"A Tired Day in the Life"

Hello, dear readers! Welcome back to another chapter of "Mine Yes! Forced to be Yours Mr. Devil." In this chapter, we explore the blossoming relationship between Anaya and her new family, especially her bond with Rakhi. It's all about finding comfort, love, and belonging in a new place. Relationships, whether familial or romantic, take time to develop, and Anaya is beginning to feel more at home in the Singhaniya mansion. I hope you enjoy the warmth and connection in this chapter!

Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and as always, thank you for your continued support! 💖

~Penola.S✒️

——————AUTHOR'S POV:~~~~

As the evening deepened in the Singhaniya mansion, the air was filled with the comforting aroma of dinner wafting from the kitchen. Anaya and Rakhi settled into the plush living room, which was adorned with elegant decor and warm lighting that radiated a sense of home. The soft chatter from the kitchen hinted at the other staff members bustling about, preparing the family's evening meal.

"So, how was your first day at the office?" Rakhi inquired, her eyes sparkling with interest. "I hope it wasn't too overwhelming."

Anaya smiled, her face lighting up with excitement. "It was thrilling! I met so many new people, and everyone was really welcoming. I was a bit nervous initially, but once I got into the flow of things, it felt like a great fit."

Rakhi nodded appreciatively, her expression a mix of encouragement and maternal pride. "You'll find your rhythm soon enough. Every new beginning has its challenges, but you have to trust in your abilities."

Anaya felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. "Thank you for believing in me, Mumma. It means a lot to have your support."

Rakhi chuckled softly, her maternal warmth enveloping Anaya like a comforting blanket. "You can call me Mumma. You're part of this family now."

The word "family" resonated deeply within Anaya, filling her with warmth. "Thank you, Mumma. That makes me feel even more at home."

As they exchanged stories, Rakhi noticed Anaya's eyelids growing heavier. It was evident that her first day had taken a toll on her energy. "You should go and get some rest," Rakhi suggested gently. "When all the family members come home, I'll call you for dinner. Take some time for yourself and freshen up."

Anaya hesitated, a part of her wanting to linger and continue their heartwarming conversation. But Rakhi's loving tone was difficult to resist. "Okay, I'll do that. Thank you for the encouragement," she replied with a smile.

Standing up, she gathered her belongings from the sofa, her mind swirling with the events of the day. The excitement of the new job, the interactions with her colleagues, and the warmth of her growing relationship with Rakhi filled her thoughts.

As Anaya made her way towards the library, she felt a sense of anticipation. The library was one of her favorite places in the mansion—a sanctuary filled with countless books and a cozy atmosphere perfect for diving into different worlds. She often found solace in reading, and after a busy day, it felt like the perfect way to unwind.

Entering the library, Anaya was greeted by the sight of shelves lined with books of all genres. She wandered through the aisles, her fingers brushing against the spines, soaking in the comfort of the space. Eventually, she spotted a novel that caught her eye—a romantic story that promised adventure and emotional depth.

With the book in hand, she settled into a plush armchair by the window, the soft light of the lamp casting a warm glow over the pages. As she opened the book and began to read, she felt the day's worries fade away, replaced by the unfolding story before her.

Meanwhile, Ria had already retreated to her room after a brief but cheerful interaction with Anaya and Rakhi. She had been bubbling with excitement about her own day at college, where she was studying computer science and business management. Now, as she settled onto her bed, she felt a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction wash over her from a day well spent.

Back in the living room, Rakhi continued to prepare dinner, occasionally glancing at the clock. She enjoyed these quiet moments of reflection, feeling content as she thought about the changes that had come into their lives with Anaya's arrival. She felt a growing bond with her, one that reminded her of her own youthful days, full of dreams and ambitions.

Just then, Rakhi noticed the time and knew it was almost time for dinner. "I should start setting the table," she murmured to herself, moving gracefully through the kitchen as she organized the dishes and utensils.

After a bit more time passed, Rakhi decided to call Anaya down for dinner. "Anaya, why don't you come and join us?" she called gently from the dining area.

Anaya, still engrossed in her book, looked up and smiled, feeling grateful for the invitation. She closed the book and made her way towards the dining room, her heart fluttering at the thought of sharing a meal with her new family.

As she entered the dining area, the table was beautifully set, glistening with fine china and polished silverware. The ambiance was warm and inviting, enhanced by the soft glow of candlelight. Rakhi had really outdone herself.

"Dinner is ready!" Rakhi announced, her smile lighting up the room.

As they sat down, the warmth of family surrounded Anaya, and she felt a deep sense of belonging. Rakhi served the dishes with care, making sure everyone had their favorites. The chatter around the table flowed easily, filled with stories and laughter.

"I can't wait for big sissy and Grandma Komal to come back from the wedding," Ria piped up, breaking the comfortable rhythm of the conversation.

Rakhi nodded, a soft smile on her face. "They should be back tomorrow evening. It's been a lovely wedding, but I know they'll be eager to return home. Komal has been waiting to hear about how you're both settling in."

"Definitely! I miss our family dinners with everyone around the table," Ria replied, her enthusiasm infectious.

Anaya smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie building between them. "I look forward to that too. It's nice to feel part of a big family."

As the dinner continued, Anaya felt a wave of happiness wash over her. Surrounded by warmth and laughter, she realized just how fortunate she was to be welcomed into the Singhaniya family. She took a moment to reflect on the day's events—the new beginnings, the friendships blossoming, and the support of Rakhi and Ria.

After dinner, Rakhi stood to clear the table, and Anaya quickly offered to help. "Let me give you a hand with that, Mumma," she said, eager to contribute.

"No need to worry about that. Just go and relax. I can manage," Rakhi replied, her tone firm yet affectionate.

Anaya nodded but insisted, "I insist! I want to help."

As they cleaned up together, Rakhi shared tidbits about the family and their traditions, making Anaya feel even more connected.

After they finished, Rakhi patted Anaya's shoulder. "Now you really should take some time to rest. You've had a long day."

"Okay, Mumma. I'll head back to my room," Anaya said, feeling fulfilled and grateful for the warmth of the evening.

She returned to her room, reflecting on her journey so far. As she changed into comfortable clothes, she felt a mix of excitement As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue through the kitchen window, Anaya and Rakhi found themselves alone in the cozy space, washing the last of the dishes after dinner. The rhythmic clinking of plates and the soft sounds of water filled the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Rakhi, her hair tied neatly in a bun, glanced over at Anaya with a knowing smile. "You know, Anaya, I've been meaning to ask you something," she began, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel.

Anaya paused, the sponge hovering over a plate, curiosity piqued. "What is it, Mumma?"

Rakhi took a moment, arranging her thoughts. "It's about you and Rudra. How are things between you two? I see you both together sometimes, and it seems... different."

Anaya felt her heart flutter at the mention of Rudra. It was still a strange dynamic—being married but not quite in a traditional sense. "Well, it's a bit complicated," she admitted, her voice softening. "We're still getting to know each other. It's like we're navigating a whole new world together."

Rakhi nodded, her expression thoughtful. "That's understandable. Relationships take time, especially the ones built on such unique circumstances. Have you had any deep conversations with him yet?"

Anaya bit her lip, thinking back to the moments they shared. "A few. He's very guarded about his feelings, though. I can see he cares, but he doesn't always express it. Sometimes it feels like there's a wall between us."

Rakhi rinsed a glass and placed it on the drying rack. "That's not uncommon. Some people need more time to open up. What's important is that you both continue to communicate. If he sees you're patient and supportive, he may feel more comfortable sharing."

Anaya considered her mother's words, feeling a flicker of hope. "I really want to understand him better. I feel like there's so much beneath the surface. He's mysterious but also has this intensity that draws me in."

Rakhi smiled, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "That's good, Anaya. You're both at a new beginning, and it's essential to give each other space to grow. Just remember to be honest about your feelings, too. It can make a world of difference."

Anaya nodded, her heart swelling with appreciation for her mother's wisdom. "Thanks, Mumma. I'll try to be more open with him. I just don't want to push him away."

Rakhi reached over and squeezed Anaya's shoulder gently. "You won't. Just be yourself, and things will fall into place. And remember, you have the strength to navigate this. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you can always talk to me."

Feeling a rush of gratitude, Anaya smiled back. "I will. I really appreciate your support. It means everything to me."

They continued washing dishes in a comfortable silence, the warmth of their conversation lingering in the air. As Anaya focused on the task, her mind drifted to Rudra. She hoped he would let her in, share more about himself, and that together they could build a stronger bond.

Rakhi broke the silence again, her tone playful. "You know, dear, the way you look at him sometimes reminds me of how I felt when I first met your father. Love has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it."

Anaya's cheeks flushed at her mother's teasing. "Mumma!" she exclaimed, laughing softly. "It's not like that… yet."

Rakhi chuckled, enjoying the moment. "Yet. Just keep your heart open, my dear. You never know where the journey may lead you."

As they finished the last of the dishes, Anaya felt lighter. Her mother's encouragement fueled her determination to understand Rudra better, and for the first time, she felt a spark of excitement about the possibilities that lay ahead in her relationship with him.

"Ready to call it a night?" Rakhi asked, drying her hands.

"Yeah, let's go see what Ria is up to," Anaya replied, feeling buoyed by their conversation.

Together, they stepped into the living room, ready to embrace the warmth of family and the comfort of home, both excited for what the future might hold.

and anticipation for what tomorrow would bring. With a smile on her face, she settled onto her bed, knowing that she was exactly where she was meant to be, surrounded by love and new opportunities.

______________________

As Anaya and Rakhi entered the living room, they were greeted by the warm glow of the lamps and the soft sounds of Ria's laughter drifting from her room. The atmosphere in the Singhaniya mansion was always inviting, filled with the essence of family life. Anaya felt a comforting sense of belonging wash over her as she moved through the familiar spaces.

"Let's go see what Ria is up to," Rakhi suggested, leading the way down the hallway to Ria's room. As they approached, Anaya could hear the sound of her sister chatting animatedly with someone over the phone.

Rakhi knocked lightly on the door. "Ria, sweetheart, can we come in?"

"Of course!" Ria's cheerful voice rang out, and Rakhi opened the door to reveal a colorful room adorned with posters of technology icons and inspirational quotes. Ria was sprawled comfortably on her bed, phone pressed to her ear, her laptop open beside her, displaying various documents and charts.

"Hey, Mumma! Hey, Anaya!" Ria beamed, waving them in as she ended her call. "I was just talking to a friend about our project for college."

"Looks like you're working hard," Anaya remarked, stepping further into the room. "What's the project about?"

Ria sighed dramatically. "It's a group assignment for my business management class. We have to create a business plan for a tech startup, and it's proving to be a bit of a challenge, especially coordinating with my teammates."

Anaya raised an eyebrow. "I can imagine. Group projects can be tricky. Are you the one taking the lead?"

"Sort of," Ria admitted, rolling her eyes. "I'm trying to keep everyone on track, but you know how it is. Some people just want to do their own thing."

"That's the struggle," Rakhi chimed in, her tone understanding. "Just remember to communicate clearly and delegate tasks. It will make everything smoother."

Ria nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, Mumma. I just need to stay organized. Speaking of staying organized, how was your day, Anaya? Did you have any exciting adventures in the office?"

Anaya hesitated for a moment, considering how much to share. "It was good. A bit overwhelming, but I met some new colleagues, and we got to know each other a little. It was nice to start building connections."

Ria grinned. "That's great! You'll be friends with them in no time. Did you meet any cute guys?" she teased, winking playfully.

Anaya felt her cheeks warm again, thinking of Rudra. "Uh, well, there's Kunal… but he's a bit of a mystery. He didn't talk much."

"Sounds intriguing!" Ria said, leaning in closer. "You've got to dig deeper! Mysterious guys can be really interesting."

Rakhi chuckled, shaking her head. "Just make sure to focus on your work, Anaya. Relationships can develop in time, but right now, your priority should be your internship and gaining experience."

"Right, Mumma," Anaya replied, laughing softly. "I know. I'm just trying to balance everything."

Ria grinned. "Well, if you ever need to practice your conversation skills, I'm always here. We can have sister bonding time!"

"Sounds like a plan," Anaya said, feeling a warm rush of appreciation for her sister's support. "And maybe you can help me with my work too, Ria?"

"Of course! I'm always here for you, baby," Ria said affectionately, using her playful nickname for Anaya.

Just then, a gentle knock interrupted them, and Dev Singhaniya, their father, peeked into the room with a smile. "Ladies, is this a family gathering, or can I join the party?"

"Mumma, I think we should let him in!" Ria laughed, gesturing for him to come inside.

Dev stepped in, his presence radiating warmth and authority. "What are my lovely ladies up to? Planning a coup or just discussing schoolwork?"

"Just catching up," Rakhi said, taking a seat on Ria's bed. "Anaya had her first day at the office, and Ria is busy with her college project."

"Ah, the joys of juggling responsibilities," Dev said, nodding knowingly. "Both of you are doing great. Just remember that hard work pays off in the long run."

"Thanks, Dad," Anaya said, smiling. "I'm trying to make the most of this internship."

Dev glanced at her, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I have no doubt you'll succeed, Anaya. Just keep pushing forward, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it."

Anaya felt buoyed by his encouragement. "I will, Dad. Thank you."

As the family continued to share stories and laughter, the bond between them felt stronger than ever. Ria brought up funny incidents from school, while Rakhi added her insights and experiences from her own studies. Dev occasionally chimed in with his wisdom, creating an atmosphere of love and support.

Eventually, Rakhi checked the time and stood up. "Alright, ladies, as much as I'd love to stay and chat, I have to prepare for tomorrow's events. Anaya, don't forget to get some rest. You've got a long day ahead of you."

Anaya nodded, feeling grateful for the time spent together. "Thanks for the advice, Mumma. I will."

As Rakhi left the room, Dev leaned against the doorframe, watching his daughters with a proud smile. "You both are doing exceptionally well. Always remember that family is your greatest support. You can achieve anything with hard work and determination."

"Thanks, Dad," Ria said, her tone sincere. "We appreciate you."

After Dev left, Anaya turned to Ria, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "So, you think I should pursue Kunal? He sounds intriguing, right?"

Ria's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Absolutely! But be careful; mysterious guys can be hard to read. Just keep being yourself, and you'll figure it out."

"Agreed," Anaya said, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her sister. "Let's see where this goes."

As the evening wore on, Anaya finally decided it was time to call it a night. She stood up and stretched, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about the days ahead. "I'm heading to bed. Good luck with your project, Ria!"

"Good night, Anaya! Remember, I'm just a knock away if you need me," Ria called after her.

With a smile, Anaya made her way back to her room, the thoughts of Rudra and her first day at the office swirling in her mind. She felt hopeful about the future and ready to embrace whatever came next, both in her career and her relationship with Rudra.

As she settled into bed, Anaya felt a flutter of anticipation. She closed her eyes, letting the events of the day wash over her, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities for growth. The journey had just begun, and she was eager to see where it would lead her.

##To be continue...**