"Lingering Gazes"

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hello, my dearest readers! 🌺

Thank you for diving into the world of Mine Yes! Forced to be Yours Mr. Devil once again. Writing this chapter was like capturing a fragile moment in time—a moment where hearts whispered louder than words. Anaya and Rudra's story is a slow waltz of emotions, unspoken confessions, and a connection that defies reason.

This chapter held a deep significance—a tender exchange that felt like a crack of light breaking through their guarded walls. Anaya's quiet strength and Rudra's hidden vulnerability came alive in a way that left my heart full as I wrote. Did you feel the tension in the air, the unsaid emotions hovering just beneath the surface? These are the moments where love begins to bloom, even in the most unexpected places.

Was it Rudra's intense gaze that spoke of desires he's too afraid to admit? Or Anaya's soft resilience, breaking through the cold layers he wraps himself in? Tell me what captured your heart the most—I'm always eager to know your thoughts, emotions, and dreams for these characters!

Let's stay connected as we unravel this beautiful, messy, and utterly captivating love story together:

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Every comment, every message from you is like a spark that keeps my passion burning bright. Your love for this story is what makes it truly special.

Until the next chapter,

Stay dreamy, keep believing in love, and let your heart embrace every twist and turn of life. 

💞

With all my love,

~PENOLA.S

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As they entered the mansion, the warmth from their evening lingered between them, but the moment they crossed the threshold, the atmosphere shifted. The soft murmurs of conversation stopped, and all eyes turned towards them. Anaya immediately felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her. She wasn't used to being the center of attention, especially not in front of the entire family. Rudra, on the other hand, was a master of maintaining his cold, composed exterior—a skill she was still learning.

The ladies of the house, including Rakhi and Komal, exchanged knowing glances as they observed the couple's entrance. Anaya could almost hear their thoughts, wondering what the night had been like for them. She could feel her cheeks warming, but she tried to keep her expression neutral. Don't react. Don't give anything away, she told herself, trying to match Rudra's poker face.

Rudra, ever the calm and collected one, showed no hint of what had transpired that evening. His steps were measured, his face devoid of emotion, as if the romantic date they had just shared didn't exist. But for Anaya, it was a struggle. Every fiber of her being wanted to smile, to express the joy she felt from the evening, but she had to follow Rudra's lead. The last thing they needed was to stir up curiosity or gossip.

As they walked through the foyer towards the living room, Anaya could feel the tension growing inside her. Just act normal, she thought, but it was easier said than done.

"Rudra, Anaya, you're back!" Rakhi called from her seat, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Rudra merely nodded, his face stoic. "Yes, we're back."

Anaya managed a small smile, but before she could speak, Dev's voice broke through the room.

"Rudra, I need to talk to you," Dev said, his tone serious as he stood from his seat. His eyes briefly flicked to Anaya before focusing back on Rudra.

Rudra's expression didn't change. He turned to Anaya for a brief second, his eyes softening just slightly—a silent message for her to relax. Then he turned back to his father, giving a curt nod. "Of course."

Anaya felt a twinge of nervousness. Whatever Dev wanted to talk about, it didn't seem casual. Rudra, ever the strategist, seemed unfazed, but Anaya knew better than to think it was nothing. As Rudra followed Dev towards the study, she was left standing there, feeling a bit exposed.

Komal, who had been observing the whole interaction, gave a small smile. "Anaya, why don't you join us? It's been a while since we had a proper chat."

Anaya nodded politely and walked over to sit with Komal and Rakhi, but her mind was racing. She couldn't help but think about the conversation Rudra was about to have with his father. What was it about? Was it something serious? She couldn't quite shake the feeling that something was off, but she didn't want to overthink it.

As she sat down, Komal leaned in slightly, her voice gentle but curious. "So, how was the evening, dear? You two seem to have had a good time."

Anaya felt her face heat up again. "It was nice," she said, trying to keep her tone casual. "Just a simple dinner."

Rakhi raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Simple, huh?"

Anaya smiled awkwardly. She wasn't sure how much to share, but she also didn't want to give anything away. "Yes, just dinner. Nothing too special."

Komal patted her hand, her eyes kind. "I'm glad. You two deserve some time together."

Anaya nodded, grateful for the support, but inside, she was still thinking about Rudra. What could Dev want to talk about that seemed so urgent? And why now, of all times?

Meanwhile, in the study, Dev closed the door behind him and turned to Rudra with a serious expression. "I've been meaning to talk to you about some things regarding the business."

Rudra crossed his arms, his posture relaxed but attentive. "What is it?"

"There have been some developments with our foreign partners. I don't want to go into too much detail now, but I need you to look over some documents and make a few decisions," Dev explained, walking over to his desk and handing Rudra a folder.

Rudra took the folder, his mind already switching into work mode. "I'll review them tonight."

"Good," Dev said, but there was something more in his eyes—a weight that hadn't been there before. "But there's another matter I wanted to discuss with you."

Rudra raised an eyebrow, waiting for his father to continue.

Dev hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "It's about Anaya."

At the mention of her name, Rudra's posture stiffened slightly. "What about her?"

Dev sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just want to make sure you're taking care of her, Rudra. She's a good girl, and... well, you know how this family can be."

Rudra's eyes narrowed slightly. "Of course I'm taking care of her."

"I'm not questioning your intentions," Dev said quickly. "I just want to remind you that she's new to all of this. She doesn't have the experience or the background that we do. It's going to be harder for her to adjust."

Rudra's jaw clenched, but he nodded. "I know. And I'll make sure she's fine."

Dev studied his son for a moment before nodding. "I trust you, Rudra. I just want what's best for both of you."

Rudra gave a curt nod, his mind already racing with thoughts of how to handle both the business and his personal life. The weight of responsibility was always there, but now, with Anaya in the picture, it felt heavier.

As Rudra made his way back to the living room, he spotted Anaya sitting with Komal and Rakhi, a small smile on her face as they chatted. Despite the tension from the conversation with his father, seeing her there—happy and comfortable—made something in his chest loosen.

He walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up at him with a soft smile.

"Everything okay?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Rudra gave a small nod, his poker face slipping just a little. "Yeah. Everything's fine."

But deep down, he knew that the real challenge was just beginning. As much as he tried to protect Anaya from the pressures of his world, they were closing in, and he would have to navigate carefully if he wanted to keep her safe—both from the outside world and from the weight of the Singhaniya family legacy.

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As Ria made her way down the stairs, engrossed in her tablet, her mind was focused on her work. The mansion was bustling with quiet activity, but Ria had become used to the atmosphere. She carefully balanced the tablet in one hand, typing something out quickly as she descended the stairs. But then, in an unexpected moment, her foot slipped on the polished marble step, and her body lurched forward, losing balance.

Her heart skipped a beat as her hands instinctively reached out to grab something, anything, to stop her fall. The tablet was about to slip from her fingers when, out of nowhere, a strong hand caught her wrist, steadying her before she could tumble.

It was Ravi.

He had been walking up the stairs when he noticed Ria losing her balance. With swift reflexes, he caught her, one hand gripping her wrist firmly, the other catching the tablet just before it hit the ground. For a second, the world seemed to stand still as he held her, and Ria found herself staring at him, wide-eyed with shock.

"Careful," Ravi said, his voice calm but with a hint of concern. His grip on her hand remained steady as he helped her regain her balance. "You could've hurt yourself."

Ria, still slightly breathless from the scare, blinked up at him. "I—I wasn't paying attention. Thank you."

He handed her the tablet, still holding her wrist gently as if making sure she was truly steady. Their proximity made Ria suddenly aware of how close they were standing. Her heart, which had been pounding from the near fall, now seemed to beat even faster for another reason altogether.

"You're always in a rush," Ravi said with a slight smile, releasing her wrist only after he was sure she was fine.

Ria chuckled nervously, glancing down at the tablet and then back up at him. "I guess I am. Too much work on my plate."

"Maybe you should slow down a little," he suggested, his tone light but with a touch of seriousness. "It's not worth risking a fall over."

"I'll try," she said, her voice softer now, her eyes lingering on him for a moment longer than usual.

Ravi nodded, his usual calm and composed self, though there was something in his gaze that made Ria feel... different. She wasn't sure what it was, but it left her feeling a bit flustered.

"Thanks again," she added, her voice a little more steady now, though the lingering warmth from his touch was hard to ignore.

"Anytime," Ravi said with a small smile before turning and heading back up the stairs, leaving Ria standing there, her mind still replaying the moment that had just passed.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart as she continued her descent, this time being much more careful with each step. But her thoughts were no longer on her work—they were on Ravi and the way his hand had steadied her, the way he had looked at her with concern in his eyes. It was a small moment, but it left an unexpected flutter in her chest that she couldn't quite shake off.

Ria made her way to the living room where Rudra and Anaya were still sitting, seemingly deep in conversation with Komal. As she approached them, her mind was still somewhat distracted, though she tried to focus.

Anaya glanced up as Ria entered the room, noticing the slightly dazed expression on her face. "Ria, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Ria snapped out of her thoughts and smiled awkwardly. "I'm fine. Just... slipped on the stairs. Ravi helped me out."

Anaya smiled knowingly. "Ah, Ravi to the rescue, huh?"

Ria nodded, trying to play it off casually, though she could feel the blush creeping up her neck. "Yeah, just in time."

Rudra, ever observant, raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. Instead, he looked over at Anaya, who had a faint smile playing on her lips. The mood in the room was light, but Ria couldn't shake the thought of that brief moment with Ravi—the way his hand had steadied her, the look in his eyes.

As she settled into her seat, she glanced at her tablet, trying to focus on the work ahead, but her mind kept drifting back to Ravi. Maybe it's nothing, she told herself, but deep down, she knew that something had shifted. Whether it was in her heart or just her mind, she wasn't sure—but she would soon find out.

Ria tried to focus on her tablet, but her mind kept drifting back to the moment on the stairs with Ravi. The gentle way he had held her wrist, his calm demeanor—it all lingered in her thoughts. She couldn't shake off the feeling, and it was getting harder to focus.

Meanwhile, Anaya and Rudra exchanged a glance. Anaya noticed Ria's distracted expression and couldn't help but smile to herself. She had a hunch about what was going on but decided not to pry just yet. Instead, she turned her attention back to Rudra, who had remained unusually quiet after their conversation with Dev.

Rudra, who had mastered the art of masking his emotions, was sitting with his typical cold and composed expression. But Anaya had learned to read the subtleties in his face, the faint lines of tension around his eyes, the way his jaw clenched when he was deep in thought. Something was on his mind.

Before she could ask him about it, Ria finally looked up from her tablet, her work clearly forgotten. "What were you two talking about?" she asked, her curiosity piqued by the earlier conversation between Rudra and Dev.

Rudra, always quick to deflect, raised an eyebrow. "Nothing you need to worry about," he said coolly, though there was a slight edge to his tone that Anaya picked up on.

Anaya smiled softly, trying to ease the tension. "Just some work stuff," she added, glancing at Rudra, who gave her a brief nod of appreciation for not pressing further.

Ria wasn't easily convinced but didn't push it. Her thoughts were still a little scattered, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to dive into work matters right now. Especially not when Ravi's sudden presence was still fresh in her mind.

Just as the atmosphere in the room started to settle, Komal, who had been watching quietly, spoke up. "It's rare to see the three of you sitting together like this," she said, her voice carrying a teasing note. "Are we about to witness a family discussion, or is something brewing between the siblings?"

Anaya and Ria both laughed lightly, but Rudra remained as stoic as ever. He leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms as if to shield himself from any further teasing.

Ria, always quick to deflect the attention from herself, chimed in. "Actually, I was about to head back to work, but I slipped on the stairs," she said, glancing at Anaya with a playful grin. "And Ravi saved the day."

At that, Rudra's expression shifted slightly. He shot a look at Ria, his brow furrowing ever so slightly. "Be careful next time," he said, his voice holding a note of concern. It was subtle, but Anaya caught it. Rudra rarely showed his protective side openly, but it was there in moments like these.

Ria waved him off with a smile. "I will, don't worry."

Anaya, still sensing the tension between Rudra and his brother earlier, decided to change the subject. "So, what's on the agenda for the rest of the day?" she asked, looking at Rudra, hoping to steer the conversation away from the previous topics.

Rudra glanced at her, his eyes softening slightly. "Meetings. A lot of them," he said with a sigh. "But nothing you need to worry about."

Anaya smiled, grateful for his effort to keep her from feeling burdened by his work stress. She could tell there was more on his mind, but for now, she let it go.

Just then, Ria's phone buzzed, and she quickly glanced at it. A small frown crossed her face. "I've got to get back to work. There's a report I need to finish by tonight."

Anaya nodded understandingly, while Rudra remained silent, his eyes following Ria as she stood up and made her way back towards the stairs, this time much more carefully.

As soon as Ria disappeared from view, Anaya turned to Rudra. "You didn't seem too happy when Dev brought up work earlier," she said softly, careful not to push too hard.

Rudra looked at her, his dark eyes studying her for a moment. "There are some issues at the office," he admitted, his voice low. "But I'll handle it."

Anaya nodded, reaching out to place her hand gently on his arm. "I know you will. Just don't forget that you don't have to handle everything alone."

Rudra's gaze softened as he looked down at her hand resting on his arm. For a moment, the coldness in his expression melted away, and Anaya could see the man beneath the icy exterior. He placed his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I won't forget," he said quietly, though Anaya could tell that he still had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

They sat in silence for a few moments, the air between them comfortable and warm despite the earlier tension. The mansion, with its grand halls and luxurious decor, felt almost too big in these quiet moments. But right now, it was just the two of them, sharing a small, intimate moment in the midst of all the chaos.

Rudra eventually stood up, his hand lingering on Anaya's for a second longer before he let go. "I have to go handle some things," he said, his voice returning to its usual composed tone. "But I'll be back soon."

Anaya nodded, watching him as he left the room. She sighed softly once he was gone, leaning back in her seat. Despite everything, she knew that things were changing between them. Slowly, but surely. And for the first time in a while, she felt hopeful.

To be continued...**