___________@UTHOR'S POV:~~
It was midday at Tech High, and the bustling atmosphere was punctuated by the steady rhythm of keyboards and murmured conversations. Rudra Singhaniya, the CEO, was usually a figure of calm and control, but today was different. He could feel the urgency coursing through him as he paced back and forth in his office, the sound of his shoes echoing against the polished floor. Today was supposed to be special; it was the day he had planned his fifth date with Anaya, his wife, but business had a way of intruding on personal matters.
His phone buzzed, and he quickly grabbed it, dialing Ravi's number. "Ravi, I need you to pack my bags. We're heading out for a business meeting with the Asian clients. I want the plane ready for three days," he said, his voice clipped and hurried.
"Got it, boss," Ravi replied, his tone friendly yet professional. They had been friends since college, and the familiarity between them was evident. "What time do you need to leave?"
"ASAP. I'll be at the rooftop in ten minutes," Rudra said, already walking toward the door, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending meeting.
As he moved through the corridors of the building, his heart sank a little at the thought of canceling their date. He had been looking forward to it all week, planning every detail in his mind—the restaurant, the flowers, the intimate moments they would share. But here he was, rushing to prepare for a business trip, the plans slipping away like sand through his fingers.
Reaching the rooftop, he spotted Aman, his personal assistant, waiting by the chopper with a couple of bags. "I had the staff pack your things from home," Aman said, giving him a brief nod. Rudra thanked him absentmindedly, glancing back at the building that housed so many memories—memories of long nights and even longer days, but most importantly, memories with Anaya.
"Are you alright, Rudra?" Ravi's voice broke through his thoughts as he arrived at the rooftop. "You seem a bit… off today."
Rudra sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just… I had plans today, and now they're all on hold."
"Plans with Anaya?" Ravi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Rudra admitted, a hint of frustration lacing his voice. "But duty calls. You know how it is."
Ravi nodded, understanding. "Just make sure to check in with her. She might get worried."
"Of course," Rudra replied, forcing a smile as he climbed into the chopper. As the blades began to whir above him, he caught one last glimpse of the Tech High building, a pang of regret striking him. He wished he could be with Anaya right now, sharing coffee and laughter, not flying off to negotiate contracts.
---
Meanwhile, Anaya was sitting at her desk, sipping her coffee and trying to focus on the sales report in front of her. The hum of the office around her faded as she became engrossed in her work, the documents spread out before her like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Just as she was about to make sense of the data, her friend Janvi approached, a look of desperation on her face.
"Hey, Anaya! Can you help me with something?" Janvi asked, her voice urgent.
"Sure, what's up?" Anaya replied, pushing her papers aside.
"I need help with this sales report. The app is malfunctioning, and Kunal is going to flip if I don't get it done by this afternoon," Janvi said, her eyes wide with concern. "Please, I'm drowning here!"
Anaya smiled at her friend's animated expression. They had been classmates in college, bonding over late-night study sessions and shared ambitions. "Alright, let me see what I can do," she said, rolling up her sleeves.
As they worked together, Anaya's thoughts occasionally drifted to Rudra. She had missed him this morning; their usual breakfast routine had felt incomplete without him. They had only exchanged a few words before he rushed off for the day, and the sudden absence left a lingering sadness in her heart.
Hours passed, and as Rudra's flight took off from India, Anaya finished up her tasks for the day. She glanced at her phone but didn't notice the message from Rudra that had just come in. With her mind occupied, she walked to her car, where she was surprised to see a driver she didn't recognize sitting in the driver's seat.
"Where's Ravi?" she asked, hesitating for a moment.
"He's busy with something else, ma'am," the driver replied politely.
Without another word, Anaya slid into the back seat, the familiar tension creeping back into her chest. She felt a mixture of worry and loneliness as they drove toward the mansion. Once home, she quickly headed to her room to refresh herself before dinner, her phone still unnoticed.
As she descended the staircase to join her family for dinner, she noticed Rakhi, her mother-in-law, preparing the table with Misha and Ria. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, but Anaya's heart wasn't in it. She played with her spoon, her mind elsewhere.
"Is everything okay, Anaya?" Rakhi asked, noticing her daughter-in-law's distracted demeanor.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Anaya replied, forcing a smile.
But Rakhi exchanged worried glances with Misha and Ria, silently communicating their concern for Anaya's well-being. The staff brought in dishes, and as they settled down to eat, Anaya's heart ached at the emptiness beside her. Rudra's absence felt palpable, a shadow at the table where he usually sat.
"Mama, what's up with Anaya?" Ria whispered to Rakhi as she drank water, eyeing her friend's downcast expression.
Before Rakhi could respond, the staff came toward the dining table, delivering the news. "Rudra sir is out for a business meeting…" one of the staff members announced.
Ria's face contorted into a frown. "He better not be making Anaya sad or else!" she exclaimed, her protective instincts flaring.
"Ria, he's your older brother," Rakhi scolded gently, trying to maintain peace at the table.
"Mom, he's always busy! He barely spends time with her!" Ria protested, crossing her arms defiantly.
"Now, now, let's not get carried away," Grandma interjected, her voice firm but calming. "Ria, they are married now. Let them live their life."
"Yeah, but I hate seeing her sad. He only married her for reputation, right?" Ria said, bitterness creeping into her tone.
Rakhi shook her head, a stern look in her eyes. "No, dear. We know Rudra loves her, that's why he married her. He just has a lot on his plate right now."
As the conversation simmered down, Anaya felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She focused on her food, pushing the rice around her plate, trying to keep the tears at bay. She missed Rudra's reassuring presence, his laughter that filled the room with light.
Misha leaned toward Ria and whispered, "You overreacted a bit, didn't you? Leave the rest for Anaya to deal with."
Meanwhile, Anaya excused herself from the table, her heart heavy. She retreated to her room, hoping to check her phone for any messages from Rudra. As she walked through the hallway, the house felt eerily quiet without him.
---
The Workday Begins
The second day at Tech High was bustling with activity. Anaya Malhotra sat at her desk, eyes fixed on her laptop screen as she typed furiously. The fluorescent lights hummed softly above her, and the rhythmic clicking of keyboards surrounded her like a comforting blanket. It was a busy morning, filled with project deadlines, and today was crucial—her team was set to submit their AI project that could potentially reshape their company's approach to technology.
Across the room, Janvi was making the final adjustments to her portion of the project. Anaya watched her friend's focused expression, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. Janvi had been tirelessly dedicated, often working late nights to perfect their work. Anaya admired her determination, feeling grateful for their friendship that had blossomed during their time at Tech High.
"Almost there, Janvi!" Anaya encouraged, glancing at the clock. They had just a few minutes left before the submission deadline.
"Thanks, Anaya! Just one last edit," Janvi replied, her fingers flying over the keyboard.
As the deadline approached, Kunal, their team leader, walked into the room with a confident stride, exuding an aura of authority. He was known for his keen eye for detail, and the team respected him for his leadership. "Okay, team, I hope you're ready. Let's make this submission count," he announced, his voice steady and reassuring.
Janvi finally hit 'send' just seconds before the deadline. The room erupted in cheers, and Anaya clapped her hands together, a huge smile breaking across her face.
"Great job, everyone!" Kunal said, glancing at the screen as the project successfully uploaded. He scanned the room, his gaze landing on Janvi. "I just read through your section, Janvi. Impressive work. I think we've got a solid submission here."
Janvi beamed at the praise, her cheeks flushing with pride. "Thank you, Kunal! I couldn't have done it without Anaya's help."
Anaya felt a warm glow from the compliment, glad to have been part of their team's success.
As the team began to disperse, Janvi approached Anaya. "I really appreciate all your support today. I don't think I could have made it without your encouragement," she said, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"Of course! That's what friends are for," Anaya replied, feeling a swell of camaraderie. "I'm so glad we're on this journey together."
Just then, Pranali strolled over, her usual cheerful demeanor brightening the atmosphere. "Hey, girls! What's the plan for tonight? Should we go out for dinner after work?"
Anaya and Janvi exchanged glances, a spark of excitement igniting in their eyes. "That sounds like a perfect idea!" Janvi exclaimed.
"Great! I know a nice little place nearby. We could celebrate our project submission!" Pranali suggested, her enthusiasm contagious.
"Let's wrap up our tasks first and then decide on the details," Anaya said, already feeling the anticipation of the evening.
The trio returned to their work, focused yet buzzing with the anticipation of their dinner plans. A few hours passed quickly, filled with meetings and collaborative sessions, and soon enough, it was lunchtime.
As they headed toward the cafeteria, the girls couldn't help but engage in their usual banter, catching up on the latest developments regarding the AI project. "Did you hear about the new software updates?" Janvi asked as they entered the bustling cafeteria.
"Yeah, it's been a bit of a mess lately. But I think we can sort it out if we work together," Anaya replied, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.
While they were discussing their ideas over lunch, Kunal and Jai, two other colleagues, joined them at the table. "Mind if we join?" Kunal asked, flashing a charming smile.
"Not at all! We were just discussing the project," Anaya replied, gesturing for them to sit down.
"Good to hear! I think the team did an outstanding job," Jai commented, digging into his meal. "You girls led the charge, didn't you?"
Janvi laughed, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice. "We had a great team, and Anaya really helped me with the final touches."
Kunal nodded, impressed. "That's what teamwork is about. I'm looking forward to seeing how this project develops."
Their conversation flowed seamlessly, moving from project updates to light-hearted jokes, laughter echoing through the cafeteria. Anaya felt a warmth in her heart as she looked around at her friends and colleagues, appreciating the bonds they had formed over shared goals and challenges.
---
Dinner Plans
Later that evening, the girls dressed up and met at the restaurant Pranali had suggested. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with soft music playing in the background. They settled into a cozy booth, their laughter and chatter filling the space around them.
"I can't believe we actually submitted the project! This calls for a celebration," Janvi exclaimed, raising her glass of sparkling juice.
"To friendship and teamwork!" Anaya chimed in, clinking her glass against Janvi's and Pranali's.
They spent the evening sharing stories, laughing at inside jokes, and indulging in delicious food. The camaraderie they shared was refreshing, a beautiful reminder of the strong bond they had developed.
As dinner came to a close, Anaya felt a pang of sadness at the thought of parting ways. "I had so much fun tonight, girls. We should do this more often," she said, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"Absolutely! Let's make it a regular thing," Pranali replied, her enthusiasm infectious.
_____________
As Anaya, Janvi, and Pranali finished their delightful dinner, the laughter and camaraderie lingered in the air. The restaurant buzzed with the sounds of clinking glasses and cheerful chatter, but Anaya's mind was elsewhere. Each bite she took was flavored with thoughts of Rudra—his deep voice, the warmth of his gaze, and the way his presence seemed to fill any room.
"Are you okay, Anaya?" Janvi's voice pulled her back to reality. "You've been a bit quiet since we started eating."
Anaya forced a smile, trying to shake off the melancholy that threatened to seep into her mood. "I'm fine! Just thinking about work tomorrow," she replied, waving her hand dismissively, but her heart wasn't in it.
Janvi exchanged a glance with Pranali, who nodded subtly, indicating they were both concerned. They resumed their chatter, sharing stories about their past experiences at Tech High, but Anaya felt distant, lost in her own world.
As they exited the restaurant, the night air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the warmth of the dining room. Anaya looked up at the starry sky, her mind drifting again to Rudra. **Would he have messaged her?** The thought bubbled to the surface, and she instinctively reached for her phone.
There were no notifications. Not even a single message.
"Anaya?" Pranali's voice cut through her thoughts. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, just waiting for my taxi," she responded, forcing herself to focus on the present. The streetlights cast a soft glow around them, illuminating the cobblestone road. The rhythmic sound of heels tapping against the pavement echoed in the quiet night.
"Okay! Just checking," Pranali said, glancing around for their ride. "We'll see you tomorrow at the office?"
"Of course," Anaya replied, her smile a little more genuine this time.
After saying their goodbyes, Anaya stepped away from her friends, heart heavy with longing. She felt the weight of her solitude settle in as she stood on the curb, waiting. Why hadn't Rudra messaged? She thought again, gnawing on her lower lip, hoping for a notification to light up her screen.
The minutes seemed to stretch on as the night enveloped her. The sounds of the city were alive around her: cars humming by, distant laughter floating from nearby cafes, and the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. She leaned back against the cool stone wall, feeling a slight chill wrap around her.
Suddenly, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. Without thinking, she opened the door and slid into the back seat. The interior was plush and luxurious, with soft leather seats and ambient lighting that glowed invitingly. She settled in, a small sigh escaping her lips as she took in her surroundings.
Just as the driver shifted into gear, she caught a glimpse of Janvi standing a few feet away. Her friend's eyes widened in shock as she took in the sight of the opulent vehicle.
"Anaya!" Janvi shouted, her voice filled with concern. "What kind of car is that?"
Anaya turned to see Janvi's astonished expression, realizing she hadn't thought to explain. "It's just the family car," Anaya replied lightly, though the words felt heavy on her tongue.
Janvi shook her head, clearly astonished. "It's not just any car! That's a luxury sedan. Are you sure you should be going home alone in something like this at this hour?"
Anaya opened her mouth to respond but was met with the gentle rumble of the engine starting. The driver was already pulling away, the tires whispering against the asphalt as they drove into the night.
Anaya glanced back at Janvi, whose silhouette faded into the distance. The warmth of their friendship lingered, yet the chill of her solitude crept back in. She felt a pang of guilt mixed with a sense of longing as she watched her friend grow smaller, a figure of concern against the backdrop of the bustling city.
The car was quiet, the soft hum of the engine filling the void where thoughts of Rudra flooded in again. She scrolled through her phone once more, searching for any sign of his message, but still nothing. The realization settled in her chest like a stone.
The interior was immaculate, the smell of leather and faint notes of sandalwood calmed her. She could hear the soft tapping of the rain beginning to fall on the windows, the rhythmic patter soothing her troubled mind. Yet, even as she appreciated the luxury surrounding her, her heart ached for the warmth of Rudra's presence.
As the car glided smoothly down the city streets, Anaya couldn't help but feel isolated within the plush confines of the vehicle. The contrast between the luxurious ride and her emotional turmoil felt stark. This wasn't what she wanted. She wanted to share this experience with Rudra, to feel his presence beside her, to hear his laughter echoing through the car as they drove home together.
With each passing block, the city lights blurred by like fleeting memories, and she felt an overwhelming sense of longing for the comfort of their shared moments.
The Drive Home
The driver navigated through the familiar streets, and Anaya gazed out at the landscape passing by—each light illuminating a fragment of her life. The tall buildings of Tech High loomed in the distance, reminding her of the day's successes and the excitement of their project. But those achievements felt hollow without Rudra to share them with.
The faint sound of her phone buzzing broke the silence, and her heart raced in anticipation. But as she fumbled for it, she realized it was just a notification from a social media app—nothing from him. A sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back against the seat, feeling the soft leather embrace her like a cocoon, yet it couldn't shield her from the pang of loneliness creeping in.
The rain intensified, tapping rhythmically against the windows, creating a soothing melody. But inside, Anaya felt restless. She thought back to the morning they had shared, the way he had pulled her close and held her hand. It was a simple gesture, yet it lingered in her mind, a reminder of the warmth and love they shared.
"Why didn't you text me, Rudra?" she whispered into the silence of the car, hoping somehow he could hear her. "I miss you."
As they approached the mansion, the familiar grandeur loomed ahead, its lights glowing warmly against the night sky. The driver pulled up the driveway, and Anaya's heart sank a little. The home felt too big, too empty without him there.
The sound of the car coming to a stop snapped her out of her reverie. She took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts as she prepared to step back into the reality of her life. The door opened, and she stepped out into the cool night air, the rain still drizzling softly around her.
As she walked toward the entrance, Anaya couldn't shake the feeling of yearning that clung to her. Each step felt heavier than the last, echoing the thump of her heart. She wanted nothing more than to hear Rudra's voice, to feel his arms around her again.
Once inside, she paused for a moment, taking in the familiar surroundings—the soft glow of the chandelier above, the scent of jasmine from the flowers on the table, and the sound of family laughter echoing from the kitchen. But the warmth of her family didn't quite fill the void that Rudra's absence had created.
She made her way upstairs, her feet dragging slightly as she climbed the staircase. Each step felt like a reminder of what was missing. As she reached her room, she took a deep breath before opening the door. The sight of their shared space brought back memories of happy moments, but the silence felt deafening tonight.
As she sat on the edge of the bed, she glanced at her phone once more, still nothing. The night felt too long, and she felt too alone.
Tucking her phone away, she decided to prepare for bed, hoping that tomorrow would bring some reassurance from Rudra. She laid back against the pillows, staring at the ceiling, thoughts swirling like the rain outside.
Tomorrow would be a new day, and maybe, just maybe, it would bring her closer to the man she missed so deeply.
________________
Rudra leaned back in the plush chair of his hotel room, the soft hum of the air conditioner barely audible over the distant sounds of the city. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of the long day pressing down on him. The meetings had been grueling, filled with negotiations and discussions that left little room for personal thoughts. But now, with the day finally winding down, he felt the familiar tug of longing for Anaya.
Reaching for his phone, he intended to check for messages, hoping to hear from her. As he unlocked the screen, his heart sank. There it was—a message he had sent earlier, still marked as "not delivered." His brow furrowed in confusion and concern.
Why hasn't she received it?
Panic flared in his chest as he realized the implications. He had meant every word, expressing how much he missed her and how much he wanted to be with her, but now it felt like a ticking time bomb. What if something had happened? What if she was waiting for him to reach out, and he hadn't?
He stood up abruptly, pacing the room as his mind raced. **This could be dangerous.** They were married but had kept it a secret, and he hadn't told her that she should be cautious. The weight of that realization hit him hard—his silence could put her in a vulnerable position.
Rudra's fingers danced over the screen, attempting to send another message, but the same notification popped up. Not delivered. Frustration mounted within him. He needed to talk to her.
With a determined breath, he picked up the hotel phone, dialing her number. He needed to hear her voice, to reassure himself that she was safe and okay. He had to let her know the truth about their relationship.
____--------____
As Anaya lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, her thoughts drifted between memories of Rudra and the disappointment of the day. She wished he would just text her, letting her know he was thinking about her. Her heart fluttered with anticipation every time her phone buzzed, but it was always just a notification from social media.
Suddenly, her phone rang, cutting through the silence of her room. The familiar name flashing on the screen sent a rush of adrenaline through her. Rudra.
"Hey, Rudra!" she answered, her voice brightening instantly.
"Anaya," he began, his voice a mix of relief and urgency. "I just realized my message didn't go through. I'm really sorry about that."
Anaya felt a wave of warmth wash over her. "It's okay! I was just thinking about you," she said, her heart racing. "I thought you had forgotten me."
"Never," he replied firmly, the affection in his tone undeniable. "I was just caught up in work. But we need to talk."
Her heart skipped a beat. "Talk? About what?"
"About us," he said, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. "I know we've been keeping things under wraps, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. I never meant to put you in a position where you might feel vulnerable. You deserve to know everything."
Anaya's breath hitched in her throat. "Rudra, what do you mean? We're married; we're in this together."
"I know, but it's complicated with the way we've hidden it from everyone," he explained. "I don't want you to feel alone in this. I need you to be safe."
She smiled, feeling reassured by his words. "I appreciate that, Rudra. Just knowing you're thinking about me makes everything feel better."
He paused, and she could sense the weight of unspoken thoughts on the other end. "I'll be home soon. Let's talk then. I miss you."
"I miss you too," Anaya replied softly, her heart full.
As they exchanged promises to meet soon, the worries of the day began to fade away, replaced by the hope and excitement of their reunion.
-----
After hanging up, Rudra sat back in his chair, feeling a mix of relief and determination. This wasn't just about them anymore. They needed to navigate their relationship with honesty, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
He took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Tomorrow, he would tell her everything.
To be continue...