Page 80 of One Hellish Wedlock
“You seem to have graduated with impressive scores,” the man noted.
“Thank you, sir,” she replied with composure.
“But why didn’t you work after graduation?” the other asked.
“I got married,” she admitted, voice a little hesitant.
“Oh yes, how could we forget that you’re the wife of Reyansh Chopra?”
Aanya stiffened. So they knew. How? Had Reyansh informed them? Without her knowledge?
“We’re pleased that despite having two powerhouses like Anand Malhotra and Reyansh Chopra backing you, you’ve still chosen to pursue your own career.”
She offered a tight smile. “That’s because I have no intention of using my father or husband as a ladder. Also, if you’re offering me this job based on their names, I’m afraid I’ll have to decline.”
The two men exchanged a glance and whispered something to each other. Their expressions didn’t suggest agreement. Aanya instantly sensed the opportunity slipping from her fingers.
“Can you wait outside for a moment? We’ll call you back in shortly,” one of them said.
“Of course.” She rose, dignity intact, and exited the room.
Back in the waiting area, she sank onto the couch, clutching her file. She had no expectations now, but disappointment didn’t break her spirit. If not this, then the next. She would keep trying until someone valued her forher, not for the men in her life.
Her gaze unconsciously drifted toward the elevator afar, and her heart paused. Shagufta Khanna had just stepped out and in the next moment, Reyansh appeared, blocking Shagufta’s path. The two embraced quickly, exchanging a professional hug but the way Shagufta stared at Reyansh, as if she was smitten, still pierced through Aanya’s calm exterior.
So this was why Reyansh was here, in this particular building rather than at his main office across town? She wanted answers but she didn’t have time to chase them as the receptionist called her name again.
Frustrated, she returned to the interview room.
“This job is yours,” one of the interviewers announced.
Aanya blinked. “Really? I mean, thank you. Thank you so much, Sir!”
She shook hands with both interviewers, who smiled genuinely this time.
“We’re eager to see what you bring to the table. Our company doesn’t typically take on freshers. We manage high-profile interior design projects, and we need experienced hands. But we’re making an exception. You’ll start as a trainee for two months. If your performance meets our standards, we’ll offer you a full-time position.”
“Understood. That’s more than fair.” She stood, beaming.
“Congratulations,” they offered in unison as she left to collect her joining letter.
Exhilarated, Aanya tucked the letter into her purse and exited the building. Despite Reyansh’s dramatic interference, she had triumphed. She had followed her instinct, faced her fears, and claimed her victory.
But her smile faded slightly as her thoughts returned to Reyansh and Shagufta. They weren’t business associates. As far as she knew, they were just college friends. Then what were they doing together here? But again, why did it matter so much to her?
She forced herself to focus on what truly mattered…her job. She had to tell Radhika and Navya about her job. They deserved to know it first.
Lost in that thought, she collided with someone. Her purse slipped from her shoulder, the joining letter tumbling to the ground. Before she could bend to retrieve it, the person she had collided with, had already picked it up.
It was Reyansh.
He glanced at the letter, then handed it back to her.
“Congratulations,” he muttered. “As always, you did the exact opposite of what I asked.”
“I suggest you stop making decisions for me altogether. It’s clearly a waste of your time,” she snapped.
“Don’t talk to me like that, Aanya,” he warned, stepping closer, his eyes dark and dangerous. “How many times do I have to tell you that?”
