CHAPTER 31 #2
The next morning Aanya woke up to an empty space beside her.
He was gone.
He really hadn’t woken her.
Panic flared in her chest as she threw the duvet aside and glanced at the time. 9:00 AM. How had she slept so late? Perhaps because she had fallen asleep in his arms… with his warmth still lingering on her skin.
She reached for her phone only to find a notification blinking on the screen. Surprisingly he had left her an email.
She opened it immediately.
Wife,
Don’t be upset that I didn’t wake you. And please… this isn’t like that morning after our first wedding night when I left you alone. You know how hard it is for me to say goodbye.
These hours we spent together, Aanya, I’ll hold on to them until the next time we meet. And I hope that moment comes sooner than either of us expects.
Keep the nightgown. I want you to wear it when we’re together again.
But don’t expect me to behave so decent next time.
Before you even ask why I kept my distance last night then, I wanted to take one step at a time.
A lot happened between us in the last few hours.
We kissed, I proposed to you, you said yes, we slept on the same bed.
If I’d taken the next step, it would’ve been rushed, and that wouldn’t have been enough…
not for what you deserve. I want it to be right. Worth it. Special.
I’m going to miss you, baby. And I can’t wait to see you again.
I love you.
Reyansh
Aanya held the phone close to her chest, her eyes stinging. He had such a way with words that weren’t just sweet, but honest. They bled emotion and they definitely made her cry.
After a moment, she composed herself and typed back.
Husband,
Whatever reasons you have, never leave me like this again. I hate waking up alone especially when I’ve spent the whole night dreaming of you.
I loved the gown. I’ll wear it again, just like you asked. And I can’t wait for us to be together again.
One step at a time…I’m with you on that.
P.S. I wish I could hijack your plane.
I’m missing you too.
Your wife,
Aanya
*****************
Aanya met the Negi couple later that day, after Reyansh had flown to Cape Town with her father. Radhika was practically bursting with excitement the moment she saw her, eager to hear every detail about Aanya’s unexpected decision to stay with Reyansh the previous night.
“Di…” Aanya sighed, trying her best to mask the emptiness inside her. “I’m fine. I know he had to go… so it’s okay.”
Radhika gave her a quick side hug, reading through her calm facade in a second.
“Aww… you’re missing him terribly, aren’t you?”
Aanya lowered her gaze, gently caressing Ruhi who slept soundly in her cradle.
“I am missing him, Di… more than I thought I would.”
Radhika’s eyes fell on the ring glinting on Aanya’s finger.
“I haven’t seen this one before,” she said, pointing to it.
Aanya’s face brightened instantly as memories of last night flooded her mind.
“Reyansh gave it to me,” she admitted softly, biting her lip in a failed attempt to hide the blush rising on her cheeks.
Radhika wasn’t entirely surprised, but her heart filled with happiness nonetheless. It was refreshing and reassuring to witness the chemistry between her brother and his wife finally bloom. She had longed to see them yearn for each other like this.
“My brother has a hidden romantic side, clearly. I need details,” she teased, nudging Aanya playfully.
For once, Aanya didn’t mind sharing. Talking about it to Radhika felt comforting, like reliving the moments all over again.
“Dinner was lovely,” she began. “He asked me to stay the night. I couldn’t say no.”
Radhika’s cheeks flushed, already imagining the kind of feelings Aanya must have gone through.
“But you didn’t have any spare clothes,” she interrupted with a smirk. “Or is it that… you didn’t need any?” She tickled Aanya.
“Di!” Aanya scolded, laughing. “I’m not telling you anything.”
“Alright, alright,” Radhika said with mock surrender. “Please, continue.”
“He bought a nightgown for me…asked the hotel reception to arrange it.”
Radhika’s jaw dropped. “He did what ?”
“It was beautiful. And he told me to keep it.”
Radhika crossed her legs and leaned in, visibly more intrigued. “Okay… now I need more.”
“He proposed,” Aanya confessed, hugging the nearest pillow. “He asked me if I still wanted him as my husband, forever. And I said yes.”
Radhika watched her closely. There was a dreaminess in Aanya’s eyes, a softness in her voice she had never seen before.
“And then?”
“And then we slept.”
“Just slept?”
“Di!” Aanya giggled. “Yes, really. Your brother wants to take it one step at a time. And honestly… it’s kind of sweet.”
Radhika chuckled, reaching out to pinch Aanya’s cheek.
“If you two are happy, that’s all I need.”
“I am happy, Di,” Aanya said with certainty. “I’m finally getting what I always yearned for… true love .”
Radhika smiled warmly.
“But…” Aanya’s expression dimmed. “There’s something else.”
“What happened?”
“Dad and Kyle… they’re getting divorced.”
Radhika blinked, taken aback.
“That’s why Reyansh brought him here. So I could talk to him. I tried to change his mind, but… nothing worked.”
“That’s hard to accept,” Radhika murmured.
“I know. But I’m going to speak to Kyle. I can’t be the reason their relationship falls apart.”
Radhika nodded in understanding and assured Aanya that whatever happened, she had already done more than enough. Some things just needed time to heal.
Day 183
Reyansh landed in Cape Town and the first thing he did was write to Aanya.
Wife,
I’ve landed. Already missing you and your kisses.
P.S. Have you spoken to Kyle? Your father told me the divorce petition will be filed next week. We’re running out of time.
Your husband,
Reyansh
****************
Husband,
Thank you for letting me know. I’ll call Kyle now and update you once we speak. Wish me luck.
P.S. Saying I miss you more than your kisses would be a lie. Just told Di about our night together. She loved the ring… and was clearly hoping for more romance.
Your wife,
Aanya
Wife,
Is it Di who wants more romance… or is it you? Don’t lie. I can tell.
P.S. Best of luck. I’m proud of you for trying so hard to mend things. You’re incredible, baby.
Your husband,
Reyansh
****************
Husband,
I want all of you and everything you want to give me. Even romance.
Calling Kyle now. Wish me luck again.
Your wife,
Aanya
****************
India
Kyle sat motionless on the couch of her rented apartment, a place that had become her reluctant shelter for the past few months. She was still trying to piece together the wreckage of her life when her phone rang. An international number flashed on the screen. Despite her mood, she picked it up.
“Kyle Malhotra,” she answered.
“I’m glad you haven’t dropped your last name yet,” came Aanya’s voice.
Kyle froze. She hadn’t expected her call .
“Why are you calling?” she asked coldly. “To mock me? Or to blame me like your father did?”
“Do you really believe I hate you, Kyle?” Aanya asked calmly. “Or is that just your assumption?”
Kyle rubbed her temples.
“Spare me the riddles, Aanya. Why did you call?”
“I heard about the divorce. It’s not what I expected from either of you.”
Kyle let out a bitter laugh.
“You expected too much. Add this to your list of disappointments.”
“Kyle,” Aanya said firmly, “I know you love my dad. And I know he loves you. You both made mistakes. He’s owning his part. You’re still running from yours.”
“Why are you saying this to me now?”
“Because I don’t want you two to separate because of me .”
That stunned Kyle.
“Why?” she whispered. “You should be happy. You’ve got him all to yourself now.”
Aanya let out a soft, bitter laugh.
“That’s your problem. You’ve always been too possessive. Why is it so hard to believe that he can love both of us? We can share him, Kyle. We should .”
Tears welled in Kyle’s eyes. Aanya’s words cut through the guilt she had buried. All these months apart had taught her one thing. She’d pushed Anand away from his own daughter in trying to keep him for herself.
“I don’t understand… Why are you doing this for me? You have every reason to hate me. You finally have the perfect chance to erase me from your lives. Why throw it away?”
“Because I want Dad to be happy. And his happiness lies in you. I can live with that, Kyle. I have no problem if you continue being his wife, as long as you love him.”
Kyle was speechless. She hadn’t expected this level of grace… or maturity from Aanya.
“I tried convincing Dad to withdraw the divorce,” Aanya continued.
“He won’t, unless you show him you want the same.
Unless you admit that you hurt him too. This isn’t about ego anymore.
It’s about surviving without love, without a partner.
I don’t want you both to face the kind of loneliness I did. Please talk to him and stop this.”
Aanya ended the call. There was nothing else to say. She had done her part. Whether it worked or not was no longer in her hands.
******************
Day 210
Wife,
I’ve been awarded Best International Business Tycoon of the Year here in Cape Town.
You are and always will be my lucky charm.
Your husband,
Reyansh
Day 211
Husband,
Just saw the news about that and an article online. I’m so proud of you.
When’s the award function?
Your wife,
Aanya
Day 212
Wife,
Date is yet to be scheduled.
P.S. Anand Malhotra and Kyle Malhotra’s divorce petition has been filed. I’m sorry, baby. We couldn’t stop it.
Your husband,
Reyansh
Day 213
Husband,
Let me know once the date is set. I’d love to watch the ceremony live if it’s broadcasted on any social media.
Dad told me about the petition. I didn’t know what to say.
I tried. You tried. And still… it failed.
I hate seeing marriages fall apart. Maybe because we know what it feels like when they do.
It changes everything…even how you look at yourself.
I can’t watch Dad go through that. Please stay close to him. I don’t want him to be alone in this.
Your wife,
Aanya
****************
Wife,
I’ll be by his side. I’m attending the court session next week. I’m going to try one more time. Make them sit them down, face to face. If there’s even the smallest chance… we have to try. Agreed?
Your husband,
Reyansh
****************
Husband,
Thank you, Reyansh. For this, and everything else. You mean more to me than you know.
Your wife
Day 225
Wife,
I went to court with your father. Kyle showed up but wasn’t herself. She hesitated to even speak. But I convinced them to sit down together.
It was awkward, but I left them alone for ten minutes. When I came back… your father was holding her hand. It’s a sign, I think. They haven’t confirmed anything, but the silence between them wasn’t the same anymore. It was something else.
P.S. Ruhi crawls now, doesn’t she? The video you sent melted me. My two angels, side by side in one frame…perfect.
Your husband,
Reyansh
Day 226
Husband,
I think it’s a sign too. I spoke to Dad last night after your message, and his tone felt lighter. He didn’t mention Kyle, but something’s shifted. Let’s stay hopeful.
Yes, Ruhi crawls now! But I want a video with you and Ruhi. When do I get that lucky?
Oh—and more good news: my project completion date is final. Just four more months, and I’ll be back for good. I’m counting the days.
P.S. Nani taught me how to make your favourite kheer yesterday. That’s breaking news, right? She might be warming up to me… though she won’t say it out loud. Grumpy Nani!
Your wife,
Aanya
Day 227
Wife,
Fingers crossed.
We’ll shoot that video soon…me, you, and Ruhi, next time we’re together.
Four months still feels too long. Sigh.
And no comment on Nani’s grumpiness.
P.S. I miss you, Aanya Chopra.
Your husband,
Reyansh