Page 9 of One Hellish Wedlock
Everything changed when her mother passed away and Kyle entered their lives.
Navya noticed her best friend zoning out and nudged her gently. “Hey. Let’s not get into that. How about a disco night? Dance like there’s no tomorrow?”
“Sure, babes,” Aanya said, perking up. “Let me throw on something sexy.”
She stood to get ready, but just then, her phone rang. She looked at the screen and froze.
“Look who finally found time for me,” she muttered and answered. “Hey, Dad.”
“Aanya,” Anand said warmly.
“Yup, I’m alive,” she shot back with a sarcastic edge.
“I know you’re upset, baby. But when you called the other day, I was in the washroom. Kyle had to take the call.”
“Stop making excuses, Dad. Anyway, did you send the money? I’m kind of short here.”
As always, she kept their conversations brief and businesslike. No small talk. No time for lectures.
Anand cleared his throat. “I didn’t send anything.”
“What?” Aanya snapped. “Why?”
“I’m sorry, Aanya. I can’t send you any money right now.”
Her heart thudded. “Youcan’t? Why? Are you bankrupt? Or did Kyle divorce you and clean you out with alimony?”
Navya burst out laughing.
“Aanya, stop being ridiculous. Business is fine, and Kyle is still very much with me. She’s your stepmother. Show some respect.”
Aanya made a face. Thankfully, her father couldn’t see it.
Something about this call felt different. Her father had never delayed money before. Why was he doing it now?
But she wasn’t going to beg. If he wanted her to crawl, he’d be disappointed.
“Fine. I know there are five more days before the next transfer. I’ll wait,” she said stiffly.
“Aanya, it’s not just about the money,” Anand began. “There’s some paperwork that needs to be completed before I can authorize future transfers.”
“Paperwork?” she barked. “What kind of paperwork? A father sending money to his daughter suddenly requires documentation?”
“It’s business, sweetheart. Everything must be accounted for. You’ll understand when you start earning.”
Aanya rolled her eyes so hard it hurt. Her hands were clenched, fury simmering.
“Okay, then. Do the paperwork and send the damn money.”
“No… you’re not getting it. Your presence is required for this paperwork.”
Now her mouth fell open. “What?”
Navya clamped her hands over her ears, bracing herself.
“Dad, are youkiddingme? I’m not flying anywhere!”
“Aanya, listen—”
