The late afternoon sun poured into the Singhaniya mansion's living hall, casting a warm, golden light across the polished marble floors and richly upholstered furniture. The grandeur of the room, with its high ceilings and elaborate decor, was something Anaya was slowly getting accustomed to. Everything about the Singhaniya mansion spoke of tradition, history, and a deep-rooted legacy that now included her.

Anaya sat comfortably on one of the plush sofas, her legs tucked under her, as she listened to Ria chatter excitedly beside her. It felt good to relax and enjoy some lighthearted conversation after the whirlwind of her wedding the night before. Ria had quickly become a friend, and in this vast, imposing mansion, having someone to talk to like they were old friends was a comfort Anaya hadn't realized she needed.

"You know," Ria began, her tone a mix of excitement and apprehension, "our college classes start next week. I'm actually kind of excited to get back, even though it feels like everything's changed."

Anaya smiled, nodding in agreement. "I know what you mean. Going back to class will be a nice return to something normal. After all the chaos, it'll be good to have a routine again."

Ria's expression turned thoughtful as she leaned back against the sofa cushions. "But before that, there's the matter of internships," she said, her voice growing more serious. "I've been thinking… maybe we should do our internships at Singhaniya Enterprises. It's the family company, and it would be an amazing opportunity to learn about the business. Plus, we'd be able to apply everything we've been studying."

Anaya's interest was piqued. The idea of working at Singhaniya Enterprises had crossed her mind, especially given the company's prominence and its dual focus on technology and the international hotel industry. It was a powerhouse in both fields, and interning there would be a dream come true for anyone studying business and technology. But there was also the matter of actually securing the internship.

"That would be incredible," Anaya said, her voice tinged with excitement. "But I've heard that getting an internship at Singhaniya Enterprises isn't easy. The interview process is really tough."

Ria nodded, her expression a mix of determination and uncertainty. "Yeah, I've heard the same. The interview is rigorous, and they don't just let anyone in, even if they're family. My brother, Rudra, has always been very particular about who gets to work at the company, especially in the tech division. He doesn't play favorites."

Anaya's excitement wavered slightly at the mention of Rudra. Her new husband was an enigma to her—cold, distant, and difficult to read. The idea of approaching him for help with the internship was daunting, to say the least.

"Your brother is like a rock," Anaya said, half-joking, but there was a nervous edge to her voice. "I mean, he's so… hard to talk to. I'm afraid he'll say no or, worse, just stare at me until I give up."

Ria laughed, though there was sympathy in her eyes. "Trust me, I know what you mean. He can be really intimidating. I've lived with him my whole life, and I still get nervous when I have to ask him for something important. But he's not impossible to talk to, once you get past the initial… frostiness."

Anaya nodded, though her confidence hadn't entirely returned. "I'll ask him about the internship, but maybe not right away. It's only the first day of our marriage, after all. I think I'll wait until the last possible moment—maybe the day before the internship starts."

Ria grinned at Anaya's playful tone. "That sounds like a plan. We'll psych ourselves up, and then we can both ask him together if we have to."

The two young women shared a laugh, the sound echoing softly in the grand room. Despite the imposing surroundings, their conversation felt like a slice of normalcy—a continuation of the friendship they had started in college. It was easy to forget, for a moment, the complexities of Anaya's new life and the responsibilities that came with it.

Just as their laughter began to die down, the sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention. Both women looked up to see Komal and Rakhi entering the living hall. The atmosphere shifted slightly as the two elder women approached, their expressions calm but carrying an air of purpose.

"Anaya," Komal called gently, her voice firm but warm. "We need to speak with you. Please come with us."

Anaya felt a flutter of nerves at the seriousness in Komal's voice. She had come to respect and admire Komal's wisdom and strength, but there was something about the way she spoke now that suggested this was no ordinary conversation.

Ria gave Anaya an encouraging nod, her smile reassuring. "Don't worry," she whispered, leaning close. "It'll be fine."

Anaya returned the gesture, feeling a bit of anxiety settle in her stomach as she rose from the sofa. "Of course, Grandma," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Komal nodded in approval and turned to lead the way, with Rakhi following closely behind. Anaya trailed after them, her mind racing with questions. What could this be about? She had no idea, but she sensed that it was something significant.

They ascended the grand staircase, the soft echo of their footsteps filling the quiet of the mansion. The hallway was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows on the floor. As they walked, Anaya couldn't help but notice the way Komal and Rakhi moved with such grace and purpose, their every step reflecting the strength and poise that came with their roles in the family.

Anaya's thoughts flickered back to her conversation with Ria about their internships and classes. The idea of pursuing her passion for design had been a bright spot in an otherwise overwhelming time. But now, as she followed Komal and Rakhi, she couldn't help but wonder if this sudden meeting had anything to do with that—or if it was something entirely different.

Komal led them down the hallway to the room Anaya shared with Rudra. The door creaked softly as Komal pushed it open, and she gestured for Anaya to enter first. Anaya hesitated for just a moment before stepping inside, her heart beating a little faster with each passing second.

Once they were all inside, Komal closed the door and turned to face Anaya, her expression calm but serious. There was a sense of purpose in the air, a feeling that something important was about to be discussed.

"Anaya," Komal began, her voice gentle but carrying an unmistakable weight. "I know that you've been going through a lot recently, and that there have been many changes in your life. But there are some important matters we need to address."

Anaya nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She had known that marrying into the Singhaniya family would come with its share of responsibilities, but the reality of it all was still sinking in. The gravity of Komal's words only heightened her sense of unease.

Komal exchanged a brief glance with Rakhi before continuing. "As you know, being a part of the Singhaniya family comes with certain responsibilities," Komal said, her tone firm but not unkind. "One of those responsibilities is to uphold our family's traditions and values, and to carry forward the legacy that has been passed down through generations."

Anaya listened intently, her mind already starting to grasp the gravity of what was being said. She had known from the beginning that marrying into the Singhaniya family would come with expectations, but hearing it put so plainly made her realize just how significant those responsibilities were.

Komal gestured toward Rakhi, who stepped forward and opened a large wardrobe on the far side of the room. The wardrobe, made of richly polished wood, seemed almost out of place in its opulence, yet it fit perfectly within the grandeur of the room. As the doors swung open, Anaya caught her breath at the sight that greeted her.

Inside were shelves filled with beautifully crafted sarees, jewelry, and traditional accessories, each piece more exquisite than the last. The intricate designs, the vibrant colors, and the sparkling gemstones all spoke of a heritage that was both rich and deeply revered. These were not just adornments; they were symbols of a legacy that had been carefully preserved and passed down through generations.

Rakhi began carefully selecting pieces from the wardrobe, her movements precise and deliberate. Each item she chose seemed to carry a story, a piece of history that was now being entrusted to Anaya.

As Rakhi laid out the jewelry on a velvet-lined tray, Komal continued speaking, her tone measured and thoughtful. "These pieces are not just ornaments, Anaya. They are symbols of our family's legacy, passed down through generations. By wearing them, you are embracing the traditions and values that have defined the Singhaniya family for decades."

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Anaya felt a wave of emotions as she looked at the jewelry being laid out before her. The pieces were stunning—delicate gold necklaces, intricately designed bangles, and earrings that glittered with precious stones. But beyond their beauty, Anaya understood the deeper meaning they held.

Komal's gaze softened as she watched Anaya take in the significance of the moment. "I know this may seem overwhelming," Komal said gently. "But I want you to know that you are not alone in this. We are here to guide you, to support you as you step into your role as a Singhaniya."

Anaya nodded, her voice catching slightly as she replied, "Thank you, Grandma.

Anaya's voice wavered slightly as she tried to express the depth of her gratitude. "I'm honored to be a part of this family, and I will do my best to live up to the responsibilities that come with it."

Komal smiled warmly, her eyes softening with affection as she placed a reassuring hand on Anaya's shoulder. "We know you will, my dear. You've already shown so much grace and strength. This is just the beginning of your journey with us, and I have no doubt that you'll make us proud."

Anaya felt a mixture of emotions swirling within her—gratitude, nervousness, and a deep sense of duty. She had always been driven by her goals, whether it was in her academic pursuits or her passion for technology and business development. But this—this was different. This was about family, tradition, and upholding a legacy that stretched back generations. The weight of it was both daunting and inspiring.

As Rakhi finished laying out the jewelry, she approached Anaya with a gentle smile. "Shall we?" she asked, holding up a delicate gold necklace encrusted with small, sparkling diamonds. The design was intricate, yet it carried an air of timeless elegance that spoke to the history it represented.

Anaya nodded, her heart beating a little faster as Rakhi carefully fastened the necklace around her neck. The cool metal felt significant against her skin, a tangible reminder of the role she was now stepping into.

Rakhi then moved on to the bangles, sliding them onto Anaya's wrists with the same care and precision. Each piece of jewelry felt like a symbol, a piece of the Singhaniya family's past that was now becoming part of her own story.

As she stood there, fully adorned in the family's heirlooms, Anaya couldn't help but feel a sense of transformation. She had always known that marrying into the Singhaniya family would change her life, but she hadn't fully grasped the extent of it until now. This was more than just a marriage—it was an induction into a world of tradition, responsibility, and legacy. And while the prospect was overwhelming, it was also empowering.

"You look beautiful, Anaya," Komal said, her voice filled with pride. "These pieces suit you perfectly. You carry them with the grace that befits a Singhaniya."

Anaya met Komal's gaze, feeling a rush of emotions. "Thank you, Grandma," she said softly. "I will cherish these, and I will do everything I can to honor this family and its traditions."

Komal's smile deepened, and she gently cupped Anaya's cheek in her hand. "I'm sure you will, my dear. And remember, we are here to support you every step of the way. You're not alone in this."

Rakhi, who had been quietly observing the exchange, nodded in agreement. "You've already become a cherished part of this family, Anaya. We're all here for you, just as you're here for us."

Anaya felt a sense of warmth and belonging that she hadn't expected. Despite the challenges she knew lay ahead, she felt comforted by the knowledge that she was not facing them alone. The Singhaniyas were a formidable family, but they were also a close-knit one. They supported each other, upheld each other, and now, they were doing the same for her.

As the three women stood together in the softly lit room, the atmosphere was one of quiet strength and unity. The significance of the moment was not lost on Anaya—this was her initiation into the family's legacy, and she was ready to embrace it.

After a few moments of silence, Komal spoke again, her tone lighter but still carrying a note of seriousness. "There is one more thing we need to discuss, Anaya. It's about the role you will play in the family moving forward."

Anaya listened intently, her focus entirely on Komal's words.

"As a Singhaniya," Komal continued, "you will be expected to take on certain responsibilities, both within the family and in the public eye. This includes attending events, representing the family at various functions, and being involved in the company's affairs when necessary."

Anaya nodded, absorbing the information. She had anticipated that there would be duties beyond just being Rudra's wife, but hearing it laid out so clearly made it feel more real.

"I understand," Anaya said, her voice steady. "I'm ready to take on whatever responsibilities are required of me."

Komal's expression softened with approval. "Good. I know this may seem like a lot, but you're not expected to do everything on your own. We're all here to help you, and you'll learn as you go. The important thing is that you approach everything with sincerity and dedication, and I have no doubt that you will."

Anaya felt a renewed sense of determination. She was ready to step into her role fully, to be the best version of herself for this family. She had always been a quick learner, and she knew that with the support of Komal, Rakhi, and the rest of the family, she could rise to the occasion.

"Thank you, Grandma," Anaya said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I appreciate your guidance, and I promise to do my best."

Komal gave her a warm, approving smile. "That's all we ask, my dear. Just be yourself, and everything else will fall into place."

With that, the serious tone of the conversation began to ease. Komal and Rakhi exchanged satisfied looks, and the atmosphere in the room lightened. It was clear that this moment was not just about imparting responsibilities—it was about welcoming Anaya into the family in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Rakhi, ever the gentle presence, spoke up with a soft smile. "Why don't we go down and join the others? I'm sure Ria is eager to hear all about this."

Anaya laughed lightly, the tension in her shoulders easing. "I'm sure she is," she agreed. "She's been so supportive, and I'm grateful to have her as a friend in all of this."

Komal nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and affection. "Ria has a good heart. And now, so do you, Anaya. Let's go celebrate this new chapter together."

As they left the room and made their way back to the living hall, Anaya felt a sense of peace settle over her. The journey ahead was sure to be challenging, but she was ready to face it with the support of her new family. She was no longer just Anaya Malhotra—she was Anaya Singhaniya, a woman with a legacy to uphold and a family to honor.

And as she walked beside Komal and Rakhi, she knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

*******

Anaya, Komal, and Rakhi descended the grand staircase together, their footsteps echoing softly through the quiet mansion. The atmosphere was calm, almost serene, as if the house itself was preparing for the shift in dynamics that was unfolding within its walls. Anaya's heart felt lighter than it had since she first entered the Singhaniya mansion. The weight of uncertainty was still there, but it was now tempered by the warmth of the family that had embraced her.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, the sound of laughter and conversation drifted from the living hall. Anaya could hear Ria's voice among the others, a bright, cheerful tone that brought a smile to her face. It was comforting to know that even in this new life, there were moments of joy and lightheartedness.

When they entered the living hall, Anaya was met with a scene of quiet activity. Ria was seated on the sofa, her face lit up with excitement as she spoke animatedly with Dev Singhaniya, her father. Aarav, the youngest member of the family, was sprawled out on the floor with a set of building blocks, entirely absorbed in his own world. The contrast between the intense focus of the adults and the carefree play of a child brought a sense of balance to the room.

Ria noticed Anaya first, her eyes lighting up as she waved her over. "Anaya, come sit with us!" she called out, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "We were just talking about our internships and what we're going to do this semester."

Anaya made her way over to the sofa, feeling a sense of belonging that had been steadily growing within her. The initial nervousness she had felt when Komal and Rakhi had taken her aside was now replaced by a quiet confidence. She was part of this family now, and she was determined to play her role to the best of her abilities.

She greets Mr singhaniya as she sat down beside Ria, Dev gave her a warm smile. "Anaya, it's good to see you," he said, his tone kind and welcoming. "Ria's been telling me about your plans for the semester. It sounds like you both have a lot to look forward to."

Anaya nodded, returning his smile. "Yes, we're both excited to start our internships. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the business and to apply what we've been studying."

Dev's expression grew thoughtful, and he leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. "You've chosen a good field, Anaya. Technology and business development are critical areas for growth, especially in a company like ours. There's a lot of potential there, and I'm sure you'll both do well."

Ria beamed, clearly pleased by her father's approval. "That's what we're hoping for, Dad. But we were just talking earlier about how tough the interview process is. I mean, it's Singhaniya Enterprises—it's not going to be easy to get in, even for us."

Dev chuckled softly, a knowing look in his eyes. "That's true. The interview process is designed to be challenging. We want to make sure that everyone who joins the company is truly committed and has the skills to contribute. But don't worry too much about it. If you prepare well, you'll both do fine."

Anaya felt a surge of determination. The idea of working at Singhaniya Enterprises was daunting, but it was also incredibly motivating. This was an opportunity to prove herself, not just to the family but to herself as well.

"Thank you, Uncle," Anaya said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I'll do my best to prepare. I know how important this is, and I want to make sure I'm ready."

Dev nodded, his expression pleased. "That's the right attitude, Anaya. Just remember, it's not just about what you know—it's also about how you present yourself and how you handle challenges. Those are qualities we value just as much as technical skills."

Anaya absorbed his words, recognizing the wisdom in them. It was a reminder that while knowledge and expertise were important, so were confidence, adaptability, and the ability to navigate difficult situations. She made a mental note to focus on those areas as she prepared for the interview.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening, followed by the familiar footsteps of Rudra entering the house. The atmosphere in the living hall shifted slightly, a subtle change that Anaya could feel but couldn't quite place. It was as if the room itself was acknowledging the presence of the family's eldest son and heir.

Rudra appeared in the doorway with his assistant, his expression as composed and unreadable as ever. His sharp features and tall, commanding presence seemed to draw the attention of everyone in the room, even young Aarav, who looked up from his building blocks to see who had arrived.

"Good evening," Rudra greeted the room in his usual calm tone, his eyes briefly sweeping over everyone before settling on Anaya.

"Good evening brother," Ria replied, with a smile.

"Good evening," Anaya replied, her voice steady despite the slight quickening of her heartbeat. She had told Ria earlier that she would wait until the last possible moment to ask Rudra about the internship, but now that he was here, she felt an urge to bring it up. It was as if the conversation with Komal and Rakhi had given her the courage to take the first step.

Rudra's gaze lingered on Anaya for a moment before he turned to Dev. "Father, I need to discuss some matters with you. It won't take long."

Dev nodded, rising from his seat. "Of course, Rudra. Let's go to the study."

As Dev and Rudra left the room, Anaya felt a wave of relief mixed with a touch of apprehension. She was grateful for the reprieve, but she also knew that the time to talk to Rudra was approaching. She couldn't avoid it forever, especially if she wanted to secure the internship.

Ria leaned closer to Anaya, her voice low but laced with encouragement. "You'll be fine, Anaya. Rudra can be intimidating, but he's not unreasonable. Just be honest and straightforward with him."

Anaya nodded, appreciating Ria's support. "I will," she said softly. "I just need to gather my thoughts and find the right moment."

Ria squeezed Anaya's hand reassuringly. "We'll figure it out together. You're not in this alone."

Anaya smiled, grateful for the friendship that had blossomed between them. Despite the challenges of her new life, she was finding her footing, and she knew she wasn't alone in this journey.

The evening passed in a quiet, almost reflective manner. After dinner, the family gathered in the living hall for a while, exchanging stories and discussing plans for the coming days. Anaya found herself more at ease than she had been earlier, especially with Komal's gentle reassurances and Ria's unwavering support.

Later that night, as Anaya prepared for bed, she stood by the window of her room it's guest room, looking out at the sprawling gardens below. The moonlight cast a silver sheen over the landscape, creating a peaceful and almost magical atmosphere. The events of the day played over in her mind, and she found herself feeling a sense of calm that had eluded her earlier.

She knew that there were challenges ahead—navigating her new role in the Singhaniya family, preparing for the internship interview, and finding her place in this vast and complex world. But for the first time, she felt a quiet confidence that she could handle it.

She wasn't just Anaya Malhotra anymore; she was Anaya Singhaniya. And while that name came with a weighty legacy, it also came with a family who believed in her, supported her, and wanted her to succeed.

With that thought in mind, Anaya turned away from the window and climbed into bed. She knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities, but she was ready to face them. After all, she wasn't facing them alone.

And as she drifted off to sleep, she felt a sense of peace, knowing that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

**To be continue..***