CHAPTER 25
As promised, Rishi picked them up from the airport and brought them to their company’s accommodation. The fully furnished apartment, was comfortable and modest, ideal for a fresh start.
“This place looks good.” Rishi said, as he entered the apartment with Aanya and Shikha.
“Yes, it’s beautiful,” Aanya replied, scanning the space with calm appreciation.
“Alright then, you two settle down, freshen up, and don’t forget to eat the sandwiches and salad before you nap,” he reminded them.
Their flight had landed late in the evening, and Rishi had thoughtfully packed dinner on the way so they wouldn’t have to cook or worry about ordering food on their first night.
“Thank you, Jeeju. It’s really kind of you to arrange all this,” Aanya said with genuine gratitude.
“No need to thank me. Radhika wanted to do this herself, but you know how easily she gets tired these days. She even insisted on coming to the airport, but I convinced her to rest.”
“I’m glad you did. I’ll see Di first thing in the morning,” Aanya promised.
“You better. Tomorrow’s breakfast is on us. Let us spoil you a bit.”
Aanya chuckled. “We couldn’t ask for better hosts.”
Rishi smiled and left them to settle in.
The moment the door shut behind him, Shikha’s voice rang through the apartment. “Your Jeeju is hot.”
Aanya laughed softly. “Very!”
“But not as hot as your husband,” Shikha added boldly.
A flutter sparked in Aanya’s chest. Reyansh .
She hadn’t even messaged him yet. Had he read her letter?
Had it made any difference to the weight of their separation?
She didn’t know. But every word she had written had come from her heart.
She hadn’t made false promises, nor given him hope she couldn’t fulfil.
Time would tell them both what they truly wanted.
This distance between them wasn’t just physical, it was a much-needed break to reflect, to self-heal. For Reyansh, it would test the depth of his feelings. For Aanya, it would begin the slow process of unlearning her fear of love, trust, and vulnerability.
“Lost in your dreamland again?” Shikha waved a hand in front of her face. “Every time I mention Reyansh Chopra, your eyes start daydreaming.”
Aanya shook her head. “Not true.”
“Please, you miss him already,” Shikha teased.
Maybe . She pushed the thought aside. “Come on, let’s check out the place and pick our rooms.”
“Sure,” Shikha agreed. The two began exploring. Aanya, however, discreetly pulled out her phone and typed a message.
‘Reached. Hope you’ve read my note.’
The reply came faster than she anticipated.
‘Read and already working on it. Hope to be in touch.’
A small smile graced her lips. She didn’t respond again, nor did he message her back.
“Oh no,” she sighed suddenly.
“What happened?” Shikha asked, alert.
“I need a good roaming plan. These international messages probably will eat up all my balance.”
Shikha chuckled. “That’s what the internet is for. Email. Social media. Why waste money on SMS?”
Aanya nodded. Right. Email. That would keep it formal, just like their letters…safe, yet personal.
“Aanya…” Shikha narrowed her eyes. “You’re zoning out again.”
“Sorry. I’ll take this room,” Aanya said quickly.
Shikha pouted. “Sure? You seem distracted anyway.”
Aanya smiled and gave a short nod, not willing to explain where she was lost again.
Day 2 - Chopra Mansion
Reyansh came down for breakfast, poured himself a bowl of cereal and began eating in silence. Nani sat opposite him, eyeing him carefully.
“The house feels so empty without Radhika and Rishi,” she said softly.
He only hummed.
“I wish they had stayed longer,” she added, watching him closely.
Reyansh let out a slow breath.
“But I’m glad Aanya left too. I couldn’t stand seeing her in this house.”
His hand slowed over his spoon. He wasn’t in the mood for arguments, but it seemed inevitable now.
“Reyansh,” Nani continued. “Did you talk to her about the divorce? I’m sure she must’ve agreed.”
Reyansh set his spoon down and looked at her sharply.
“You didn’t talk to her?” Nani frowned. “No problem. You can still call her and send the papers there.”
“Nani,” he cut in. “There’s no divorce happening.”
Her face twisted in confusion and disbelief. “What do you mean, no divorce? Has she brainwashed you?”
His eyes darkened. “Did you really see no change in her? Or in me?”
“What change? Just because she pretended to be a good wife while Radhika was around doesn’t mean she’s changed. Have you forgotten what she did to you? To us?”
“I haven’t forgotten, Nani.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood. “But I remember what I failed to do for her too.”
Leaving his breakfast half-eaten, Reyansh walked away. Nani stared after him. Was he serious? Had Reyansh really fallen for Aanya and was this marriage, which started as a convenience, turning into something dangerously real?
Day 3 - Chopra Group Office
Shagufta stormed into Reyansh’s cabin without warning. He wasn’t surprised. He had expected her reaction the moment she learned the news. His secretary followed close behind, flustered.
“Sorry, sir, she refused to wait,” the woman explained apologetically.
“It’s alright. You may leave,” Reyansh said calmly.
The door closed behind them, leaving the two alone.
“You’re pulling out of our company merger?” Shagufta spat, disbelief and fury flooding her voice.
Reyansh had sold his shares in their jointly-held company to another stakeholder in the same business.
“Yes,” he said evenly. “Take a seat.”
“Why?” she demanded, her voice rising.
“Why?” His voice hardened as he stood from his chair. “You really didn’t see this coming? I can’t believe it.”
“Oh, I get it. You’re punishing me for that fragile little wife of yours,” she mocked. “Taking your frustration out on our business?”
“Wrong,” he shot back. “I’m not taking out her frustration on anyone, in fact, I’m honouring her wish. To cut off my ties with you and especially now when I’ve enough reasons to do so.”
Shagufta’s expression flickered with disbelief.
“You brainwashed her against me,” he accused, stepping closer. “Did you really believe that would break us?”
She didn’t answer. She couldn’t.
“Yes, it caused friction. But I’m proud of the way Aanya handled it with maturity.”
“Maturity?” she laughed bitterly. “She left you, Reyansh. Open your damn eyes.”
“She left, and I let her go because that’s what real relationships are built on. Respect. Trust. Compromise. We may have started wrong, but we’re trying to learn what it means to be in a real marriage.”
Her face contorted with rage. All her efforts, her manipulations, and schemes failed.
“I don’t believe this. You’re really going to wait around for her? You think she’s worth that kind of loyalty? You know how wild she gets when she’s drunk. What if she finds someone else there? She won’t hesitate to toss you aside.”
“Mind your words, Shagufta Khanna,” Reyansh growled. “You’re talking about my wife. I won’t tolerate your filth again.”
The fire in his eyes made her take a cautious step back. He was deadly serious.
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly, as if she could still calm the storm.
But he didn’t budge.
“As for the merger,” he continued icily, “I want no more business with you. And no more friendship. I warned you before to stay out of my personal life. You chose to ignore that. This is the consequence.”
He returned to his chair, picked up a file, and flipped it open.
“Sunny will prepare the final withdrawal paperwork by tomorrow. Your new partner will reach out to you soon. Focus on that, Shagufta. If you’re smart, you’ll protect what’s left of your company.”
Shagufta stared at him, her pride stung, her plans in tatters. Reyansh, unaffected, reached for the intercom.
“When’s my next meeting?” he asked his secretary.
She replied, and he nodded. “Good. Get the conference room ready. I’m on my way.”
He rose and strode past Shagufta without another glance.
“Reyansh, wait… Please—” she called after him, but he didn’t stop.
Fuming, she exited the building a few minutes later, seething in silent defeat.
California – Evening
Aanya and Shikha had been invited for dinner by the Negi couple.
Radhika and Rishi welcomed them warmly, and soon enough, Shikha who was initially a bit reserved, now relaxed and enjoyed the atmosphere.
They gathered around the dining table, the smell of fresh salad and warm rolls filling the cozy home.
“This really feels like home now,” Shikha said with a smile.
“That’s their magic,” Aanya replied, munching on a bite. “They make even strangers feel like family.”
Radhika blushed. “That’s sweet of you. But honestly, it’s just so good to have our people here again. It was just me and Rishi for so long. You know how lonely it can get when you’re away from your country, your family…”
Aanya nodded with understanding.
“Poor Rey,” Rishi added, chuckling. “He must be all alone there now… stuck with Nani and desperately missing us.”
“Absolutely,” Radhika agreed with a laugh.
Aanya managed a smile, though the thought tugged at her heart. Yes… he must be missing them. Missing… her ?
After dinner, she helped Radhika clear the table, though her sister-in-law insisted the house help would handle it.
“Di… your baby bump is showing now,” Aanya said with a grin.
“Yes,” Radhika said, resting a hand on her stomach. “I can’t wait for the next three months to pass.”
“Neither can I. I’m going to pamper the baby so much.”
“That’s your right as his aunt,” Radhika smiled, caressing Aanya’s cheek.
Just then, Aanya’s phone buzzed. It was a message—from Reyansh.
‘Your wish is fulfilled. Shagufta has been dealt with. She won’t interfere again.’
A rare smile brightened Aanya’s face. Radhika noticed instantly.
“Message from Reyansh?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
Aanya nodded.
Radhika smiled and discreetly walked away to give her some privacy as Aanya typed back.