Page 155 of One Hellish Wedlock
Aanya Malhotra
The moment she hit send, she sat frozen, eyes on the screen, heartbeat loud in her ears. She knew he wouldn’t delay responding to something like this. And though she didn’t distrust him, she needed his voice, his reassurance, because dreams had the power to sow seeds of doubt, even in the most committed hearts. Almost four months had passed since they last saw each other. Email communication had become their lifeline. Every word from him had always held intensity of longing, a hint of regret, hope. He wasn’t the man who would cheat. But tonight, she needed to hear it from him.
Her phone rang.
She didn’t need to check the caller ID. It was him.
The moment she picked up, his voice struck her.
“Never waste jealousy on a real man. It isn’t worth it.”
Aanya closed her eyes, exhaling deeply. Relief flooded her chest. He called. He still cared. He didn’t sound angry, just disappointed. She wanted to speak, but her throat constricted.
“I trust you implicitly, Aanya. And I want you to trust me too.”
She swallowed, finally finding her voice.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I was just… protecting what’smine.”
She bit her lip, realizing the impact that one line would have on him. Silence stretched. She felt the shift in his breath.
Reyansh’s body had gone rigid, flooded with the need to hold his wife and kiss her endlessly. For the first time, he had felt it. That he belonged to her.Only her.
“I’m yours,” Reyansh broke the silence.
Her cheeks flushed. She knew he wasn’t there to see her reaction, but it didn’t matter.
“Would you mind telling me who she is?” she asked softly, needing closure.
He sighed on the other end.
“My cousin. Nadia. She’s like a sister to me.”
Aanya blinked. Cousin?
“She lives in Cape Town. Owns a boutique here. There was a party last weekend where she was there too. That’s when the photo was taken.”
More pieces clicked into place.
“Why didn’t you tell me about her when we were in Cape Town last time?”
“She wasn’t in town then. Off on a business trip. And you do remember we had to rush back because of Di’s health scare.”
Aanya nodded. That had been the trip that changed everything.
“So… all doubts cleared, Ruhi’s Aunt?” he teased.
“Yes,” she pouted, letting herself smile.
“It’s good to hear your voice.”
She toyed with the hem of her top, not knowing what to say.
“How’s Nani?” she asked instead.
“She’s well. She misses you all. Might come visit Di soon.”
“Really? Di’s been hoping she would.”
