Page 50 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Downstairs with Nani.”
“Then let’s go meet him while Aanya showers.”
“Yes, come,” Radhika agreed, and before leaving, she cupped Aanya’s face and kissed her forehead. “Come down soon. We’ll wait for you at the breakfast table.”
Aanya smiled. That one kiss had felt strangely comforting. Genuine. Maybe pretending in front of Radhika wouldn’t be as hard as she’d expected. In fact, she already liked her. If only she could say the same for Nani.
****************
“That’s my brother-in-law, Rishi,” Reyansh said, introducing Aanya once she stepped into the living room.
“Pleasure to meet you, Jeeju,” Aanya replied, offering a graceful smile. “Reyansh was telling me how much you love Di and take care of her.”
Reyansh blinked in surprise.When had he said that?Perhaps Sunny had briefed her during one of those etiquette sessions. Still, it impressed him that she had remembered and used it so naturally in conversation.
“He said that?” Rishi laughed, glancing at Reyansh. “That’s kind of you, Rey. But it’s never one-sided. Radhika spoils me far more than I deserve. I don’t think I can ever match what she gives me.”
Aanya felt her heart soften. They were an incredibly endearing couple, with so much love for each other in their gestures. She’d seen people fall in love, fall into bed, and eventually fall apart. But Radhika and Rishi... they were something else entirely. Genuine. Rare. Almost enviable.
Nani, who was watching them converse, remained her usual frigid self, barely acknowledging Aanya’s presence.
Everyone moved toward the dining table. Aanya instinctively sat beside Radhika, but Reyansh silently tugged her arm and gestured to the seat next to him.Right.She had a role to play. Aanya gave him a rehearsed, wifely smile and began serving him.
“What would you like to eat,Rey?” she asked sweetly, barely holding back a laugh as she saw the storm flicker in his eyes. Clearly, he hated being called that name by her.
He caught her hand mid-air and leaned closer.
“Don’t call me that,” he whispered tersely.
While Radhika and Rishi chatted with Nani, unaware of the mini drama playing out, Aanya tilted her head innocently.
“Why not? Your sister and Jeeju calls you that all the time.”
“That’s exactly the point. Onlytheycan use that name. No one else.”
She pouted dramatically. “Fine...Rey—oops, I meantReyansh.”
That did it. He dropped her spoon on the floor, and they both bent down to retrieve it. Under the table, his hand shot out, catching her wrist in a tight grip.
“Say it again, and I’ll punish you,” he warned, eyes burning into hers.
Aanya giggled softly. “Grow up, Reyansh Chopra. I’m not some schoolgirl afraid of detention.”
“Rey!” Radhika suddenly called out.
Aanya raised her eyebrows at him, smug.This time it really wasn’t me.
They both popped back up just as Radhika turned to them.
“What were you two whispering about under the table?” she asked with a knowing smile.
Reyansh opened his mouth to explain, but Aanya beat him to it again.
“Nothing, Di,” she said with a dramatic sigh. “I told him I wanted to do some shopping, and he flat-out refused.”
“What the—” Reyansh turned to her, eyes narrowing.
“See?” she pouted. “He never listens. How is our relationship supposed to grow if we don’t understand each other’s needs?”
