CHAPTER 21
Chopra Mansion
Radhika stirred awake, her lashes fluttering as her gaze landed on the two figures seated beside her bed—Reyansh and Aanya.
“When did you both arrive?” she asked softly, attempting to sit up. Reyansh gently pressed her shoulder back against the pillow.
“Don’t, Di. Please stay down,” he insisted, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her fingers. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m alright,” she replied. “But you two weren’t supposed to return for another two days. What happened?”
It clicked almost instantly. Rishi must have called them in a panic after witnessing her pain. She turned to her husband.
“I told you not to disturb them,” she chided.
“Why not?” Aanya interjected. “Aren’t we family?”
Radhika’s eyes softened when she caught the shimmer of emotion in Aanya’s gaze. She could only imagine how much her brother and his wife must have worried upon hearing the news.
“I just didn’t want you both rushing back like this. These days you have together... they’re precious,” she tried to explain. She meant every word and perhaps now, Reyansh understood that too. He had wanted time away with Aanya as much as she wanted it for them.
“Di,” Aanya moved closer, clasping Radhika’s hand. “You don’t need reminders of what you mean to us. Don’t ever feel guilty. We’d cross oceans for you.”
That drew a smile to Radhika’s lips. She reached up and kissed Aanya’s forehead.
“I’m lucky to have the three of you in my life,” she whispered. But even as she hugged Aanya, her eyes remained on Reyansh. He seemed... off. Like his thoughts were a thousand miles away.
“Radhika,” Rishi teased playfully, “Save some of that warmth for your husband too.”
Aanya broke the hug and laughed at the blush colouring Radhika’s cheeks.
“Jeeju, stop complaining. Once you both return to California, you’ll have Di all to yourself.” She winked.
Radhika chuckled and swatted her gently on the arm. Reyansh smiled too, though Radhika wasn’t fooled it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Oh yes,” Rishi chimed in, suddenly remembering. “I’ll ask the staff to book the return flight for the weekend.”
Reyansh’s expression tensed.
“Have you both finalized that decision?” he asked, his voice low, strained.
Aanya caught the flicker of unease in his tone. She knew exactly what was on his mind. If Radhika left, the foundation of their contract would dissolve... and with it, the reason for Aanya to stay.
“Reyansh,” Radhika replied softly, “I would’ve loved to stay longer, but I trust my doctors back home with this pregnancy.”
Reyansh gave a reluctant nod. “Understood. I’ll have Sunny make your travel arrangements.”
Aanya mentally tallied the days. Just four more before Radhika and Rishi left. The house would feel unbearably empty without them.
“I’ll get some soup for you, Di,” she offered, rising from the bed.
“No, I’m not hungry,” Radhika said quickly.
“Of course you’re not. But your baby is.”
“How do you know?” Radhika giggled.
“The baby told me,” Aanya grinned. “It was a heart-to-heart…from the little one to its Maami (Maternal uncle’s wife).”
As soon as the word Maami left her lips, her eyes locked with Reyansh’s. A shiver passed between them. Yes, technically she was the baby’s aunt. But would she still be, once all this ended?
“I—I’ll go get the soup,” she stammered, fumbling with her phone before rushing out.
“And I’ll check on your other medicines,” Rishi said, excusing himself.
Reyansh stood silently but Radhika reached for his hand.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” she asked gently. “You’ve looked distracted since the moment you walked in.”
He forced a smile. “Nothing, Di. Just tired.”
“Don’t lie to me,” she said firmly. “You and I are mirrors. We reflect each other’s pain, and I can see yours clearly. Is it about Aanya?”
He didn’t respond right away. Instead, he looked away, as if trying to mask the emotions swirling inside him.
“Did you fight again?” she asked.
Reyansh exhaled deeply. “Didn’t you teach me once to own my mistakes?”
She nodded slowly.
“That’s what I did, although it didn’t work out. But I’ll handle this,” he said.
Radhika squeezed his hand as he continued.
“If you hadn’t pushed me to give this marriage a chance, I might never have realized how much I messed up. I’m trying to fix it now. I just need your blessings.”
Radhika looked at her brother and saw not the hard-edged, emotionally guarded man the world knew, but a broken, guilt-ridden soul searching for redemption.
“You’ve always had my blessings,” she said, kissing his forehead. “But remember, relationships are like glass. Once broken, they might be mended, but the cracks remain. Take your time with her, Reyansh. Don’t force it. Let it grow.”
He nodded, grateful for her advice.
“I will fix this, Di. I promise. But for now, I just want you to take care of yourself and the baby. That’s what matters.”
A bright smile lit her face. “I want you and Aanya to be the first to hold my baby.”
Reyansh smiled, quietly stunned by the depth of that request.
“I’d like that too.”
“Then promise me you both will be in California when the baby arrives.”
He didn’t hesitate. No matter what it took.
“I promise.” He placed his hand over hers, sealing it with silent determination.
******************
The next two days flew by in a blur. Aanya had resumed work after the short break she took for the South Africa trip.
Though she and Reyansh were on civil terms now, she kept herself emotionally distant.
Her mind was crowded with thoughts, decisions, and their unresolved conversations.
Chief among them was her living arrangement after Radhika’s departure.
She didn’t wish to remain at Chopra Mansion, nor could she return to her father’s house and bear Kyle’s endless questions about her strained marriage.
Moreover, she wanted to do something special for Radhika and Rishi before they left.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was Navya calling.
“I was just about to call you,” Aanya answered, trying to sound cheerful.
“Don’t lie to me,” Navya snapped. “You’ve been back for two days and didn’t even think to call once. Our friendship is dying, Aanya. I can see its future.”
“Navya, come on… I’m sorry. You have no idea how abruptly we had to return from South Africa.”
“I saw your message last night, but I still expected your call.”
“I said I’m sorry,” Aanya softened.
“Fine,” Navya relented with a sigh. “Apology accepted. Now, brace yourself. I’ve got news!”
“I’m listening,” Aanya perked up.
“I got a modelling contract!”
Aanya’s eyes widened with surprise.
“What? That’s amazing! When did this happen? Where? How? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Would you let me breathe and answer one question at a time?” Navya laughed.
“Go ahead. From the top.”
“Well… I met this guy, Rohan, about a month ago. Dad’s friend’s son.
Handsome, sweet, single,” she added with a teasing tone.
“He runs a modelling school and has tie-ups with some serious agencies. On my birthday, after you left the party, he called and told me a UK fashion label is looking for a fresh face. I jumped at the chance. They’re offering me a good package too!
Can you believe it? Me , Navya Singh, finally earning! ”
Aanya felt genuinely happy.
“That’s such a great feeling, Navya. I’m about to get my first salary too. Can’t wait to see it hit my bank account. For once, I feel proud… and not just like a burden.”
“Exactly!” Navya agreed. “You inspired me, Aanya. Watching you work so hard to become independent motivated me. Thank you.”
“Thank Reyansh,” Aanya muttered. “If he hadn’t shown me where I stood in life, I wouldn’t have been this determined.”
“Hmm,” Navya paused. “He must be struggling now that your ‘deal’ is about to end.”
Aanya didn’t respond.
“Have you both discussed what happens next?”
“Not yet.”
“Then when, Aanya? Di’s leaving in two days. If you don’t talk now, when will you?”
“I know,” she exhaled. “I’ll talk to him today.”
“Good. Don’t delay.”
After a few more minutes of casual chat, Aanya ended the call. She couldn’t delay the inevitable. She sent Reyansh a message.
‘As you know, it’s ending. We need to talk about it. Seriously.’
She stared at the screen until his reply popped up:
‘We’ll talk at home tonight.’
His composed response unsettled her. Was he already prepared for the conversation? Did he know what she was going to say?
Chopra Mansion
“Oh my God, Reyansh! What’s all this?” Radhika exclaimed, stunned at the sight of her favourite sweets and fruits stacked neatly in boxes.
“It’s for you, Di,” Reyansh replied with a grin. “You won’t find these in California that easily. And denying a pregnant woman her cravings is a crime.”
Radhika laughed. “You’ll make a wonderful husband when your wife is pregnant.”
“You mean I’m not a good husband already?” Reyansh asked.
That’s when Rishi joined in.
“Rey, you’re a great husband even now. Just… slightly below me.” He slung an arm around his wife as she lovingly tapped his chest.
“I’m home,” Aanya called out, dropping her bag on the couch and approaching them.
“You’re early,” Radhika beamed. “Is it because I’m leaving in two days?”
“Don’t remind me,” Aanya sighed.
“Okay, I won’t,” Radhika smiled. “But that won’t change the fact. Reyansh told me the jet is ready, and Rishi’s arranged all my appointments with the doctors back home. He even signed us up for parenting classes!”
“Wow, Di. You’ve got a packed schedule once you land.”
Radhika nodded proudly. “And I have one more agenda to complete before leaving.”
She turned to Nani and asked for the keys. Nani hesitated, clearly unsure, until Radhika gave her a firm nod. Aanya and Reyansh exchanged confused glances. Rishi stayed quiet, already aware of what was coming.
Radhika took the keys from Nani and stepped toward Aanya.
“I want you to take responsibility for this house and this family. For Nani. And for my Reyansh.”