Page 64 of One Hellish Wedlock
Aanya placed the cake before her and passed her the knife.
“Di, that’s what makes it a surprise,” she said gently.
Radhika cupped Aanya’s cheek with affection. “I want this every year. You and Reyansh, together, wishing me like this… always.”
Aanya’s smile faltered. Just for a second. Becausealwayswasn’t part of their plan. But before she could respond, Reyansh stepped in.
“Of course, Di,” he said warmly. “We will always wish you like this…together.”
He glanced at Aanya once, who was already looking at him. Their eyes locked for a breath too long, because for that one moment, they both almost believed the lie.
Then Aanya blinked, breaking eye contact first. She turned back to Radhika and gestured toward the cake.
“Come on, Di. Make a wish,” she said gently.
Radhika, teary-eyed, nodded and cut the cake. She fed Rishi, then Aanya and Reyansh. Afterward, she stepped down to take Nani’s blessings.
“This already feels like the best birthday of my life,” she said joyfully. “My whole family is with me. Especially Aanya.”
She hugged Aanya tightly. Reyansh felt his sister’s genuine affection for Aanya… and Aanya’s unfeigned fondness in return was sweet to watch. She wasn’t faking any of this. She loved his sister. And somehow, that truth stirred something dangerously close to longing in him.
Birthday Party – Next Day
The celebration at the Chopra Mansion had just begun. Guests were pouring in steadily. Outside the gates, the media gathered in anticipation, eager for a glimpse of the elusive Reyansh Chopra, the reclusive business tycoon, accompanied for the first time, by his wife. Whispers swirled everywhere:tonight, Mrs. Reyansh Chopra would be making her public appearance beside her husband.
But upstairs, in the privacy of her bedroom, Aanya stood before the mirror, lost. In a few minutes, she would be introduced as Reyansh’s wife in front of the entire world, an identity she’d have to abandon in two months when their arrangement came to an end. She didn’t enjoy fooling people, especially not those who would believe this charade of a marriage was real. If only Reyansh had thought like her. He could have spared his sister the truth with a white lie, avoiding this entire performance. But no, he chose the theatrical route.
A sharp knock broke her thoughts. She sprang to her feet and opened the door and saw Radhika.
She had assumed the birthday girl would be downstairs, basking in the festivities.
“Aanya, what is this? You’re still not dressed? Everyone’s waiting for you.”
“They’re waiting foryou, Di. It’s your birthday,” Aanya replied.
Radhika stepped inside, surveying the room. Her eyes landed on a black dress sprawled on the bed.
“Is that what you’re wearing?” she asked, then shook her head. “No, wear something red tonight.”
“Red?” Aanya echoed.
“Yes, it’s Reyansh’s favourite colour,” Radhika said with a mischievous grin.
Aanya offered a wry smile. “Red - the colour of rage?”
“Or the colour of love,” Radhika added gently and moved toward the closet, selecting a deep crimson gown. “Wear this.”
The dress was stunning. Elegant, bold, impossible to ignore. She stared at it, her fingers brushing lightly over the fabric. It was exactly the kind of dress Reyansh would admire on a woman—clean lines, understated glamour, strong but feminine.
But that was the problem.
She couldn’t wear this. Not because it’s not beautiful, but because it’shisfavourite. Because if he saw her in red, he might think she was trying. That she wanted more than what they agreed to.
She didn’t want to send wrong signals.
She didn’t want to blur the line between contract and something more.
“Are you sure?” she asked cautiously. “I don’t want his favourite colour to become his least favourite just becauseIwore it.”
