The Red Thread of Eyes

Author's Note – A Little Change, With a Lot of Love 💌

Hey sweet souls,

I know many of you have been waiting patiently for Mine Yes! updates, and first—I want to say I'm truly sorry for the delay. Life got a bit overwhelming, and I needed some time to breathe and write with the love and intensity this story deserves.

But I have news! 💬Here's the new update schedule:

✨ 4 chapters will now drop every Monday only✨ Each chapter will be around 2,000 words—longer, deeper, and more emotionally intense✨ This allows me to give you more meaningful scenes and carefully crafted emotions

And to make up for the recent delay, a BONUS chapter will be released 12 hours after this post—just a little way to say thank you for being here and sticking with me. 💗

Your love and support keeps this story breathing. Let's keep building this world together.Comment below whether you'd like the story to continue with one chapter per day, or stick with this Monday bundle format—your vote matters!

Also, if you want to experience Mine Yes! in my voice, the Hindi version will soon be live on YouTube!🎙️ YouTube: @penola23_words🌐 Other platforms: Threads | Discord | Wattpad | Webnovel | Inkitt

Thank you for always supporting this lonely writer and her chaotic characters.Your love means everything to me.

With warmth and chaos,Penola.S | — the girl who writes when the world gets too quiet.

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The clinking of spoons, the rustle of chairs, and the soft hum of morning conversations filled the grand Singhaniya dining hall, a perfect backdrop to the rich aroma of salty-sweet breakfast delicacies. Janvi sat quietly, her gaze flitting around the large table, observing the comfort and familiarity shared among the family members. There was warmth here—undeniable, unapologetic, and perhaps even unfamiliar to her in some ways.

Komal Singhaniya, the regal matriarch whose presence could silence the entire house, sipped her tea gently before her eyes found Janvi with subtle curiosity. "So, Janvi," she asked, her voice gentle but firm, "do you live here with your parents, or alone?"

Janvi felt the weight of the question—not because it was intimidating, but because it felt loaded with intent. She could sense that Komal already knew the answer. Maybe Ria had told her. But this wasn't about facts; this was about truth—from her own mouth. A small pause passed before Janvi replied, maintaining grace in her tone.

"I live alone here in the city, Dadi," she answered, using the word naturally, like it belonged. "My parents still live in our village. I moved here for work."

There was a silence—a thoughtful one. Aarav, who had been calmly eating, glanced sideways toward Janvi, and something unreadable flickered in his gaze. Ria, sensing the moment could grow too serious, jumped in to lift the mood with her usual charm.

"Grandma, she's been doing great living here on her own. And guess what? Today's a big day—Anaya and Janvi both have their project presentation!"

Komal, still holding her expression, turned her eyes slowly toward Ria and raised a hand in correction.

"Anaya bhabhi," she stated firmly. "She's your elder brother's wife. Learn to address her properly, Ria. You're not a child anymore."

Ria blinked in momentary embarrassment, then muttered a soft, "Sorry, Grandma," while scratching the back of her head like a scolded schoolgirl. The rest of the table chuckled lightly, but Komal's point had been made.

Dev Singhaniya, ever the quiet observer, finally spoke with a slight smile, directing his attention to Anaya. "So, girls, you'll be presenting to the board members today, right?"

"Yes, Dad," Anaya said with a soft nod. Her voice carried calm determination, but Janvi could tell there was a hint of nerves beneath it. She herself wasn't immune to them either.

Rakhi, passing a bowl of fruit to Komal, chimed in with amusement, "And who are the board members, huh? Your father, of course… and the other seven members."

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As soon as Rakhi said it, Janvi's eyes widened slightly. She looked at Anaya, who shared the same realization—right now, the same people they were sharing breakfast with… were the people they were about to present in front of.

Before either could react further, Dev added calmly, "Let me formally introduce you to the top three board members of Singhaniya Enterprises. Rudra, Ravi, and Aarav."

Janvi slowly turned her head to glance at Aarav again, only to find him already staring into his plate with a strange intensity, avoiding her gaze like it burned. There was a weight in the air—a silent exchange of awareness neither of them fully understood, nor dared to explore.

Ria, ever the bratty sister, couldn't resist poking fun. "Aarav, when did you join the board, huh? I don't remember seeing you in meetings."

Aarav finally raised his gaze, locking it first with Ria, then inadvertently with Janvi. "Bacchi," he said dryly, "I joined when you were still busy figuring out your college electives."

The table chuckled, but Janvi's heart thumped just a little harder. Their eyes met—for barely a second—but the unspoken tension made it feel like time slowed. His gaze wasn't intense. It was quiet… cautious… curious. But it held her there, until—

"Anaya," Rudra's deep voice cut through the conversation like a command wrapped in velvet steel. He stood up, adjusting his shirt sleeves with practiced ease, eyes trained on his wife.

Everyone turned their heads toward him.

Anaya blinked, unsure. "Right now?"

Rudra gave her a small nod. "Yes. Right now. Can you come with me?"

She hesitated, confusion swimming in her eyes. But something in his tone wasn't stern—it was earnest. Everyone watched, curious. Anaya slowly rose from her seat, placed her spoon neatly to the side, and walked toward him with light steps. Rudra extended his hand.

She looked at him again—slightly nervous, slightly questioning—but after a second of pause, she placed her hand in his.

The air shifted.

There was something oddly romantic about the simple gesture. The way he held her hand—firm, but gentle. Possessive, but respectful. Like she was something precious.

Rakhi leaned in and murmured quietly to Dev and Komal, "Is he really our Rudra?"

Dev's lips curled into a rare smile as he watched his son walk away with Anaya, hand-in-hand. "No," he whispered back. "Right now, he's her Rudra."

Ravi raised an eyebrow and stood up, grinning. "Well, I'm following them. This looks suspiciously romantic."

Aarav pushed his chair back with a smirk. "We're all curious. Come on."

Janvi and Ria exchanged glances, silently asking for permission. Komal nodded, and Dev waved his hand playfully. "Go, go. Don't miss the show."

With excited eyes and hidden smiles, the entire youth brigade—Ravi, Aarav, Ria, and Janvi—followed Rudra and Anaya, who were now walking out of the mansion.

Anaya kept glancing sideways at Rudra, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Rudra, where are we going?"

He didn't answer. Just led her calmly through the grand corridor, down the steps, past the fountain, and toward the sleek parking area where their luxury cars stood.

Once there, Rudra finally turned to face her.

"Velvet," he said, voice low and serious.

Anaya blinked. "Yes?"

"Are you ready for it?"

She tilted her head slightly, confused. "Ready for what?"

A small smile tugged at the corner of Rudra's lips as he reached into his blazer pocket.

And slowly, he pulled out something black.

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The heavy door clicked shut behind them, muffling the curious murmurs from inside the boardroom. Rudra led Anaya through the quiet hallways of the Singhaniya mansion, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors.

Anaya's heart pounded in her chest—not from fear, but from a strange mix of excitement and nerves. Rudra's presence beside her was like a silent force, strong and unyielding, yet comforting.

They reached the parking area where the cherry-red Mercedes Benz stood gleaming under the soft morning light. Rudra stopped, turned to her, and gently took her hands in his.

"Velvet," he said softly—the pet name he reserved only for her—"are you ready for this?"

Anaya smiled shyly but with determination. "Ready for what, Rudra?"

He pulled out the key fob and pressed the top button. The car let out a smooth chime as the doors unlocked. "For your first ride as Mrs. Singhaniya," he said, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Anaya's eyes sparkled with happiness as she looked at the car, a dream come true. She blinked, stunned for a moment, then repeated in disbelief, "So… this is my car?"

Rudra chuckled and draped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. "It's all yours, Mrs. Singhaniya. The red velvet you always wanted."

She laughed softly, her voice growing louder with joy. "It is my car! My car!" She jumped and hugged him tightly. "You're the best, Mr. Wallet!"

Rudra smiled warmly, admiring her bright happiness. "Velvet, your wish has come true. You deserve it."

Anaya circled around the car, still almost unable to believe it was hers. She slid open the door, settled inside, and glanced around at the plush interior. After a few moments, she ran back to Rudra and hugged him again.

The servants, watching from a distance, exchanged amused looks as they saw Aarav and Ravi approaching from the mansion.

Behind a nearby pillar, Janvi, Ria, Aarav, and Ravi quietly observed the scene, exchanging grins and whispers.

Ria muttered, "Anaya's wish came true. I wish someone would give me a gift like that."

Ravi laughed, "First make a wish, Ria."

Janvi and Aarav chuckled, enjoying the lighthearted moment together.

Rudra held Anaya close, rubbing her back gently.

"Velvet," he murmured, "are you sure you can handle all this?"

Anaya chuckled, looking up into his eyes. "If I can handle you in bed, I can handle a car too, husband."

Rudra blinked twice, caught off guard by her boldness. "Should we start that conversation tonight, then?" he teased, pulling her closer.

Anaya hushed him suddenly, hearing Ria's voice from behind a pillar.

"They're here," she whispered.

Rudra stiffened but didn't let go. He closed his eyes briefly and said softly, "Who?"

"Our family," Anaya replied, nodding toward the pillar where Janvi, Ria, Aarav, and Ravi were watching.

Rudra opened his eyes and smirked. "Guys, you're staring at people who just want some private time."

Aarav stepped out from behind the pillar with a grin. "Bhai, we just wanted to make sure you're not troubling Bhabhi."

Ravi nodded in agreement, and Rudra tightened his grip on Anaya's waist protectively.

"It's Ria's idea," Aarav added with a wink.

Ria laughed from the shadows. "No way, I didn't do anything this time. I swear on my shopping list!"

Ria's voice rang out playfully from behind the pillar, "No way! I swear on my shopping list, I didn't plan anything this time."

Aarav rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile. "Yeah, right. Like we believe that."

Ravi nudged Rudra with a grin. "Come on, bro, don't get too serious. Let the couple have their moment."

Rudra smirked, then glanced down at Anaya, whose cheeks were flushed with laughter. "Fine. But Velvet, you better be ready. We have a big day ahead."

Anaya nodded confidently. "I'm ready. Let's do this."

Back inside the mansion, the atmosphere was completely different. The boardroom buzzed with a quiet tension. Dev and Rakhi Singhaniya sat at the head of the long polished table, flanked by the other seven board members. The air was thick with anticipation for Anaya's presentation.

"Girls," Dev began with a smile, eyes warm but commanding, "you're presenting this to the board, right?"

Anaya nodded firmly. "Yes, Dad."

Rakhi added teasingly, "But remember, the board members are not just your father—there are seven others too."

Janvi and Anaya exchanged a quick, surprised glance. Both were still processing the reality of sharing this space with the powerful Singhaniya family and their top executives—Rudra, Aarav, and Ravi—the top three pillars of Singhaniya Enterprises.

Dev then introduced the key players casually, "This is Rudra, our eldest and head of operations. Ravi and Aarav, the next two leading our divisions."

Janvi's gaze subtly drifted to Aarav, who was quietly studying his food plate, lost in thought. Ria noticed this and teased loudly, "Aarav, since when did you become a board member?"

Aarav looked up at her and smiled, "Since you were still in college, bachhi."

Their teasing banter lightened the room, until Rudra suddenly rose from his seat, his voice calm but firm. "Anaya, come with me."

The entire room fell silent, all eyes shifting toward Rudra and Anaya. Sanay glanced at him and gave a silent signal—"Right now?"

Rudra nodded curtly. "Yes, right now. Can you come?"

Anaya felt the weight of every gaze on her but nodded. She stood, pushed her chair back gently, and walked toward Rudra. He reached out and took her hand softly, the touch full of unspoken reassurance and respect.

Everyone blinked in surprise but couldn't look away, clearly enjoying the quiet show of affection.

Rakhi murmured to Komal and Dev, "Is this really our Rudra?"

Dev smiled proudly, "Not just ours anymore. He's hers now."

Anaya hesitated for just a second, then gave her hand fully to Rudra. He took it gently and led her out of the room.

As Rudra and Anaya disappeared, the murmurs resumed. "Should we follow them?" someone asked.

Ravi stood, stretching casually. "I'm going to watch. Can't miss this."

Aarav got up too, and both followed. Janvi and Ria exchanged looks and asked Dev for permission.

"Go ahead," Dev said with a nod.

With a shared grin, Janvi and Ria quietly followed, trailing behind Ravi and Aarav.

Outside, Rudra stopped by the cars and looked at Anaya seriously.

"Velvet," he asked again, "are you really ready for this?"

Anaya smiled, the joy still glowing in her eyes. "If I can handle you, I can handle anything."

Rudra's lips curved into a rare, soft smile. "Good. Because this is just the beginning."