Page 25 of One Hellish Wedlock
“What do you mean by that?”
Navya turned her laptop around, typing ‘Reyansh Chopra’ into a search bar. Dozens of images popped up—photos of Reyansh with clients, at award functions, and surrounded by elegant, refined women.
“That’s his type,” Navya pointed out, tapping on the screen. “Poised. Polished. Manicured to perfection. Sophisticated right down to their perfume.”
Then she dragged Aanya in front of the mirror.
“And you, darling, are... none of that.”
Aanya scowled, ready to pout and protest, but somewhere inside, she agreed.
“You’re right. I don’t want to be his type anyway. I’m terrible at commitments, you know that.”
Navya smirked.
“Dumbo, you’re already stuck in the most non-committed marriage ever. Just walk out of it. This whole deal is ruining your spirit.”
Aanya paused for a second, then shook her head.
“I can’t. If I back out now, Dad will find another high-bidding fool and shove me into another ‘perfect’ deal. At least with Reyansh, I know where the knives are pointed.”
Something tightened in her chest, the emotion creeping up her throat like poison.
Navya reached out and rubbed her arms gently.
“I get it. But what now? If you don’t accept Reyansh’s condition, your dad loses the venture. Kyle will make sure you don’t see a penny of your inheritance. What then?”
Aanya bit her lip in thought.
“You’re right. Kyle’s been hating it every time Dad sends me money. This is her way of cutting me off.”
“Exactly. And like it or not, you don’t have a choice.”
Navya gave her space to think, retreating into silence, knowing her friend needed time to process what her pride wouldn’t let her admit out loud.
Reyansh’s Mansion
“No, Di, I’m fine,” Reyansh said into his laptop camera, trying to mask the tension clinging to his jaw.
Radhika, watching from her California home, caught it instantly.
“Don’t lie to me. I know every wrinkle on that forehead.
Who messed up your mood today?”
He exhaled sharply. He had debated whether to tell her.
“Aanya,” he replied. “She’s here in Delhi.”
Radhika’s face lit up like a thousand-watt bulb.
“Really?! She’s back? Oh my God! Did you meet her? Did you talk? Did she agree to patch things up?”
“Di! Please. Slow down,” he chuckled. “And stop getting so excited. Don’t forget you’re carrying my future niece or nephew.”
Radhika pouted, her hand resting protectively over her baby bump.
“The baby is equally thrilled. We both want to see Aanya. Reyansh, I swear, I can’t wait to land in India.”
