CHAPTER 26
Aanya sat on the edge of her bed. Her fingers hovered over her phone as her mind wrestled with itself.
She didn’t know if she should be doing this, but the thought of her father being unwell gnawed at her insides.
No matter how neglectful he had been through her childhood and even now, he was still her father.
Forgiving him might not come easy, or at all, but abandoning him in a time like this was not something she could bring herself to do.
She remembered Reyansh’s advice. Maybe it was time to listen.
With a deep breath, she dialled Anand Malhotra’s number.
He didn’t answer.
Of course he wouldn’t. He likely hadn’t recognized her international number. Just as she set the phone down, it rang back. Her heart thudded. He had called back?
“Aanya?” Anand’s voice came through, frail yet brimming with emotion.
“Dad,” she whispered. “How are you?”
“I… I’m so glad you called,” he stammered. “You have no idea how much I’ve been thinking about you lately.”
Aanya swallowed the sudden knot of emotion in her throat.
“Reyansh told me you weren’t well,” she said. “I hope you’re taking your medicines. And tell Kyle I won’t forgive her if she’s neglecting your health.”
Anand’s eyes welled up.
“You worry for me… you always have,” he murmured. “You remind me so much of your mother. Even if I so much as sneezed, she’d panic.”
Aanya’s eyes stung with tears. Her father hadn’t spoken about her mother in years, not since he married Kyle.
“You still remember her?” she asked, blinking furiously. “I thought you’d forgotten. Just like you forgot me.”
“Oh, Aanya,” Anand’s voice broke. “I’m sorry, baby. I can’t even imagine the pain I’ve caused you. I was blind. I thought money and comfort could replace what you truly needed— me .”
Tears streamed down Aanya’s cheeks.
“I needed you,” she cried. “After Maa died, I only needed you. But I never got that.”
Anand gripped the phone tightly, his voice cracking with guilt.
“If I could go back and change it all, I would,” he swore. “I’d give you the world. Every ounce of love I failed to give back then. Punish me, Aanya. However, you want. Just punish me hard enough that fathers like me might learn from my mistakes.”
“Dad, please don’t say that,” she whispered through her sobs.
“Why not?” he snapped, anguished. “I’m guilty. I don’t want anything anymore… except my daughter. But you’re gone. And I don’t know what to do.”
“Calm down!” she shouted. “Your blood pressure will shoot up again.”
Anand took a deep breath and tried to calm himself.
“You haven’t lost me forever,” she said gently. “I’ll come back someday. And when I do, we’ll make up for all those years. Together.”
“You will?” he asked, like a child clinging to hope. “We’ll go skiing. And hiking!”
A laugh burst from Aanya’s throat, wet with tears. The memories were vivid. Her father taking her on treks, their laughter echoing through the hills.
“But Dad, you can’t hike now,” she teased. “You’re not in shape. Reyansh said you’re weak.”
“He lied,” Anand chuckled. “Don’t listen to him. I’m fine. And now that you’ve called, I’ll be better in no time.”
“That’s the spirit,” she smiled. “I want you strong and healthy when I return. Then we’ll plan our outing. Just the two of us.”
“We will,” Anand said firmly. “And I promise you’ll never feel unwanted again.”
Aanya’s tears dried, but her heart remained full. She had no idea whether she’d truly forgiven him, but it no longer mattered. She could feel the shift in his voice, the sincerity in his tone. That was enough for now.
After they spoke for a while longer, she ended the call. Anand looked down at his phone screen and kissed it.
“My baby girl,” he whispered.
From the hallway, Kyle silently withdrew. She had overheard the entire conversation. And for the first time, she saw her husband genuinely happy and at peace. If this was what healed him, she wouldn’t interfere.
Back in California, Aanya pulled out her phone again and typed a new email to her husband.
Reyansh,
I spoke to Dad. I’ve never felt so light, so relieved. Thank you for nudging me to make that call. You made my day. For the first time, he sounded like the father I always wanted. You made that possible. I don’t have enough words to thank you.
Aanya
Reyansh, still at the office, smiled softly when he read her message. She had taken his advice. She had confronted her pain and softened it. He replied quickly.
Wife (Hope you don’t mind me calling you that),
I didn’t do anything special. I’m just trying to pave a path to your happiness. You deserve every bit of it. Tell me something about your childhood. You’ve never shared that part of you. I’d like to know it.
Your Husband,
Reyansh
Aanya chuckled softly. So, he wanted to know about her past? Well, she could give him a peek.
Husband,
Estranged Wife might be the more accurate title for now, but I’ll let you choose.
You’ll be shocked to know how I was as a child. Here’s a quick glimpse:
My first word was “Dad.” Not surprising he was dearer to me than Mom somehow.
I loved chocolates so much that all my baby teeth decayed by age six. Dad banned candy for a year.
My first crush was Nikhil, my primary school bench partner. I adored him until he switched schools. He’s now married with two kids… check my social media, he’s still cute.
Once, on a trek with Dad, I slipped off a cliff. Got caught on a tree branch and was rescued an hour later. Still gives me chills.
For a fancy-dress competition, I wore a saree and dressed as a ‘Mother’ carrying a baby doll. I won first prize.
That’s just the beginning. Email won’t be enough. I’ll share the rest when we meet. Now tell me something about you. I bet you were a naughty little munchkin. Can’t wait to read your stories.
Your Estranged Wife,
Aanya
Day 19
Aanya woke up the next morning with the sun filtering in through the window blinds. Before she could begin getting ready for work, her fingers itched to check her inbox. And there it was…an email from Reyansh.
Wife (You are not estranged. We are going to unite soon. I like to be hopeful.)
I read your list and was completely intrigued. Would you believe I actually postponed my meeting just to finish reading it? Sunny was baffled, poor guy. He knows I never reschedule anything unless something urgent comes up. But he also knows that you are now my priority woman.
Back to your childhood tales—
It’s obvious how much you love your father. Daughters always have that special bond with their dads. I’m certain that bond will grow stronger between you and Mr. Malhotra.
I still can’t picture you with decayed teeth. Thank heavens your father stopped the chocolate supply. Your current smile is perfect. Don’t ruin it.
Your “crush” Nikhil. Hmm. Let’s just say I’ll ignore how smitten you were. I did check your social media account, by the way. He’s lost the charm. But his wife? Absolutely stunning. Doesn’t quite suit him.
You enjoyed trekking? Never guessed that.
Now I understand where your fitness comes from.
I can’t even imagine what would’ve happened if that tree hadn’t been there.
Someday, I’ll visit that cliff myself and thank the tree.
Maybe I’ll even initiate a tree plantation campaign there—’Save Future Aanya Malhotras. ’
You portrayed a mother in a fancy dress? Impressive. That’s no easy role. And I have no doubt you’ll be a kind, nurturing mother when the time comes.
I look forward to hearing more about your childhood when we meet.
As for mine... there’s not much to tell. My parents died when I was very young. Di and Nani handled everything and gave me the life I have today. Childhood memories? I have none that are beautiful but maybe someday, I’ll create some with you.
Your husband,
Reyansh
Aanya felt the sting of emotion as she read the last lines. He had missed out on the innocence of childhood. She blinked back tears and quickly began typing a reply, glancing at the clock to make sure she wasn’t late.
Husband,
You found Nikhil’s wife charming? Really? No comments.
The “Save Aanya Malhotra” campaign cracked me up. But I’ll give you this. It’s a noble idea. Someone really should take global warming seriously. Though I always believed you’d be the last person to contribute to that cause considering all the heat you radiate around you with your Hotness!
I’m not ready for motherhood yet. It feels like such a huge responsibility. Maybe once Di’s baby arrives, I’ll learn a thing or two. Who knows, my thoughts might change.
You, on the other hand, are still a child. A pampered one. So fond of your Di. But that’s a beautiful thing. When the baby comes, I hope you relive those childhood moments through him or her.
I need to hurry now. Risking being late. But don’t worry, I won’t skip breakfast.
Your wife,
Aanya
Day 35
Work had consumed Aanya completely over the past few weeks.
Her natural flair for décor and aesthetics was being lauded by the onsite client, and the feedback thrilled her.
On the personal front, things had been surprisingly smooth.
Radhika had now entered her third trimester, and Aanya had something special planned —a surprise Baby Shower.
That weekend, Aanya was staying with the Negis again. While helping Rishi in the kitchen, she brought up the idea.
“Baby Shower?” Rishi whispered, looking both amused and worried.
“Yes, Jeeju. It’s your first baby. This is a must,” she declared.
“I know. But we barely have anyone here to organize it properly. What about the rituals? I don’t know anything about them.”
“Neither do I,” Aanya admitted. “But we can ask someone.”
“Who?”
“We can’t tell Di. It’s a surprise.”
Rishi thought for a moment, then suggested, “What about Nani? She’d know all the rituals and the right mahurat (auspicious time) to conduct them.”
Aanya’s smile faded.
“Nani?” she echoed uncertainly. Their relationship had always been tense, if not openly antagonistic.
“Yes, Nani. Come on, Aanya. You know she’ll have all the details. And it’s not like I can talk to her about all this baby stuff.”
Aanya sighed, already picturing the uphill task this would be. But if this was for Radhika, she would swallow her pride.
The next day, Aanya mustered her courage and called Chopra Mansion.
“It’s me…Aanya,” she said as soon as Nani answered the call.
A brief pause followed. Then Nani responded, surprised. “You? Why are you calling? Is… is Radhika alright?”
“Yes,” Aanya replied calmly. “She and the baby are both fine.”
“Then why are you calling me?”
“I need some help,” Aanya said, her voice steady. “And… I have a request.”
Nani’s tone immediately changed. She had always liked when people turned to her for guidance.
“What request?”
“It’s about Radhika. She’s in her seventh month, and I want to surprise her with a baby shower. But neither Jeeju nor I know the rituals or the right time to host it. We were hoping you could help.”
For a moment, Nani said nothing. Aanya couldn’t tell if the silence was surprise or disdain. Finally, the older woman spoke.
“I wouldn’t do this for you, but because it’s for Radhika, I will.”
Aanya rolled her eyes discreetly. Some people truly never change.
“Okay… I’m listening. I’m noting it all down,” she replied, pulling out a pen and her diary.
As Nani began listing rituals and auspicious timings, Aanya scribbled everything carefully, determined to make the occasion perfect.
Day 50
Reyansh sat alone in his study, fingers flying over the keyboard as he drafted a message he had meant to send since morning.
Aanya,
I’m truly grateful for the way you planned and executed Di’s baby shower.
She couldn’t have been happier. Her joy was evident in every glance, every smile she gave.
You honoured each ritual with so much sincerity and care.
She’s always been particular about traditions, and you took that into account perfectly.
No one else could have done it the way you did.
Your gratified husband,
Reyansh.
Day 52
Sitting in her shared apartment in California, Aanya finally responded.
Reyansh,
Thanks to Nani for supporting the idea. I wouldn’t have pulled it off without her help.
Attaching some more pictures of the baby shower for you to see.
Aanya.
Day 54
Reyansh scrolled through the images she’d sent. Radhika was glowing on the swing, Rishi smiling beside her, Shikha laughing with one of the guests, a few unfamiliar faces he assumed were new friends. But something was off.
Where was Aanya?
He immediately typed back.
Aanya,
Where is the picture of the woman who made all this magic happen? All I see is Di, Jeeju, Shikha, and a few of their friends.
Where is my wife?
Your unhappy husband,
Reyansh.
Aanya smirked reading his message. Exactly as she’d expected. She had deliberately excluded her own photograph, just to make him ask. To feel that desperation in his words. And she wasn’t disappointed.
Day 55
Dear Unhappy Husband,
Attached is my picture with Di and Jeeju.
Hope you’re happy now.
Your obliging wife,
Aanya.
Reyansh eagerly opened the attachment, only to let out a low, irritated groan.
The image did feature her but it was a side-angle shot.
Her back faced the camera, draped in a soft pink saree, her attention clearly focused on Rishi, who was singing into a microphone for Radhika. Beautiful, yes. But this wasn’t enough.
He typed furiously.
Dear Not-So-Obliging Wife,
As much as I appreciate admiring your flawless back, I’d very much prefer to see your angelic face.
Please send me your picture.
Your frowning husband,
Reyansh.
The moment Aanya read the reply, she burst out laughing. So, he wasn’t going to settle. Her heart skipped at the thought of how desperately he wanted to see her. That strange warmth spread through her body again, a slow burn she refused to name just yet.
Smiling, she selected her favourite photo from that evening, one in which she wore the same pink saree, her hair pinned neatly to the side, a gentle smile playing on her lips. She looked radiant, almost glowing.
She attached it to her reply and hit send , then sat back… waiting.
Waiting for his next reply.
Waiting for the next moment their words would bridge the miles between them.