Page 134 of One Hellish Wedlock
Until you.
Yes, Reyansh. Until you showed me the mirror. You told me where I stood and the reflection shocked me. I had no identity. No purpose. And who do you think gave me the fire to build something for myself? You did. I owe that to you in more ways than I can count. If I hadn’t taken your criticism to heart, I wouldn’t have found this job. Wouldn’t have found this version of me. Everything I’ve changed, every step forward I’ve taken, is in some way connected to you.
And now, I ask you one more favour. Remind Shagufta that she didn’t win. If we’ve parted ways, it’s because we chose to reflect and heal. Not because she succeeded in driving a wedge between us. I trust you’ll find your way of handling her.
And now coming to you… please get a grip on yourself. No one wants to see you like this, not even Sunny. You’re stronger than this. We’re not gone from each other’s lives. We’ll be in touch, either through Di, or your annoying little spies who’ll keep reporting back that I’m safe and alive. And maybe… if we both really want to, we’ll speak. Text. Email. Whatever suits us. You know that’s possible.
Thank you for letting me go and chase my dreams. That meant more to me than you’ll ever understand.
And now… about us.
Our marriage.
I’ll think about it. I don’t know when or how, but I will. Living under one roof with you as husband-wife has made me realize its worth, and how much dignity it carries. I won’t dismiss that.
And finally… I don’t hate you. I mean it. I may not love you, but I don’t hate you either. This distance, this space isnecessary. It might help us figure out if we’re really meant to find our way back to each other.
Until then look after yourself. I want to see you smiling. Forever.
Aanya
Reyansh inhaled sharply and clutched the letter to his chest. His lungs burned with the breath he had forgotten to take while reading this letter. His heart felt like it had restarted after days of numbness. This letter… it was everything.It was hope.
She didn’t hate him.
That alone was enough to keep him going.
He smiled faintly, something between relief and pain. Aanya had said more through these words than they ever had in person. It was ironic, how their letters carried the intimacy their conversations never could. She was right. This space would help them heal. And when the time was right, maybe their paths would converge again.
And yes, sheknewhe’d keep eyes on her. Knew he’d ensure she was safe. He would… because that’s what even unspoken, unacknowledged love looked like.
Delhi International Airport
“What? How many more surprises are you hiding from me, Aanya?” Navya asked dramatically.
She had come to see off Aanya at the airport, just to steal a few final moments before the departure.
“Come on, Navya… don’t act so shocked,” Aanya said with a tired smile.
She had just told Navya about the letter she left for Reyansh and how she wasn’t shutting the door on their marriage just yet.
Navya groaned and threw up her hands. “I don’t know what to say anymore. But I hope whatever you’re getting into is goodfor you. Now, give me a hug before that colleague of yours drags you away.”
Aanya hugged her best friend tightly. “I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.”
“Liar,” Aanya teased, pulling back. “So, what’s up with you and Rohan?”
Navya instantly flushed. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I knew it!” Aanya grinned. “You’re totally falling for him.”
“Not yet. He’s complicated. Just got out of a serious relationship. I don’t think he’s ready for another.”
“Well, give it time. Your charms are deadly,” Aanya winked. “If he doesn’t fall for you, someone else will.”
“Oh, I have someone else in mind already,” Navya smirked.
