Page 252 of One Hellish Wedlock
“We’ve got Vicky’s confession on record, Mr. Chopra,” Mike informed as they walked. “Combined with the evidence you submitted, it’s more than enough to build a solid case against Miss Khanna. She’ll be deported to India tonight.”
“Good,” Reyansh nodded. “Pratham, the deputy commissioner in Delhi, will take over the case once they land.”
“Both Vicky and Shagufta are scheduled to board the flight tonight,” Mike confirmed. “Our team will escort them along with all the files.”
“Good,” Reyansh nodded. “I want to meet Shagufta.”
“Miss Khanna is wrapping up her deportation formalities with her attorney. You can see her once they’re finished.”
Reyansh offered a curt nod and waited. Inside him, anger simmered, ready to explode. The woman who’d tried to dismantle his life and destroy everything he cared about was just a few walls away.
When her lawyer finally exited, Reyansh stepped into the small holding room. Shagufta Khanna looked up and her expression lit up like she’d seen salvation.
“Reyansh!” she exclaimed, standing quickly. “I knew you’d come. You’re the only one who can fix this. Look at what Aanya’s done to me. She’s jealous, can’t stand our friendship. She’s filed a false complaint. Yes, she’s your wife, but I’m your friend… your best friend. She couldn’t handle it, so she turned you against me. This whole arrest…it’s all her doing. Her plan to erase me from your world.”
Before she could lay a hand on him, Reyansh caught her wrists in a tight grip.
“Drop the act, Shagufta,” he said coldly. “Do you really think I’d fall for this again?”
She faltered.
“And for the record,” his voice sharpened, “Aanya didn’t file that complaint.Idid.”
Her breath caught, eyes widening as he stepped forward.
“You didn’t just cross a line…you destroyed it. You endangered Di when she was pregnant, and now Aanya. Both of them mean everything to me. And you played your nasty games without thinking twice.”
The fury in his gaze made her heart race. She’d clung to a last shred of hope that somehow, she could twist the story, blame Vicky, and win him back. But the expression on Reyansh’s face crushed that hope into dust.
She backed up until her spine hit the cold, concrete wall.
“Reyansh,” she murmured, trying again.
“Don’t,” he snapped. “Don’t you dare say my name.”
Her lips trembled.
“I gave you chances more than you deserved. But instead of changing, you chose to go darker. I told you clearly that I love Aanya. I loved her from the moment I met her in Cape Town. And I never saw you as anything more than a friend. Why was that so hard to accept?”
“I couldn’t,” she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. “I couldn’t convince my heart that you don’t love me. We were so close for years. You shared everything with me. When she left after the wedding, I was the one who stayed. I supported you. I stood by you. And still, you chose her over me.”
She choked back a sob and reached for his face, cupping it tenderly as her voice cracked.
“Why her, Reyansh? Is it because she’s more beautiful? What is it? I’ll change, Reyansh. I’ll become whoever you want me to be, just don’t leave me for her. Please... don’t throw me away.”
But his eyes no longer held any sympathy. He did feel a flicker of pity for her but not enough to ignore the damage she’d done. Reyansh yanked her arms off him, disgust sharpening in his expression.
“I’m married,” he snapped.
“I know you are!” she yelled, desperation cracking her voice. “I don’t care. I’ll still love you, Reyansh. You’ll always have a place in my heart. Please... get me out of here. Help me.” Her hand reached for him again, this time bolder…crossing a line she had no right to.
Reyansh recoiled instantly.
“That’s enough,” he growled. “You need help, Shagufta. Serious help. I’ll make sure the authorities in India assign a psychiatrist once you’re in custody. That’s the only help you’ll ever get from me. One more threat to my family from you,” he said coldly, “and you won’t live to regret what I do next.”
With that, Reyansh turned and strode out, leaving her behind for good. Shagufta bolted to the door, slamming her fists against it.
“Reyansh! Come back! I’ll change, I swear—I’ll change!”
