CHAPTER 25 #2
‘Thank you for making it happen so soon. Can we switch to email? Texting is expensive on international plans.’
His response came swiftly.
‘Anything that makes you comfortable. Though I could recharge your number.’
She smirked.
‘Thanks, but that would completely defeat the purpose of standing on my own feet. I’ll pay my own bills. Email it is. Sweet and cost effective.’
Across the world, Reyansh sat at his desk at Chopra Group Office. He knew she’d say that. Knew she wouldn’t want to owe him anything, even a phone bill. He replied.
‘Email it is.’
Her heart lifted. He sounded better. Not broken and brooding like he had been when she left. That eased something inside her. He was getting back to being himself. And that meant she could focus too, without guilt, without looking back in regret.
She didn’t reply further. He didn’t message again.
That was how they would remain for now. Connected, distanced, rebuilding… in their own time.
Later That Night – California
“Emails?” Shikha asked, eyeing Aanya sceptically. “Isn’t that a bit old school? You could just chat with him on WhatsApp. And don’t get me started on how much easier voice and video calls would be.”
Aanya continued making her bed, unaffected by the suggestion.
She was well aware of every technological convenience available.
In fact, she was more tech-savvy than most. But messaging felt far too casual and impulsive.
And she didn’t want their communication to be reduced to quick replies and emojis.
No, she preferred written words, crafted with thought, laced with emotions.
She wanted to hold onto the gravity of what they shared.
Emails offered that as they looked structured, distant, and reflective… just like them.
Besides, Reyansh wasn’t someone who enjoyed social media banter. Emails suited him too.
“Well, your choice,” Shikha said, stretching her arms. “I’m calling it a night. Big day tomorrow.”
“Good night, Shikha.”
“Good night.”
Once Shikha disappeared into her room, Aanya sank into bed. She opened her mailbox, almost on instinct. And there it was…an email from Reyansh, already waiting for her with a PDF attachment at the bottom. Curious, she downloaded it.
It was a signed agreement. A transfer of ownership.
Reyansh had officially abandoned all rights to Noor Mahal. The palace was now hers entirely.
She hadn’t expected this. Reyansh hadn’t just promised to let go…he had delivered proof. And so quickly.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she typed her response.
Reyansh,
I believed you when you said you had no interest in the property anymore. Why the proof?
Aanya
She set her alarm for the next morning and closed her eyes. But sleep didn’t come easy. The agreement haunted her thoughts.
Day 4
The alarm buzzed, and Aanya awoke with the same unease. She reached for her phone and checked her inbox. His reply had arrived.
Aanya,
I want transparency between us this time. That’s why the proof.
As per your mother’s will, this property was to be automatically transferred to your husband.
A week after our marriage, her lawyer contacted me to sign the transfer papers.
But I’d declined since you had already left by then, and I wasn’t in the right state to accept anything, not even a gift tied to our marriage.
That formality has remained pending ever since.
The agreement I sent now confirms I’ve refused any legal claim to Noor Mahal. The property is yours. Sell it, keep it, or do what brings you peace. I won’t interfere.
Have a great day at work. Don’t skip breakfast if you’re running late.
Reyansh
A sigh escaped her lips. She hadn’t known he’d declined the property all along. And he had sent the proof without being asked, without expectation. Just honesty.
There was a knock at the bedroom door. Shikha poked her head inside.
“You’re just waking up? I hope we’re not going to be late on our first day at work. Should we skip breakfast?”
Aanya remembered Reyansh’s gentle warning. She shook her head.
“No. We can manage. Give me fifteen minutes.”
“Alright,” Shikha said, vanishing back into her room.
Aanya rushed into the shower.
Day 10
Aanya refreshed her inbox again. Still no email from Reyansh. It had been five days since his last message. Why was he ignoring her? Was everything alright with him back in India?
She shook the thought away and rang the doorbell at Radhika’s house. It was the weekend, and she’d promised to spend it with Radhika and Rishi. Shikha had plans with their new office group, leaving Aanya free.
Rishi opened the door with a warm smile. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks, Jeeju. Where’s Di?”
“She is in the bedroom. Go on, sit with her. I’ll make us some coffee.”
“Should I help?”
“No formalities,” he waved her off. “Just give her some good advice.”
Aanya headed inside and found the bed covered in multi-coloured balls of wool.
“Di! What’s all this?”
“Thank God you’re here,” Radhika smiled. “Help me pick a colour.”
“For what?”
“For the baby’s first woollen suit.”
Aanya’s smile widened as she took a seat. “Pink.”
“Pink?” Radhika arched a brow. “What if it’s a boy?”
“Then blue,” Aanya replied with a grin.
“Great idea. I’ll make both.”
Aanya giggled. “But Di… why put yourself through this? We can buy these things from stores now, all colours, all sizes, ready-made.”
Radhika pouted, placing a hand over her belly. “Because no store can match the warmth a mother knits into clothes made with love.”
Aanya nodded, touched. “You’re right. Will you teach me one day?”
“Of course. And then you can knit a few for your babies too.”
Aanya stiffened. Babies? Hers and Reyansh’s? The idea felt too distant, too uncertain. Memories of their silly car ride argument about babies surfaced. How ridiculous it had seemed, yet oddly sweet.
“Pass me that kit, please,” Radhika said, drawing her back.
Aanya handed it over.
“Is Reyansh back from South Africa? Did you speak to him?”
Her eyes widened slightly. South Africa? She hadn’t known he was in South Africa. She had no idea he was there. So that’s why he hadn’t emailed. Of course. That explained the five-day silence.
She masked her surprise quickly. “I haven’t spoken to him today.”
“Well, when you do, ask him which colour he’d pick.”
Aanya managed a smile and reached for the yarn. “I already know. Red .”
Radhika laughed. “So typical of him.”
Aanya laughed along, though her heart fluttered. The weekend felt warm, cozy, and strangely grounding.
Day 11 - India
Reyansh had just landed from his private jet a while ago, returning from a crucial business trip to South Africa.
The meetings had been related to the joint venture between the Chopras and Malhotras.
Anand Malhotra hadn’t attended as he was reportedly unwell.
Reyansh hadn’t waited either. Instead, he took the lead and flew overseas to manage the situation himself.
Once inside the car, driving back to Chopra mansion, Reyansh pulled out his phone and opened his personal email. And there it was, an email sent last night by her. He cursed himself silently for not checking it sooner.
Reyansh Chopra,
In your last email, you mentioned wanting transparency between us, yet you conveniently broke that rule. Why wasn’t I informed about your trip to South Africa? I heard it from Di and guess what? I was clueless.
Such lapses don’t just confuse me; they make Di suspicious too. I hope you’ll be more mindful next time.
Now coming to something less serious—pick a colour for the baby’s woollen suit. Di wants your suggestion.
Regards,
Aanya Malhotra
A rare smile tugged at Reyansh’s lips as he began typing a response immediately.
Day 12 — California
Aanya had slept in at Radhika’s place over the weekend. She had left some clothes and toiletries at their home, making herself comfortable for occasional sleepovers.
Still groggy, she walked out of the guest room after brushing her teeth. Radhika was lounging with her coffee while Rishi massaged her feet.
“Wow... I want a husband like that,” Aanya blurted out before realizing she had interrupted their moment. She gave an awkward smile.
“You already have one,” Radhika replied with a pointed look.
Aanya smiled and sat opposite them.
“My feet were swollen last night,” Radhika explained. “I asked Nani what to apply, and she suggested this oil. Rishi is being a darling and helping.”
Aanya nodded as she watched the couple’s quiet comfort. That’s when Rishi turned to her.
“Did you talk to Reyansh?”
Her eyes widened. She had forgotten to check her email. She quickly excused herself and returned to the guest room to open her inbox.
Aanya,
My sincere apologies for not informing you about my trip. I promise it won’t happen again.
I knew Red would be too bright for the baby so soon, so let’s go with Blue.
By the way, your email signature got me confused. Aanya Malhotra again? Not Aanya Chopra?
Reyansh Chopra
(Your confused and tormented husband)
Aanya’s heart clenched at the closing line. Tormented? Was that what he truly felt? And by her email signature she hadn’t meant to send any wrong signal. Probably he read too much in it.
She quickly typed a reply.
Reyansh,
Sorry for the confusing signature. It wasn’t intentional. I’m just used to this name. Sometimes I forget.
So... you picked Blue? You want a nephew then?
And what exactly are you “tormented” about? Is it because I left? You should enjoy your freedom while it lasts. These singlehood moments won’t come back, you know.
What do you think?
Aanya
(Malhotra/Chopra—doesn’t matter for now)
Back in India, Reyansh had just stepped out of the shower when his phone buzzed. Seeing her name in his inbox always gave him an odd mix of relief and joy. He opened the message and read every word slowly, smiling to himself. She still had her humour intact. He typed back.
Aanya had joined Radhika and Rishi in the living room when her phone pinged again.
Aanya,
I don’t mind if you keep both your surnames. Aanya Malhotra Chopra has a nice ring to it.
Boy or girl, I just want the baby to be healthy.
I’ll think seriously about your suggestion on enjoying singlehood. ??
Reyansh
Her jaw dropped. He had sent her a winking emoji? That meant his mood had lightened. The man was recovering from her absence. She chuckled at the suggestion of keeping both last names. And the singlehood? Oh, he would put that to good use, no doubt.
Just then, Radhika spoke up.
“Aanya, we’re taking you out to show you the city today. Why don’t you check if Shikha wants to join?”
Aanya smiled and decided to reply to Reyansh later. If they kept emailing like this, neither of them would get anything done.
Day 15 – India – Malhotra Mansion
Reyansh finally made time to pay a visit to Anand Malhotra.
“Good evening, Kyle,” he greeted as she welcomed him into the living room. “I heard Mr. Malhotra’s been unwell.”
“Yes,” Kyle sighed. “Please sit. Coffee or tea?”
“Coffee will do.”
She instructed the maid and sat down across from him.
“He hasn’t been the same. Aanya really shouldn’t have blamed us.”
Reyansh frowned slightly. “She spoke to him?”
“Yes. Two days before she left for California,” Kyle nodded. “She said some harsh things.”
Aanya had never mentioned this. Perhaps it had been too painful.
“She accused us of everything,” Kyle continued. “And Anand took it to heart. He’s barely been himself. Can’t focus on business. He blames me for all her grief.”
“Where is he now? May I see him?”
Kyle pointed toward the hallway. “He’s in the bedroom, but he won’t see anyone. He won’t even talk to his friends.”
“I’ll try,” Reyansh said quietly.
She led him to the room but didn’t enter, choosing to give them privacy.
From inside came Anand’s frustrated voice.
“Just go away, Kyle! I told you I want to be left alone.”
“It’s me, Mr. Malhotra.”
The voice startled Anand. He turned to see his son-in-law at the door.
“Reyansh... come in, please.”
They sat on the couch in silence before Reyansh spoke.
“You alright?”
“I’m fine,” Anand muttered.
“You couldn’t attend the Cape Town meeting.”
Anand sighed. “I wasn’t well.”
“I’ve shared all updates with your team. They’re on it.”
Anand waved it off. “Forget the business. How’s Aanya? Did she settle there?”
Reyansh noted the softness in his tone, the concern in his eyes.
He updated Anand with basic details and sensed that the man, while not openly apologetic, had finally recognized his failures as a father.
Aanya’s departure wasn’t just a shift in her own life; it had stirred a reckoning in her father’s too.
After the brief meeting, Reyansh returned to Chopra Mansion and drafted another email.
Aanya,
Met your father today. Physically, he’s fine, but emotionally, he’s not doing well.
I won’t overstep, but I think you should speak to him at least once.
He seems to have accepted his mistakes. It won’t change the past, nor will it rebuild what was lost. But I still believe closure is worth something.
It’s entirely your choice.
Reyansh