Hey lovely readers! 🌟
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Singhaniya family drama. I hope you're enjoying the twists and turns in the relationships and the growing tension between the characters. Every moment is a piece of the puzzle, and we're just getting started!
Don't forget to follow me on my social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more behind-the-scenes fun:
YouTube: Penola.s
Instagram: @psole23_words
Pinterest: @penola
WEBSITE: linktr.ee/author_psole23.words
Your comments and feedback mean the world to me! Keep reading, keep commenting, and most importantly, keep sharing the love. ❤️
Until next time,
PENOLA.S✨
___________@
The late afternoon sunlight poured through the wide windows of the Singhaniya mansion, casting a golden glow across the sprawling living room. The scent of freshly brewed tea mingled with the faint fragrance of jasmine from the garden outside. Dev Singhaniya sat in one of the plush armchairs, a steaming cup of tea in his hand. His expression was thoughtful, his dark eyes distant as he watched his mother, Komal, pour herself a cup from the delicate porcelain teapot.
Komal, ever poised and graceful, sat with the elegance that came naturally to her. The matriarch of the Singhaniya family, she exuded an air of quiet authority, her silver-streaked hair swept into an immaculate bun. She sipped her tea, her eyes keenly observing her eldest son.
"Mother," Dev began, his voice soft yet serious, "how do you think Anaya is adjusting? Truly."
Komal set her cup down with a soft clink, meeting his gaze. "She's adjusting as well as any young woman could in such a situation. Why do you ask?"
Dev leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I've been thinking... about Rudra and Anaya. Their marriage, if you can even call it that, seems... fragile. Do you think they'll make it?"
Komal's brow lifted slightly. "Why this sudden concern?"
"I saw Rudra the other day," Dev admitted, his tone contemplative. "There's a coldness in him when it comes to Anaya. He keeps her at a distance. And with the way society watches us, the way they dissect every move we make... Can they survive this marriage under that kind of scrutiny?"
Komal's expression softened. "Marriage is not always about love at first, Dev. Sometimes, it's about resilience. And Anaya has that in abundance."
"But Rudra?" Dev asked pointedly. "Does he have it? Or will his stubbornness destroy whatever chance they have?"
Komal sighed, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup. "Rudra is difficult, yes. But he is not heartless. He's been hurt before, and that has built walls around him. Anaya may be the one who can break through those walls, given time."
Dev nodded slowly but remained unconvinced. "And if she can't? What then?"
Before Komal could respond, the door to the living room opened, and Mrs. Jaya Kukreja, Komal's sister's daughter, breezed in with her young son trailing behind her. Dressed impeccably in a designer sari, Jaya exuded the kind of charm that was both effortless and calculating. Her son, a boy of about ten, clung to her side, looking around the room with wide, curious eyes.
"Ah, Komal Maasi," Jaya greeted, her voice sweet but overly saccharine. "I hope we're not interrupting."
Komal smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Jaya, what a surprise. What brings you here?"
Jaya settled onto the sofa, her son climbing up beside her. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by. It's been too long since we visited."
Dev's expression tightened subtly, but he remained cordial. "Jaya," he said with a polite nod, "it's always... interesting to see you."
Jaya chuckled, not missing the edge in his tone. "Dev, still as serious as ever. And how is the new daughter-in-law doing? I hear she's... charming."
The pause before the word was not lost on either Dev or Komal. Komal, ever the diplomat, answered smoothly, "Anaya is doing well. She's adjusting beautifully."
Jaya's smile widened, though it lacked warmth. "How lovely. I do wonder how long she'll last in this family, though. It can't be easy marrying into the Singhaniyas."
Dev's eyes narrowed. "She's stronger than you give her credit for."
"Oh, I'm sure she is," Jaya replied, her tone light. "But strength doesn't always win against tradition, does it?"
Komal's voice, calm but firm, cut through the tension. "Anaya is family now. And in this family, we protect our own."
Jaya's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Of course, Maasi. I meant no offense."
"None taken," Komal said, though her tone left no room for further comment.
Sensing the shift, Jaya rose gracefully, taking her son's hand. "Well, we won't stay long. Just wanted to say hello."
As they left the room, the atmosphere seemed to settle, the tension dissipating like the steam from their tea. Dev leaned back, exhaling deeply.
"She hasn't changed," he muttered.
"No," Komal agreed. "She never will."
Dev looked at his mother, his expression troubled. "Anaya will have to face more people like her, won't she?"
"Yes," Komal admitted. "But she will not face them alone."
____
Dev sighed, rubbing his temples, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. "Sometimes, I wonder if Rudra realizes what kind of world he's dragged Anaya into. People like Jaya will never stop talking, never stop prying."
Komal gave him a knowing look. "Rudra knows, but he's also stubborn. He thinks keeping Anaya at a distance will protect her."
"And it's only hurting her," Dev said bitterly. "She's already under enough pressure trying to fit into this family."
Komal leaned forward, her hand resting gently on his. "Give them time, Dev. Rudra's pride is a fortress, but even the tallest walls crumble when they're met with patience and love. Anaya will find a way to reach him."
Dev's mouth twisted into a grimace. "Let's hope she does before it's too late."
Just then, the soft sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. Rakhi Singhaniya, Dev's wife, appeared in the doorway, her expression warm but curious. "Dev, I thought I heard voices. What's going on?"
Dev forced a smile, though his thoughts still lingered on the conversation. "Nothing serious, Rakhi. Just discussing... family matters."
Rakhi's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but she didn't press further. "Well, don't brood too much. Dinner will be ready soon."
Komal watched her daughter-in-law leave, then turned back to Dev. "You see? Anaya isn't alone. This family will protect her."
Dev didn't reply immediately. Instead, he stood, pacing to the window, staring out at the sprawling garden. "And what about Rudra? Who will protect him from himself?"
Komal rose gracefully, her steps measured as she approached her son. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice soft but resolute. "He will learn, Dev. He will learn that love is not a weakness. It's a strength."
Dev sighed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of worry. "I just hope it doesn't cost him everything before he realizes that."
Komal squeezed his shoulder, her voice gentle but firm. "Trust in them, Dev. Sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones fought within."
With that, Komal turned, gliding out of the room with the grace and poise of the matriarch she was. Dev remained by the window, watching the sunset, the sky awash with hues of gold and crimson. He hoped, more than anything, that his mother was right.
__________
Dev sighed, rubbing his temples, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. "Sometimes, I wonder if Rudra realizes what kind of world he's dragged Anaya into. People like Jaya will never stop talking, never stop prying."
Komal gave him a knowing look. "Rudra knows, but he's also stubborn. He thinks keeping Anaya at a distance will protect her."
"And it's only hurting her," Dev said bitterly. "She's already under enough pressure trying to fit into this family."
Komal leaned forward, her hand resting gently on his. "Give them time, Dev. Rudra's pride is a fortress, but even the tallest walls crumble when they're met with patience and love. Anaya will find a way to reach him."
Dev's mouth twisted into a grimace. "Let's hope she does before it's too late."
Just then, the soft sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. Rakhi Singhaniya, Dev's wife, appeared in the doorway, her expression warm but curious. "Dev, I thought I heard voices. What's going on?"
Dev forced a smile, though his thoughts still lingered on the conversation. "Nothing serious, Rakhi. Just discussing... family matters."
Rakhi's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but she didn't press further. "Well, don't brood too much. Dinner will be ready soon."
Komal watched her daughter-in-law leave, then turned back to Dev. "You see? Anaya isn't alone. This family will protect her."
Dev didn't reply immediately. Instead, he stood, pacing to the window, staring out at the sprawling garden. "And what about Rudra? Who will protect him from himself?"
Komal rose gracefully, her steps measured as she approached her son. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice soft but resolute. "He will learn, Dev. He will learn that love is not a weakness. It's a strength."
Dev sighed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of worry. "I just hope it doesn't cost him everything before he realizes that."
Komal squeezed his shoulder, her voice gentle but firm. "Trust in them, Dev. Sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones fought within."
With that, Komal turned, gliding out of the room with the grace and poise of the matriarch she was. Dev remained by the window, watching the sunset, the sky awash with hues of gold and crimson. He hoped, more than anything, that his mother was right.
As Anaya and Ria sat at the kitchen table, the sound of soft clinking cups and the gentle hum of the teapot filled the otherwise quiet room. Komal poured the tea with a serene grace, her warm smile radiating a calm presence that made Anaya feel at ease. Despite the earlier tension, Anaya was grateful for these small moments of peace, where the family could simply be together, without the expectations and weight of the world pressing down on them.
Ria, who had been silent for a moment, absentmindedly stirred her tea. Her mind had been racing ever since they walked in. She had noticed Karan's lingering gaze earlier and couldn't help but wonder if there was more to it than just a passing glance. However, she wasn't one to dwell on things like that. She had more important matters on her mind, like getting through college and enjoying life to the fullest. But a small part of her couldn't help but be intrigued by Karan's quiet intensity.Â
"So, Ria," Komal began, breaking the silence, "How was your day at college today? I heard you were working on some big project."
Ria perked up, a smile tugging at her lips as she shifted her focus back to the present. "Yeah, it was pretty intense. We're working on a group project about sustainable energy solutions, and it's been a bit of a challenge. But you know me—I'm always up for it." She leaned back in her chair and took another sip of her tea. "How about you, Anaya? How was work today?"
Anaya, who had been lost in her thoughts for a moment, blinked and looked up at Ria. She smiled softly. "It was fine. Busy, as usual. But, you know, I've been thinking a lot about... well, everything lately. The family dynamics, the expectations. Sometimes it feels like there's no way out."
Komal, who had been listening intently, placed her cup down and gave Anaya a knowing look. "I understand, beta. But you've always been the mature one, the one who handles things with grace. I know it's not easy, especially when you feel like you're carrying so much for everyone."
Anaya sighed and nodded, appreciating her mother-in-law's words. "It's just... sometimes I wish I could be free from all of it. I never asked for this life, for these responsibilities."
Ria, who had been watching her friend, leaned forward and placed a hand on Anaya's. "But you're not alone, Anaya. You've got all of us, your family, and we're here for you. Even if it doesn't always feel like it, you've got people who love you."
Anaya gave Ria a grateful smile, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Ria. It means more than you know." She paused, her thoughts drifting back to the conversation earlier. "I just wish things with Jaya were different. She's always so... so critical. I don't think she realizes the pressure she's putting on me."
Komal's eyes flickered with understanding. "Jaya has always been like that. She tends to voice her opinions too freely, but remember, Anaya, you don't have to carry the weight of the world. You're not her daughter. You're my daughter-in-law, and that means something."
Anaya looked up at Komal, her expression grateful but conflicted. "I know, but it still hurts sometimes. She acts like I'm some sort of burden, and I know it's not intentional, but it feels that way."
Ria scoffed lightly, shaking her head. "Honestly, I don't understand why she's so obsessed with Anaya's marriage. Everyone's life is their own business. If she keeps poking her nose in, maybe we should teach her a lesson in minding her own."
Anaya chuckled softly at Ria's words, but her heart still weighed heavily. She had always been the one to keep things together for the family, but tonight, she couldn't help but feel like she was coming undone. It wasn't just the pressure from Jaya or the family dynamics—it was the overwhelming feeling that her life was not entirely her own.Â
"I just wish things could be simple," Anaya muttered, mostly to herself.Â
Just then, the doorbell rang, breaking the quiet tension that had settled over the room. Komal rose from her chair gracefully, offering a soft smile to Anaya and Ria. "I'll go see who it is. You two relax for a moment."
As Komal stepped out of the kitchen, Ria turned to Anaya, her face turning serious. "Are you sure you're okay? I mean, I know everything is... complicated. But you don't have to carry everything on your own. If you need to talk, I'm here for you."
Anaya gave her a small, sincere smile. "Thanks, Ria. I know you are. It's just... I don't know. Sometimes, it feels like everything is spiraling, and I can't control it. The marriage, the family, the expectations... It's a lot."
Ria nodded, her usual playful demeanor softened by concern. "I get it. But you're strong, Anaya. You've got more strength than you know. And I'm not just saying that because you're my best friend. I see it every day. You'll get through this."
Just as Ria spoke, Komal returned to the kitchen, her expression slightly more neutral than usual. "It's Jaya and Karan. They're here for a little visit."
Anaya straightened in her seat, her pulse quickening. The last thing she wanted right now was another awkward encounter with Jaya, especially after everything that had been said earlier. But she masked her feelings with a calm smile and rose to her feet. "I guess we should go and greet them."
Ria followed Anaya, giving her a reassuring look before they made their way into the living room. As they entered, Jaya was seated in her usual spot on the sofa, with Karan standing beside her, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. His eyes met Anaya's for a brief moment, but he quickly looked away, as if unsure of what to make of the situation. Jaya, on the other hand, didn't waste any time with pleasantries.
"So, Anaya, how's work been treating you?" Jaya asked, her voice syrupy sweet but carrying a hidden edge.
Anaya smiled politely, forcing herself to remain calm. "It's been fine, thank you for asking. Just a little busy with some new projects."
Karan, still quiet as ever, finally spoke, his voice low and easygoing. "It's good to stay busy, I suppose."
Anaya nodded, unsure of where the conversation was going. "Yes, it certainly keeps one occupied."
The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words, and Anaya could feel the weight of Jaya's gaze on her. It was the same calculating look she always wore, as though trying to find something to pick apart.
"So, Anaya," Jaya continued, her voice dripping with sweetness. "When will we be hearing some news about your wedding? I'm sure everyone is eager to know when the eldest Singhaniya daughter will have her day."
Anaya could feel the heat of her mother-in-law's judgmental gaze, but she didn't allow herself to flinch. "As I've said before, Jaya, everything happens in its own time. I'm not in a rush."
Jaya raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that answer. "Of course, of course. But one has to wonder how long these things will take, don't you think?"
Dev, who had been listening silently from the doorway, cleared his throat. "Jaya, that's enough. We don't need to rush things, especially when it comes to Anaya. Let her decide when the time is right."
Komal, sensing the brewing tension, decided it was best to intervene. "Let's not talk about marriages right now. We're all family here. Let's enjoy each other's company for a while."
The conversation slowly shifted, and for a moment, the living room was filled with the sounds of light chatter. But underneath it all, the unspoken questions, the assumptions, and the judgment lingered in the air, leaving Anaya feeling as though she was once again caught in a game she never asked to play.
The soft echo of footsteps reverberated through the hallway, breaking the tension in the living room. Everyone turned their heads instinctively toward the sound, and Ria, who had been in the midst of a conversation with Anaya, lifted her face as well, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. As she looked up, her gaze met Ravi's for a fleeting moment, and for the briefest instant, something sparked in her chest.
Ria wasn't quite sure why her heart raced, why her eyes lit up, or why she felt that warm, inexplicable feeling when she saw him. It was as if something had triggered an emotion she hadn't fully recognized until that very moment. She watched as Ravi walked with his usual confident stride, holding a stack of files in his hand. His expression was focused, the weight of the work clearly visible on his face, but for some reason, it only added to his charm in Ria's eyes.
She blinked, slightly embarrassed, and shifted her gaze back to her cup of tea, unaware of the subtle yet unmistakable sparkle that had appeared in her eyes. It was something that caught the attention of someone who had always been observant — Karan.Â
Karan, who had been standing off to the side, his arms crossed casually, noticed the change in Ria's demeanor immediately. He was someone who noticed everything, from the smallest flicker of emotion to the most subtle shifts in a person's body language. And right now, he saw it. Ria's eyes were brighter, almost like there was a glimmer of happiness that she couldn't hide.Â
Karan had always been the quiet observer in the room, his attention to detail sharper than most. He had never been one to openly express his thoughts, but tonight was different. He wasn't just seeing things; he was feeling something too. The way Ria looked at Ravi — it wasn't just casual or neutral. It was… something more.
Without a second thought, Karan excused himself, his calm voice cutting through the conversation. "Excuse me," he said to his family, though his eyes never left Ria for a moment. "I'll be back in a bit."
His steps were purposeful as he moved towards Ravi, who was just about to pass by the living room. Karan's presence was often unnoticed, a shadow in the background, but tonight, something seemed to urge him forward. He wanted to know.Â
Ravi, who had been too absorbed in his work, didn't notice Karan approaching until he was right next to him. He looked up briefly, offering a polite smile. "Hey, Karan. What's up?"
Karan's expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes — an unspoken question, a curiosity he could no longer ignore. "Ravi," Karan started, his tone measured, "You heading to your room?"
Ravi, slightly surprised by the interruption, nodded. "Yeah, just need to finish going over these files. It's been a long day."
Karan studied him for a moment before speaking again. "You... didn't notice, did you?"
Ravi frowned, confused. "Notice what?"
Karan nodded his head subtly towards the living room, where Ria had just lowered her gaze after the brief moment of eye contact with him. "She was looking at you," Karan said quietly. "Like, really looking. Don't act like you didn't feel it."
Ravi's brows furrowed slightly, his gaze briefly flicking toward the living room. He saw Ria sitting there, her back turned now, chatting with Komal and Anaya. She was still smiling, but Ravi had missed the subtle shift in her eyes earlier. He'd been too focused on the files to notice, but now that Karan had pointed it out, he couldn't help but wonder.
"Ria?" Ravi asked, the name rolling off his tongue without thinking. "She's just... I mean, we're all just family here. Nothing to it."
Karan chuckled softly, his expression not shifting. "If you say so. But don't think I didn't notice the way you just passed by her like it was nothing. You're more observant than you let on, Ravi."
Ravi felt the weight of Karan's words settling in, the realization starting to dawn on him that there might be more to Ria's gaze than he had initially thought. "You think...?" Ravi trailed off, his mind beginning to wander as he processed Karan's observation.Â
"I think," Karan replied, his voice lower, almost cryptic, "That there's something between you two that neither of you is acknowledging yet."
Ravi wasn't sure what to make of that. He'd always admired Ria from a distance, sure. She was smart, confident, and always had a certain glow about her. But now, after Karan's words, something felt different. It was as if he were seeing her in a new light, one that wasn't just familial, but something deeper — something unspoken.
Before Karan could say anything else, Ravi cleared his throat, quickly trying to regain his usual composure. "Maybe you're just overthinking things, Karan. I'm just focused on the work. That's all."
Karan didn't press further, though the amused glint in his eyes said he wasn't convinced. "Sure. If that's what you want to believe."
With a final glance toward the living room, where Ria was still chatting with Anaya, Ravi took a deep breath and started heading toward his room, his mind racing with thoughts he hadn't expected to have. Karan watched him for a moment before turning back to the others in the living room, his own mind swirling with questions.Â
Ria, meanwhile, still had no idea what had just happened. She had dismissed the fleeting spark of attraction she had felt as nothing more than a passing moment, but Karan knew better. There was something there, and whether either of them acknowledged it or not, it was something neither of them could ignore for long.
As Ravi disappeared into his room and Karan returned to the living room, the unspoken tension between them lingered, thick and palpable. But neither of them knew where this path would lead. For now, it was just another secret, one of many that would slowly unfold in the days to come.
And as the evening carried on, the echoes of their conversation hung in the air, leaving behind a subtle, yet undeniable shift in the dynamics of the Singhaniya family.
To be continued....