Shiddat

Chapter 22

Ananya sat at her desk in Rathore Enterprises, surrounded by the soft hum of the office. The buzz of activity had started to fade as the day neared its end, leaving her in the glow of her desk lamp, a few scattered papers, and the steady rhythm of her typing. Yet, despite her focus on the tasks at hand, her thoughts kept circling back to Arjun. She could feel the tension between her desire to reach out and her reluctance to seem too eager.

The idea of asking Maya for Arjun's number lingered in her mind, but each time, she hesitated. The last thing she wanted was to intrude into his space so soon. Her heart fluttered at the thought of contacting him, and she quietly smiled at her own indecision, choosing instead to channel her restless energy into her work. Every completed report and each keystroke felt like a small triumph—a way to maintain control over the growing whirlwind of emotions inside her.

As the sun dipped lower, casting a golden warmth across the office, Ananya completed her final tasks, the soft click of her computer signaling the end of the day. The once-bustling workspace had quieted, leaving her with a sense of accomplishment. Today had been a blend of small victories and subtle challenges, but she felt grounded, eager to share the day's highlights with her family.

Stepping outside, she was greeted by Maya and Rohan, their warm smiles a welcome contrast to the office's corporate air. The comfort of their presence, and the quiet support they offered without asking too many questions, made her feel at ease. They drove home as the sky transitioned to hues of orange and pink, the familiar rhythm of the city easing the weight of the day.

As they neared the mansion, a serene calm enveloped Ananya. The thought of home, of belonging, and of the quiet evening ahead filled her with gratitude. Stepping into the grand foyer, she was met by Sunita, whose gentle smile seemed to brighten the entire space. The soft light from the chandelier above cast a warm glow on Sunita's face, her eyes filled with affection and a hint of curiosity.

"How was your first day back, beta?" Sunita asked, her voice gentle, filled with genuine care.

Ananya's heart swelled with gratitude as she returned her mother-in-law's smile. "It was good, Maa. I'm glad to be back." She moved forward, wrapping Sunita in a hug. The familiar scent of her perfume and the warmth of her embrace provided a sense of peace, dissolving the tension she had carried throughout the day.

They moved into the dining room for the evening meal, the comforting aroma of home-cooked food filling the air. As they sat together, Ananya felt a renewed sense of belonging. While a small part of her mind still lingered on Arjun, she allowed herself to savor this moment, appreciating the quiet comfort of family.

After dinner, the household gradually began to wind down, each member retreating to their rooms. As Ananya headed towards hers, she was gently intercepted by Rohan, whose expression held both concern and affection.

"Ananya," he began softly, "why do you want to go back to work so soon? It's only a day after the wedding."

Ananya paused, a thoughtful sigh escaping her lips. "I don't want to just sit at home, Rohan. There's not much for me to do here. I've always been someone who likes to stay busy."

Rohan studied her face, his expression understanding but still probing. "Is it because Bhai suddenly left for his business trip?" His question was laced with a knowing smile.

Ananya was caught off guard but laughed softly, her gaze warm. "No, no. Even if he hadn't left, I would have still gone back next week. I've always planned it this way."

"But still," Rohan persisted gently, his tone more serious now, "don't you think you should give yourself more time? Getting back into work so soon might be overwhelming."