Page 190 of One Hellish Wedlock
“It’s not a deal anymore, Navya. I’m actually giving this marriage a real second chance.”
“Just like that?” Navya asked, not unkindly.
“A lot happened in the past nine months. Reyansh and I grew closer, even while living apart. We share something now…a bond that’s deeper than it ever was. There’s honesty between us, understanding… a rhythm we’ve fallen into without even trying. I know what drives him, and he sees through me like no one else ever has. Isn’t that enough to build a life together?”
“And love?” Navya’s voice softened. “Do you love him?”
Aanya’s face changed colour.It was love. Of course, it was. But she hadn’t admitted it to Reyansh. At least not with those three magical words yet.
“You don’t have to say it,” Navya murmured. “Your face already did.”
Aanya hugged a pillow to her chest.
“So… are you ever going to tell Di how it all started? Or will she never know?”
Aanya hesitated. The question struck a nerve.
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “I haven’t even spoken to Reyansh about it. Di thinks we’ve been slowly building our relationship ever since I moved into the Chopra Mansion back in India. She knows we haven’t... consummated anything. Butshe has no idea about the lies we told to protect her. She doesn’t know why Reyansh married me in the first place, or about the Noor Mahal deal. She knows nothing of it. And maybe it’s better that way. What matters is where we are now. Reyansh and I are genuinely trying to make this marriage work.”
Navya nodded slowly. “Maybe it is better. She’d be hurt otherwise, and neither of you want that.”
Aanya sighed. “True. But the real problem is... Nani knows everything. And I have no idea if she’ll keep it to herself forever.”
“Nani?” Navya shuddered. “God, I still get nervous thinking about that woman.”
Aanya laughed. “She’s not that bad.”
“She’s got some seriously orthodox views,” Navya muttered. “Has she accepted you yet?”
“I’m still not sure,” Aanya admitted with a small pout. “She’s good at hiding what she feels.”
A message pinged on Navya’s phone, and her face lit up.
“Is it Rohan?” Aanya teased, spotting the glow on her friend’s cheeks.
“Yes. He’s just checking if I landed safely,” Navya replied, clearly flustered.
“Aww…” Aanya tickled her, and Navya collapsed onto the couch, giggling.
“So thisisserious?” Aanya asked, already suspecting the answer.
“Very,” Navya whispered. “We’re getting engaged.”
“WHAT?” Aanya sat bolt upright, her jaw dropping. “You drop a bomb like that on me now? Seriously?”
“I wanted to see your reaction in person,” Navya grinned.
“I’m so happy for you,” Aanya said, throwing her arms around her. “But Ineedto meet Rohan and check for myself if he’s worthy of you.”
“Oh, that makes two of us. Even I want to see it myself if Reyansh is as changed as you claim him to be,” Navya shot back. “When you come to Delhi, let’s go for dinner—me, you, Rohan, and Reyansh. Deal?”
Aanya smiled, eyes gleaming with something distant, hopeful. “Deal.”
******************
The two friends spent the entire day together—first lunch, then shopping, laughing and talking like they were trying to make up for all those lost months. But as evening crept in, reality returned. Navya had to head back to her hotel. Aanya booked a cab for her, and they promised to meet again the following evening after Navya’s shoot wrapped up.
Once the cab drove off, Aanya began walking back toward her apartment. It was barely half a mile away from the shopping district, but something didn’t sit right. With each step, she sensed a presence. People were still around, the streets far from deserted, but a cold unease prickled her skin.Someone was following her.
