________________@UTHOR"S POV:--
Anaya walked into the office, her thoughts lingering on her morning with Rudra. His protective hold, the warmth of his embrace… She could still feel his presence wrapped around her like a shield. Smiling to herself, she tried to shake off the distraction and focus on her work, but it was proving harder than she expected.
As she settled at her desk, the office buzzed with its usual chatter. Janvi, her close colleague and friend, leaned over from her cubicle, raising an eyebrow playfully. "You look... different today," Janvi teased, her eyes narrowing with a grin. "Did something happen this morning?"
Anaya blushed, averting her eyes. "Nothing like that, Janvi. Just… a good start to the day."
Janvi laughed softly, clearly unconvinced, but before she could pry further, the department manager walked in, clapping his hands for attention.
"Alright, everyone, listen up!" he announced, his voice cutting through the office hum. "I want to introduce someone who will be joining us here at Tech High for the next three months." He paused, glancing toward the entrance with a smile. "Meet Ruby Kukreja, the new Chief Marketing Officer for Singhaniya Corp."
At the mention of the name, Anaya felt a jolt go through her, her breath catching. *Ruby Kukreja.* The name rolled heavily through the air, instantly pulling Anaya's focus. She blinked twice, not wanting to believe it. Could it be *that* Ruby?
As if on cue, Ruby entered the room, her perfectly styled hair framing a face set in a polite but obviously insincere smile. Her gaze swept over the room with a detached interest, a slight smirk pulling at her lips as though she already owned the place.
Next to her, Janvi noticed Anaya's stiffened expression. Leaning close, she whispered, "Hey… are you okay? Do you know her already?"
Anaya took a moment to collect herself, then whispered back, "Not much... just enough to know that I don't feel too—"
Before she could finish, Janvi nudged her. "Good vibes, right? Same here, though." She gave Anaya a sympathetic smile.
Meanwhile, the manager continued, gesturing toward Ruby. "The CMO will be working from our Tech High office for the next three months, so please join me in welcoming her to our team."
A smattering of applause echoed through the room, but Anaya noticed a few people exchanging wary glances. Clearly, Ruby's reputation had preceded her.
As the welcome finished, Janvi shot Anaya a curious glance. "So… what's the story with her?"
Anaya took a steadying breath, her fingers instinctively reaching for her bracelet, unaware of the faint pink glow emanating from it. "She's… connected to my past in ways that are complicated," Anaya said, her voice soft.
Janvi noticed the subtle pink hue of the heart charm on Anaya's bracelet, raising an eyebrow. "Ooooh, someone's got her heart glowing in pink? Trust, right?" she teased. "You know, it's weird seeing it turn pink; it usually stays white or blue!"
Anaya shook her head, trying to play it off. "It's nothing, really." She tucked her hand away, attempting to redirect the conversation. "Let's get back to work."
Janvi grinned, letting the moment pass, but it was clear she was curious. They both turned back to their tasks, but Anaya couldn't shake the unease that prickled at her skin. The air felt heavy, as though Ruby's presence was already casting a shadow over the day.
---
**Later in the Office**
The morning passed in a blur, and Anaya kept her head down, focusing on her assignments. Yet, every so often, she'd catch glimpses of Ruby in her peripheral vision—strolling around, inspecting the team, her gaze occasionally landing on Anaya with a look that made her spine stiffen. Ruby's presence felt like an unspoken threat, a reminder of past grievances that hadn't been forgotten.
During the lunch break, Anaya and Janvi sat together in the break room. The moment they settled down, Janvi glanced around before leaning in closer, lowering her voice.
"So, what's the deal with Ruby? I can tell you're uncomfortable around her," Janvi said, concern softening her tone.
Anaya sighed, stirring her tea. "It's a long story, but... let's just say she and I didn't exactly get off on the right foot back in the day. And her being here now feels… off. Like she's here for a reason."
Janvi nodded, her expression serious. "Well, if she tries anything funny, you know I've got your back."
Anaya offered a grateful smile, the warmth of friendship soothing some of her unease. "Thanks, Janvi. I hope it doesn't come to that."
---
**Ruby's True Intentions**
Ruby, meanwhile, was busy crafting her own plans. She'd already noticed the way Anaya kept her distance, and it pleased her to see that her presence had rattled her old rival. Smiling to herself, Ruby watched Anaya from across the room, the faintest glint of malice in her eyes.
*I'll make sure this office becomes a place you dread coming to, Anaya,* Ruby thought. *You may have married Rudra, but that doesn't mean I'll let you have everything so easily.*
Throughout the day, she found subtle ways to undermine Anaya, offering fake compliments in a loud voice or making snide remarks just within earshot. She was quick to correct Anaya's work, pointing out minute flaws with a smug smile. It didn't go unnoticed by Janvi, who shot Ruby irritated glances each time.
Anaya did her best to ignore it, reminding herself that she wasn't here to engage in petty drama. She had her own goals, her own dreams—and Rudra's support was a powerful reminder to stay strong.
But as the day wore on, she felt the tension building. By the time she returned home that evening, she was mentally drained, Ruby's constant presence gnawing at her resolve.
---
**Evening at the Singhaniya Mansion**
Anaya stepped into the grand Singhaniya Mansion, relieved to be back in the comforting familiarity of home. She hadn't even taken off her shoes when she heard Ria and Misha calling her from the living room.
"Anaya! Come join us!" Ria grinned, patting the space next to her on the couch. Misha and Ravi were already seated, deep in conversation.
Anaya joined them, her heart lifting as she looked at her extended family. She felt grounded here, safe and surrounded by people who cared about her.
Ria's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Heard about the new CMO, Ruby Kukreja?" she asked, glancing at Ravi, who shook his head with a smirk.
"Oh, don't get me started on her," Anaya sighed, half-amused. She glanced at Ria, who looked intrigued. "She's… well, let's say she's not exactly here with pure intentions."
Ravi snorted, crossing his arms. "Typical. Some people just can't handle that Rudra chose you, can they?" His protective tone made Anaya smile.
Komal, who had joined them with a tray of tea, spoke up with a warm chuckle. "Rudra has always had good instincts. Just like his grandfather."
Ria nodded, a glint of pride in her eyes. "Exactly! Rudra's support is unwavering. I'm sure he'll put Ruby in her place if she tries anything."
Anaya felt a surge of warmth at their words. She was reminded once again of how deeply loved she was here, and that no matter what happened at the office, she had a family who had her back.
But as she leaned back, listening to the chatter and laughter around her, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Ruby had barely begun to reveal her true intentions.
*For now,* she thought, *I'll focus on the present and the love I have here.*
In that moment, she felt her bracelet glowing faintly against her wrist, a reassuring reminder of the trust and strength she shared with Rudra.
---
The night settled over the Singhaniya mansion as Anaya made her way to her and Rudra's room, still reflecting on the day's events. She hoped that Ruby's presence wouldn't disturb the peaceful rhythm she and Rudra were building, especially with all the moments they'd been sharing lately.
As she opened the door, she found Rudra waiting for her, seated on the couch by the window, his dark eyes focused and intense. He looked up at her, and his serious expression softened as he took her in, the corners of his lips lifting slightly.
"You're finally back," he said, standing up and crossing the room to her. His arms reached out instinctively, pulling her close as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Long day?"
Anaya sighed, leaning into his embrace. "Longer than usual," she replied. "We… have a new CMO at Tech High. She'll be working with us for the next three months."
Rudra raised an eyebrow. "Really? Who is it?"
"Ruby Kukreja," she replied, watching his face for any reaction.
Rudra's eyes narrowed slightly. He'd heard of Ruby before; she had a reputation for being both ambitious and slightly manipulative in business circles. "Ah. Ruby." He paused, looking at her with a hint of concern. "How do you feel about that?"
Anaya shrugged, her voice uncertain. "I don't know, Rudra. She seems… different. She's someone from my past, and I'm not sure if her being here will be as harmless as it sounds."
Rudra's arms tightened around her protectively. "You know, Velvet, if she gives you any trouble, you can come to me. I won't let her, or anyone, disturb your peace."
Anaya smiled at the warmth in his words. His support made her feel stronger, braver. "Thank you, Rudra. Just knowing you're here for me makes everything easier to handle."
He leaned down, brushing a soft kiss on her cheek, his breath warm against her skin. "I always will be. You're my Velvet, my strength," he murmured.
They stood like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, the worries of the day melting away.
---
**The Next Morning**
The following day, Anaya arrived at the office, determined to keep a positive mindset despite Ruby's unsettling presence. She walked in with her head held high, drawing strength from the love and support Rudra had shown her the night before.
As she settled into her tasks, Ruby entered the office and immediately commanded attention. Her voice echoed through the open space, effortlessly cutting through the morning hum. Anaya noticed a few of her colleagues looking at Ruby with awe, while others, like Janvi, exchanged wary glances.
During a short break, Janvi nudged Anaya and whispered, "Has she already started on you?"
Anaya chuckled softly, trying to keep the conversation light. "Not yet. But she's definitely… making her presence known."
Janvi rolled her eyes. "Typical. The way she walks around as if she owns the place already… it's like she's setting herself up as a queen."
Anaya smiled but stayed quiet, not wanting to add fuel to Janvi's suspicions. She turned her attention back to her work, determined to prove her worth through her professionalism, despite Ruby's potential interference.
---
As the day wore on, Anaya felt a subtle shift in the office dynamics. Ruby seemed to be watching her, studying her interactions with others. Anaya remained polite and respectful, but there was a quiet tension simmering beneath the surface.
Then, around midday, Ruby walked over to Anaya's desk.
"Anaya, could you help me with the marketing files for this quarter?" Ruby's voice was honeyed but sharp, each word laden with an air of authority. She seemed to be testing Anaya, assessing her reaction.
"Of course," Anaya replied with a calm smile. "Just let me know what you need."
As Ruby listed off the tasks, Janvi caught Anaya's eye and mouthed, *Good luck.* Anaya suppressed a smile, gathering her focus and maintaining her professionalism as Ruby detailed the work she wanted done.
---
**Evening at Home**
Back at the mansion, Rudra was waiting for her in their room, leaning casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he watched her walk in. He could sense her fatigue, the hint of strain in her expression.
"How was today?" he asked, his voice gentle, laced with a hint of protectiveness.
Anaya took a deep breath, smiling softly. "It was alright. Ruby is… intense, but I'm managing. I'm determined not to let her get under my skin."
Rudra reached out, taking her hand in his. "I'm proud of you," he murmured, pulling her close. "But remember, if she ever crosses a line, you don't have to handle it alone. I'll be there with you, every step of the way."
Anaya felt a surge of gratitude, leaning her head against his chest. "Thank you, Rudra. I don't know what I'd do without you."
He wrapped his arms around her, his voice soft as he teased, "Well, you don't have to find out. Because I'm not going anywhere, Velvet."
They stood together in quiet comfort, a moment of peace amid the storm that Ruby's arrival had stirred.
To be continue....