush of frustration but couldn't deny that part of her found the teasing amusing. Yet, deep down, she still craved a moment alone with Rudra to confront the unresolved feelings between them.
As the evening continued, the family shared stories and laughter, but Anaya's thoughts remained tangled in her emotions. She knew she needed to confront Rudra, to break through the tension and misunderstandings that loomed over them.
Finally, as the hour grew late and Komal began to yawn, Anaya decided it was now or never. She took a deep breath, her heart racing as she turned to Rudra, who was still lingering at the edge of the conversation.
"Can we talk for a moment?" she asked, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.
Rudra looked surprised but nodded, his expression shifting to seriousness. "Sure."
Anaya led him outside onto the balcony, away from the warm chatter of the living room. The night air was cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the house.
"What's going on, Anaya?" Rudra asked, his tone earnest as he leaned against the balcony railing, watching her intently.
Taking a deep breath, she mustered her courage. "I feel like there's something between us that we're not addressing. You promised to show me your love, but it seems like you're avoiding me."
Rudra's expression softened, guilt flooding his features. "I didn't mean to make you feel that way. I've just been... struggling to find the right words."
"Then just be honest with me," she urged, stepping closer, her heart pounding in her chest. "I don't want to play games. I need to know where we stand."
He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze drifting away for a moment as if he were searching for the right words in the night sky. "It's complicated, Anaya. There's so much happening in my life, and I'm afraid I'll mess things up."
"Then let me help you. We can figure it out together," Anaya said, her voice steady and sincere. "I'm here for you, Rudra. Just please, don't shut me out."
Rudra turned to her, his dark eyes filled with emotion. "I'm sorry for pushing you away. I thought I was protecting you, but I realize now that I've only hurt you."
Anaya felt a flicker of hope igniting within her. "So, can we start over? Can you show me the love you promised?"
He stepped closer, the space between them shrinking, a mix of tension and anticipation lingering in the air. "I will, Anaya. I promise."
In that moment, the world around them faded, leaving only the two of them beneath the vast night sky. They stood on the precipice of something beautiful, the weight of their unspoken feelings finally beginning to lift. As Rudra reached for her hand, Anaya felt a rush of warmth flood her heart, the connection between them reigniting with hope and promise.
##To be continue...**