“How was your flight?” he asked, pulling back to study her face.
“Not bad,” she replied tersely.
“Look at you… you’ve lost weight. Aren’t you eating properly over there?” he asked with concern.
Aanya gave a humourless chuckle. “I eat. Isn’t that enough, Dad?”
Anand frowned at her evasive reply. Before he could say anything more, Aanya’s eyes landed on Kyle, standing a few steps away. The two women didn’t exchange a word, just a silent stare filled with mutual disdain.
“Where are the papers I’m supposed to sign?” Aanya asked, her voice cool and businesslike.
“They’re not ready yet,” Anand admitted. “And are we going to have this entire conversation outside? Let’s go in. Kyle had your room cleaned up.”
Aanya didn’t react. She followed Anand into the house, her steps slow, her posture stiff—more like a guest than a returning daughter. Several maids came forward to greet her. Some of them were the same ones who had looked after her as a child. Her expression softened.
“How’s your son, Rama?” Aanya asked one of the house helps with genuine interest.
“He’s doing well, Madam. He’s started school now.”
“Good. Make sure he goes to school. Let him build something for himself,” Aanya said with conviction.
From behind, Kyle let out a pointed scoff. “Look who’s offering life advice now.”
Aanya turned sharply. “Excuse me?”
Kyle didn’t flinch. “Even well-educated women these days rely on their fathers to survive. Irony, isn’t it?”
Anand’s voice rose with authority. “Kyle, that’s enough.”
But she wasn’t done. “I’m sorry, Anand, but someone needs to speak the truth. What has Aanya done with her degree? She spends her time wasting away in clubs and casinos. If she doesn’t value her education, she has no right advising others.”
Aanya’s hands curled into fists. She turned to her father, eyes blazing.
“Thanks for the warm welcome, Dad. But I won’t tolerate this. I’m leaving. I’ll be staying with Navya. When the paperwork’s ready, you can inform me.”
She stormed back to the car and shouted for the driver to reload her luggage. Anand rushed after her, trying to stop her, but she ignored him and got in without a backward glance.
Kyle walked up beside Anand, unfazed. “Let her go. She’ll come back.”
Anand angrily shrugged her hand off his shoulder. “You couldn’t stay quiet for one damn moment, Kyle? I waited eighteen months to see my daughter, and you ruined it the moment she stepped in.”
Kyle stood stunned, her mouth falling open. In all the years of their marriage, Anand had never spoken to her like that. Without another word, he turned and walked inside.
Kyle exhaled slowly. She didn’t believe she had said anything wrong. Someone had to be the responsible one. Someone had to show Aanya the mirror. If Anand was too blinded by love to do it, she would.
Singh Residence
The moment Aanya stepped into Navya’s house, she headed straight for the private bar counter without a word. She grabbed a bottle of vodka, unscrewed the cap, and poured herself a shot. Her frustration was palpable.
Navya, sipping coffee in the living room, stared in disbelief.
“Aanya! What the hell happened?” she asked, rushing over as Aanya poured a second shot.
Before Aanya could lift the glass, Navya snatched the bottle from her hand. “Stop! What are you doing?”
“Give it back, Navya,” Aanya growled.
“No way. We have plans tonight, remember? Don’t ruin it.”