CHAPTER 18 #2
Reyansh paused mid-pack. Her tone made it clear. Whatever was brewing between them had just taken a sharp turn. And Reyansh knew, sooner or later, he’d have to address that topic. Because he wasn’t ready to let her slip through his fingers... not again.
“Why is Prem pushing you to interface with clients already? You’re still a trainee.”
“Maybe he appreciates my work. My designs. My ideas,” she shot back without hesitation.
Reyansh nodded, remembering the suggestions she’d casually made about his office cabin during her visit to Chopra group. He had implemented them. The changes looked fantastic and impressive. Just like her vision.
“At least someone acknowledges it,” she added pointedly.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Reyansh watched her move to the mirror and begin brushing her hair.
“I appreciate your knowledge too, Aanya. Just because you don’t see something, doesn’t mean it’s missing. Maybe… you’re looking in the wrong direction.”
She let out a bitter laugh and locked eyes with him through the mirror.
“Or maybe I’ve just stopped looking altogether. I’m tired.”
He didn’t miss the dig. And he deserved it.
When she’d needed trust, he’d given her suspicion.
When she’d wanted light, he’d led her into darkness.
Every time she’d tried to build a meaningful connection with her father, or with him, it had collapsed in rejection.
If anyone had earned the right to be exhausted, it was Aanya.
And maybe it was time he started undoing the damage he’d caused.
“Then this break is perfect for you,” he said quietly. “It’ll clear your head... and your sight.”
She scowled, but he smirked back. Before she could argue again, she remembered something.
“I don’t think we can travel on the same date to South Africa.”
“Why? You said Prem approved two days.”
“He did. But the client I met today wants a meeting on the same day we’re supposed to fly out. It’s important. I convinced Prem to approve a full three-day leave with the condition I attend that meeting. Plus, Saturday is Navya’s birthday. I can’t miss it.”
Reyansh exhaled hard.
“I already scheduled my Saturday meetings in South Africa based on your confirmation,” he muttered. “Fine. I’ll ask Sunny to push everything a day. We’ll fly Sunday.”
“No,” she interrupted. “You go ahead. I’ll come later.”
“Aanya—”
“I’m not a child,” she snapped. “I can travel solo. I know how.”
He didn’t like the idea, but he knew she was right. Rescheduling would disrupt his meetings. He sighed.
“You sure?”
“Positive. Unless you think I’ll break the contract and chug tequila at Navya’s party in your absence,” she said with a sarcastic smirk.
He stepped forward, deadpan.
“About that... I’ll arrange Sunny to accompany you. Keep an eye.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You don’t trust me?”
She hurled a pillow at him which he caught effortlessly, grinning.
“I was kidding. No one’s watching. Enjoy the party. I’ll see you in Cape Town Sunday. And now that you’ve got three full days off... we’ll have plenty of time to catch up.”
She narrowed her eyes. His motives remained unclear, but something in his gaze said this trip meant more than he was letting on.
Reyansh returned to packing, though a sliver of doubt crept into his mind. Had she overheard his conversation with Nani about the divorce? Maybe not, because if she had, there was no way she’d be acting this calm around him.
Aanya, on the other hand, had heard every word. She just chose silence. Why add fuel to an already dying flame? Their so-called marriage was always destined to end in a clean break. Two people walking away to reclaim their separate lives without dragging each other down.
And just like that, her thoughts drifted to Shagufta Khanna.
“I hope Shagufta told you I called on your phone.”
“She did,” Reyansh replied flatly. “And I told her not to answer my calls again.”
She didn’t reply. Just stared.
“You don’t believe me?” he asked.
“I’m giving you the benefit of doubt. But I said something thinking it was you. I don’t know how she processed it.”
“What did you say?”
“That this trip is purely business, so not to make it personal.”
Reyansh froze.
“I was frustrated by your sudden insistence on dragging me away from everything here. I genuinely thought it was you on the call.”
Reyansh nodded. That explained Shagufta’s sudden judgment about their so-called incompatibility. And the mention of the will… Damn. She knew too much. She could easily manipulate Aanya if she wanted.
“It doesn’t matter how she takes it,” he said. “But I want you to stay away from her.”
“But I accepted her friend request,” Aanya admitted.
“Unfollow her,” he snapped. “Or block her if possible.”
“That would be rude.”
“You’re no stranger to being rude,” he muttered.
Her mouth fell open.
“That second pillow is still on the bed. Surprising, really,” he added with a smirk.
She snatched it and hurled it his way. He caught it again.
“Nice throw.”
“Learned a bit of targeting on a short trip to Mexico. Picked up a few skills there. First rule of training—always hit the mark.”
“Is there any corner of the U.S. you haven’t explored? Feels like you and Navya went on a global expedition.”
“Oh damn!” she exclaimed. “I need to call Navya. Finalize plans. Buy a gift. How could I forget?”
He noted the shift in her expression. Her bond with Navya ran deep.
“Don’t stress. Take Sunny. He’ll help organize the party and send invites.”
She blinked.
“But Sunny is your man. He already has enough work.”
“He’s no less than a robot. He can handle it.”
Aanya laughed. Sunny really was one-of-a-kind. A walking, talking robot licensed and patented under Reyansh Chopra. Haha!