Page 211 of One Hellish Wedlock
But today? Today felt sacred. Every ritual mattered. Her soul clung to each word, each vow. She lifted her gaze and found Reyansh watching her with the same fierce commitment. Without hesitation, he reached out, entwined their fingers, and offered her a smile that made her heart flutter. This was the best day of their lives and they were going to make it count.
Once the rituals were complete, they stood side by side, bowing to the elders and receiving their blessings. Cameras flashed from every direction as family rushed in for photographs, eager to pose. Each family member wanted to have infinite photos with the newlyweds.
Reyansh leaned in, his lips brushing against Aanya’s shoulder as he whispered, “Now they’re harassing us.”
She stifled a laugh, keeping her composure as Nani joined them for a picture.
“This isn’t what I imagined,” he muttered again, quieter this time. “I thought this would be more private after we complete the rituals. Just you and me… not a photo shoot marathon.”
Aanya smiled through gritted teeth, still posing. “You didn’t expect the post-wedding chaos? Thank God it's just the family here, and no other guests invited.”
He exhaled, his hand tightening slightly around her waist. “I knew there’d be some fuss, but not hours of smiling, nodding, and holding in my real thoughts while people talk about how ‘happy’ we look.”
“Grumpy groom,” she whispered under her breath, biting back another giggle.
He glanced at her with a look that was both exasperated and completely smitten. “I’m only grumpy because I have a wife I can’t escape with yet.”
She tilted her head toward him, whispering back, “Just a little longer. Then I’m all yours.”
That made him grin. But it didn’t stop him from throwing a pleading glance at the clock, silently counting down the seconds until the family would finally let them go.
“Let’s elope,” he said, gripping her hand.
Aanya’s eyes widened. “What? Where?”
“Somewhere private.”
Without waiting for a response, he gently tugged her away from the family, announcing that they were leaving for the night, and slipped through the exit.
Outside, their car was already waiting.
“Reyansh, I’msooverdressed for this escape,” she said with a dramatic sigh.
“Doesn’t matter,” he replied with a wicked grin. “No one’s going to see you in this except your husband. Now, get in.”
She giggled when he playfully patted her behind, clearly in a hurry to get away. The driver took off as soon as they were seated.
Aanya watched him as he gave the driver the instructions of where to take them. He looked even more striking tonight. The beige sherwani suited him like it had been stitched by the stars. He looked every bit the man she once resisted loving, now completely hers.
“We’re not going back to the resort tonight?” she asked curiously as the car took the next left.
He raised her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “I have a better place in mind to celebrate tonight.”
Ten minutes later, the car pulled up near the seaport. Aanya stepped out and froze.
A private white yacht, sleek and elegant, gleamed under the night sky.
“We’re spending the night here?” she gasped.
Reyansh leaned in and whispered, “Surprise.”
She turned to him, jaw slack, eyes wide. “Rey, you really know how to give surprises.”
“You loved it?” he asked.
“I love anything and everything that comes from you,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck and rubbing their noses together.
He smirked and, without another word, swept her into his arms.
