Aanya handed it over.
“Is Reyansh back from South Africa? Did you speak to him?”
Her eyes widened slightly. South Africa? She hadn’t known he was in South Africa. She had no idea he was there. So that’swhy he hadn’t emailed. Of course. That explained the five-day silence.
She masked her surprise quickly. “I haven’t spoken to him today.”
“Well, when you do, ask him which colour he’d pick.”
Aanya managed a smile and reached for the yarn. “I already know.Red.”
Radhika laughed. “So typical of him.”
Aanya laughed along, though her heart fluttered. The weekend felt warm, cozy, and strangely grounding.
Day 11 - India
Reyansh had just landed from his private jet a while ago, returning from a crucial business trip to South Africa. The meetings had been related to the joint venture between the Chopras and Malhotras. Anand Malhotra hadn’t attended as he was reportedly unwell. Reyansh hadn’t waited either. Instead, he took the lead and flew overseas to manage the situation himself.
Once inside the car, driving back to Chopra mansion, Reyansh pulled out his phone and opened his personal email. And there it was, an email sent last night by her. He cursed himself silently for not checking it sooner.
Reyansh Chopra,
In your last email, you mentioned wanting transparency between us, yet you conveniently broke that rule. Why wasn’t I informed about your trip to South Africa? I heard it from Di and guess what? I was clueless.
Such lapses don’t just confuse me; they make Di suspicious too. I hope you’ll be more mindful next time.
Now coming to something less serious—pick a colour for the baby’s woollen suit. Di wants your suggestion.
Regards,
Aanya Malhotra
A rare smile tugged at Reyansh’s lips as he began typing a response immediately.
Day 12 — California
Aanya had slept in at Radhika’s place over the weekend. She had left some clothes and toiletries at their home, making herself comfortable for occasional sleepovers.
Still groggy, she walked out of the guest room after brushing her teeth. Radhika was lounging with her coffee while Rishi massaged her feet.
“Wow... I want a husband like that,” Aanya blurted out before realizing she had interrupted their moment. She gave an awkward smile.
“You already have one,” Radhika replied with a pointed look.
Aanya smiled and sat opposite them.
“My feet were swollen last night,” Radhika explained. “I asked Nani what to apply, and she suggested this oil. Rishi is being a darling and helping.”
Aanya nodded as she watched the couple’s quiet comfort. That’s when Rishi turned to her.
“Did you talk to Reyansh?”
Her eyes widened. She had forgotten to check her email. She quickly excused herself and returned to the guest room to open her inbox.
Aanya,
My sincere apologies for not informing you about my trip. I promise it won’t happen again.