Page 123 of One Hellish Wedlock
She shut her eyes. No. This wasn’t the time to overthink. This was the time to act, to accept the opportunity she had worked so hard for, to pack her bags, to move forward.
She needed to leave. Not just this house… but the shadows of her past. Her father, who never truly cared. And her husband… who, despite standing right in front of her, had left her more confused than ever. Because no matter how hard she tried, shecouldn’t tell where they stood now or where they’d be a year from today.
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At dinner, Reyansh finally shared his decision. To support Aanya’s move to California. Radhika stared at him, stunned. She had assumed he would oppose the idea, especially now that it seemed he was beginning to take their marriage seriously.
“Reyansh, I understand you want to support Aanya’s career,” Radhika began, “but what about your relationship?”
“What about it, Di?” he replied coolly. “Everything stays as is.”
Aanya shifted uncomfortably beside him.As is?What did that even mean?
“Long-distance relationships work,” Reyansh continued.
Aanya swallowed her food and forced herself to chew the next bite. Maybe he was only saying this to put Radhika at ease.
“Why don’t you shift to California too?” Rishi suggested.
Reyansh sighed. “I wish I could. But I’ve got an empire to run here. The new joint venture between Chopras and Malhotras will also require my presence in South Africa. And most importantly—” He looked straight at Aanya. “I don’t want to crowd her or interfere with her work.”
Aanya met his gaze briefly. He’d been taking her side too often lately. Was this just another step in his attempt to play the ‘perfect husband’?
“Hmm,” Radhika smiled faintly. “Then Aanya, you’ll stay with us in California.”
“No, Di,” Aanya said, gently refusing. “Shikha’s also going. Our company is arranging our accommodation. I’ve asked them to find a place close to yours so I can visit often.”
“What? We’ll be living in the same city and not staying together? That’s unfair!” Radhika protested.
“Di, please understand,” Aanya insisted. “This move is about finding independence. If I live with you and Jeeju, I’ll always feel like I’m home. I need this space to grow on my own terms. But I promise I’ll spend every weekend with you.”
Rishi nodded in understanding. Radhika, though disappointed, recognized Aanya’s intent. Perhaps some distance would help Aanya grow stronger. Nani, meanwhile, remained silent but internally pleased. Without doing much, she would soon have Aanya out of Reyansh’s life…for good.
Later That Night
Aanya shared the news with Navya, who was taken aback at first but soon thrilled to hear how beautifully Aanya’s career was shaping up. They promised to see each other soon whenever either of them found time to travel and meet.
When Aanya returned to the bedroom, Reyansh was seated at the desk, focused on his laptop. She had no words for what she felt. Relief, perhaps. Gratitude. He had supported her, encouraged her even, to take this step and claim her independence. And just maybe, she would miss this charade of husband and wife once she was gone. For a little while. And then, she’d forget. Move on.
She expected the same from him too. Whatever he felt for her today would fade eventually, and in a way, she hoped it would. Because that would make it easier to live with the guilt of walking away after stirring someone’s heart.
The thought reminded her of one last thing she needed to do before leaving… talk to her father. He needed to hear it from her directly. She just hoped he wouldn’t make it harder than it already was, because no matter what he said, it wouldn’t change her decision now.
Malhotra Residence
The next morning, Aanya arrived early at her father’s house, determined to speak to him directly.
“Aanya? What a pleasant surprise!” Anand greeted her, folding his newspaper and pulling her in for a hug. “Breakfast?”
“No thanks, Dad. I’ve already eaten,” she replied, sitting down.
Kyle appeared from the kitchen, unaware of Aanya’s visit.
“Darling, your favourite French toast is ready,” she said, placing the plate down, only then noticing Aanya.
Their eyes met. Aanya offered her a tight smile. Whatever Kyle was, at least she loved Anand. That much, Aanya respected. If her father was happy, she was happy for him.
“Aanya?” Anand called softly. “So, what brings you here so early? Is everything alright at Chopra Mansion?”
