Page 135 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Who?” Aanya narrowed her eyes.
“The Greek God himself… also known asyourhusband.”
Aanya pinched her. “Don’t you dare. He’s stillmyhusband.”
Navya burst into laughter. “Oho! Someone’s not ready to give up that title just yet!”
Aanya rolled her eyes. “If I ever dump him, I’ll hand him over to you personally.”
“I’ll be waiting,” Navya teased. “Now go. Shikha’s waving like a maniac from the departure gate.”
They hugged again, this time tighter, longer.
Then finally, Aanya turned, dragging her bags along with her. She would miss this country. This city. That house.
And… him.
CHAPTER 25
Day 1 - California – Few Hours Later
As promised, Rishi picked them up from the airport and brought them to their company’s accommodation. The fully furnished apartment, was comfortable and modest, ideal for a fresh start.
“This place looks good.” Rishi said, as he entered the apartment with Aanya and Shikha.
“Yes, it’s beautiful,” Aanya replied, scanning the space with calm appreciation.
“Alright then, you two settle down, freshen up, and don’t forget to eat the sandwiches and salad before you nap,” he reminded them.
Their flight had landed late in the evening, and Rishi had thoughtfully packed dinner on the way so they wouldn’t have to cook or worry about ordering food on their first night.
“Thank you, Jeeju. It’s really kind of you to arrange all this,” Aanya said with genuine gratitude.
“No need to thank me. Radhika wanted to do this herself, but you know how easily she gets tired these days. She even insisted on coming to the airport, but I convinced her to rest.”
“I’m glad you did. I’ll see Di first thing in the morning,” Aanya promised.
“You better. Tomorrow’s breakfast is on us. Let us spoil you a bit.”
Aanya chuckled. “We couldn’t ask for better hosts.”
Rishi smiled and left them to settle in.
The moment the door shut behind him, Shikha’s voice rang through the apartment. “Your Jeeju is hot.”
Aanya laughed softly. “Very!”
“But not as hot as your husband,” Shikha added boldly.
A flutter sparked in Aanya’s chest.Reyansh. She hadn’t even messaged him yet. Had he read her letter? Had it made any difference to the weight of their separation? She didn’t know. But every word she had written had come from her heart. She hadn’t made false promises, nor given him hope she couldn’t fulfil. Time would tell them both what they truly wanted.
This distance between them wasn’t just physical, it was a much-needed break to reflect, to self-heal. For Reyansh, it would test the depth of his feelings. For Aanya, it would begin the slow process of unlearning her fear of love, trust, and vulnerability.
“Lost in your dreamland again?” Shikha waved a hand in front of her face. “Every time I mention Reyansh Chopra, your eyes start daydreaming.”
Aanya shook her head. “Not true.”
“Please, you miss him already,” Shikha teased.
