AUTHOR'S NOTE :
Hello, dear readers! ✨
I'm thrilled to share this new chapter with you, where fate brings Kunal Rajawat and Anaya Malhotra together in a chance encounter at a quaint coffee shop. In this chapter, subtle glances and hesitant words lay the groundwork for a budding friendship—one that might hold more surprises than either of them ever expected. Their conversation is filled with unspoken possibilities, hinting at the layers of ambition, curiosity, and hidden agendas that make every meeting a turning point.
I poured my heart into crafting this intimate moment, and I hope you feel the tension and promise in every line. Your support, feedback, and encouragement inspire me to keep exploring the intricate dance between duty and desire.
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Thank you for being a part of this journey. I can't wait to hear what you think about this chapter!
With all my love,
Penola.S
The kitchen smelled like nostalgia.
Warm, sugary aromas curled through the air, wrapping the space in an invisible cocoon of comfort. The golden sunlight filtering through the large windows danced over the polished marble counters, highlighting the rows of carefully arranged ingredients—bowls filled with crushed nuts, a jar of saffron-infused milk, neatly stacked flour packets, and a tray of golden, half-fried gujiyas waiting for their second dip into the bubbling ghee.
Rakhi stood at the counter, expertly rolling out dough into perfect circles, her bangles jingling with every movement. Komal sat beside her, stuffing each delicate pastry with fragrant khoya and dry fruits before folding and sealing them with quick, practiced fingers. Across from them, Misha had taken up the task of shaping small laddoos, but every now and then, she popped one into her mouth, thinking no one noticed.
Komal, ever the observant matriarch, glanced at her with a knowing smile. "Misha, if you eat half of them, what will we serve to the guests?"
Misha, mid-bite, froze. "I'm just… testing the quality, Dadi," she said, chewing innocently.
Komal laughed, shaking her head as she returned to her task. "The quality control department is clearly enjoying itself a little too much today."
Rakhi joined in with a soft chuckle but then turned her focus back to the sweets. "We'll start planning for Misha's engagement after Holi," she announced suddenly, her tone light, yet decisive.
Misha, who had just reached for another laddoo, almost dropped it. "Wait, what?"
Komal didn't even glance up. "You heard your mother. It's time to settle things."
Misha groaned, pushing the tray of laddoos away dramatically. "Dadi, I am too young to be married!"
"You're twenty-two," Rakhi countered, her voice amused.
"Exactly! I have my whole life ahead of me!"
Komal patted her hand. "And what a beautiful life it will be—with a husband."
Misha sighed in defeat, clearly outnumbered.
Before she could protest further, the kitchen door opened, and a soft voice filled the space.
"Good morning, Mumma," Anaya greeted as she stepped in.
Her voice was warm, gentle—just like the girl herself.
She walked over to Rakhi and wrapped her arms around her from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder in a rare display of affection.
Rakhi's lips curved into a tender smile as she turned slightly to meet Anaya's eyes. "Good morning, mera bachha. Did you sleep well last night?"
Anaya hesitated for a fraction of a second.
Did she sleep well?
She wasn't sure.
She had spent half the night watching Rudra—watching the slow rise and fall of his bare chest as he slept beside her, his sharp features softened in the moonlight. His warmth had surrounded her, making it impossible to focus on anything else.
She had fallen asleep much later than she should have, her thoughts a tangled mess of emotions she wasn't ready to untangle.
So, instead of answering honestly, she forced a nod. "Yes, Mumma. I slept well."
Komal, ever perceptive, gave her a sharp look. "You didn't stay up working all night, did you?"
Anaya smiled sheepishly. "No, no, I didn't."
Rakhi arched an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
Anaya quickly nodded, grabbing a small bowl and pretending to inspect its contents. "Positive."
Misha, who had been silently observing the exchange, suddenly perked up. "Anaya, where is Rudra Bhai?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Anaya's fingers instinctively tightened around the edge of her dupatta as she looked at them, her voice coming out a little too quickly. "Vo… vo toh office chale gaye."
Misha narrowed her eyes playfully. "This early?"
Anaya cleared her throat, keeping her gaze fixed on the sweets in front of her. "Yes. He had some important work."
Komal exchanged a glance with Rakhi, and the older woman's eyes twinkled with hidden knowledge. But instead of teasing, she simply changed the topic, her voice soft and warm.
"We are making gujiyas and other meethi namkeen for Holi," Komal explained, gesturing to the variety of sweets spread across the counter.
Anaya's eyes lit up at the sight. "Oh, they look delicious! Can I help?"
Rakhi gave her an approving nod. "Of course, beta. Come, sit with us."
Anaya quickly washed her hands and joined them, settling beside Misha. She picked up a ball of dough and carefully began to flatten it, stealing glances at the women around her—the ones who had become her family in ways she never imagined.
For a moment, it felt normal.
Peaceful. Warm. Safe.
But deep down, she knew.
This peace wouldn't last forever.
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The breakfast table in the Singhaniya mansion was a picture of warmth and familial comfort. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a soft glow over the dining area where the family gathered every morning. The air smelled of freshly made parathas, a hint of ghee, and sweetened cardamom chai.
Anaya sat at the table, nibbling on a piece of toast while Rakhi and Komal continued their conversation. She could feel the happiness in the air—there was something about mornings like this that made her feel at home.
Rakhi placed a bowl of fresh fruit in front of Anaya and smiled. "Eat something healthy too, beta."
Anaya pouted but took a small piece of apple anyway. "Mumma, I'm not a kid."
Komal, who was buttering her toast, chuckled. "You'll always be a kid for us, Jaan."
Anaya rolled her eyes playfully before focusing on the conversation at hand.
"By the way, Anaya," Komal started, her voice filled with excitement, "we've decided to start planning for Misha's engagement right after Holi."
The moment those words left Komal's mouth, Misha, who had just taken a sip of her chai, nearly choked. Coughing slightly, she turned to her grandmother with wide eyes. "Dadi, at least let me be in my home while I'm still single!"
The entire table erupted into laughter, but no one was more amused than Anaya.
She leaned in, resting her chin on her palm, and smirked. "Oh, Misha di… so you're single for just a few more days? Should I start calling you 'Mrs.' now?" Her voice dripped with teasing.
Misha's cheeks flamed red, and she waved her hand dramatically. "Ugh! No! Dadi is already trying to marry me off, don't you start, too!"
Anaya giggled, thoroughly enjoying Misha's flustered expression. "Come on, di! You're about to go from 'single' to 'mingle'—embrace it!"
Komal chuckled at the banter. "That's true. Soon, your entire life will change, Misha. Enjoy these moments while they last."
Misha groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Dadi, you're making it worse."
Rakhi smiled warmly. "Don't worry, beta. You'll always be our little girl, even after you get married."
Misha peeked through her fingers and sighed. "Fine, fine. But let me enjoy my freedom for now."
Anaya leaned closer with a mischievous grin. "Just a few more days, di. Then, no more late-night movies without permission, no more sleeping till noon… and no more flirting with random boys!"
Misha gasped dramatically. "Excuse me! I don't flirt with random boys!"
Ria, who had just entered the dining room, grabbed an apple from the table and smirked. "Yeah, sure, di. Keep telling yourself that."
The room filled with laughter once again as Misha groaned, burying her face in her hands.
Anaya stretched her arms and finished the last bite of her toast before standing up. "Alright, enough teasing. I have things to do."
Rakhi raised an eyebrow. "And where are you going, young lady?"
Anaya smiled sweetly. "I'll be in the library, Mumma. But please—don't let anyone touch my books, okay?"
Komal chuckled. "Still possessive about your books, I see?"
Anaya placed a hand over her heart dramatically. "Of course! My books are my first love."
Misha, still recovering from her teasing session, smirked. "Oh? And here I thought Rudra Bhai was your first love."
Anaya's ears turned pink, but she masked it with a playful glare. "Di, do you want me to remind everyone of that time you wrote love letters to your imaginary boyfriend?"
Misha gasped. "You promised to never mention that!"
Anaya winked. "Oops, did I?"
Rakhi shook her head, amused at their antics. "Alright, alright, enough teasing. Anaya, go do your work, but be careful on the way, okay?"
Anaya nodded, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Of course, Mumma."
She walked toward the door, but before stepping out, she turned back and smiled. "Love you, all"
Rakhi's expression softened. "Love you too, beta."
Komal added in a warm voice, "Love you, Jaan. Come back soon."
Anaya waved at them before stepping out, her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time.
As she walked out of the house, she felt a strange sense of peace settle over her.
Yes, her life was complicated.
Yes, Rudra was still a mystery she was trying to understand.
But in moments like these—surrounded by love, laughter, and teasing—she felt like she truly belonged.
And that was enough for now.
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As Anaya's silhouette disappeared through the grand gates of the Singhaniya mansion, Komal let out a content sigh, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotion. She placed her hands over her lap, glancing at Rakhi, who was still watching the door as if Anaya might return any second.
"I am so blessed to have a granddaughter-in-law like her," Komal murmured, her voice carrying the weight of heartfelt gratitude. "She is truly a divine child."
Rakhi turned to her mother-in-law, her gaze soft with agreement. "Maa, I feel the same. But you know what makes me happiest?" She took a deep breath before continuing, "That she is now my Rudra's wife. I want to give her the family she lost—the love, the security, the relationships she never had."
Komal's face held a knowing smile, the wrinkles at the corner of her eyes deepening. "You've always been the kind of woman who gives more than she takes, Rakhi. And that's what makes you so special."
Rakhi's eyes glistened with emotion. "It's too hard for a child to grow up without a family, Maa. No one should ever have to live through that loneliness." Her fingers traced the rim of her teacup absently. "Anaya deserves every happiness. She deserves to know what it means to have a mother who loves her unconditionally."
Komal nodded, her heart swelling with pride. "A goddess like my Rakhi," she said with a proud, loving smile. "You have a heart too pure for this world."
A tear slipped from Rakhi's eye, but she wiped it away quickly, laughing softly. "And you, Maa, are my real mother." Her voice was thick with sincerity. "People say a mother-in-law can never be a mother, but I've been blessed beyond words. I couldn't have asked for a better mother than you."
Komal reached out and placed her hand gently over Rakhi's. "Then let's make sure we never let Anaya feel that void in her heart again. She is our daughter now."
Rakhi nodded, determination settling into her features. "Yes. She is, and she always will be."
And in that moment, the bond between them strengthened, two mothers determined to protect and love the girl who had walked into their family's life like a blessing they never saw coming.
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The morning sun painted the city in golden hues as Kunal Rajawat drove toward his office, the hum of the car's engine blending with the faint melodies playing on the radio. His mind was already occupied with the back-to-back meetings lined up for the day, but a familiar aroma wafting through the air as he approached a café pulled him out of his thoughts.
Without much hesitation, he parked his car in front of the quaint little coffee shop, stepping inside to grab a quick cup before heading to work. The rich scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, and as Kunal glanced around, his gaze landed on a familiar figure standing near the counter, waiting for her order.
His lips curled into a subtle smirk as recognition struck him. Miss Malhotra? he mused.
"Miss… Malhotra, right?" he said in a low but distinct voice, ensuring she caught it.
The woman turned around at the mention of her name, her sharp eyes scanning his face. For a moment, she appeared uncertain, as if questioning whether she had heard correctly.
Kunal took a step closer, tilting his head slightly. "Anaya Malhotra, right? You worked under Pranali?"
A flicker of realization crossed her face before she nodded. "Yes, I'm Anaya." Her voice was steady, polite but reserved. "And you're… Kunal—oh, sorry—Kunal Rajawat, right?"
He chuckled, nodding in acknowledgment. "That's me."
"Hello," Anaya greeted him, offering a small smile. "What a coincidence."
Kunal arched a brow, his gaze studying her expression. "Yeah. Didn't expect to run into you here." He paused before adding, "You're still working at Tech High, right?"
Anaya nodded, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. "Yeah, I have a future in Tech High, that's why," she said lightly, but her tone carried determination.
Kunal, intrigued by her confidence, leaned slightly against the counter. "If you don't mind… can we be friends?" He asked directly, his expression neutral, yet there was something unreadable in his eyes.
Anaya blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"
Before she could process his words fully, Kunal continued, "Only if you're comfortable with it, of course."
For a moment, Anaya remained silent, her mind working through the implications. A friendship with Kunal Rajawat? It wasn't entirely a bad idea. In fact, it could be useful. If she played her cards right, she might be able to gather some valuable information.
Kunal, noticing her hesitation, offered a casual shrug. "No problem if you don't want to."
Anaya tapped her fingers against her cup, weighing her options. After a brief pause, she let out a small breath and nodded. "Okay. We can be friends."
A satisfied smirk touched Kunal's lips. "Great."
What neither of them knew was that this simple agreement—this seemingly innocent conversation—was about to stir a series of events neither of them could have predicted.