Dear Readers,
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and love for my story. It's truly humbling to know that you've embraced the characters and journey so deeply. I cherish every comment, like, and share, and I'm incredibly grateful for your patience and encouragement.
I must offer my sincere apologies for the delay in bringing you the next chapter. Sometimes, life throws unexpected hurdles, but I promise I'm working hard to make the upcoming chapter worth the wait. Rest assured, it will bring new twists and emotional depth, making the story even more captivating.
Thank you for sticking with me through every twist and turn. Your understanding means the world to me, and I'm excited to share what's next!
Stay tuned for more!
With love, Penola.S
_______AUTHOR'S POV:~~
As Anaya stepped out of the mansion's grand front door, the cool afternoon breeze hit her face, bringing with it a moment of relief. She clutched her files closer to her chest, her heart racing, hoping to make it to the car before anyone stopped her. But just as her foot touched the gravel of the driveway, a familiar voice rang out from behind.
"Anaya!"
She froze. Her breath hitched as her mind scrambled for an excuse, already knowing who it was.
Turning around slowly, she found Rakhi standing at the threshold of the door, her arms crossed, a stern yet affectionate look on her face.
"Where are you going at this hour?" Rakhi asked, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized her daughter-in-law.
Anaya's heart skipped a beat. She glanced nervously at the files in her hand, then at the floor, trying to avoid Rakhi's piercing gaze. "I... I'm going to the office, Mumma."
"At this time?" Rakhi's voice softened, but the firmness remained. "No, you're not. You're coming with me."
Anaya blinked in confusion. "For what, Mumma?"
"For shopping, of course!" Rakhi declared with a smile, though there was no room for negotiation in her tone. "You've been cooped up in that office too much. And just look at yourself."
Anaya glanced down at her outfit—her white kurti paired with loose jeans, simple and comfortable for the workday she had planned. But Rakhi's disapproving eyes said it all.
"Why are you always in jeans?" Rakhi asked, shaking her head. "I know you're new to this family, but you should start wearing sarees too. It's part of being a Singhaniya woman."
Anaya opened her mouth to protest, feeling the sudden anxiety rise within her. She wasn't ready for this—not today, not now. "But, Mumma—"
"No buts, Anaya." Rakhi interrupted, her voice gentle but firm. "I'm taking you with me, and that's final. You need to learn how to shop for proper clothes, and you're coming along."
Anaya's shoulders slumped in defeat. There was no escaping this. "Okay, Mumma," she said softly, her mind racing. Her plans for the day with Rudra were falling apart, and she had no way of contacting him without raising suspicion. How could she cancel their secret plans?
As she followed Rakhi back inside the mansion, her thoughts raced ahead. Rudra was supposed to meet her later, away from the family's prying eyes, where they could talk about business and everything else they couldn't in front of others. But now, that was slipping away, and she didn't know how he would react.
---
The Singhaniya mansion was a beautiful display of wealth and elegance. Chandeliers sparkled above their heads, and sunlight filtered in through the tall windows, casting a warm glow across the marble floors. Despite its beauty, Anaya couldn't shake the nerves building up inside her as they walked through the hall.
Rakhi led her into the living room, where Ria was lounging on the sofa with a magazine, and Aarav was fiddling with his phone. Both of them looked up as the two women entered.
"Where's Rudra?" Rakhi asked, glancing around the room as she absentmindedly adjusted her dupatta.
Ria smirked from her spot on the sofa, her eyes shifting between Anaya and her mother. "Probably in his office, as usual. Or...maybe he's gone out. He didn't say anything before leaving."
Anaya's breath caught. She knew Rudra was still in the house, likely in his study, but Ria's casual comment made her uneasy. It was true—Rudra never said much to the family about where he was going, and their relationship was still a mystery to everyone. They kept their marriage low-key, a well-guarded secret behind the walls of this grand house.
Aarav, noticing the tension in Anaya's expression, put his phone down and leaned back in his seat. "So, what's going on? You two seem like you've got a mission," he joked, but his eyes were curious.
"Shopping," Rakhi announced, glancing at Anaya. "It's time this girl learns how to dress like she belongs in this family."
Aarav raised his eyebrows, his gaze flickering toward Anaya. "What's wrong with what she's wearing? She looks fine to me."
Ria giggled, sitting up and tucking her legs under her. "It's not about looking fine, Aarav. It's about fitting the image, the family tradition. Mumma wants her to wear sarees."
Anaya's cheeks flushed, feeling all eyes on her. She was suddenly hyper-aware of her jeans and simple kurti, and though Aarav's casual defense of her outfit was kind, it didn't lessen the pressure she felt under Rakhi's watchful gaze.
"Well, good luck with that," Aarav said, chuckling. "I've seen her in sarees before. She pulls them off just fine, right, Anaya?"
Anaya nodded, trying to force a smile, but inside, she felt a growing dread. The weight of her secret relationship with Rudra loomed over her, and now, with this unexpected shopping trip, she had no idea how to keep everything under control.
---
Later, as they walked through the bustling aisles of the city's most luxurious boutique, Rakhi held up various sarees for Anaya to try on. Each one was more extravagant than the last, and though Anaya appreciated the beauty of the fabrics, her mind wasn't on clothes. She was thinking about Rudra—what he was doing, whether he had figured out she wasn't going to make it to their meeting.
"Try this one, Anaya," Rakhi said, handing her a deep red silk saree adorned with gold embroidery. "This would look stunning on you."
Anaya took the saree mechanically, her thoughts a million miles away. She was supposed to be with Rudra right now, discussing things they couldn't in front of the family. They had built a delicate balance of secrecy, and it was all starting to crumble with every passing minute.
"Anaya, are you even listening?" Rakhi's voice brought her back to reality, and Anaya blinked, nodding quickly.
"Sorry, Mumma," she said, offering a small smile. "It's beautiful."
Rakhi smiled warmly at her, clearly pleased. "You'll get used to this, Anaya. Being a Singhaniya woman means looking the part, not just playing it. You'll be a part of all the big events soon."
Anaya's stomach churned at the thought. The more she became involved with the family's public image, the harder it would be to keep her private life with Rudra hidden. She loved the family's warmth and how they tried to make her feel at home, but she knew they would never understand the true nature of her and Rudra's relationship—at least, not yet.
---
Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Rudra sat in his office, his fingers drumming against the polished wooden desk. He glanced at his watch, his eyes narrowing. Anaya should have been back by now. Their plans had been set. Why hadn't she shown up?
Ravi entered the room, interrupting his thoughts. "Sir, there's a call for you. It's about the event tomorrow."
Rudra waved him off, his mind still preoccupied. "Handle it," he said shortly, his voice carrying that cold, authoritative edge he always had when something didn't go according to plan.
As Ravi left, Rudra leaned back in his chair, his jaw tightening. Something was off. He could feel it.
---
Back at the boutique, Anaya was now in the changing room, slipping into the saree Rakhi had chosen for her. As she adjusted the fabric around her waist, her phone vibrated in her bag. She glanced at it, her heart racing when she saw Rudra's name flash on the screen.
Her fingers trembled as she picked up the phone, hesitating for a moment before answering. "Rudra?"
"Where are you?" His voice was cold, sharp. "You were supposed to be here."
Anaya swallowed hard, guilt washing over her. "I'm... I'm with Mumma. She wanted me to go shopping with her."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, the silence heavy. "You should have told me," he said, his voice low. "We had plans."
"I know, I'm sorry," Anaya whispered, her heart aching at the disappointment in his tone. "I didn't have a choice. I couldn't refuse her."
Rudra was silent for a moment longer before letting out a slow breath. "Fine. We'll talk later."
The call ended abruptly, leaving Anaya staring at her phone, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on her. She was caught between two worlds—the family who was trying to bring her closer and the secret bond she shared with Rudra, a relationship no one else could truly understand.
As she stepped out of the changing room in the saree, Rakhi beamed at her, completely unaware of the internal struggle Anaya was facing. "You look stunning," she said, her eyes shining with pride. "This is perfect for the next family event."
Anaya smiled weakly, nodding as she tried to push her worries aside. She would have to find a way to balance it all—to keep her secrets safe while navigating the expectations of the Singhaniya family.
But as she looked at herselfin the mirror, draped in the luxurious red saree, Anaya couldn't help but feel trapped. The weight of the silk on her shoulders mirrored the burden of the life she was now living—trying to please everyone while keeping her heart's secrets hidden. She turned slightly, adjusting the pallu over her shoulder, but her reflection only deepened her sense of unease.
Rakhi's voice cut through her thoughts. "We'll take this one," she told the boutique manager with a smile, proud of her choice. "Anaya, you're going to look like a true Singhaniya at the next event. Just wait until everyone sees you."
Anaya forced another smile and nodded. Inside, however, she felt her world spinning. Every decision, every move she made was a delicate dance—one wrong step, and the truth about her relationship with Rudra could come crashing down.
---
Back at the mansion, Rudra paced the length of his study, his mind clouded with frustration. He wasn't one to express his emotions easily, but Anaya's absence had rattled him more than he'd like to admit. It wasn't just about their plans being disrupted—something deeper gnawed at him, something he couldn't quite put into words.
His phone buzzed on the desk, breaking the tense silence of the room. He glanced down to see a message from Ravi, informing him about the latest invitation for the upcoming business gala hosted by Mr. Rajawat, a name that carried significant weight in the business world. Normally, Rudra would have delegated the task of responding to such invitations, but this one was different. It was personal, and Rudra had a history with the Rajawat family that he preferred to keep buried.
He sighed and dialed Aarav's number. His younger brother picked up on the second ring.
"What's up, big bro?" Aarav's voice was casual, but Rudra could hear the curiosity behind it.
"I need you to go over the Rajawat invitation with me. There's something we need to discuss."
"Ah, the business tycoon gala?" Aarav's tone shifted, becoming more serious. "I saw the card. It only mentions the surname, nothing else. What's the deal with that?"
Rudra's jaw clenched. "There are some...complicated family ties with the Rajawats. It's best we tread carefully. I'll explain when you get here."
"On my way." Aarav hung up, and Rudra was left standing in the middle of the room, his mind whirling. The Rajawats had a way of stirring up old wounds, and with everything else going on, he wasn't sure he was ready to face them.
---
Half an hour later, Aarav walked into the study, his hands in his pockets, a casual air about him. But his sharp eyes noticed the tension in Rudra's stance immediately.
"Alright, spill it. What's this all about?"
Rudra handed him the invitation card, his expression unreadable. "It's a private event, very exclusive. Mr. Rajawat has personally invited me, but the details are vague."
Aarav took the card, flipping it over. "It just says 'Rajawat,' no first name, no address—nothing. That's odd, even for high-profile business events."
"It's not odd," Rudra muttered, his voice low. "It's deliberate. The Rajawat family has their reasons for keeping things under wraps."
Aarav raised an eyebrow. "You've dealt with them before, haven't you?"
Rudra nodded, his face hardening. "Yes. And it wasn't pleasant. I want you and Ravi to attend with me, but we'll need to be cautious."
Just then, the door to the study creaked open, and Anaya stepped inside, looking hesitant. She had returned from shopping with Rakhi, and though she was still dressed in her jeans and kurti, her demeanor was much more subdued.
Rudra glanced at her, his cold, piercing eyes softening slightly. Their gazes met, and for a moment, the tension in the room seemed to lift. But then Rudra quickly averted his eyes, returning to the matter at hand.
Anaya sat down across from him, her posture stiff. She didn't say anything, but her presence was enough to shift the energy in the room. Aarav, noticing the silent exchange between his brother and sister-in-law, leaned back in his chair, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.
"So, Anaya," Aarav began, his tone teasing, "did you enjoy the shopping trip with Mumma?"
Anaya blinked, startled by the sudden change in conversation. "Uh... yes, it was fine," she replied, glancing briefly at Rudra, whose expression remained neutral.
Aarav chuckled. "I'm sure Rakhi picked out some traditional outfits for you. She's been waiting to see you in something more...appropriate for family events."
Anaya smiled weakly, her heart still racing from her earlier conversation with Rudra. She felt out of place here, sitting between Rudra and Aarav, trying to navigate the complexities of the family dynamic and her own hidden relationship with Rudra.
Ravi entered the room a moment later, holding a file in one hand and the invitation card in the other. "Sir, I've done some research on the Rajawat event," he began, handing the file to Rudra. "It's highly confidential. The only guests attending are top business tycoons from across Asia. The surname Rajawat has been kept deliberately vague to protect the identity of the host."
Rudra nodded, flipping through the file. "That's what I suspected. We'll attend, but we'll need to be careful. The Rajawats don't play fair."
Aarav leaned forward, intrigued. "What's the story with them, anyway? You've never really told us."
Rudra hesitated for a moment, his eyes darkening. "It's a long story, Aarav. One that involves power struggles and alliances I'd rather not revisit. But for now, we focus on the event. It's a strategic opportunity for Singhaniya Corp."
Aarav didn't press further, sensing the weight behind Rudra's words. Instead, he turned his attention to Anaya, who had been quietly observing the conversation. "Anaya, you should come to the event with us. It'll be a good opportunity for you to see how these business dealings work."
Anaya looked at Rudra, unsure. She knew how important this event was, but she also knew that her presence might complicate things, especially with Rudra's history with the Rajawats.
Before she could respond, Rudra spoke up, his voice firm. "No. Anaya will stay out of this."
Aarav raised an eyebrow, surprised by Rudra's sudden decision. "Why? She's part of the family now. She should be involved."
Rudra shot Aarav a warning look, his tone cold and final. "This isn't her concern."
The room fell into an awkward silence, the tension thickening once again. Anaya bit her lip, unsure of how to react. She felt like an outsider, even though she was married to Rudra. His protective nature was both comforting and suffocating at times, and she wasn't sure where she stood in his world.
Aarav, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, tried to lighten the mood with a playful grin. "Alright, alright. Big brother is always so serious. But don't worry, Anaya, you're still invited to the next family dinner."
Anaya smiled faintly, appreciating Aarav's attempt to ease the tension, but her thoughts were still swirling with unanswered questions about Rudra, the Rajawats, and her place in this complex web of secrets.
---
Later that evening, after the day's discussions had ended, Anaya found herself alone on the balcony of the mansion, staring out at the city lights twinkling in the distance. The cool night breeze brushed against her skin, but it did little to calm the storm inside her.
She heard the soft click of the door behind her and knew immediately who it was. Rudra stepped out onto the balcony, his presence commanding even in silence.
Without turning to face him, Anaya spoke softly. "Why didn't you want me to come to the event?"
Rudra stood beside her, his gaze fixed on the city below. "It's not safe. The Rajawats... they're dangerous people. I don't want you involved in any of it."
Anaya finally turned to look at him, her eyes searching his face. "But I'm your wife, Rudra. I should be by your side."
Rudra's jaw tightened, and for a moment, he said nothing. Then, he sighed, his expression softening just a fraction. "I know. But there are things you don't know yet, things that could put you in harm's way. I'm doing this to protect you."
Anaya reached out, her hand resting gently on his arm. "I trust you, Rudra. But you don't have to face everything alone."
Rudra's eyes met hers, and in that moment, the cold, distant mask he wore slipped, revealing the man underneath—the man who cared for her, even if he couldn't always show it.
He nodded slightly, his voice low. "I'll tell you everything. But not tonight. Not yet."
Anaya nodded in understanding, her heart swelling with the unspoken connection between them. Though their relationship was still shrouded in secrecy, she knew that they were bound together by more than just words. They shared a silent bond, one that would only grow stronger as they faced the challenges ahead.
Together.
Chapter Title: Shadows of Secrets
The second day of Anaya's secret meeting with Rudra had left her with more questions than answers. As she returned home later that afternoon, her mind kept replaying the conversation they had in the quiet café, trying to piece together the meaning behind Rudra's cryptic words.
What was he hiding? Why did he insist on keeping their relationship under wraps, not just from the public, but from their family too?
Anaya felt the weight of those questions pressing down on her as she stepped through the front door of the Singhaniya Mansion, hoping to slip quietly to her room without being noticed. But the moment she crossed the threshold, she heard the familiar voice of Ria calling her name.
"Anaya! You're back!" Ria's cheerful voice echoed through the grand hallway as she bounded toward her, her energy infectious.
Anaya forced a smile, trying to shake off the lingering tension from her meeting with Rudra. "Hey, Ria."
"How was the office?" Ria asked with a curious tilt of her head. She was dressed casually today, in a simple blue kurti paired with jeans, her hair tied in a high ponytail. She always looked so carefree, so youthful, and for a moment, Anaya envied her ease.
"Uh... busy, as usual," Anaya replied, her voice light, though her mind was elsewhere.
Ria studied her for a moment, a slight frown forming on her lips. "You seem a little... off. Is everything okay?"
Anaya blinked, caught off guard by the question. She quickly plastered a reassuring smile on her face, nodding. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a long day."
Ria didn't seem entirely convinced, but she let it go, shrugging her shoulders. "Well, I'm glad you're back. We were just about to have tea in the living room—come join us!"
Before Anaya could respond, Ria grabbed her arm and began leading her toward the spacious living room. As they entered, Anaya saw Aarav sitting on one of the plush armchairs, his usual casual elegance on display. He was dressed in a light beige button-up shirt with rolled-up sleeves and dark trousers, his posture relaxed as he scrolled through his phone.
"Ah, here she is," Aarav said, looking up with a playful smile. "Miss Busy Office Lady."
Anaya let out a small laugh, trying to shake off her tension. "I'm not that busy."
"You've been running around a lot lately," Aarav commented, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe you should take it easy."
"Yeah," Ria added, flopping onto the couch next to Aarav. "You're always working. Even Rudra doesn't work as much as you do."
Anaya's breath caught at the mention of Rudra's name, and she quickly glanced around the room. To her relief, Rudra wasn't there. She wasn't sure if she was ready to face him again so soon after their secret meeting.
"Speaking of Rudra," Aarav said, leaning forward slightly with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "He's been acting weird lately, don't you think?"
Anaya's heart skipped a beat. "Weird? How?"
Aarav shrugged, though his gaze was sharp. "I don't know. He's always been the cold, brooding type, but lately, he seems... distracted. Like he's thinking about something—or someone."
Ria shot Aarav a teasing look. "You think he's got a secret girlfriend?"
Anaya felt her stomach tighten at the mention of a "secret girlfriend," and she quickly averted her eyes, pretending to adjust the bangles on her wrist.
"I doubt that," Aarav said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. "But who knows? Rudra's always been a mystery."
Chapter Title: Unspoken Secrets and Silent Promises
Ria's voice broke the tense silence that had settled in the living room, her playful tone cutting through the air as she leaned forward with a mischievous grin. "Then who's sitting right in front of us, Aarav?" she teased, pointing subtly at Anaya. "She's Rudra's wife, remember? Why would he need any other girl?"
Anaya, who had been sitting quietly on the opposite end of the couch, looked down, her fingers tightening slightly around the edge of her file. Her heart pounded in her chest as Ria's words hung in the air. She didn't know how to react—Ria's teasing was innocent, but the reality of their marriage was far more complicated than anyone in the family knew.
Ria, oblivious to the tension building between Anaya and Rudra, rested her arm comfortably on Anaya's shoulder. She smiled warmly at her, her eyes filled with a sense of sisterly affection. "I know, Anaya," she said softly. "I know this marriage happened fast, and everything probably feels a bit overwhelming. But trust me—my big brother is a gentleman. He'll take care of you."
Anaya swallowed hard, her throat dry. Ria's words were meant to comfort her, but they only made the knot in her chest tighten. The truth was, despite Rudra's composed and stoic demeanor, Anaya still couldn't shake the feeling that there was so much about him she didn't understand. Their relationship, though bound by marriage, was still shrouded in mystery.
Aarav, who had been watching the exchange with mild amusement, chuckled and leaned back in his chair. "Yeah, Ria's right. Rudra's not the type to fool around. If he's married to you, Anaya, then he's all in."
Anaya forced a smile, but her gaze flickered toward Rudra, who sat across from her. His posture was as rigid and composed as ever, his dark eyes unreadable. He hadn't responded to Ria's playful jabs or Aarav's comments, and that only added to Anaya's growing unease.
As if sensing her gaze, Rudra finally looked up, his eyes meeting hers for the briefest of moments. There was something in his expression—something she couldn't quite place. Was it guilt? Frustration? Or something else entirely?
Anaya's breath hitched, but before she could dwell on it, Rudra stood up from his seat. His movements were calm, controlled, but the way he avoided looking at her spoke volumes.
"I'll be in my study," he said curtly, his voice cold, though not harsh. Without waiting for a response, he turned and made his way out of the living room.
The room fell into an awkward silence as the door closed behind him. Ria let out a soft sigh, shaking her head. "There he goes again, always so serious."
Aarav smirked. "That's just Rudra. Always the cold, brooding businessman."
Ria looked back at Anaya with an apologetic smile. "Don't take it personally, Anaya. He's always been like that, even with us."
Anaya nodded, though her thoughts were far from the conversation. She glanced at the door Rudra had just walked through, a deep sense of confusion settling in her chest. Rudra wasn't just cold—he was distant. And no matter how much she tried to get closer, it felt like there was always a wall between them.
"Thanks, Ria," Anaya said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Anaya smiled faintly, though her heart was heavy with doubt. Ria meant well, but she didn't know the half of it. Rudra's coldness wasn't just a personality trait—it was a defense mechanism, one that he used to keep everyone, including Anaya, at arm's length.
Aarav stood up, stretching his arms with a yawn. "Well, I've got to head out. I've got a meeting in an hour." He turned to Anaya, giving her a playful wink. "Hang in there, Anaya. You've got the toughest job of all—being married to Rudra."
Anaya let out a small laugh, though it felt hollow. She watched as Aarav left the room, leaving her and Ria alone in the living room.
Ria tilted her head, studying Anaya for a moment. "Hey, do you want some coffee later? I can make it. We can chat, maybe do some old days party?"
Anaya hesitated, her mind still swirling with thoughts of Rudra and the secrets he was keeping from her. She wasn't sure if she was ready to face the world right now, even in the comfort of their home. But Ria's bright, enthusiastic energy was infectious, and the last thing she wanted was to push her away.
"Yeah, that sounds nice," Anaya said, managing a small smile. Then, raising a teasing eyebrow, she asked, "Are you serious about making coffee for me?"
Ria beamed, clearly pleased. "Yes! I can make coffee! I'm not the best cook like Miss Anaya, but I can manage a cup of coffee."
Anaya chuckled softly, nodding. "Alright then, I'll change out of these clothes first, and we can have our coffee chat."
She watched as Ria skipped off toward the kitchen, her light steps echoing down the hallway. The moment Ria disappeared from view, the smile faded from Anaya's face, replaced by a deep sigh. Left alone again, she let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of everything that had happened pressing down on her shoulders.
She made her way to her room slowly, her mind occupied with thoughts of Rudra. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong between them. Their marriage had always felt like a strange balancing act—an arrangement built on necessity rather than love. But recently, Rudra had grown even more distant. He was cold, silent, and detached. Whenever Anaya tried to reach out, he pulled away.
The questions plagued her mind: What was Rudra hiding from her? What was he so afraid to share?
She opened the door to her room, stepping inside quietly. The room was bathed in soft afternoon sunlight, the rays filtering through the curtains. The scent of Rudra's cologne still lingered in the air, a faint reminder of his presence. Anaya quickly changed into something more comfortable—a loose white kurti and jeans. She braided her hair loosely and tied a light silver bracelet on her wrist, letting herself relax just a little.
As she adjusted her earrings in the mirror, her thoughts wandered back to Rudra. How long could they keep pretending that everything was fine? The family adored her, and to them, she was this soft, kind-hearted girl who had stepped into their lives like a breath of fresh air. And Rudra—well, they saw him as cold, yet protective. Someone who, despite his aloofness, always seemed to care in his own distant way.
But they didn't know the truth. They didn't know how strained things were behind the façade.
Anaya let out a small, frustrated sigh, pulling herself away from the mirror. Whatever Rudra was hiding, she knew it wouldn't stay buried forever. And when the truth came out—whatever it was—it would shake the foundation of their already fragile marriage.
She grabbed her files and made her way down the hall, the soft padding of her feet muffled against the floor. The closer she got to the kitchen, the more she could smell the faint aroma of coffee brewing. A small smile tugged at her lips despite everything. Ria was in her element, trying to cheer her up in her own way.
When she entered the living room, she found Ria bustling around the kitchen counter, focused on the coffee maker as if it were the most important task in the world. Ria was dressed casually in a light pink top and skinny jeans, her hair tied up in a messy bun. There was a certain charm to her carefree energy, something that always managed to put Anaya at ease, even in the most chaotic moments.
"Ta-da!" Ria announced dramatically, holding up two mugs of freshly brewed coffee. "Coffee, made by yours truly!"
Anaya couldn't help but laugh. "You're really proud of this coffee, aren't you?"
"I am! Because I know you'll love it," Ria replied, walking over and handing her a mug.
Anaya took the mug, the warmth of the ceramic spreading through her fingers. She sat down on the sofa, feeling Ria plop down next to her a moment later.
"Okay, spill," Ria said, her tone suddenly serious. "What's going on? You've been off for the past few days, and I know it's not just because of work."
Anaya blinked, surprised by Ria's sudden directness. She had expected light conversation, maybe some jokes to ease the tension, but here Ria was, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
"I—" Anaya hesitated, her fingers tightening around the mug. "It's nothing, really. Just…a lot on my mind."
Ria raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I don't believe that for a second. Is it about Rudra?"
Anaya's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. She looked down, unsure of how to answer. She didn't want to burden Ria with her problems, especially when she herself didn't fully understand what was going on with Rudra.
"I guess," she admitted softly, taking a small sip of her coffee.
Ria leaned back against the sofa, her eyes studying Anaya closely. "You know, he's always been like that. Cold, distant. Even with us. But…" She paused, her voice softening. "He cares about you, Anaya. Even if he doesn't show it the way you'd expect. I can see it in the way he looks at you."
Anaya frowned, her fingers tracing the rim of her mug. "I don't know, Ria. Sometimes it feels like there's this wall between us. Like he's keeping something from me."
Ria pursed her lips, clearly thinking hard. "Maybe he is," she said after a moment. "But that doesn't mean it's something bad. You know how private Rudra is. He might just be trying to protect you."
Anaya let out a small, bitter laugh. "Protect me from what?"
Ria shrugged. "From whatever's going on in his mind. He's always been the type to take on everything himself, never asking for help."
Anaya nodded, but her heart still felt heavy. She didn't know how long she could keep waiting for Rudra to let her in. And the thought of him hiding something from her—something important—made her stomach twist in knots.
Before she could dwell on it further, Ria gave her a playful nudge. "Hey, enough of the heavy stuff. Let's lighten the mood, okay?"
Anaya smiled faintly. "Yeah, okay."
Ria grinned, raising her mug in a mock toast. "To sisterhood and surviving the brooding men in our lives!"
Anaya laughed, clinking her mug against Ria's. The sound echoed in the quiet living room, a small moment of levity in the midst of all the chaos. For now, she'd focus on the present—on the comfort of Ria's friendship and the warmth of the coffee in her hands.
But deep down, she knew that sooner or later, the walls Rudra had built around himself would have to come down. And when they did, she just hoped she'd be ready to face whatever secrets he was hiding.
##To be continue ...