Page 45 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Let me show you our room,” he muttered, grabbing her hand and leading her inside.
Neither of them noticed as their right feet stepped in together, unknowingly completing yet another ritual of herGrihapraveshas his wife.
Once they entered the bedroom, Aanya momentarily forgot her sarcasm. The room was stunning, monochrome elegance in grey and white. The centrepiece was the large bed, sleek and inviting. A white recliner by the window hinted at where Reyansh probably worked late into the night. And beyond the French doors, she spotted a private pool shimmering in the sunlight.
“Pool in the room? Fancy,” she said, tilting her head. “Do you actually use it or is it just for aesthetics?”
“I use it,” he said casually. “But there’s a bigger one near the gym downstairs.”
“Living the luxurious life, huh?” she teased.
“I worked for it,” he replied, calm and matter-of-fact. “Every inch of it.”
The jab was subtle, but it hit hard. She wasn’t earning anything. Not yet. That truth stung more than she expected.
He slid the closet door open, revealing a wardrobe full of clothing, designer sarees, tailored dresses, high-end heels, matching jewellery, and premium makeup kits. Everything a woman like her would be expected to have.
“That’s too much,” she muttered.
“Consider it complimentary.”
“Complimentary with this charming contract?” she scoffed. “Fine. I’ll use them responsibly… within the limits of our fake arrangement.”
She stretched her arms, clearly tired.
“So, no office today?” she asked, eyeing him. “Surprising. I thought every minute of yours was worth a fortune.”
“I didn’t plan on staying,” he replied. “But asking Nani to give you the home tour wasn’t right. Hence, I stayed back.”
“Thank God you did. She doesn’t like me and believe me, the feeling’s mutual.”
He gave her a sharp look. “Aanya, listen carefully. While Di is here, don’t show that dislike. I’ve already explained the same to Nani. Just…keep things civil.”
Aanya nodded slowly. It was obvious how much Reyansh loved his sister. She must truly be special to him.
“Alright,” she whispered.
“Good. Dinner will be ready in half an hour. You can explore the house until then. I’ve got a few calls to make.”
He turned and walked away, leaving her in the middle of their new “home,” alone, surrounded by opulence and deception.
Aanya exhaled slowly. Her throat felt parched, her nerves refusing to settle. Everything about this arrangement still made her uneasy. For the next two to three months, her entire world would be turned upside down and there was nothing she could do to change it. No drinking. No parties. No friends. Just the Chopras and a list of non-negotiable terms from that damned contract. It was going to be dull. And suffocating.
A little later
“So much food for just one guest?” Aanya murmured, eyes wide as she took in the lavish spread of Indian dishes laid out for dinner.
Reyansh, seated across from her, paused mid-reach for the serving spoons and shot her a sharp look.
It hit her instantly.
Right. She wasn’t a guest here. Not for the next two or three months. She was part of this family now.
“Sorry,” she mouthed quietly, almost instinctively.
Then, without another word, she picked up a spoon and began serving dinner onto her plate.
“Nani won’t be joining us,” he informed casually.
