The suites of The Lux Heaven carried an air of understated grandeur—soft golden lights, floor‑to‑ceiling windows, and the faint fragrance of orchids drifting from the lobby below. Morning light painted the rooms in pale silver, promising a long day ahead.
Inside the girls' suite, the air was already buzzing.
Anaya slipped the last pin into her hair, the floral frock brushing lightly against her knees. Elegant, yet effortless. The fabric moved softly as she turned in the mirror, the light colors making her look both fresh and radiant. The neckline modest, but the cut of the dress allowed her legs to peek through when she shifted—a detail she hadn't intended, but one she silently hoped would not go unnoticed.
From behind her, the bathroom door clicked open. Janvi stepped out, towel draped around her shoulders, her own floral frock hugging her frame in a way that made her look stunning yet sharp. She fiddled with her hairbrush, glancing sideways.
"How do I look?" Janvi asked casually, though there was a flicker of anticipation in her voice.
Anaya turned, her lips curling into a playful grin. "Looking hot in Singapore, madam. I can already see someone passing out the moment they see you."
Janvi swatted her arm lightly, half‑laughing, half‑annoyed. "Anaya! Tum shaadi‑shuda ho iska matlab yeh nahi ki tum mujhe chhedo."(Anaya! Just because you're married doesn't mean you get to tease me like this.)
Anaya chuckled, adjusting her dupatta over the chair. "Arre, you'll be married soon too."
Janvi paused, brush in hand, turning her head slowly with mock suspicion. "Kya bola tumne?"(What did you just say?)
Anaya walked closer, eyes twinkling. "Kuch nahi… bas yahi ki tum shaadi toh karogi na."(Nothing… just that you will get married, right?)
Janvi looked at her through the mirror, her expression softening. "Haan, but only when I find someone I actually love."
The quiet sincerity in her voice made Anaya smile softly.
Then Janvi flicked her brush at her. "Chalo ab, ready ho lo. Breakfast ke liye late ho rahe hain."
Anaya picked up a red lipstick from the vanity, holding it out. "This one?"
Janvi leaned closer, examining. "Not bad."
Minutes later, laughter and the click of heels echoed as the girls finished dressing.
Across the hall, Aarav's suite buzzed with a different energy. He stepped out, hair styled perfectly, shirt sleeves rolled, flashing his usual easy grin as he glanced down the corridor.
Rudra's door opened almost in sync. He stepped out, sharp as ever, black trousers and a crisp shirt tailored to perfection. No one could mistake him for anything but Singhaniya heir—controlled, commanding, impossible to ignore.
"Ready?" Rudra asked Aarav, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve without looking up.
Aarav smirked, leaning lazily against the wall. "No clue about the girls yet. You know them. Full drama before breakfast."
Rudra's lips pressed into a thin line, his answer caught before he could voice it.
And then—the soft click of a door opening.
Both turned.
The girls stepped out.
Anaya first, sunlight spilling across her hair, her floral frock brushing against her knees as her dupatta trailed lightly from her elbow. Janvi followed, equally radiant, adjusting her bracelet with a casual flick.
For a moment, the hallway itself seemed to pause.
Rudra and Aarav stood stunned, the air shifting as admiration slipped unguarded into their eyes. Aarav let out a low whistle under his breath before quickly pretending to cough. Rudra, on the other hand, didn't say a word—his stare locked, steady, and far too intense for this quiet corridor.
Janvi glanced at them, arching a brow. "You two were waiting?"
Aarav cleared his throat, recovering first. "Of course. Can't let Singapore breakfast get cold."
Anaya tilted her chin, her lips curving into a faint smirk as she turned slightly away from Rudra. "Jao, jao… apni new aurat se baat karo."(Go, go… talk to your new woman.)
The words stung, wrapped in playful sarcasm but sharp enough to cut.
Rudra blinked, confusion flickering just enough to crack his calm. He murmured under his breath, too soft for anyone but himself. "What did I do?"
But Anaya heard. She turned halfway back, eyes narrowed just slightly, and said, "Ask your brother."
Janvi looped her arm through Anaya's, steering her forward. "Are we going for breakfast or not?"
Aarav fell into step behind them, calling lightly, "I'm coming too!"
Rudra walked a pace behind, silent. His expression unreadable, but his thoughts far from calm.
Because even as they descended toward the grand dining hall of The Lux Heaven, the sting of her words lingered—and the fire in her eyes only made him want her more.
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The restaurant of The Lux Heaven was a masterpiece of understated grandeur. Soft jazz drifted from hidden speakers, chandeliers glowed with golden light, and polished crystalware gleamed against crisp white linen. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the Singapore skyline, glittering like glass and steel jewels under the rising sun.
Anaya stepped in first with Janvi, her floral frock swaying just enough to catch the light. Behind them, Rudra and Aarav followed, every stride measured, every glance commanding. Heads turned as the four entered, though only the seasoned staff dared acknowledge them openly.
At once, the manager—Mr. Khanna, a seasoned man with salt-and-pepper hair—hurried toward them, bowing slightly.
"Good morning, sir," he greeted with warm respect, his eyes discreetly flicking to Rudra. "We are honored to have you here."
Rudra inclined his head, calm and unreadable. Aarav flashed his usual grin.
Mr. Khanna continued, lowering his voice as they were led to a prime corner table overlooking the city. "Your presence will remain confidential, as always. The staff has been informed—no unnecessary attention."
Anaya's fingers curled around the strap of her purse. She knew what that meant. The world could know Rudra Singhaniya was in Singapore. The world could even know Aarav Singhaniya was here.
But her?
She was just… part of the group.
Not his wife.Not the Singhaniya bahu.Just another colleague on this so-called business trip.
Her chest tightened as she took her seat.
The staff bustled in quickly, silver trays arriving one after another—fresh croissants, exotic fruit platters, piping hot South Indian filter coffee, and perfectly folded omelets. Every dish was perfection, prepared to impress the very man who owned this luxury.
Rudra, seated diagonally across from her, leaned back in his chair, watching silently as the plates filled the table. Aarav cracked jokes with Janvi, teasing her about trying every pastry. Anaya forced a small smile, nodding politely, but her eyes avoided Rudra's completely.
"Sir," one of the waiters asked, bowing slightly, "would you prefer your usual masala chai?"
Rudra's lips curved faintly. "Haan."
Aarav smirked. "You're too predictable, bhai."
Rudra ignored him, his gaze drifting—inevitably—to Anaya.
She sat poised, back straight, her dupatta draped carefully, her lashes lowered as she spooned fruit onto her plate. But he noticed the way her hand hesitated ever so slightly. The way her lips pressed into a thin line when one of the young hostesses smiled too brightly at Aarav.
And more than that—he noticed her ignoring him.
Not a glance. Not a word.
It pleased him.Because silence from her always came laced with fire.
Hours later, the grandeur of the breakfast was replaced with the sharp air of business.
The main meeting hall of The Lux Heaven had been prepared for the afternoon conference. A vast mahogany table dominated the room, surrounded by twenty high-backed leather chairs. The walls were lined with subtle artworks, the Singhaniya crest discreetly woven into the décor.
Executives and board members began to arrive, exchanging hushed greetings. Every detail screamed precision, discipline, and wealth.
Anaya entered with Janvi, her laptop in hand, her expression composed. She had chosen a soft cream business suit now, paired with minimal jewelry, her hair tied neatly back. Professional. Controlled. Untouchable.
She kept her gaze ahead, not daring to glance at the front of the room where Rudra had just stepped in with Aarav.
Rudra took his time, greeting the senior-most executives, shaking hands firmly, and letting his presence settle like a weight over the hall. His voice was steady, calm, every word precise.
Yet as the seating began, he moved with deliberate ease.
And chose the chair directly beside hers.
Anaya's breath caught for a second, but she masked it quickly, flipping open her laptop as though the screen held the world's most important secret.
He sat, silent, sliding into his seat with the quiet dominance of a man who needed no announcement. His shoulder brushed faintly near hers, close enough to remind her of his presence, far enough not to cross lines in public.
She refused to look.
Not at his cufflinks gleaming under the lights.Not at the faint shadow of stubble along his jaw.Not at the way his fingers tapped once, slowly, against the table as if testing her patience.
Instead, she focused on the presentation slides. "Our first agenda," she told Janvi softly, "client expansion in Southeast Asia."
Janvi nodded, whispering back, "Got it."
From the corner of her eye, Anaya saw Rudra lean slightly closer, his voice low—just for her.
"Still angry?"
Her hand froze on the mousepad. She didn't look up. "I'm working."
He smirked faintly, eyes narrowing. "Good. Keep working. But don't think I didn't notice."
Her lips pressed together. She didn't answer.
The meeting began, the chairman formally introducing the agenda. Screens lit up with charts, projections, and proposals. The room hummed with strategy and ambition.
And yet—throughout, Rudra sat beside her, calm and collected, eyes occasionally drifting to her face, reading every flicker of emotion she tried to hide.
Anaya, meanwhile, typed notes, presented slides, and fielded questions with flawless composure. She didn't falter once, her professionalism shining.
But inside?
Every nerve burned from the weight of his presence.
Every quiet word he hadn't spoken pressed heavier than the boardroom itself.
And Rudra—watching, waiting, patient as the devil he was—knew one thing for certain.
This meeting might end in two hours.But their war was only beginning.