CHAPTER 14
Chopra Mansion
Even after the heated confrontation with Reyansh, Aanya chose to follow her instincts and attend the interview.
Just because her husband doubted her ability to stand on her own didn’t mean she would crumble.
Yet she had seen a completely different side of him today.
Though he had tried to stop her, he hadn’t entirely forbidden her from working.
In fact, he had offered his support. But on his terms, under his guidance.
Was that his way of trying to protect her?
If so, he didn’t need to. She had survived all these years without a father’s protection, without supervision of any kind and she intended to keep it that way.
“Aanya Malhotra,” the receptionist at Icon Interiors called. Aanya blinked out of her thoughts.
“That’s me,” she responded, rising from her seat.
“You’re called in.”
Taking a steadying breath, she stepped into the interview room where two elderly men sat, waiting. She greeted them with a courteous smile.
“Please come in,” one of them welcomed her.
She took her seat and handed over her documents.
“You seem to have graduated with impressive scores,” the man noted.
“Thank you, sir,” she replied with composure.
“But why didn’t you work after graduation?” the other asked.
“I got married,” she admitted, voice a little hesitant.
“Oh yes, how could we forget that you’re the wife of Reyansh Chopra?”
Aanya stiffened. So they knew. How? Had Reyansh informed them? Without her knowledge?
“We’re pleased that despite having two powerhouses like Anand Malhotra and Reyansh Chopra backing you, you’ve still chosen to pursue your own career.”
She offered a tight smile. “That’s because I have no intention of using my father or husband as a ladder. Also, if you’re offering me this job based on their names, I’m afraid I’ll have to decline.”
The two men exchanged a glance and whispered something to each other. Their expressions didn’t suggest agreement. Aanya instantly sensed the opportunity slipping from her fingers.
“Can you wait outside for a moment? We’ll call you back in shortly,” one of them said.
“Of course.” She rose, dignity intact, and exited the room.
Back in the waiting area, she sank onto the couch, clutching her file. She had no expectations now, but disappointment didn’t break her spirit. If not this, then the next. She would keep trying until someone valued her for her , not for the men in her life.
Her gaze unconsciously drifted toward the elevator afar, and her heart paused.
Shagufta Khanna had just stepped out and in the next moment, Reyansh appeared, blocking Shagufta’s path.
The two embraced quickly, exchanging a professional hug but the way Shagufta stared at Reyansh, as if she was smitten, still pierced through Aanya’s calm exterior.
So this was why Reyansh was here, in this particular building rather than at his main office across town? She wanted answers but she didn’t have time to chase them as the receptionist called her name again.
Frustrated, she returned to the interview room.
“This job is yours,” one of the interviewers announced.
Aanya blinked. “Really? I mean, thank you. Thank you so much, Sir!”
She shook hands with both interviewers, who smiled genuinely this time.
“We’re eager to see what you bring to the table.
Our company doesn’t typically take on freshers.
We manage high-profile interior design projects, and we need experienced hands.
But we’re making an exception. You’ll start as a trainee for two months.
If your performance meets our standards, we’ll offer you a full-time position. ”
“Understood. That’s more than fair.” She stood, beaming.
“Congratulations,” they offered in unison as she left to collect her joining letter.
Exhilarated, Aanya tucked the letter into her purse and exited the building. Despite Reyansh’s dramatic interference, she had triumphed. She had followed her instinct, faced her fears, and claimed her victory.
But her smile faded slightly as her thoughts returned to Reyansh and Shagufta. They weren’t business associates. As far as she knew, they were just college friends. Then what were they doing together here? But again, why did it matter so much to her?
She forced herself to focus on what truly mattered… her job . She had to tell Radhika and Navya about her job. They deserved to know it first.
Lost in that thought, she collided with someone. Her purse slipped from her shoulder, the joining letter tumbling to the ground. Before she could bend to retrieve it, the person she had collided with, had already picked it up.
It was Reyansh.
He glanced at the letter, then handed it back to her.
“Congratulations,” he muttered. “As always, you did the exact opposite of what I asked.”
“I suggest you stop making decisions for me altogether. It’s clearly a waste of your time,” she snapped.
“Don’t talk to me like that, Aanya,” he warned, stepping closer, his eyes dark and dangerous. “How many times do I have to tell you that?”
She felt the pull of his anger, but refused to show weakness.
“And you don’t try to rule me. How many times do I have to tell you that? Go pour your frustration on someone who understands it better. Like your bestie, Shagufta.”
There it was… her jealousy. Again. And he caught it immediately.
“You don’t have to drag Shagufta between us,” he replied coldly.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she mocked. “I guess I’m the one standing between you two, then?”
His jaw twitched. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t play innocent. You know what I mean.
She’s your type. Stylish, poised, perfectly tailored for the cover of Business Times .
You both look stunning together on her social media feeds.
So tell me why didn’t you marry her instead?
She would have gladly played the obedient little puppet you’re so desperately trying to turn me into. ”
“How do you even know what she posts on social media?” he snapped.
“Her profile is public. And she sent me a friend request which I declined, by the way,” she said proudly.
He muttered something under his breath, clearly fuming.
“Oh, she didn’t tell you that?” she continued sweetly. “I thought you two shared everything .”
“You’re pushing it, Aanya,” he growled. The tension between them reached a boiling point.
“That’s who I am. I don’t like rules, Reyansh. Especially yours. Maybe you can control me inside your mansion, make me pretend in front of your Di, but beyond that? You don’t own me.”
That did it.
Without another word, he grabbed her hand and dragged her toward the exit. She protested, struggled, but he didn’t relent. He hauled her to his waiting car, flung open the door, and practically pushed her inside.
“What the hell are you doing?” she yelled.
He slid in beside her, slammed the door, and signalled the driver to take them home. When the car pulled away from the curb, Reyansh loosened his tie, his gaze burning holes in the leather seat.
“You—” Aanya opened her mouth, but before she could get a word out, his palm clamped over her mouth.
“Stop talking,” he hissed. “You’ve said enough.”
She blinked in surprise, momentarily stunned.
His fingers, unintentionally or not, grazed the corner of her lips.
For a brief second, everything stilled around them.
Her breath caught in her throat as their eyes locked.
There was anger in his grip, yes, but there was also something else too.
She could feel the heat between them in the way his palm lingered a second longer than it should have.
And then, slowly, he withdrew his hand, his jaw tight as he turned to stare outside the window, breaking whatever spell had passed between them.
She crossed her arms and leaned back looking away from him too. Say what you want about their twisted marriage but at least she’d secured a ride home.
And maybe, just maybe, she was starting to learn how to win battles in a war she never chose to fight.
Chopra Mansion
Radhika was taken aback to see Aanya walk through the door with Reyansh. She had been anxiously waiting to hear the outcome of her interview. Hence, Aanya didn’t keep her in suspense.
“I got it, Di,” she said with a wide smile, pulling out the offer letter and waving it with pride.
Her face lit up instantly. “I’m so happy for you!” she exclaimed and embraced her tightly. Reyansh watched from the side, confused and slightly unnerved. His sister knew about this?
“You knew about this?” he asked his sister whose hesitance confirmed his suspicion.
With a clenched jaw, he turned on his heel and strode toward his room. Radhika reached out to stop him, but he didn’t turn back.
Aanya watched Radhika’s face fall and felt a pang of guilt. “Di... I’m sorry. He’s angry at you because of me.”
“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 by both of 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. Loving Reyansh? That wasn’t part of the plan. And trust? That was a far bigger risk.