“Yes, it’s true,” he admitted.
Nani’s expression shifted to one of disgust.
“That woman will not step foot in this house. I don’t care how much you hide from me, but I know about her. Her current lifestyle is a disgrace. She has ruined herself, and I will not have a girl like her tainting this home and family.”
Reyansh’s jaw tightened.
“I know what I am doing, Nani. So, please relax. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do. Ask the staff to send my meal upstairs in an hour. Until then, I’ll be with Sunny.”
He didn’t wait for a reply. He turned on his heel and headed toward the drawing room, leaving Nani frozen behind him, still wondering what exactly Reyansh intended by bringingthatgirl back into their lives.
Paris
After hours of argument with Navya, and the sobering realization that she might actually be broke for real this time, Aanya finally gave in. Her father’s so-called “paperwork” excuse had worn her down. She agreed to return to India, complete whatever formality was necessary to restart her money flow, and leave again.
She informed Anand of her decision. By evening, both girls were packed and ready to fly.
Twelve hours later, they stepped out of the arrivals gate into the heavy, bittersweet air of Delhi.
Eighteen months ago, Aanya had stood in the very same airport, boarding a flight to Sydney with a heart full of resentment and confusion. She had felt discarded by her father and by the man he had married her off to.
She closed her eyes briefly, trying to push away the flood of memories. Navya hauled their luggage toward the sleek black car waiting outside sent by Anand.
“Aanya, come on,” Navya called.
The two climbed in.
“Why don’t you stay with me while you’re here?” Navya suggested. “Dad and his third wife are on vacation for another week. I’ll be all alone anyway.”
“I will,” Aanya agreed. “I just need to show my face to Dad, remind him I came for his damn paperwork. I’m not staying with them. I can’t stand my step mother either.”
“Great! Then I’m finding a killer pub for tonight,” Navya grinned. “We’ll party like old times. I’ll call the crew.”
Aanya managed a weak nod, but her chest was tight. The air here always tasted of the past…of abandonment, disappointment, and emotional debt.
She hoped this visit, however short, wouldn’t make her feel once again like a pawn in her father’s game—a piece to be moved, traded, and discarded at will.
CHAPTER 3
Malhotra Residence - Delhi
“Did you send the car to the airport, Kyle?” Anand asked as he stepped into the house after a long day at work.
Kyle gave him a knowing smile, her voice tinged with sarcasm. “I did, Anand. How could I possibly forget who’s coming today?”
Anand ignored her tone, too anxious to see his daughter. He began pacing the room, his eyes darting repeatedly toward the front door. Kyle noticed his restlessness and walked over to him.
“I suggest you sit down and relax for a while. She’ll be here.”
“I can’t help it, Kyle,” he admitted. “I’m excited to see my daughter. It’s been eighteen months since I last saw her.”
Before Kyle could respond, the familiar honk of the car echoed through the drive. Anand’s face lit up, and without wasting a second, he rushed outside. Kyle followed at a slower pace.
Aanya stepped out of the car, blinking as she tried to adjust to her surroundings. This place had once been home, but now, it felt foreign, empty, disconnected. Her gaze swept over the exterior of the house that held so many memories… memories that no longer brought warmth.
“Aanya, my sweetheart!” Anand called, enveloping her in a tight embrace.
Aanya returned it half-heartedly.