Page 176 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Yes. He should be arriving in a few minutes,” Reyansh confirmed.
Aanya tensed. She needed to take her father home, show him where she lived, and more importantly, have the conversation they both had been avoiding for far too long.
Ruhi’s sudden cries interrupted the family conversation, and as always, Aanya sprang into action. Radhika, observing closely, saw Reyansh’s attention shift toward his wife instantly, his eyes following her, drawn to her maternal instinct.
“You can go check on them,” Radhika whispered to her brother, nudging him slightly.
With a crooked smile, Reyansh stood and followed Aanya into the room.
“Aww, what happened to my angel?” Aanya cooed, gently rocking Ruhi in the cradle. “Had a bad dream?”
Ruhi stretched her little arms toward her.
“Want me to carry you? Alright then, come here.” She lifted the baby into her arms.
Reyansh leaned against the doorframe, watching the two of them before walking inside.
“You’re really good with her,” he said.
“Learned a few tricks from Di,” she replied with a grin.
Without hesitation, he moved behind her and wrapped his arms around both Aanya and Ruhi, enveloping them in a quiet, intimate embrace.
“What are you doing, Ruhi’s Uncle?” Aanya asked, trying to suppress the blush creeping up her cheeks.
“Cuddling the two angels in my life,” he murmured into her ear.
She giggled, the termangelsending warmth to her chest.
“Angels don’t tempt devils into kissing them,” she teased.
“Oh? Did you just call me a devil, Ruhi’s Aunt?” he said with a mock frown as he gently turned her around. Ruhi was nestled safely between them, yawning, wide-eyed, as if watching their romantic scene unfold, she instinctively understood.
“I did. What will you do about it?” Aanya challenged.
Reyansh cupped her chin and leaned in.
“Ruhi’s watching,” she whispered breathlessly.
“I don’t care,” he said and before the words were fully out, his lips claimed hers in a soft, fleeting kiss. Ruhi was sandwiched between them but she cooed and stayed calm watching her uncle and aunt’s adorable moment.
A sharp doorbell chime shattered the moment.
“Your father’s here,” he said quietly, pulling away and took Ruhi from her arms, so she could go and welcome her father.
Anand Malhotra stepped into the living room, and Aanya rushed to hug him. He held her close, emotion tightening his features, though he quickly composed himself under the gaze of the Chopra family.
“I’m so proud of you, baby,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Sliding his arm around her waist, he turned to the others. “You’ve taken such good care of my daughter in every possible way. I can never thank you enough.”
“Uncle,” Radhika interrupted with a soft smile. “Aanya is family. And in this family, we always look out for each other.”
“That’s very kind of you, Radhika. Truly. Choosing this family for Aanya has been the best decision of my life,” he said, with genuine gratitude.
Nani didn’t harbour any ill will toward Anand, but she had little to say. Still, she stayed nearby, listening, participating just enough to not seem distant.
“It was Reyansh’s idea to bring me here,” Anand continued. “And I couldn’t say no to him. I wanted to meet Aanya, too. But we have to leave tomorrow.”
“Yes, Reyansh told us,” Radhika nodded. “But Uncle, why stay at a hotel? You both should stay with us.”
