Page 68 of One Hellish Wedlock
Aanya turned sharply toward him.Interior designer?How did he even know that she had done her masters in it? Although, she never practiced. All these years, despite having a degree, she had been spending her father’s money, wasting time and opportunity. The realization sank like a stone. Her public imagetonight wasn’t earned. It was borrowed, courtesy of the man beside her.
Radhika and Rishi joined them for photos. Aanya, caught in the moment, casually shared Radhika’s pregnancy news to a few curious reporters. Nani, standing nearby, bristled.
“That’s enough. No more questions,” Reyansh said, motioning for Sunny to escort the press out. Once the photographers left, Nani turned sharply on Aanya.
“How could you be so careless?” she snapped.
“What did I do?” Aanya asked.
“Why would you announce the pregnancy to the media?” Nani scolded. “Do you know nothing? Such news must be kept a secret from people’s evil eye. It could endanger both mother and child.”
Aanya stood silent, absorbing the blow.
“Nothing will happen to Di or the baby. These are just superstitions,” she replied calmly.
“Superstitions?” Nani hissed. “What wouldyouunderstand about loss? Radhika lost her first child, and only we know what that pain felt like.”
Aanya felt her chest tighten. Why did everyone assume she couldn’t feel? Couldn’t care?
Reyansh finally stepped in.
“Nani, Aanya didn’t mean harm. And I don’t believe in such superstitions either. Besides, anyone who saw Di tonight, must have already guessed that she is pregnant.”
Nani’s eyes blazed. “So now you’re taking her side too? I can tolerate her presence under this roof, but if her actions hurt Radhika, I won’t forgive either of you.”
She turned and stormed away. Aanya didn’t react in anger. This time, she was only worried.
“Did I really mess up?” she whispered, biting her nail.
Reyansh gently pulled her hand down. “No.”
“Whatever,” she muttered and brushed it off. “I’ll just take extra care of Di from now on. As long as I’m around her, nothing will happen. I promise.”
She walked away, leaving Reyansh staring after her. She had no obligation to care so deeply, but she did. And it wasn’t for show. And that made him wonder how could someone likeher, wild and rebellious, connect so genuinely with someone like his sister, who lived by values and restraint?
Maybe Aanya wasn’t the woman he thought she was. She was much more.
A while later – Party continued
“No, Aanya,” she whispered to herself, eyeing the glinting glass of vodka on the tray.
Her fingers itched to curl around it. The temptation burned through her veins, urging her to defy her own restraint. But every time she reached for the drink, the terms of their agreement echoed in her mind.No alcohol.Yet one peg couldn’t possibly do much harm, could it?
She reached out again, hesitating, when suddenly a voice called her name.
“Aanya?”
She nearly jumped at the sound, jerking away from the glass like a thief caught red-handed. Radhika chuckled at her startled reaction.
“What are you doing here all alone?”
Aanya turned, flustered. “Di… I’m tempted to drink,” she confessed, not even attempting to conceal her desire.
Radhika smirked playfully. “Then have one. Who’s stopping you? As long as you know your limit, I doubt Reyansh would care.”
Aanya shook her head firmly, brushing the idea away. “No, Di. Hewillcare. He’s already warned me. If I go against him, he’ll break the deal.”
“Deal?” Radhika frowned, clearly caught off guard. Aanya quickly tried to cover her slip.
