Page 147 of One Hellish Wedlock
Husband,
You found Nikhil’s wife charming? Really? No comments.
The “Save Aanya Malhotra” campaign cracked me up. But I’ll give you this. It’s a noble idea. Someone really should take global warming seriously. Though I always believed you’d be the last person to contribute to that cause considering all the heat you radiate around you with your Hotness!
I’m not ready for motherhood yet. It feels like such a huge responsibility. Maybe once Di’s baby arrives, I’ll learn a thing or two. Who knows, my thoughts might change.
You, on the other hand, are still a child. A pampered one. So fond of your Di. But that’s a beautiful thing. When the baby comes, I hope you relive those childhood moments through him or her.
I need to hurry now. Risking being late. But don’t worry, I won’t skip breakfast.
Your wife,
Aanya
Day 35
Work had consumed Aanya completely over the past few weeks. Her natural flair for décor and aesthetics was being lauded by the onsite client, and the feedback thrilled her. On the personal front, things had been surprisingly smooth. Radhika had now entered her third trimester, and Aanya had something special planned—a surprise Baby Shower.
That weekend, Aanya was staying with the Negis again. While helping Rishi in the kitchen, she brought up the idea.
“Baby Shower?” Rishi whispered, looking both amused and worried.
“Yes, Jeeju. It’s your first baby. This is a must,” she declared.
“I know. But we barely have anyone here to organize it properly. What about the rituals? I don’t know anything about them.”
“Neither do I,” Aanya admitted. “But we can ask someone.”
“Who?”
“We can’t tell Di. It’s a surprise.”
Rishi thought for a moment, then suggested, “What about Nani? She’d know all the rituals and the right mahurat (auspicious time) to conduct them.”
Aanya’s smile faded.
“Nani?” she echoed uncertainly. Their relationship had always been tense, if not openly antagonistic.
“Yes, Nani. Come on, Aanya. You know she’ll have all the details. And it’s not likeIcan talk to her about all this baby stuff.”
Aanya sighed, already picturing the uphill task this would be. But if this was for Radhika, she would swallow her pride.
The next day, Aanya mustered her courage and called Chopra Mansion.
“It’s me…Aanya,” she said as soon as Nani answered the call.
A brief pause followed. Then Nani responded, surprised. “You? Why are you calling? Is… is Radhika alright?”
“Yes,” Aanya replied calmly. “She and the baby are both fine.”
“Then why are you calling me?”
“I need some help,” Aanya said, her voice steady. “And… I have a request.”
Nani’s tone immediately changed. She had always liked when people turned to her for guidance.
“What request?”
