Page 142 of One Hellish Wedlock
I knew Red would be too bright for the baby so soon, so let’s go with Blue.
By the way, your email signature got me confused. Aanya Malhotra again? Not Aanya Chopra?
Reyansh Chopra
(Your confused and tormented husband)
Aanya’s heart clenched at the closing line.Tormented?Was that what he truly felt? And by her email signature she hadn’t meant to send any wrong signal. Probably he read too much in it.
She quickly typed a reply.
Reyansh,
Sorry for the confusing signature. It wasn’t intentional. I’m just used to this name. Sometimes I forget.
So... you picked Blue? You want a nephew then?
And what exactly are you “tormented” about? Is it because I left? You should enjoy your freedom while it lasts. These singlehood moments won’t come back, you know.
What do you think?
Aanya
(Malhotra/Chopra—doesn’t matter for now)
Back in India, Reyansh had just stepped out of the shower when his phone buzzed. Seeing her name in his inbox always gave him an odd mix of relief and joy. He opened the message and read every word slowly, smiling to himself.She still had her humour intact.He typed back.
Aanya had joined Radhika and Rishi in the living room when her phone pinged again.
Aanya,
I don’t mind if you keep both your surnames. Aanya Malhotra Chopra has a nice ring to it.
Boy or girl, I just want the baby to be healthy.
I’ll think seriously about your suggestion on enjoying singlehood. ??
Reyansh
Her jaw dropped. He had sent her a winking emoji? That meant his mood had lightened. The man was recovering from her absence. She chuckled at the suggestion of keeping both last names. And the singlehood? Oh, he would put that to good use, no doubt.
Just then, Radhika spoke up.
“Aanya, we’re taking you out to show you the city today. Why don’t you check if Shikha wants to join?”
Aanya smiled and decided to reply to Reyansh later. If they kept emailing like this, neither of them would get anything done.
Day 15 – India – Malhotra Mansion
Reyansh finally made time to pay a visit to Anand Malhotra.
“Good evening, Kyle,” he greeted as she welcomed him into the living room. “I heard Mr. Malhotra’s been unwell.”
“Yes,” Kyle sighed. “Please sit. Coffee or tea?”
“Coffee will do.”
She instructed the maid and sat down across from him.
