Page 107 of One Hellish Wedlock
Navya didn’t look convinced but let it go.
“You better be right. I don’t want you to call me from Cape Town saying you two… had a one-night stand.”
Aanya rolled her eyes. “That’s the last update you’ll get from me.”
Finally, Navya smiled.
“Now come on. Let’s dance. Hopefully, it won’t tire you out for your flight.”
Aanya laughed and pulled her friend onto the dance floor.
Next Day - Cape Town – South Africa
Aanya landed in Cape Town the following day, and the first thing she did was call Radhika to inform her that she had arrived safely. As she walked out of Arrivals, her eyes caught sight of a tall man holding a placard that read:“Mrs. Aanya Reyansh Chopra.”
Of course, it had to be Reyansh’s doing. But was it necessary to flaunt that name here too? He could have easily asked the hotel staff to mention Aanya Malhotra instead. Shaking off the thought, she followed the driver silently to the waiting car.
Check-in was already handled. No formalities were needed. She collected the duplicate room key and made her way upstairs. Reyansh wasn’t at the hotel, which was unsurprising, considering he must be caught up in conferences.
The moment she stepped into her suite, the stunning view of the ocean beyond the balcony took her breath away. It was picture-perfect—ideal for a vacation. She and Navya definitely deserved a luxury escape like this someday soon.
As she unzipped her bag, her fingers brushed against a folded note which lay on their bed. She unfolded it, recognizing his handwriting instantly.
‘See you at Trendy Pub tonight. 08:00 p.m. Hotel vehicle is already booked. —Reyansh.’
Trendy Pub? The name triggered something in her memory. Hadn’t she been there before? Yes, years ago on a college trip with friends. No wonder it sounded familiar.
Was it just a coincidence that Reyansh had chosen this place? But it didn’t fit his personality because he wasn’t the pub-hopping type. Was he doing this... forher? Trying to impress her? Because he remembered she enjoyed this kind of place?
She scoffed at the thought and tossed the note aside. After unpacking, she kicked off her shoes and took a quick nap. The jet lag was already catching up to her and her thoughts were starting to spiral.
Trendy Pub – That Evening
The pub, packed to brim, pulsed with bass and neon lights, its interiors dark and moody.
As Aanya stepped inside, her senses were instantly overwhelmed by the loud music, the press of people, the hum of laughter and movement. The track playing was catchy and familiar. Wish she could dance too.
She recalled during their college reunion, Navya hadn’t made it that night, but Aanya had come here with a few friends from university. It was such a crazy, carefree night.
But where was Reyansh now? And why had he called her here?
She scanned the club, suddenly self-conscious of her outfit. Compared to the scantily clad women around her, she felt overdressed.
Just then her phone buzzed, vibrating against her palm.Think of the devil and the devil called.She stepped away from the dance floor to answer.
“I’m here. Where are you?” she shouted, barely able to hear herself.
“I’m here too,” came Reyansh’s voice.
She glanced around in confusion.
“Where?” she demanded.
“You’ll have to find me,” he replied with maddening calm.
She frowned. “What? In this crowd? Are you serious?”
“We’re playing a game,” he said. “And I know you’re good at this one. You won the last time.”
