Page 127 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Aanya… where are you lost?” Radhika’s voice cut through her thoughts.
“Nothing, Di,” Aanya replied, forcing a weak smile.
Radhika sat beside her, gently taking her hand in hers.
“Can I ask you something?” she said softly.
Aanya gave a silent nod.
“I know this onsite job means everything to you right now. And it’s just a matter of a year…”
Aanya listened closely, unsure where this was heading.
“As Reyansh said, many people manage long-distance relationships these days. But… I feel it’s too soon for you both to be apart again. You were separated for eighteen months after the wedding, and how much time have you actually spent together? A little over a month, perhaps.”
Aanya squeezed Radhika’s arm gently to steady her. She could see the growing emotion in her sister-in-law’s eyes.
“Di… what are you trying to say?” Aanya asked quietly.
Radhika looked directly into her eyes. “Will you leave my Reyansh again?”
Aanya had no answer. Every moment they had shared since reuniting had been a performance, until Reyansh had confessed his long-buried attraction for her. That first kiss… it had meant something to him. She wasn’t sure she felt the same, but she hadn’t denied the feelings entirely either. And now, after what Shagufta had told her, after what she suspected, she wasn’t sure where they stood. If any of it was true, if her marriage had been orchestrated for the will, she would walk away. And that would be the end of them.
Just then, Reyansh stepped into the room.
“Di, the car is ready. We need to leave.”
Radhika nodded. Aanya caught his eye briefly as she stood from the bed with Radhika. Her gaze shifted to the red saree laid out on the mattress.
“Di, you forgot to pack this,” she said.
Radhika smiled warmly. “That’s for you. I bought it recently as a goodbye gift.”
Aanya accepted it with a soft smile. They hugged, and she whispered, “Have a safe trip, Di.”
“You too. And don’t forget Rishi will pick you up from the airport.”
“Thank you.”
Radhika caressed her cheek, and together they descended the stairs.
Nani was already waiting for them downstairs. She wiped tears from her eyes.
“Nani,” Radhika said, attempting to cheer her up, “You’ll come see me when the baby is born, right? I’ll need you there.”
“I will… I promise,” Nani said, sniffing.
Reyansh opened the car door for Radhika to get in. He was personally escorting them to the airport, where his private jet awaited. Aanya waved at them until the car disappeared through the mansion gates, then quietly returned to her room. With Reyansh away, this was her only chance to find the will.
Two Hours Later
Reyansh returned home, emotionally drained. He hadn’t expected to bid farewell to Radhika and Rishi so soon. He had hoped they’d stay another month. And now, in two days, Aanya would be gone too.
How was he supposed to survive?
He entered their room, expecting to find Aanya asleep. But the bed was empty. His gaze shifted to the dressing table and there she was, wearing the red saree Radhika had gifted her justhours ago. She didn’t wear the Mangalsutra, nor the sindoor, yet in that moment, she looked every bit his wife.
The emotions he had first felt the night they kissed surged back, tightening in his chest. The moment she turned around, he moved toward her, driven by instinct and brushed his palm against her soft cheek.
