Smirk On Request

Here's a possible author's note for your work:

~ Author's Note ~4882

Hello, dear readers!

First of all, I want to thank you for following along this beautiful yet intense journey of Anaya and Rudra. Writing their story has been a whirlwind of emotions—drama, suspense, and tender moments wrapped in their evolving relationship. Each twist in their bond reflects how two individuals, even when surrounded by secrets, can find strength and trust in each other.

In this chapter, we explore a hidden side of Rudra that sheds light on his mysterious persona, while Anaya stands firm in uncovering her truths and dreams. Her courage to share her past and Rudra's willingness to open up mark a turning point in their story—a perfect blend of intrigue and heartfelt connections.

Your love, messages, and engagement mean the world to me. Keep reading and supporting as their adventure unfolds with even more surprising revelations!

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with Anaya and Rudra! To keep the story flowing smoothly, here's the schedule for the upcoming chapter uploads:

📅 *Mondays*: 08:00 AM UTC 

📅 *Thursdays*: 07:00 AM UTC 

📅 *Saturdays*: 16:00 PM UTC 

I'm beyond excited to share each new chapter with you, and I can't wait for you to dive deeper into their evolving story! Please don't forget to share your thoughts, feelings, and theories with me—I absolutely love hearing from all of you! Your support motivates me to keep crafting each chapter with love and care.

If you're enjoying this journey, let's stay connected:

📖 Webnovel: Penola.s

📸 Instagram: @psole23.words

📍 Pinterest/YouTube: @psole23_words

Feel free to share your thoughts, favorite moments, and theories—I love hearing from you all! ❤️

Happy Reading!

Krisha 🌸

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Below is a rewritten, extended, and richly detailed version of the scene, filled with heartfelt dialogues, modern 2025 language, and deep expressions of family closeness:

In the quiet, softly lit sitting room of Rajawat Mansion, Komal Singhaniya— the graceful matriarch of the family—sat in her favorite armchair by a large window. The gentle glow of the afternoon sun mingled with modern ambient lighting, casting delicate shadows on a curated wall of family photographs. Every picture told a story, and today, Komal's eyes were drawn to two very special images.

On a polished mahogany table lay a framed photograph of her late husband taken when he was 34. In the picture, he was every bit the distinguished businessman and leader he had been known to be. He wore a perfectly tailored charcoal-gray suit that blended classic Asian aesthetics with a contemporary business edge. His dark, neatly combed hair framed a face marked by both determination and warmth; his eyes, sharp and confident, seemed to promise a future built on both strength and compassion. His slight, knowing smile—one that had often reassured those around him—captured the essence of a man who led with integrity and vision.

Next to it, another treasured photo beckoned: a vibrant image of Komal herself at 28. In that youthful portrait, she radiated elegance and ambition. Dressed in a beautiful fusion ensemble—a delicately embroidered sari paired with a modern, structured jacket—her dark hair was styled in an intricate updo that spoke of both tradition and contemporary grace. Her eyes sparkled with energy and hope, and her smile was wide and genuine, as if she had just discovered a secret to happiness that she was eager to share with the world.

Komal gently picked up her husband's photograph, cradling it in her hands as if it were a precious relic. With a soft, affectionate tone, she began speaking as though he were right there beside her.

"You know, my love," she murmured, her voice trembling ever so slightly with emotion, "every time I look at this picture, I see that same spark in your eyes that made me fall in love with you all those years ago. You were so young, so full of passion and promise. I remember you used to say, 'Our love will be the foundation of everything we build together.' And, darling, you were right."

A wistful smile spread across her face as she placed the photo back gently. Shifting her gaze, she lifted the frame of her own younger self. "And look at me," she continued, laughing softly with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "At 28, I felt invincible—ready to conquer the world by your side. I loved every bit of that fearless energy, every dream we had." Her eyes shimmered with the joy of those vibrant days, and for a moment, the room seemed to fill with the youthful laughter and hope of a bygone era.

Her tone softened further as she began to speak about the present. "You'd be so proud of him, you know," Komal said quietly, her eyes turning toward a more recent family portrait on the wall—a picture of her grandson, Rudra, standing tall and confident, much like his grandfather once did. "Our Rudra is not only doing well but he's handling the business you left for him with such passion and determination. Sometimes, when I look at him, it's like I'm seeing you again—your stubborn drive, your kind heart. It makes me smile, thinking that your legacy lives on in him."

Her words floated gently through the room, a mix of everyday modern sentiment and timeless love. As if on cue, the door opened softly and Rakhi, her devoted daughter-in-law, entered. Dressed in a smart, casual kurta paired with comfortable leggings that still hinted at a subtle traditional elegance, Rakhi carried a small tray holding a glass of freshly squeezed juice. Her expression was warm but laced with concern.

"Maa, are you coming down for the dining table?" Rakhi asked, her modern, caring tone light yet insistent. "You haven't been up for a while. I was just about to check if you're feeling alright—did I call your doctor? We might need to get you checked out, you know."

Komal smiled gently at Rakhi, her eyes crinkling in genuine affection. "Oh, Rakhi, I'm fine, truly," she replied in a soft, assuring voice. "Sometimes, I just need a moment with my memories. They keep me company and remind me of the beautiful journey we've had."

Rakhi placed the tray on a side table and stepped closer, lowering her voice as she sat beside Komal. "I know, Maa. It just worries me when you get so lost in them," she said softly, reaching out to squeeze Komal's hand. "But I'm really happy to see you smiling. It's like those memories make everything brighter. You've always been our guiding light, and I'm so grateful to have you with us."

Komal's eyes sparkled as she looked again at her husband's photo. "You know, Rakhi," she began, her voice tender and reflective, "if he were still here, I'm sure he'd be over the moon to see our Rudra taking charge of the business. I sometimes imagine him standing right here, smiling that confident smile of his, saying, 'See, our legacy continues, and it's in good hands.'"

Rakhi's gaze softened, and she nodded in understanding. "Yes, Maa. I see it in every decision Rudra makes. He has that same spark—just like you both. It's like the best parts of him live on in him." She paused, then added with a playful glint, "And who knows, maybe he's even fallen in love the way you and Dad did. I mean, he's got that old-world charm mixed with modern ambition. It's really something special."

Komal chuckled softly, her laughter light and reminiscent of happier times. "Oh, Rakhi, you always know how to make me smile," she said. "I miss him so much, but every time I see Rudra, I feel a bit of his spirit. And I'm so proud—proud that his heart is just as big, that he's as dedicated to our family as you all are." She leaned closer to the photo of her late husband, her voice dropping to a soft whisper that was both loving and wistful. "If only you could see him now, my love. I'd tell you that our little world is thriving because of the love we built together."

Rakhi, ever nurturing, wrapped an arm around Komal's shoulder. "Maa, you have given us so much. You taught us how to love, how to hold on to each other through thick and thin. I promise, we'll always take care of you, just like you took care of all of us."

For a long, quiet moment, the two women sat together in the gentle hush of the room. The soft clink of the juice glass, the distant hum of the city outside, and the tender memories of days gone by wove together into an atmosphere of profound familial closeness.

Komal then looked up with a bright smile and said, in the simple, heartfelt, "You know, Rakhi, I truly believe that if Dad were here, he'd say, 'Our family is our greatest achievement.' And seeing Rudra and all of you growing into such wonderful people makes my heart so full. I'm so proud of every single one of you."

Rakhi smiled back warmly, her eyes shining with love. "We're lucky to have you, Maa. Your strength, your grace—it's what holds us together. And every time I see you like this, reminiscing about the past with so much love, I feel like we're all connected, no matter what time it is."

Komal's gaze drifted once more to the photos—each a testament to the enduring legacy of love and leadership. "Thank you, Rakhi," she whispered, her voice soft and full of quiet gratitude. "Thank you for always being there, for reminding me that while the past is beautiful, the present is a gift—and the future, a promise we carry forward together."

In that warm, tender room, filled with the echoes of laughter and the soft murmur of shared memories, Komal's heartfelt dialogues and gentle expressions painted a picture of a family united by love, tradition, and an unbreakable bond that transcended time.

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

The afternoon sun dipped lower, bathing the room in a warm, golden hue. The quiet hum of the mansion and the soft rustling of leaves outside melded with the tender atmosphere inside. Komal and Rakhi remained seated on the soft sofa, a gentle silence filling the space after their heartfelt exchange.

Rakhi glanced at Komal with concern. "Maa, you've been so quiet. Is there something else on your mind?" she asked softly, reaching to smooth the edge of Komal's shawl.

Komal looked up, her eyes distant as if recalling a far-off memory. "I was just thinking," she began, her voice tender and reflective, "about how time changes everything—but love, that remains constant. I remember when your father and I dreamed about this family, how we believed every challenge would only make us stronger." She paused, a small, wistful smile tugging at her lips. "I see that in Rudra every day. He carries a part of him in everything he does."

Rakhi nodded, her eyes glistening with quiet admiration. "I see it too, Maa. Every time he steps into the boardroom or makes a tough call, I feel like he's honoring your legacy—and his father's too. It's like a promise that no matter how much the world changes, our roots stay the same."

A gentle laugh escaped Komal as she recalled a memory. "Oh, do you remember that summer evening when we used to sit right here, and your father would say, 'Komal, my dear, our family is our true wealth'? Back then, we didn't have all these gadgets and digital distractions. It was just us, the twilight, and our dreams." Her eyes shone brightly for a moment, the reminiscence filling her with both pride and a touch of bittersweet longing.

Rakhi leaned in closer, placing a warm hand over Komal's. "Maa, I love hearing these stories. They make our history come alive. And they remind me how important it is to carry that love forward. Even on days when everything feels so complicated, those memories are a guiding light."

Komal's gaze shifted to the photographs once more, her eyes softening as they landed on the image of her late husband. "I often think about him—about how he used to look when he was at his prime. You know, at 34 he had this aura. His eyes were so determined, yet they held a kindness that could soothe any storm. And look at me at 28," she added with a gentle chuckle, her voice tinged with both pride and humor. "I was so full of life, so ready to take on the world with him by my side."

Her voice dropped to a soft murmur, intimate and full of emotion. "I wish, sometimes, I could tell him how proud I am of our grandson. How every time I see Rudra, I see a piece of him, a reflection of the man I once loved so dearly. It makes the days a little brighter, even when you're not here."

Rakhi squeezed Komal's hand reassuringly. "Maa, I know it hurts. But your love and memories are what keep him alive in all of us. And I see that in every smile, every success. We're all here because of the foundation you built together."

Outside, the sounds of the mansion's daily bustle drifted softly through the open window—a reminder of life continuing in all its vibrant, unpredictable glory. In that moment, Rakhi carefully set the juice tray aside and rose, walking over to a nearby shelf that held a collection of old family albums. "Come, Maa," she said warmly, "let's look at some more of these photos. I want to see you smile about the old days, to remember every little detail that made your heart sing."

Komal's eyes brightened at the suggestion. With a slow, contented nod, she reached out and took the album from Rakhi's hands. As they settled back onto the sofa, Rakhi opened the album to reveal a cascade of images: candid snapshots of laughter in sunlit gardens, quiet moments of shared secrets during long summer nights, and even playful mischief captured in grainy, old photographs.

Flipping through the pages, Komal paused on an image of her and her husband at a family picnic. "Look at us, Rakhi," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "Your father was always so full of life. Even when he was busy with work, he'd steal a moment just for us—a laugh, a hug, a simple look that said everything." She laughed gently, her eyes glistening. "And I—oh, I was so young and headstrong. We both had dreams bigger than the sky."

Rakhi smiled, her modern cadence filled with warmth and a touch of playful teasing. "And yet, here we are—every dream, every memory, woven together into this incredible tapestry that is our family. I'm honored to be a part of it, Maa."

The conversation meandered through the corridors of time as Komal and Rakhi reminisced about the past—about how the world had changed from the days of handwritten letters and quiet evenings by candlelight to the digital symphony of today's 2025. Yet, despite all the modern distractions, the essence of love, commitment, and family remained untouched.

After a while, Komal's eyes returned to the photograph of her late husband, and she spoke in a low, soft voice, as if sharing a secret with the man she had loved for so long. "You always told me that the real measure of our life was not in the wealth we amassed, but in the love we nurtured. I see that love in Rudra, and in all of us. I know you'd be so proud—even now. And I know, in my heart, that our family, our legacy, will keep growing just the way you dreamed it would."

Rakhi's voice, gentle and sincere, filled the space. "Maa, your strength, your love—it's the heart of our family. I promise we'll always honor it, just as you honor him in your heart every day."

As the album's pages turned softly under their fingers, the room filled with a sense of peace—a quiet acknowledgment that while time might take away the physical presence of loved ones, it could never erase the deep bonds and memories that made them eternal. The gentle interplay of modern warmth and timeless affection had created a haven where every whispered dialogue, every shared smile, and every tender glance spoke of a family that thrived on love, resilience, and the enduring power of memory.

And so, in that serene moment amid the treasured photos and soft echoes of the past, Komal and Rakhi continued to cherish the legacy of love—a legacy that, even in the bustling modernity, remained the guiding force of their lives.

📚________📚________📚________📚________📚

In the sleek, glass-walled office of Singhaniya Enterprises, Rudra sat at his minimalist desk, the low hum of modern technology and the gentle glow of LED lights setting the scene for another pivotal moment in his meticulously planned day. His laptop lay open before him, displaying a series of documents that required his careful attention. With measured precision, he signed the final line on a critical contract—the pen's soft scratch on paper punctuating the silence of the room. Every stroke seemed deliberate, each signature a step further in a game only he truly understood.

Just as he was closing the contract file, the door swung open with a quiet click. Ravi—often called Raavi in casual banter for reasons known only to those in the inner circle—entered briskly, a sleek, high-tech tablet clutched in his hand. His brow was furrowed, and the tension in his posture betrayed the urgency of the message he carried.

"Sir," Ravi said, his voice measured yet edged with a sense of impending significance, "we've just received a request email from Kunal's secretary. It's a meeting request—Kunal wants to meet with you immediately."

Rudra slowly lifted his gaze from the document he'd just signed. The soft light from his laptop played across his focused eyes as he regarded Ravi. A subtle smirk crept onto his lips, the cool confidence in his expression hinting at long-held anticipation.

"Ah," Rudra replied in a low, almost amused tone, "I've been waiting for this request."

Ravi's eyes widened momentarily as he scanned Rudra's face for any sign of hesitation, but the smirk only deepened. "Really, sir? The email emphasizes urgency. It seems Kunal is keen to discuss something important—perhaps the next phase of our arrangement."

Rudra leaned back in his ergonomic chair, his fingers steepled as he allowed the weight of the moment to settle. "Every moment in this game counts, Ravi. I've set the pieces in motion, and now the time has come for them to converge. Let them come—I'm ready for whatever unfolds next."

Ravi nodded slowly, his tension giving way to a respectful calm. "Understood, sir. I'll reply to the email and arrange the meeting. I'm sending a confirmation right now." His fingers danced over the tablet's touchscreen, each tap deliberate as he crafted a succinct response that mirrored the gravity of the situation.

Rudra's eyes flickered back to his laptop screen, but his mind was clearly elsewhere—mapping out strategies, weighing risks, and savoring the moment of anticipation. The modern office around him, with its clean lines, ambient hum of machinery, and panoramic view of the bustling city below, felt like the nerve center of his ambitions. Every detail in that space was a testament to his meticulous planning, a stage upon which the next act of his carefully orchestrated plans was about to begin.

After a few moments, Ravi returned, holding the tablet up for Rudra to see. The screen displayed the email response, complete with a meeting confirmation and details of the soon-to-be-arranged encounter with Kunal.

Rudra's smirk widened as he scanned the email, the corners of his mouth lifting in quiet triumph. "Just as expected," he murmured, his tone low and almost conversational. "Let the next chapter begin."

Ravi paused at the threshold of the office, his eyes meeting Rudra's for a brief, charged moment. "I'll ensure everything is set up for the meeting, sir," he said, his voice now imbued with a blend of professional respect and personal urgency. "Kunal's team is already coordinating with ours."

Rudra nodded, his gaze drifting back to the documents on his desk as he processed the email's contents. His mind, sharp and calculating, began to churn through the possibilities that lay ahead. The meeting with Kunal was not merely another appointment—it was a crucial turning point that would redefine alliances and rivalries, reshaping the power dynamics that had long simmered beneath the surface of their industry.

With the email's confirmation firmly in place, Rudra closed his laptop with a definitive click. "Prepare the conference room," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for delay. "I want every detail perfect. This isn't just a meeting—it's the opening move in a game I've been planning for a long time."

Ravi's eyes gleamed with a mixture of admiration and anticipation as he bowed slightly. "Yes, sir. I'll see to it personally."

As the modern hum of the office continued unabated, Rudra allowed himself a brief moment to savor the significance of the day. The request he'd been waiting for was finally here, and with it, the promise of change, risk, and opportunity. In that charged instant, every keystroke, every signature, every meticulously planned detail converged to signal the start of a new phase—one where ambition met destiny in a high-stakes game of power and resolve.

And so, in the sleek, futuristic confines of his office, Rudra prepared himself for the meeting with Kunal—a meeting that, in the unyielding pace of year, promised to be the catalyst for a future written in both ambition and unspoken truth.

📑^_____^📑^_____^📑^_____^📑^_____^📑^_____^📑^_____^📑

In the sleek, glass-walled office of Singhaniya Enterprises, the modern hum of technology and the soft glow of LED lights set a focused atmosphere. Rudra was deep in work, his eyes fixed on the laptop screen as he signed off on an important document with a few deliberate strokes of his pen. His face wore a look of satisfaction mixed with a spark of curiosity—an unmistakable anticipation that something big was on the horizon.

Just then, the door opened quietly, and Ravi—often called Raavi by those close to Rudra—stepped in, tablet clutched in hand. His expression was a mix of tension and urgency as he cleared his throat. 

"Sir, we've just received an email from Kunal's secretary," Ravi announced in a low, careful tone. "It's a meeting request—Kunal Rajawat wants to meet with you as soon as possible."

Rudra looked up from his work, his eyes lighting up with a happy, almost mischievous glint. A slow smirk spread across his face as he replied, "Ah, finally! I've been waiting for this request. I'm definitely meeting Kunal Rajawat. Let's get this scheduled, Ravi. This meeting is more important than ever."

Ravi blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the relaxed confidence in Rudra's voice. He tilted the tablet so that Rudra could see the email. The screen displayed a neatly formatted request that underlined the urgency of the meeting. Yet Rudra's reaction was anything but alarmed—instead, his smirk grew, as if he found the very idea of the meeting both exciting and inevitable.

"Alright," Rudra said, his tone carrying both resolve and a playful note. "Make sure it's set up ASAP. I want all the details locked in—no delays. This isn't just another meeting; it's a turning point."

Ravi couldn't help but let a puzzled smile creep across his face as he ventured, "Rudra, am I your assistant or are we not—like, are we friends too?" His tone was casual, laced with the modern, familiar banter typical of office.

Rudra chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling as he leaned back in his ergonomic chair. "Ravi, in 2024 we keep it real—you're my assistant, but you're also one of the best friends I have. Trust me, we're in this together. Now, get on it. I'm really looking forward to meeting Kunal."

Ravi grinned, shaking his head in amused disbelief. "Okay, sir—er, friend. I'll get right on it. I'm on it like, now."

Rudra's gaze returned to his laptop as he resumed typing, yet his mind was clearly already racing through the possibilities that the meeting with Kunal Rajawat might bring. The modern office—with its minimalist design, ambient lighting, and a view of the bustling city below—seemed to pulse with the promise of change.

As Ravi turned to leave and finalize the arrangements, he paused at the doorway and looked back with a teasing lilt in his voice. "Rudra, seriously—am I your assistant, or are we just friends now?" 

Rudra's smirk deepened, and he gave a light, genuine laugh. "Ravi, in today's world, titles don't matter as much. We're a team—no cap. You're the best, and you know it. Now go, set that meeting up."

Ravi nodded, his earlier tension melting into a warm sense of camaraderie. "Will do, boss—and friend." With that, he left the room, leaving Rudra to bask in the quiet thrill of anticipation.

Rudra leaned back in his chair, his fingers hovering over the keyboard as he allowed himself a brief moment to savor the significance of the request. Every keystroke now felt like a step towards a future where old alliances would be tested, and new opportunities would emerge. His eyes shone with a mix of excitement and the relentless drive that had always defined him—a look that promised that, come what may, he was ready to embrace the next chapter.

And so, in that cutting-edge office space, the stage was set. With the meeting confirmed and his trusted team rallying around him, Rudra's mind was already mapping out the strategic moves that would soon reshape the power dynamics of their world—all under the unyielding light of the modern era.

❈＼(ﾟｰﾟ＼)❈＼(ﾟｰﾟ＼)❈＼(ﾟｰﾟ＼)❈＼(ﾟｰﾟ＼)❈＼(ﾟｰﾟ＼)❈

In the sleek, glass-walled office, the hum of modern tech filled the air as Rudra's eyes sparkled with anticipation. The confirmation email from Kunal's secretary still glowed on his laptop screen, and a subtle, happy smirk played on his lips. He leaned back in his ergonomic chair, exuding a mix of curiosity and excitement that was unmistakable in the 2024 vibe of his every gesture.

"Ravi, listen up," Rudra said, his tone low yet laced with genuine enthusiasm. "I'm definitely meeting Kunal Rajawat. Make sure you set everything up for that meeting ASAP. This one's critical—I can feel it in every fiber of my being." His voice carried an uncharacteristic lightness, as though the weight of the decision had finally lifted, replaced by an eagerness to see the next move in this intricate game.

Ravi, standing by the door with his tablet in hand, blinked in surprise at the rare brightness in Rudra's expression. For a moment, his face registered confusion as he tried to reconcile this unusually upbeat tone with Rudra's typically measured demeanor. After a brief pause, Ravi couldn't help but break the silence in his own modern, offhand style.

"Rudra, seriously—am I your assistant or am I not your friend?" he asked, his tone a mix of playful ribbing and genuine curiosity, as if trying to pin down the shift in their usual work banter.

Rudra chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he glanced up from his laptop. "Ravi, you're the best damn assistant I've ever had—and you're my friend, no question about it. I mean it, man. You've been with me through every twist and turn, and I wouldn't have it any other way." His smile widened, both reassuring and teasing, as he continued typing on his laptop, fingers dancing over the keys with renewed vigor.

The modern office, with its clean lines and ambient lighting, seemed to pulse with the promise of what was to come. Outside, the city buzzed with the energy of 2024—an era where technology and ambition blended seamlessly, much like the man in front of the screen. Ravi, still holding the tablet, shook his head in mild amusement and respect. "You really got that look today, boss. It's like you know something big's about to go down," he remarked, half in jest, half in genuine admiration.

Rudra's gaze remained fixed on the screen, his expression a blend of determination and curiosity. "I've been waiting for this meeting for a long time, Ravi. Kunal's request isn't just another email—it's the opening move in a game we've been playing for years. And now, it's time to see how the pieces fall into place."

Ravi nodded, his modern slang and casual tone contrasting with the gravity of their conversation. "Alright, man. I'll make sure everything's lined up perfectly. Consider it done." He tapped a few more commands into the tablet, his eyes reflecting the same mix of professionalism and personal investment that characterized their long-standing camaraderie.

As the minutes ticked by, Rudra allowed himself a moment to savor the excitement of the impending meeting. The office, with its panoramic view of a city that never slept and its high-tech ambiance, was a fitting stage for the next chapter of his carefully orchestrated plans. With every keystroke, he was one step closer to unraveling the delicate balance of power and alliances that had defined his world.

In that charged moment, the friendship between Rudra and Ravi shone through—a blend of modern office banter and the deep, unspoken loyalty that had carried them through countless challenges. Rudra's confident smile and Ravi's knowing look said it all: in the unpredictable dance of ambition and rivalry, some bonds remained unbreakable, even in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of 2024.

And so, with the meeting confirmed and the stage set, Rudra pressed on with his work, eager to embrace the uncertainty and opportunity that lay ahead. The next move was imminent, and as he leaned forward to dive back into his tasks, his mind buzzed with anticipation, ready to confront whatever challenges awaited in the high-stakes game he played every day.