Page 94 of One Hellish Wedlock
“He’s in South Africa. For the joint venture,” Kyle added.
“That explains it,” Aanya said, sarcasm dripping from her voice.
“He’s flying back tonight. I’ll tell him about your job.”
Aanya didn’t respond. She had no faith in Kyle’s promises.
“Better yet,” Kyle suggested, “Why don’t you both come home for dinner tonight? I’ve already invited Reyansh, but he doesn’t seem interested.”
“No, thanks. Di and Jeeju are here. We already have plans, and Reyansh is swamped with work too.”
Kyle opened her mouth to say more, but Aanya cut her off.
“I’m getting late,” she said flatly. “Bye.”
She strode out, meeting Shikha by the car. As they drove away, Kyle stood by the gates, stunned. Aanya having a job was the last thing she ever expected.
Chopra Mansion
When Aanya returned home from work, she was taken aback to find Radhika waiting with a surprise announcement.
“We’ve all been invited for dinner at Malhotra Mansion tonight,” Radhika beamed.
Aanya froze. She had already declined Kyle’s earlier invitation. And yet, Kyle had reached out to Radhika to confirm it? What game was she playing now?
“Di... I don’t think I can come,” Aanya tried, attempting to wriggle out of it again.
“Why not? Most women are desperate to visit their parents after marriage, and here you are trying to avoid them?” Radhika teased. “I get it, you love Reyansh and all of us too much to make regular trips, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit even once a month.”
Aanya sighed heavily.
“No excuses,” Radhika warned. “We’re going. That’s final. And you can’t say no to a pregnant woman’s request.”
Aanya broke into a soft laugh. “Di, that’s blackmail!”
Radhika grinned. “When you’re pregnant, make me dance to your tune. I’ll oblige. Then it’ll be fair. Happy?”
A tight twist stirred in Aanya’s stomach. Pregnant? With Reyansh baby? Just a week ago, they had accidentally wandered into that very topic, playfully discussing what traits they’d want their kids to inherit, before snapping back to reality and the absurdity of it, given the state of their relationship.
“Someone is shy!” Radhika teased, catching her in that moment. “When are you two planning to have kids?”
Aanya rolled her eyes to mask her unease. “We haven’t really thought about it,” she replied lightly. The truth didn’t matter right now; what mattered was making Radhika happy.
“I figured. Reyansh won’t bring it up first. He’s not the type. I remember, even before my marriage, I used to organize some kids parties at home. Fifteen to twenty little kids would run around the house, and your dear husband would check himself into a hotel for the day just to avoid the chaos.”
Aanya giggled, amused and horrified at once. “That’s so uncool of him. I wonder what he’ll do when your baby arrives.”
“I wonder too,” Radhika chuckled. “Or maybe... just maybe, it’ll change him. Maybe he’ll soften.”
“I hope so,” Aanya replied, trying not to let her discomfort show.
Radhika’s face lit up with a hopeful glow. “But I can’t wait to meet Junior Reyansh or Junior Aanya.”
Aanya forced a smile, brushing away the sting in her chest.
“Well then,” she said quickly, “since I can’t say no to a pregnant woman’s command, I’d better go get dressed for dinner at Malhotra Mansion.”
“Good,” Radhika nodded. “I’ll check on Rishi. Nani won’t be joining. She has other plans. Reyansh will be coming directly from the office.”
