Page 253 of One Hellish Wedlock
But he didn’t stop. He didn’t look back.
He walked out, ending this chapter once and for all. And now, she was nothing more than a name in his past. Not even a friend. She’d crossed every line to be remembered as that.
Penthouse
“This feels so good,” Aanya whispered, drawing in the familiar scent of home as she stepped inside. Reyansh held her hand, watching her closely. The penthouse had felt empty in her absence, but now with her laughter, her presence, their love, it felt alive again.
“Welcome home!” Radhika and Kyle appeared from the kitchen, holding a glowing puja thali that lit up their warm smiles. Aanya blinked, caught off guard.
“You two?” she said, startled. “What is all this?”
“We had to,” Radhika replied softly. “After all that you went through in the last few days, we couldn’t take chances. This ritual is our way of offering prayers, to protect you… so that nothing like that ever touches your life again.”
Aanya smiled gratefully as they circled the thali before her and Reyansh. The moment the ritual ended, he swept her into his arms and carried her inside, as if reclaiming the space that felt incomplete without her.
The Negis stayed for dinner, filling the home with warmth and chatter, before heading out. Nani left with them, while Anand and Kyle stayed behind for the night.
“I’ll show you both your room,” Aanya offered.
“No need,” Kyle replied with a smile. “Reyansh already handled everything. We’ve settled in. Thank you for making us feel so welcome.”
“This is your home too,” Aanya said. “Unless... you still think of me as your stepdaughter.”
Kyle’s smile faded, her expression turning sombre.
“I did treat you that way,” she confessed. “But not anymore. Maybe that’s why I never had a child of my own, because I couldn’t be a mother to the one I was entrusted with. I wasn’t ready back then… but now, I want to be. If you’ll give me that chance.”
The room fell silent. Reyansh and Anand looked on, uncertain how to respond to the fragile moment unfolding between them.
“I’m not asking for much,” Kyle added. “I know things between us have always been complicated, and I don’t expect it to change overnight. But... maybe one day, you’ll let me be the mother I should’ve been.”
Aanya didn’t speak for a long moment. Then she reached out and gently pressed her hand over Kyle’s.
“I’ll think about it,” she said softly.
That simple assurance lit up Kyle’s face. She pulled Aanya into a gentle hug before she and Anand retired for the night.
Aanya turned toward Reyansh, who sat watching her from the couch.
“Phew,” she exhaled. “So many changes… all at once.”
“All good changes,” he replied, walking over and gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “From now on, only the good stuff.”
“Time for bed, Mrs. Chopra,” he added with a grin. “Feels like we waited forever for this.”
She laughed as he scooped her up again, carrying her into their bedroom, finally home.
Few minutes Later
“Where were you this morning?” Aanya asked as she stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in her nightwear. Reyansh was busy fixing the bed but paused mid-action to glance at her.
“Had something to take care of,” he replied, his chest rising with a slow, heavy breath.
“You met Shagufta, didn’t you?” she came closer, her tone calm but knowing.
He didn’t ask how she found out. He simply nodded.
“Yeah.”
