Your Father too..

💙 Author's Note – Mine Yes! 💙

Hey my dear readers,

First of all, I want to sincerely apologize for the delays in chapter updates. I know many of you look forward to each release, and I truly appreciate your patience and understanding. As much as I wanted to keep up with my previous schedule of Five chapters per week, life has been hectic with a packed workload and future projects that require my full attention.

To ensure the best quality for Mine Yes!, I have decided to reschedule updates to once in a week—every Monday. This will allow me to pour my heart and effort into each chapter, making sure every scene, every emotion, and every character development is crafted with care. I want you to fully experience the world of Mine Yes! without it feeling rushed or incomplete.

I always strive to give my 100% because you, my readers, deserve the best! Writing isn't just about putting words on a page—it's about creating moments that make you feel, connect, and immerse yourself in the journey. And for that, I need the time and space to do it right.

Thank you for being patient with me, for supporting me, and for believing in my work. Your comments, likes, and love mean the world to me. I promise to continue bringing you a story that's worth the wait!

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This novel is my original work. Any unauthorized reposting, copying, or claims of ownership (including covers, images, or text) will be considered copyright infringement. Please report any false claims if you come across them.

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Thank you for your love and support! 💙 Let's keep this journey going together! ✨

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Aarav Singhaniya adjusted his cufflinks with effortless grace, seated at the head of the conference table in one of the opulent boardrooms of Singhaniya Hotels. The air smelled faintly of expensive cologne, leather chairs, and freshly brewed espresso. He listened intently, nodding as the final slides of the presentation from his Southeast Asian clients flickered on the screen.

The deal was lucrative—an expansion of their hospitality empire into the Southeast Asian luxury market—but the pressure of the last few weeks was beginning to chip away at him. At just twenty, Aarav was navigating boardrooms, managing high-stakes contracts, and facing responsibilities most men didn't confront until their mid-thirties. His youth was wrapped in a sharp suit and tied down by legacy.

As the presentation concluded, he rose smoothly, extending a firm handshake."It's been a pleasure working with you. We'll review the final clauses and send the documents for signing by tomorrow. Looking forward to a long and successful partnership."

The clients responded with practiced smiles and polite nods, exchanging business cards before leaving the room. Once the doors shut behind them, Aarav let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He raked a hand through his slightly disheveled hair, tiredness momentarily softening his sharp features.

Pulling out his phone, he typed a quick message:

Meet me at our place in the evening. Oh, and tell him too.

Message sent, phone back in his blazer pocket, he strolled toward his cabin. The moment he stepped in, he tugged off his tie, slumped against the edge of his desk, and gazed out at the glittering skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

A sigh escaped him as he dialed home.

Singhaniya Mansion, Later That Afternoon

Rakhi Singhaniya was nestled comfortably in the sun-dappled lounge of their sprawling home, flipping through a glossy lifestyle magazine. She hadn't even finished the first page when her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and let out an exaggerated sigh.

"Ab ye kaun call kar raha hai?" she murmured, even though the name flashing on the screen made her smile.

Komal Singhaniya, her ever-sharp and ever-playful mother-in-law, sat beside her, sipping her evening tea. She smirked knowingly.

"Beta, we both know who it is. Tera chhota wala boyfriend."

Rakhi rolled her eyes fondly. "Haan haan, I know. Yeh ladka bhi na..."

She picked up the call."So, my dear son, why are you calling your poor mother in the middle of the day? Shouldn't you be swimming in files and board meetings?"

On the other end, Aarav groaned."Mom, can we not do the dramatic routine today? I'm twenty, running this massive hotel business, doing all-nighters with people twice my age. Mujhe break chahiye. Please tell Dad to give me a few days off."

Rakhi laughed softly. "Aur tujhe lagta hai woh meri sunta hai? Beta, your father barely listens to himself."

Before Aarav could protest, Komal leaned in and whispered with a mischievous twinkle, "Put the phone on speaker."

Rakhi obeyed with a chuckle."Aarav, you're on speaker now."

Aarav paused, groaning. "Wait—Dadi's there too?"

"Of course," Rakhi replied.

Komal's voice immediately rang out."Acha boyfriend, kya problem hai? Why are you sulking about my son again? Have you forgotten that he's also your father?"

Aarav sighed dramatically. "Dadi! Don't take his side. You're supposed to love me the most."

Komal chuckled. "Beta, I do love you the most. But even the best boyfriends don't get holidays without some convincing."

"You're blackmailing me now?" Aarav feigned offense.

"I learned from the master. You," Komal said with a wink in her voice.

Rakhi was now laughing freely. Aarav tried again. "Okay, okay. Dadi, if I book you a luxury spa session in the hotel's new wellness wing—my treat—will you talk to Dad for me?"

Komal's eyes sparkled. "Now you're speaking my language!"

Rakhi gasped. "Maa, seriously?"

Komal shrugged. "Opportunity must be seized, beta."

Aarav grinned. "So... deal?"

"Hmm... I'll talk to him. No promises. Your father is more stubborn than a locked vault."

"That's my Dadi!" Aarav cheered.

Rakhi shook her head. "Tum dono ki jodi hi alag hai."

"Jealous, Mom?" Aarav teased.

"Only slightly," Rakhi said with a smirk.

"Love you, Mom. Love you more, Dadi!"

"Love you too, mera handsome boyfriend," Komal cooed.

As the call ended, Komal leaned back into the couch, sighing with affection. "This boy... total drama, but pure heart."

Rakhi glanced at her, smiling. "Let's see if your charm works on Dev this time."

Komal's grin was all mischief. "Oh darling, I raised that man. Watch and learn."

📚*^____^*📚*^____^*📚*^____^*📚*^____^*📚*^____^*📚

The warm evening sun slanted across the sleek corridors of Tech High, casting golden rays through the windows. Anaya shut down her PC with a soft exhale, her fingers stiff from typing all day. Just as she reached for her purse, a slightly breathless colleague hurried over.

"Anaya! Sorry to bother you... could you drop this file at Pranali's desk? I need to run for an emergency. Please?"

Anaya blinked. She wasn't in a rush anyway."Sure. No problem."

"Thank you! You're a lifesaver!" the coworker grinned, already darting away.

Anaya shook her head, amused. Carefully slipping the file under her arm, she straightened her kurti, fixed the strap of her sling bag, and walked down the quiet corridor. She reached Pranali's cabin and knocked softly, but it was empty.

"Where did she vanish off to?" she muttered.

Spotting a sticky note pad, she scribbled a quick message:

Pranali, I've left the file here. Hope that's okay! – Anaya

She placed the note on the folder and gently shut the door behind her. Fishing her phone out, she called Janvi.

"Hey!" came Janvi's chirpy voice.

"Leaving now. Meet me at the main lobby?"

"Perfect! See you in a bit!"

Anaya smiled and stepped into the elevator. As the doors closed, she leaned back, the day's exhaustion slowly giving way to relief.

🌸_________🌸_________🌸_________🌸_________🌸

The lobby was bathed in soft lighting, and through the glass walls, the city's skyline twinkled with life. Anaya adjusted her bag and waited.

"Finally!" came Janvi's teasing voice.

Anaya turned, mock-glaring. "Don't blame me! Someone dumped last-minute work on me."

Janvi laughed. "Come on. I'm starving. Let's go!"

The two friends stepped into the buzzing street, their laughter melting into the city noise—cars honking, street vendors calling out, the world alive around them.

"To the café?" Janvi asked.

Anaya nodded. "Our usual. I need that cinnamon latte today."

…just a few people scattered across cozy booths and window seats, either lost in their laptops or deep in conversation.

Anaya and Janvi made their way to their favorite corner table near the window—one that overlooked the quiet end of the street, glowing under the soft light of the streetlamp. The café owner, a familiar elderly man with kind eyes and a perpetual smile, gave them a small wave from behind the counter. Anaya returned the gesture, her lips tugging into a faint smile.

They settled into their seats, placing their bags beside them. The air between them was filled with a comfortable silence, the kind that only existed between friends who didn't need to fill the space with constant chatter.

A waitress approached with a notepad in hand. "The usuals?" she asked with a knowing smile.

Janvi nodded. "Yes, please. And add one chocolate croissant. I deserve it after today."

The waitress chuckled. "Coming right up."

As she walked away, Janvi turned back to Anaya, her expression softening as she leaned her elbows on the table.

"You look tired today," she observed.

Anaya exhaled, her gaze dropping to her hands resting on the table. "Long day. Just... lots of small things piling up."

Janvi tilted her head. "Work things or... Rudra things?"

Anaya paused for a second, biting the inside of her cheek. "Both, I guess." Her voice was quiet, a whisper lost between the soft hum of the music and clinking of cups.

Janvi didn't push. She waited.

Anaya glanced out the window for a moment before continuing. "Sometimes I feel like I'm holding a thread that could snap at any moment. Like I'm trying so hard to hold everything together—my internship, the secrets, this… marriage. And he—he keeps building walls I can't climb."

Janvi reached across the table, her fingers brushing Anaya's knuckles gently. "You're doing your best. And you're not alone. You have me. And one day, even Rudra will see what he's risking if he doesn't start meeting you halfway."

Anaya gave a tight smile. "You make it sound easy."

"It's not easy," Janvi said firmly. "But it's worth it. You're worth it. Don't forget that."

Their drinks arrived just then—two steaming mugs of hazelnut lattes and the croissant neatly plated. Janvi dove in with a satisfied hum, and slowly, a laugh escaped Anaya as she watched her friend eat like she hadn't touched food all day.

The tension in her chest eased, even if just for a moment. The laughter was fleeting but real.

The city outside kept moving, unaware of the storm that brewed quietly within the heart of a girl who smiled too politely and carried too much.

But here, in this little café corner, under golden lights and the scent of roasted coffee beans, she allowed herself to breathe.

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The warmth of the latte seeped into Anaya's fingers as she wrapped both hands around the cup, holding it close to her chest like a shield. Outside, the rain had started to fall—tiny, hesitant droplets tapping the glass like a whisper from the universe.

Janvi, now halfway through her croissant, finally broke the comfortable silence. "Have you told him how you feel?"

Anaya's lashes lifted slowly. Her voice barely made it past the rim of her cup. "And say what? 'Hi, Rudra, I know you keep our marriage a secret, and I know I'm supposed to act like just another intern in your office. But sometimes I feel invisible even in our own story.'" Her tone was flat, bitter with a quiet sadness.

Janvi sighed. "Anaya…"

"I can't say it," she murmured. "I'm scared he'll pull away even more. That maybe… he'll regret marrying me altogether."

The words lingered between them, heavy and sharp like the chill that rolled in with the rain.

Janvi reached out, this time squeezing her hand. "You think too little of yourself. Rudra may be many things—cold, secretive, infuriating—but he's not blind. He chose you. And he doesn't make careless choices."

Anaya smiled faintly. "Maybe. But I don't want to be just a choice. I want to be a reason."

Her eyes lifted to meet Janvi's—gentle, but determined. "And that's what scares me the most. What if I'm not enough reason for him to finally open his heart?"

Just then, her phone buzzed on the table, screen lighting up with a message.

Rudra Singhaniya:Where are you? It's getting late.

Her breath caught.

Janvi leaned over, reading the message upside down. "Well well, look who's tracking the clock like a jealous husband."

Anaya blinked. "He never texts. Not like this."

Janvi grinned. "Then maybe he's learning. Slowly. Stubbornly. But still learning."

Anaya bit her lip and typed back.

Anaya:Just at the café with Janvi. Will head home soon.

Almost immediately, the three dots appeared—then stopped. Then started again.

But no reply came.

She stared at the screen for a few more seconds, then looked out the window again. The rain had grown heavier now, turning the street slick and shiny under the amber streetlights.

"Come on," Janvi said softly. "I'll walk you out. He'll be waiting."

Anaya stood, grabbing her bag, her heart a strange mix of nervous and hopeful. Because despite everything—every wall, every silence—she wanted him to wait.

To care.

And maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of that.

_______+_______+_______+_______+_______+_______+_______

The rain didn't stop.

Anaya stepped out of the café, Janvi's umbrella barely shielding them from the downpour. The city had slowed down under the weight of the weather—headlights reflecting in puddles, people rushing with umbrellas, and that faint scent of wet earth in the air.

But inside her chest, there was a storm far louder than the one outside.

As they neared the car parked by the curb, Anaya's steps halted. Her breath caught.

Leaning against the matte-black SUV, arms crossed, and hair slightly damp from the mist, stood Rudra.

In a crisp black shirt and his usual expressionless face, he looked like he belonged in a different universe—one where storms obeyed him and people feared his silence more than his words.

But his eyes—those sharp, hawk-like eyes—locked onto hers like magnets. And in that one glance, she felt both exposed and seen.

Janvi, catching the tension in the air, whispered, "He came himself?"

Anaya nodded slowly, unable to form words.

Janvi gave her a gentle nudge. "Go."

She approached him hesitantly, fingers tightening around her sling bag. Her voice was soft when she finally broke the silence. "You didn't have to come."

Rudra's jaw clenched, then relaxed. "You didn't answer after the last message."

"I didn't think you'd worry," she replied honestly, a trace of pain in her tone.

His eyes narrowed. "I always worry. I just don't show it the way you expect."

Anaya swallowed. "And what way is that, Rudra? Like a husband would? Or just someone who doesn't want his intern causing a scandal?"

A flash of emotion crossed his face—hurt, maybe. Or anger. She couldn't tell.

Without answering, he reached out and opened the car door for her. "Get in. We'll talk at home."

"No," she said suddenly, standing her ground. "We're always waiting to talk at home. Then something interrupts. Or you shut me out."

Rain trickled down her hairline, but she didn't care. Her heart beat louder than the thunder.

"I need to know, Rudra. Am I really just a responsibility to you? A secret you hide behind office walls?"

He stared at her, unmoving. Then, slowly, he stepped closer, close enough that she could hear his breath.

"You are the only thing that makes sense in my chaos, Anaya," he said lowly, almost like it pained him to admit it. "But I'm still learning how not to ruin the things I care about."

Her lips parted in surprise. The words weren't romantic. They weren't dramatic. But they were real. From him, they were rare.

And they cracked something open inside her.

Before she could speak again, he added quietly, "Let me be wrong sometimes. Let me learn. But don't ever think you're just a secret. Because you are the only truth I have."