Mine Yes! : Forced to be yours Mr.Devil100.00%

Secrets Over Steaks

Author's Note: 4892

Hey dear readers! Thank you for being with me on this emotional ride. In this chapter, the unspoken words, lingering glances, and hidden truths between Rudra and Anaya deepen the mystery and tension. I hope you felt the intensity and vulnerability as every moment revealed a little more of their complex world.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on how their relationships evolve—drop a comment and let's chat! Your support truly inspires me to keep writing.

To keep the story flowing smoothly, here's the schedule for the upcoming chapter uploads:

📅 *Mondays*: 07:00 AM UTC

📅 *Thursdays*: 07:00 AM UTC

📅 *Saturdays*: 16:00 PM UTC

I am truly delighted to share each new chapter with you and eagerly await your exploration of this evolving story. I warmly invite you to share your thoughts, feelings, and theories with me—I sincerely value hearing from each and every one of you. Your support inspires me to craft every chapter with love and care.

Please stay connected with me:

📸 Instagram: @psole23.words

📌 Pinterest & YouTube: @enolaths_17

Thank you for being a part of this journey!

With all my love,

~PENOLA.S💕

As the three girls made their way out of the restaurant, Anaya's mind was in turmoil. The last thing she wanted was to face Rudra right now. The feelings of confusion and anger were swirling inside her. She could still hear his voice in her head, still feel his presence lingering in the air.

She glanced at Janvi and said, her voice low, "Rudra... he's too deep in all of this now. But right now, I can't face him. I just can't, Janvi. It's better if we forget about him for a while. Let's just focus on having a good time, okay?"

Janvi looked at her with concern but nodded. "I get it, Anaya. It's not easy dealing with someone like him. But don't worry. We'll get through this, okay?" She gave Anaya a reassuring smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Ria, who had been silent until now, was processing everything in her head. But then, as they walked toward the exit, she froze. Her eyes locked onto someone in the distance, and her expression immediately soured. There, standing near Rudra, was Aarav.

"Why is he here?" Ria muttered under her breath, her irritation evident. She exchanged a quick glance with Janvi, who raised an eyebrow, equally annoyed by the presence of Rudra's brother.

Janvi noticed Ria's discomfort and couldn't help but sigh. "Oh great. Why do these men have to show up when we're just trying to relax and enjoy ourselves? It's like they're trying to ruin our plans at every turn."

Ria shook her head, her frustration building. "Every time we make plans, one of them shows up to mess it up. First Rudra, now Aarav. What is it with these men?"

Anaya, feeling a little overwhelmed, sighed heavily. "I know, right? It's like they're always there when we least want them to be. But let's not let them ruin our day, alright? We need to move on and enjoy ourselves."

Ria and Janvi exchanged looks, both of them nodding in agreement. Despite their irritation, they knew they couldn't let the men control their happiness. They had their own plans, their own moments to enjoy, and they weren't going to let anyone—especially not Aarav or Rudra—take that away from them.

The trio made their way out of the restaurant and onto the street, trying to shake off the tense encounter. As they walked down the road, the sounds of the busy city helped distract them, but the brothers' thoughts lingered in the back of their minds.

For now, though, they would focus on their friendship, the bond that had gotten them through so much already. Whatever happened with Rudra, Aarav, or anyone else—they had each other, and that was enough to make everything feel a little bit lighter.

📑__________📑__________📑__________📑__________📑__________📑

Anaya and Janvi walked briskly towards the exit, their hearts pounding with tension. Janvi's grip on Anaya's wrist tightened as if silently urging her to maintain pace. The chatter and clinking of cutlery filled the air around them, but all Anaya could hear was the deafening drumbeat of her own pulse.

"Just a little further," Janvi whispered, glancing over her shoulder nervously.

Anaya nodded, though her anxiety was palpable. Every step felt like a daring escape from a looming confrontation they desperately wanted to avoid.

However, fate had other plans.

"Ria!" Aarav's voice boomed across the elegant restaurant, shattering their hopes of a clean getaway.

Ria, who had just exited the restroom, froze in place. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she mentally cursed her twin brother for being so observant.

"Damn it, Aarav," she muttered under her breath, forcing a polite smile onto her face as she turned toward him. Rudra and Ravi, standing beside Aarav, also looked in her direction. Rudra's sharp gaze swept across the room, landing on a familiar figure standing near Ria—Anaya, whose back was facing him.

Ria plastered a fake smile, trying to diffuse the situation. "Oh, hey, Bhai!" she greeted casually, hoping to brush off the awkward encounter.

But Rudra's eyes had already locked onto Anaya. His brow furrowed slightly, a hint of recognition flickering in his intense gaze.

"Ria, who's with you?" Rudra's authoritative voice carried across the space like a command.

Janvi and Anaya exchanged panicked glances.

"You are not going there," Anaya hissed under her breath, her voice firm.

"But he's my brother," Ria whispered back, torn between loyalty and self-preservation.

Janvi leaned in, her voice low but threatening. "Ria, if you go there, I swear I'll stop talking to you."

Ria sighed dramatically. "You're being so dramatic," she muttered.

Anaya added with a teasing but desperate tone, "And I'm your bhabhi now, remember? You have to listen to me."

Ria's lips twitched despite the tension. "Fine," she relented, though her expression clearly showed she knew this situation was spiraling out of control.

Meanwhile, Ravi emerged from the men's washroom, his sharp eyes immediately noticing the trio of girls standing awkwardly near the exit. His brows lifted in surprise.

Janvi's face lit up upon seeing him. "Sir! Please help us," she whispered urgently, clutching his arm as if he were their last hope.

Ravi blinked, confused but amused. "Help you? What's going on?"

Anaya's pleading eyes met Ravi's. "Just distract them. Please."

Ravi followed their gaze and immediately understood the predicament. Rudra's sharp eyes were already scrutinizing the scene. The subtle yet unmistakable glint of recognition in Rudra's eyes didn't go unnoticed by Ravi.

Rudra's lips curled into a faint smile as he signed to Ravi, subtly gesturing toward Anaya. "Is that Anaya?"

Ravi sighed inwardly. There was no point in lying. He nodded discreetly.

That was all Rudra needed.

Without a word, Rudra began walking toward them, his commanding presence parting the bustling crowd effortlessly. His gaze was locked on Anaya, who stood frozen, trying to hide her face.

Anaya's heart raced. She clenched her fists, willing herself to stay calm. "Please, not now," she whispered to herself, but fate seemed to have other plans.

Rudra reached her in a few swift strides. His hand shot out, gently but firmly grasping her wrist. The sudden contact made Anaya gasp softly.

"What are you doing here?" Rudra's voice was low, almost gentle, but there was an undeniable edge of authority.

Anaya squeezed her eyes shut, dreading the encounter. Her voice trembled as she responded, "We… we were just here for work."

Janvi, ever the quick thinker, jumped in. "Yes, sir. Work discussion," she said, nodding vigorously.

Rudra's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly not convinced. "At a five-star restaurant?"

Aarav, who had now joined the group, smirked. "And you, Ria? What are you doing here?"

Ria sighed dramatically. "I came with Anaya. We're friends, remember?"

Rudra's expression softened just a fraction, but his commanding tone remained. "Alright. Since we're all here, let's have a meal together."

Ria's eyes widened in horror. "No, no, no, Bhai. We were just leaving—"

"No," Rudra cut her off firmly. "We're having a meal. And Miss Janvi Sharma," he added, turning his gaze to her, "are you not busy?"

Janvi's jaw clenched, but she forced a polite smile. "No, sir. Not at all."

Rudra's eyes flickered back to Anaya, who was still standing stiffly. "Good. Let's go."

Ravi and Aarav, ever the enthusiastic duo, chimed in simultaneously. "Great idea!"

The girls exchanged exasperated glances but knew there was no escaping Rudra's demand. Defeated, they followed him to the reserved table.

As they walked, Janvi whispered to Anaya, "This is your fault."

Anaya groaned softly. "I know."

Ria muttered under her breath, "Next time, I'm hiding in the kitchen."

Janvi snorted. "We'll join you."

Despite the tension, a sense of reluctant camaraderie formed between the girls as they prepared themselves for what was sure to be an unforgettable and awkward dining experience.

✧( •̀ .̫ •́ )___________✧( •̀ .̫ •́ )___________✧( •̀ .̫ •́ )___________✧( •̀ .̫ •́ )✧

Rudra's composed demeanor remained steady as he took Anaya's hand, guiding her toward the round table with an unspoken command that brooked no refusal. His grip was firm yet protective, a silent message that despite the awkward dynamics awaiting them, she wouldn't face it alone.

Anaya's pulse quickened. Walking beside Rudra always felt like stepping into the spotlight, his commanding presence drawing attention wherever he went. She could feel the weight of the gazes from the others already seated at the table—Ria, Jhanvi, Aarav, and Ravi.

The seating arrangement was far from coincidental. Anaya found herself sandwiched between Ria and Rudra, with Jhanvi beside Ria and Aarav taking the seat directly across from Rudra. Ravi sat quietly opposite Anaya, his face impassive as usual. The ambiance of the private VIP room was luxurious yet suffocating under the tension hanging in the air.

As they reached the table, Rudra pulled out a chair for Anaya, his movements smooth and deliberate. "Sit," he instructed softly, his voice low but authoritative. He made sure Anaya was settled before taking his place beside her.

Anaya obeyed, her mind racing with regrets over agreeing to this dinner. What had she been thinking? It was supposed to be a casual outing—but nothing was ever simple when Rudra Singhaniya was involved.

Ria, ever the mischief-maker, leaned forward with a grin. "Bhai, this is such a rare treat. You actually made it to dinner without your phone glued to your ear," she teased.

Jhanvi smiled politely, trying to read the dynamics at play. "I must say, it's nice to see the legendary Rudra Singhaniya in a non-office setting," she added diplomatically.

Rudra inclined his head slightly. "Outside the office, I'm just Rudra," he said, his tone lighter than usual but still guarded.

"Noted, Rudra," Jhanvi replied with a playful glint.

Anaya, meanwhile, was struggling to maintain composure. Her fingers fidgeted under the table as she avoided Rudra's piercing gaze. She cursed herself silently for agreeing to this setup—especially with Ria's unpredictable antics.

"So, bhai," Ria began, her voice carrying a note of mischief, "Anaya has something she wants to talk to you about, doesn't she?" She shot Anaya a pointed look.

Anaya's eyes widened in horror. "Ria!" she hissed under her breath.

Every gaze at the table shifted to Anaya. Aarav raised an eyebrow, his trademark smirk faltering as he sensed the tension. Ravi, ever stoic, observed silently.

Rudra's expression remained unreadable. "What is it, Anaya?" he asked gently but firmly.

Anaya opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her heart raced as she struggled to find a way to defuse the situation.

Sensing her discomfort, Jhanvi stepped in smoothly. "How about we order first? Maybe that will help everyone relax," she suggested diplomatically.

Rudra nodded, appreciating her tact. "Good idea," he agreed, signaling the waiter.

The tension eased slightly as menus were distributed. Aarav seized the opportunity to lean closer to Jhanvi. "You're quite the peacemaker," he remarked with a grin.

"Just trying to keep things civil," Jhanvi replied dryly.

"Civil is boring," Aarav countered. "But you sitting next to me? That's a pleasant twist." His tone was teasing but measured.

Jhanvi arched an eyebrow. "Do you always flirt this shamelessly?"

"Only when it's worth the effort," Aarav quipped unabashedly.

Ria rolled her eyes dramatically. "Can you two stop flirting for like five seconds? We're here to eat, not star in a rom-com."

"Says the mastermind behind this seating arrangement," Anaya muttered.

Ria feigned innocence. "Me? Never."

Rudra's lips curved into a rare smile at the chaos unfolding around him. The weight of his responsibilities momentarily lifted, replaced by the warmth of shared laughter.

As the waiter took their orders, Rudra leaned subtly toward Anaya. "Relax," he murmured, his voice low. "You're not alone. Whatever it is, we'll handle it together."

Anaya's breath hitched. His unexpected reassurance left her both comforted and unsettled.

On the other side of the table, Ravi sat quietly, his expression unreadable. Unlike Aarav, who thrived on banter, Ravi preferred silence—his indifference often making him an enigma.

As the first course arrived, conversations flowed more naturally. Even Anaya found herself easing into the atmosphere, though a lingering tension remained beneath the surface.

Rudra knew there was more Anaya wanted to say—something important. And he was determined to find out, no matter how long it took.

But for now, he decided to let the evening unfold, savoring the rare joy of simply being with the people who mattered most.

Perhaps, just perhaps, that was enough for tonight.

🌸________🌸________🌸________🌸________🌸________🌸________🌸

Rudra's eyes flickered with quiet determination as the first course was cleared away. The atmosphere, though lightened by laughter and teasing, still buzzed with unsaid words and unresolved tensions.

Across the table, Aarav leaned back with a roguish grin, his gaze lingering on Jhanvi. She returned his look with a mixture of amusement and guarded curiosity. Despite being relative strangers in this intricate social dance, both felt the pull of something unspoken—a flirtation wrapped in playful banter. Aarav's subtle compliments and cheeky remarks managed to draw a smile from Jhanvi, even as she kept one eye on Ria, who seemed determined to oversee every word exchanged.

Ria, ever the vigilant mediator, interrupted the flirtatious exchange. "Enough with the games, you two," she chided, though the twinkle in her eye betrayed her own amusement. "Remember why we're here. This isn't just any dinner—it's a carefully laid plan. Changing restaurants, meeting at a VIP room… it's huge. We're not in college anymore, and we all know why Ravi keeps his gaze so distant tonight." Her tone was both playful and admonishing, a reminder that beneath the surface of flirtation and banter lay deeper, unresolved matters.

Ravi, sitting quietly opposite Anaya, shifted in his seat. His impassive expression masked an inner maelstrom of thoughts that he dared not reveal. Unlike Aarav, who wore his emotions on his sleeve, Ravi preferred to remain the silent observer—even if his eyes occasionally betrayed a hint of disapproval. Today, he maintained his usual detachment, silently questioning the choices that had led them all to this moment.

Anaya, meanwhile, was caught in a storm of internal conflict. Every teasing word and every laugh from around the table seemed to remind her of the secret that now hung between her and Rudra. She had tried so hard to speak her mind, but each time she opened her mouth, the words tangled in her throat. In her heart, she wanted to shout, "Bhai, you know the secret already—you don't have to hide!" But the moment the thought surfaced, it was swallowed by the fear of shattering the fragile balance of the evening.

Rudra, ever perceptive, caught the subtle tremor in Anaya's expression. His eyes, filled with both concern and a hint of something deeper, softened for a heartbeat. "Anaya," he murmured, leaning closer, "if there's something you need to say—anything at all—you can tell me." His voice was gentle, almost a whisper meant only for her, yet it resonated across the table.

Anaya's gaze darted from Rudra to Jhanvi, then to Ria, as if pleading for a sign—a moment of support. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the weight of unspoken memories and half-remembered promises. Finally, she mustered the courage to speak, though her voice trembled. "I… I can't seem to get the words out," she admitted softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

At that, a ripple of surprise passed over the table. Aarav and Rudra exchanged a glance—a mix of concern and, perhaps, understanding—while Ravi's impassive face remained unreadable. Jhanvi, ever diplomatic, quickly interjected, "Let's not dwell on secrets now. We're here to enjoy the meal. After all, isn't that what we all planned?" Her tone was light, yet it carried the subtle urgency of someone trying to steer the conversation away from potential conflict.

Ria nodded in agreement, her voice laced with both mischief and empathy. "Yes, let's eat. But remember, sometimes the best way to move forward is to clear the air." Her remark hung in the air like a challenge—a reminder that some conversations, though painful, were necessary.

As the second course arrived, the group's attention shifted momentarily to the exquisite presentation of the dishes. Aarav, seizing the opportunity to divert the mood back to his playful realm, leaned over to Jhanvi. "So, tell me," he said in a low, teasing tone, "what's your secret? How does someone so intriguing end up at a table like this?" His words were meant to charm, but also to distract, and for a moment, it worked.

Jhanvi's laughter was soft yet sincere as she replied, "A secret? Maybe. Or maybe I just prefer my company to be unpredictable." Her eyes sparkled with a challenge, and in that fleeting moment, the flirtation between them deepened—unnoticed by some, but not by Aarav, who was clearly enjoying every second of it.

Rudra watched all of this with a conflicted heart. The playful banter, the flirting, and even the subtle provocations—all served as a temporary escape from the unresolved issues that lingered between him and Anaya. Yet, in every glance he stole toward her, he saw the pain and uncertainty that lay beneath. It was a silent conversation—a battle of wills, of secrets and desires—that neither could openly acknowledge.

Ravi, in his quiet corner of the table, continued to observe. His internal monologue remained locked away behind a mask of calm. He knew the dynamics well enough to understand that tonight was not merely about a meal; it was about confronting the past, about finding a way to move forward despite the ghosts of college days and old grievances. Even he, with all his stoicism, recognized that the slightest misstep could unleash a cascade of emotions that might upset the delicate balance they were all trying so desperately to maintain.

As the meal progressed, so did the layers of conversation—each course serving as a brief intermission before the next act of this unfolding drama. Laughter mingled with quiet, heartfelt exchanges, and every so often, Rudra's gentle prompts reminded Anaya that she wasn't alone in her struggle. The unspoken promise between them—that they would face their shared secrets together—remained a fragile but vital thread tying their fates.

For now, the night carried on with its mixture of light-hearted banter and the underlying tension of suppressed truths. And while the plan to meet at this exclusive venue was, in its own way, a carefully calculated move, it was also a testament to the fact that sometimes, even amidst flirtation and playful feuds, the real battles were fought in the silent spaces between words.

In that quiet, charged atmosphere, every member of the table played their part—whether it was in flirtatious repartee or in guarding painful memories—and all the while, the unspoken question loomed: Would tonight be the night when the hidden truths finally emerged, or would the carefully constructed façade hold just a little longer?

Only time would tell, as the evening's delicacies continued to be served, each bite a reminder of both the sweetness and the complexity of their intertwined lives." }

Here's the next chapter of the evening, continuing from where Rudra guides Anaya toward the table and deepening the dynamics between all six characters:

Rudra's eyes flickered with quiet determination as he took Anaya's hand, guiding her toward the round table with an unspoken command that brooked no refusal. His grip was firm yet protective, a silent message that despite the awkward dynamics awaiting them, she wouldn't face it alone.