The evening descended gently over the Singhaniya mansion, casting a warm, golden hue across the vast estate. In the kitchen, a lively buzz filled the air as Komal and Rakhi discussed the preparations for dinner. The women of the house were all gathered, and Anaya found herself at the center of their attention.

"Anaya," Komal began, her voice kind but firm, "since you're the new daughter-in-law, it's time for you to prepare something special for the family tonight. It's a tradition that each daughter-in-law cooks a meal for the family when she's newly married. This will be your first time."

Anaya, though slightly nervous, nodded with a smile. "Of course, Grandmother. I'll do my best."

Rakhi, who had been observing Anaya with a gentle smile, added, "You've got this, Anaya. I know you're a good cook. Just make something from your heart."

Misha, always supportive, chimed in with enthusiasm. "Anaya, I'm sure you'll make something amazing. We're all looking forward to it!"

Ria, who had been silently watching, suddenly spoke up, her tone light but teasing. "But what about Rudra bhai? He never eats with us anymore. He always takes his meals in his room. Even breakfast is a rare event with him."

The room fell into a brief silence, the women exchanging glances. Rudra's habit of isolating himself during meals was a sore subject, one that none of them had managed to resolve.

Rakhi sighed softly, her expression tinged with concern. "It's true, Ria. Your brother has distanced himself in that way for years now. But it's still important for Anaya to do this. Who knows, maybe this meal will be a small step towards changing things."

Komal, ever the matriarch, gave a small nod of approval. "Let's hope for the best. Anaya, focus on making something delicious. We'll see how Rudra responds."

Anaya's heart swelled with determination. She wanted to contribute to the family, and if this was one way to do so, she would give it her all. "I'll make biryani," she decided. "It's a dish that I'm comfortable with, and I hope everyone will like it."

As Anaya set to work in the kitchen, the other women offered their support, chatting and laughing as they helped with the preparations. There was a warmth in the air, a sense of unity that Anaya found comforting.

Later, when the biryani was ready and the dinner table set, Komal sent a servant to Rudra's room to invite him for dinner. All the women gathered in the living area, waiting with a mix of hope and apprehension.

The servant returned a few moments later, his expression uneasy. "Mr. Rudra said he's busy and doesn't have time to join the family for dinner. He also requested that he not be disturbed again this evening."

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The mood in the room dipped as the women absorbed the news. Anaya tried to hide her disappointment, but it was difficult. She had hoped, even if just a little, that Rudra might join them.

Ria, noticing Anaya's reaction, decided to take matters into her own hands. As Rudra's assistant, Ravi, approached the dining area, Ria blocked his way with a determined look.

"Ravi," she said, her tone a mix of playfulness and seriousness, "I have a request."

Ravi, ever professional, stopped and raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Miss Ria?"

Ria crossed her arms, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You're my brother's friend and assistant, but you should also respect his little sister. I know you two are close, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't listen to me."

Ravi couldn't help but smirk at Ria's feisty attitude. "And why should I listen to you, Miss? Do we know each other that well?"

Ria playfully narrowed her eyes at him, stepping closer as if to challenge him. "Well, maybe not yet, but I'm Rudra's sister, and that should count for something. Besides, I'm not asking for much."

Ravi chuckled softly, amused by her persistence. "Alright, Miss Ria. What's the request?"

Ria's expression softened, and she spoke in a more earnest tone. "When you take Rudra's dinner to him, don't tell him that his wife made it for the first time. Just say it's something special, and leave it at that. Please?"

Ravi considered her request, his gaze meeting hers. There was something about Ria's sincerity that made him relent. "Alright, I'll do it. But don't get your hopes up too much. You know how your brother is."

Ria nodded, grateful for his cooperation. "Thank you, Ravi. That's all I ask."

Ravi gave a small nod and proceeded to take the tray to Rudra's room, leaving Ria with a sense of cautious optimism.

---

In the quiet of Rudra's room, Ravi entered with the tray, placing it on the table near Rudra's desk. Rudra, who had been engrossed in his work, glanced up briefly.

"Your dinner, sir," Ravi said simply, his tone neutral.

Rudra nodded, his focus already shifting back to his work. "Thank you. You can go."

Ravi nodded and quietly left the room, closing the door behind him. As he walked back down the hallway, he couldn't help but hope that Rudra would take a moment to eat. The man worked tirelessly, often at the expense of his own well-being, and Ravi had seen firsthand how that kind of pressure could wear someone down.

As Ravi turned to leave, he couldn't help but glance back at Rudra, wondering if the small effort made by Anaya would reach him. But Rudra's expression remained as unreadable as ever, giving no indication of his thoughts.

Downstairs, the family had gathered around the dining table, a mixture of emotions hanging in the air. Anaya tried to remain hopeful, even as she shared the meal with the others. The support from Ria and Misha helped, but the uncertainty about Rudra's reaction lingered in her mind.

As the evening wore on, Ria and Misha did their best to keep the atmosphere light, chatting about various topics and making sure Anaya felt included. Komal and Rakhi exchanged knowing glances, understanding the unspoken worries in Anaya's heart.

When the meal was over, Anaya excused herself, feeling the need for some fresh air. She stepped out into the garden, where the cool night breeze offered a moment of solace. She walked among the flowers, letting the calm of the evening soothe her thoughts.

Just as she was beginning to feel more at peace, Ravi appeared, having completed his duties for the night. He approached Anaya with a respectful nod.

"Mrs. Anaya," he began, his voice carrying a hint of warmth, "I thought you should know that Mr. Rudra did eat the dinner you made. He didn't say anything, but he finished it."

Anaya looked up at him, her heart lifting at the news. "He did? Thank you for telling me, Ravi."

Ravi offered a small smile, the brief exchange with Ria earlier still in his mind. "It's a small step, but it's something. Sometimes, change happens in the quietest ways."

Anaya, who had been trying to remain composed, allowed herself a small smile in return. "I hope so," she replied, her voice filled with quiet determination. "I'll keep trying."

Ravi bowed slightly before leaving Anaya alone in the garden, the night wrapping around her like a protective cloak. As she stood there, surrounded by the peaceful stillness of the evening, Anaya felt a glimmer of hope. She knew the road ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to face it, one step at a time.

Ria turned back her eyes to Anaya, a small smile playing on her lips. "I think tonight was a step in the right direction," she said softly, not wanting to raise Anaya's hopes too high but feeling a glimmer of optimism herself.

**To be continue..**