Page 82 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Don’t be sorry for anything,” Radhika said firmly. “Reyansh and I share a very special bond. I’ll handle him. But how did he find out?”
Aanya exhaled deeply and explained how she had run into Reyansh at the very building where her interview was held. She carefully left out the part about Shagufta as there was no need to introduce more tension.
“He has an office in that building?” Radhika’s eyes widened. “I had no idea. I would’ve warned you otherwise.”
“It’s alright, Di. Everything worked out,” Aanya replied.
Radhika’s expression softened as she gently clasped Aanya’s hands.
“Let me tell you something, Aanya. A marriage survives on two things—love and trust. One without the other isn’t enough. You may learn to love him in time, but trust… that has to be earned bybothof you. Without it, even love can’t hold the weight.”
Though the sentiment struck a chord, Aanya couldn’t bring herself to believe in it.LovingReyansh?That wasn’t part of the plan. And trust? That was a far bigger risk.
He was still a puzzle she hadn’t cracked. Why he married her in the first place, why he hadn’t walked away yet when he clearly could? And how could she trust a man who guarded his heart like a fortress?
“You should talk to him,” Radhika urged. “He’ll understand your desire to work, if you just explain it nicely, calmly and with love.”
Aanya wasn’t so sure, but she considered Radhika’s words. She would talk to Reyansh, if not now, then soon.
Later that Day
“Party? But where?” Radhika asked, blinking in surprise.
“The Bristo club. It’s the best in town,” Aanya replied casually.
Radhika hesitated. “What would I even do there? You should celebrate with Navya.”
“No way,” Aanya protested. “If I’m celebrating, it’s with you all. You helped me get that job, Di. I want you there.”
Radhika smiled, touched but sceptical. “Will Reyansh even agree to this?”
“Why don’t you ask him?” Aanya teased, nudging her gently.
“Me? Oh no. You should ask him. And maybe check if he wants to come too.”
Aanya made a face. Reyansh was not easy to convince, but she had no choice. As long as their deal lasted, she couldn’t take such liberties without his nod.
She found him in the gym, lifting weights with an intensity that screamed frustration. Why was he burning calories at this hour? Probably to burn off the emotions he didn’t know how to handle.
“Navya’s throwing a party for my new job tonight,” she said, keeping her voice neutral.
Reyansh didn’t even look at her. His arms strained as he lifted, sweat dripping down his temple.
“Di and Jeeju are coming too. I wanted to ask… Can I go?” she asked cautiously.
He dropped the weights with a loud thud and turned to face her. His face was flushed, his muscles tense, anger radiating off him.
“Did you askmypermission before going for the interview?” he snapped.
Aanya understood the sting behind his words. “I won’t go if you say no. The deal still matters to me while I’m under this roof.”
He moved toward her swiftly, cornering her until her back hit the wall. He planted his palm beside her head, glaring down at her.
“F*ck the deal,” he growled before storming out.
Aanya stood there, breathless. She had never seen him that angry. Maybe she should cancel the party. Not because she feared him, but she didn’t want to celebrate without his approval tonight. That she was sure of!
*****************
