Mine Yes! : Forced to be yours Mr.Devil

Author's Note - Hello, Lovely Readers!

Hi there, my lovelies! 🌸

I hope you're all doing great and that every day feels as magical as butterflies fluttering in your stomach. 🦋

First off, I owe you an apology for the delay in updates. I've been trying my best to upload on time, but as I work on making this novel the best it can be (though not perfect), it sometimes takes a little longer. Your love and support are what keep me going, so I truly appreciate your patience and understanding.

You know, every story thrives because of its characters and its readers. So, jo kuch bhi hai, sab aap logo se hi hai! I really hope our bond remains strong, and we keep building this beautiful journey together. 💕

But… I've noticed something! You read the chapters, but you don't comment afterward. 😢 Now, tell me, how can I know your cute little thoughts? Hmm? 🥺 So here's a small request: please leave a comment, an emoji, or even a GIF after reading. It could be something as simple as a ❤️ or 😍—anything to let me know what you're feeling! Your feedback gives me the confidence and motivation to make the next chapter even better.

Thank you for being here and for making this story so special!

Love always,

~PENOLA.S 💖

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The meeting room buzzed with quiet anticipation as Aarav and Ravi sat across from each other, pouring over the final project submissions. They had worked tirelessly to assess every file submitted for the blind selection process. The two code numbers that stood out — 203 and 143 — now rested on the table in neat folders.

"Let's call them," Aarav said, stretching back in his chair with a satisfied smirk. "I'm curious to see who these two are. Hopefully, not girls," he added, his tone dripping with mock annoyance.

Ravi chuckled, raising an eyebrow at his brother. "Agreed. Dealing with flirtatious interns isn't exactly my idea of fun."

Aarav leaned forward, spinning a pen between his fingers. "Right? They'll probably try to charm us to get ahead. It's better if they're just straightforward guys with solid work."

Ravi's grin widened as he prepared to add another quip, but the sound of Rudra's approaching footsteps snapped both brothers into a more formal demeanor. The steady, authoritative click of his polished shoes on the tiled floor was unmistakable.

"Let's not waste time," Rudra's commanding voice cut through the air as he entered the room. His sharp eyes immediately took in the two folders on the table, then turned to his brothers with an unreadable expression.

"We've finalized the results," Ravi said quickly, almost too quickly. "Two individuals stood out, and we're calling them in now."

Aarav, unable to resist a cheeky jab, muttered under his breath, "Hopefully, not girls."

Rudra's gaze hardened, and his tone turned steely. "Does it matter? Talent is talent."

Before Aarav could respond, Rudra gestured for the chosen candidates to be summoned. "Bring them in."

In the building's busy lobby, Anaya and Janvi were making their way to the meeting room. Anaya's sleek black blazer paired with a soft lavender blouse exuded an air of quiet confidence. Her hair was neatly tied back, a simple silver chain resting against her collarbone. Beside her, Janvi's white blouse and navy pencil skirt complemented her professional appearance. Despite her nerves, Janvi adjusted her glasses and managed a smile.

"This is nerve-wracking," Janvi murmured, her voice tinged with apprehension. "Do you think we did enough?"

Anaya glanced at her friend, offering a reassuring smile. "We'll find out soon. Just stay calm."

As they walked, Anaya's eyes briefly caught sight of Rudra Singhaniya striding down the hallway. His broad shoulders and commanding presence made him impossible to ignore. She froze momentarily, surprised to see him heading toward the same room they were approaching.

"Was that Rudra Singhaniya?" Janvi whispered, her voice low with awe. "He's even more intimidating in person."

Anaya gave a small nod, her heart inexplicably quickening. "Yes, that's him."

When they reached the meeting room, Rudra held the door open, motioning for them to enter. The two women hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside to let him go in first.

Inside the meeting room, Ravi and Aarav's casual chatter immediately ceased as Rudra entered, followed by the two candidates. Both brothers' expressions froze the moment they recognized the women who walked in.

Aarav's jaw tightened as he realized the woman in the glasses was none other than Janvi — the same person he had bumped into in the elevator. The awkwardness of that encounter came rushing back. For her part, Janvi avoided his gaze, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink.

Ravi, meanwhile, nearly dropped the pen he was holding when he saw Anaya. His usually quick wit seemed to desert him entirely.

"Oh, um, welcome," Ravi stammered, his voice uncharacteristically uneven. He shot a quick glance at Rudra, who was watching them both with an inscrutable expression.

Anaya and Janvi stepped forward, their professionalism intact despite the unusual atmosphere. Janvi spoke first. "Thank you for selecting us. We're honored to contribute to the project."

Anaya added with a calm confidence, "Yes, we're eager to begin and look forward to delivering results that meet your expectations."

Rudra's sharp eyes flicked between the two women and his brothers. "Good. Let's get started."

As the meeting progressed, Anaya and Janvi presented their ideas with clarity and insight. Rudra listened intently, his expression softening as he observed Anaya's poise and expertise. Aarav and Ravi, meanwhile, struggled to maintain their composure. Under the table, Ravi discreetly nudged Aarav with his foot, earning a glare in return.

"Stop kicking me," Aarav hissed under his breath.

"You stop fidgeting," Ravi shot back, his voice barely above a whisper.

Anaya caught the exchange and hid a smile, amused by their antics. Despite their attempts to appear composed, it was clear they were both out of their depth.

By the end of the meeting, Rudra stood, his tone firm but not unkind. "Good work, both of you. I expect results that match the potential you've shown today."

Anaya and Janvi nodded, thanking him before leaving the room. As they walked back down the hallway, Janvi let out a sigh of relief.

"That was intense," she admitted, glancing at Anaya.

Anaya laughed softly. "You handled it well. Although, I think Aarav might have been more flustered than you."

Janvi groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Don't remind me."

Back in the meeting room, Ravi and Aarav finally let out a collective sigh of relief. "That was close," Ravi muttered.

"Too close," Aarav agreed, running a hand through his hair.

Rudra, still standing at the head of the table, folded his arms across his chest. "Is there something I should know?" he asked, his tone sharp.

Ravi and Aarav exchanged a nervous glance before Ravi said, "Nothing at all, Bhai. Just… impressed by their talent."

Rudra's piercing gaze lingered on them for a moment longer before he finally turned to leave. "Focus on the project," he ordered over his shoulder.

As the door closed behind him, Aarav slumped in his chair. "We're doomed if he finds out."

Ravi smirked, leaning back with a shrug. "Then we better make sure he doesn't."

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The atmosphere in the meeting room was charged with professional curiosity and personal intrigue as the two selected candidates—Anaya and Janvi—stood before Rudra, Ravi, and Aarav. The three men, each seated with distinct energy, radiated authority. Aarav leaned back in his chair, a playful smirk tugging at his lips, while Ravi adjusted his posture, trying to appear neutral yet intrigued. Rudra remained his usual composed self, commanding the room with an air of authority that was both intimidating and magnetic.

As Anaya and Janvi entered, Aarav's gaze lingered on Janvi. Something about her seemed different. Her usual simple style had been swapped for a more polished and confident appearance. She wore a crisp white blouse tucked into a fitted black skirt, paired with heels that clicked subtly against the floor. Her hair, which was often loosely tied, now cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders. Aarav noticed the subtle eyeliner that accentuated her almond-shaped eyes and how her earrings caught the light just enough to draw attention without being overpowering.

Aarav tilted his head, his expression playful as he murmured under his breath, "Interesting."

Ravi, catching the shift in Aarav's demeanor, gave him a nudge under the table but didn't say anything. Rudra, however, was quick to bring the meeting to order.

"Please take your seats," Rudra instructed, gesturing toward the chairs across the table. His deep voice carried a commanding tone, snapping everyone into focus.

Anaya took her seat gracefully, her professional demeanor intact, but her heart raced slightly as she noticed Rudra's gaze flicker toward her, just for a moment. Was it curiosity? Or something deeper? She pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the folder in her lap.

Janvi followed suit, sitting beside Anaya. Aarav watched her every move, his smirk growing when Janvi opened her notebook with a determined expression.

"So, we finally meet the candidates behind 203 and 143," Ravi said, his voice lighter than Rudra's, though still professional. "Let's hear it then. Introduce yourselves."

Anaya was the first to speak. Her tone was clear and confident as she said, "I'm Anaya Malhotra, Candidate 203. I've worked on the presentation with a focus on optimizing client outreach strategies and enhancing product visibility in emerging markets."

Her words were polished, and she maintained eye contact with Rudra as she spoke. Rudra nodded approvingly, his expression unreadable, though Anaya could sense a flicker of acknowledgment in his eyes.

Next, it was Janvi's turn. She straightened her posture, took a breath, and said, "I'm Janvi Sharma, Candidate 143. My focus was on refining the user engagement framework and proposing cost-effective measures to boost revenue streams without compromising quality."

Her voice carried a hint of nervousness but also a quiet determination. Aarav leaned forward slightly, unable to resist teasing. "143, huh?" he repeated softly, the corners of his lips curling into a mischievous smirk. "Interesting number."

Janvi shot him a glance, her brows furrowing slightly. "Yes, Candidate 143," she replied, her tone steady, though her cheeks betrayed a slight flush.

Ravi cleared his throat, trying to steer the conversation back to business. "Alright, great introductions. Now, let's get into the specifics of your proposals."

Rudra leaned forward, resting his hands on the table. "Before we proceed, let me make one thing clear," he said, his tone firm. His gaze briefly flicked to Anaya, who met his eyes, curious but composed. "This is a professional environment, and all interactions here will remain strictly professional."

Anaya stiffened slightly at his words, understanding the underlying message. This was about their contract marriage—his way of reminding her to maintain boundaries in public. She nodded subtly, though her mind buzzed with unspoken questions. *Is he trying to draw a line? Or is he reinforcing the one that's already there?*

Ravi, noticing the subtle tension, interjected, "Let's dive into the presentations then." He turned to Janvi. "Your work stood out because of the innovative cost-cutting measures. Tell us, how do you plan to implement them in real time?"

Janvi hesitated for a split second before answering. "By conducting a phased trial across select markets and gathering data-driven insights before full implementation. This minimizes risk and allows us to refine strategies before scaling up."

Aarav's brows raised slightly, impressed. *Smart and thorough,* he thought, though he kept his expression neutral.

As the discussion continued, Rudra directed a few questions to Anaya. She answered each one confidently, her voice steady despite the intensity of Rudra's gaze. Aarav, meanwhile, kept stealing glances at Janvi, intrigued by her quiet intelligence and the occasional flicker of shyness in her demeanor.

Ravi, ever the observant one, couldn't help but notice the undercurrent between Aarav and Janvi. He nudged Aarav with his elbow under the table, earning a subtle glare from his younger brother. Ravi suppressed a chuckle, turning his attention back to the meeting.

Janvi, too, couldn't shake the feeling of Aarav's eyes on her. It was distracting, yet she managed to keep her focus on the questions being asked.

By the end of the discussion, Rudra leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable but seemingly satisfied. "Good work," he said finally. "Both of you have shown potential. We'll be looking forward to seeing how you execute these ideas in the coming months."

Anaya and Janvi both nodded, offering polite thanks. As the meeting adjourned, Rudra left the room first, his mind already shifting back to his workload.

Aarav lingered, his gaze still on Janvi. "You did well," he said casually, his tone teasing yet genuine.

Janvi looked at him, slightly puzzled by the shift in his demeanor. "Thanks," she replied curtly, gathering her things.

As the two women exited the room, Ravi turned to Aarav, smirking. "You're intrigued, aren't you?"

Aarav shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "She's…different," he admitted after a moment.

Ravi laughed. "Looks like we'll have more than just business to keep us entertained here."

Aarav rolled his eyes, but deep down, he couldn't deny the spark of interest that had been ignited during the meeting. As for Janvi, she couldn't quite shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something unexpected.

To be continued...