CHAPTER 34
Award Function
Aanya, in a red silky gown that hugged her figure with elegance, felt every bit like a star as she walked hand in hand with her husband.
All eyes followed them…some filled with admiration, others with envy, especially those lingering on the most desirable man in the room, who was now unmistakably taken.
“Dad,” Aanya exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Anand as soon as they entered the venue.
“Sweetheart,” Anand replied, holding her tightly. “What are you doing here? Reyansh didn’t mention anything about you coming.”
“He didn’t know,” she said with a grin.
“That’s a wonderful surprise,” Anand smiled, clearly pleased.
Kyle, who had been chatting with someone across the room, joined them moments later.
“How are you doing, Aanya?” she asked.
Aanya smiled back at her stepmother who looked stunning in a black gown. No one would have guessed she was over fifty.
“I’m good. It’s nice to see you both… together again.”
Anand and Kyle exchanged a brief glance before smiling back at her, the silence between them was warm rather than strained.
“Shall we?” Reyansh interjected, his arm gently resting on the small of Aanya’s back.
They all made their way inside and took their seats as the ceremony began. Nearly an hour passed before the award for Best International Business Tycoon of the Year was announced and Reyansh’s name echoed across the hall.
He stood up and before heading to the stage, he hugged his wife. The audience erupted into deafening cheers and applause.
Aanya’s eyes welled with unshed tears as she listened to his speech. He spoke with precision, dignity, and heart. The moment he mentioned her name, her hand instinctively rose to her chest. He dedicated the award to those who had been part of his journey, and she was one of them.
When he returned, Reyansh handed her the trophy.
She kissed the trophy and held it close to her heart, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
Reyansh leaned in with a smirk. “Kissing the trophy? Not me?”
She arched a brow, lips curving into a playful grin. “Why would I kiss someone who, just a few hours ago, threatened to spank me?”
He chuckled, voice dropping low as he leaned a little closer. “Sweetheart, that wasn’t a threat. That was a promise. And I’m still waiting to fulfil it.”
Her eyes widened just a bit, heart skipping, but she held her ground. “Then maybe I’m saving all my kisses… for after you deliver on that promise.”
His gaze darkened with amusement and heat.
“You tease like that, and I just might collect what’s mine…right here, right now.”
A deep blush bloomed across her cheeks, creeping down to her neck.
She glanced around, suddenly hyper-aware of the glittering crowd around them and then elbowed him, trying to suppress the giddy smile playing on her lips.
But he caught her hand, twining his fingers with hers.
The host returned to the mic and the lights shifted slightly onstage, forcing them to return their attention back to the stage.
After the ceremony, he introduced her to his circle of friends and their wives. Aanya felt comfortable among them; they were easy-going and genuine.
“You know, Aanya,” Reyansh said with a playful glance her way, “these guys have been hounding me to finally introduce you.”
“Obviously,” Jas jumped in. “We had to meet the woman who actually managed to steal this guy’s heart.”
Aanya smiled and gave Reyansh’s hand a gentle squeeze, a subtle flash of possessiveness in her expression.
“But honestly, Aanya,” Jas added with a chuckle, “we always thought he’d end up with Shagufta. She was his bestie, after all. Not that we liked her. She has too much attitude. We’re honestly relieved he married you instead.”
Aanya’s smile stayed in place, but her eyes sharpened with mischief. “Well, good thing he didn’t settle for attitude when he could have all this charm instead,” she said sweetly, tilting her head toward Reyansh. “So... how’s your bestie doing these days?”
“Long story,” he muttered under his breath. “I’ll tell you at the hotel.”
She grinned, eyes sparkling. “Make sure it’s a short version. I have better plans for our night.”
Reyansh’s eyes burned with desire, making it increasingly difficult to stay focused while mingling with friends. The casual chatter around them only heightened the tension between them.
Eventually, they managed to slip away from the venue. On the drive back, Aanya leaned in and murmured for him to stop somewhere quiet before heading to the hotel. Without a word, he gave their driver the instructions who steered the car toward a secluded stretch near the beach and pulled over.
A few couples walked along the distant shoreline under a velvet sky.
“This place is so soothing,” Aanya whispered as she stepped out of the car, letting the sound of waves calm her. “I’ve always loved beaches.”
Reyansh joined her.
“Let’s take a walk then.”
She couldn’t have asked for more.
The driver left to park the car, giving them space. Aanya looked at Reyansh and grinned.
“Take off your shoes.”
He arched a brow.
“Trust me,” she added. “It’s the best way to feel the sand.”
He sighed but obliged, removing his shoes. She did the same, and together, barefoot and hand in hand, they walked along the beach.
Reyansh pointed to a distant lighthouse and shared its history. She listened with fascination, surprised by how much he knew.
“I always wanted to buy a beach house,” he confessed.
Aanya smiled. “Nothing’s impossible for you.”
“I know,” he agreed. “I could’ve bought one already. But who would live in it? Just me?”
Her expression softened. She understood what he meant.
“Our future was been hanging by a thread for so long,” he murmured.
“But not anymore,” she replied. “Now we are together. As husband and wife.”
She lifted her hand, letting the light catch the ring he had slipped onto her finger during his last visit to California. He hadn’t noticed it until now, and the sight of it still on her warmed his heart.
“Would you like to live in a beach house too?” he asked, turning to face her fully.
She put on a thoughtful face. “On one condition.”
“All your conditions will be fulfilled,” he replied instantly.
“You should hear it first.”
“I’ll never deny you anything. But go on, I’m listening.”
“That beach house should have room for four.”
“Four?” He looked confused. “Don’t tell me you expect your father and Kyle to live with us. I want some privacy with my wife.”
Aanya laughed.
“I’m not talking about Dad and Kyle.”
“Then who?”
She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I’m talking about Junior Reyansh and Junior Aanya.”
It took him a second to process it, but when he did, his eyes shimmered with dreams he hadn’t dared to see before. A future. A family.
“What’s wrong, Mr. Chopra?” she teased. “Haven’t thought about kids yet? Or are you still planning to run from fatherhood?”
He chuckled.
“No... It just reminded me of something.”
“What?”
He pulled her into his arms and smiled. “Babies don’t happen in long-distance relationships.”
She giggled, remembering that exact line from one of their earlier emails.
“Well,” she whispered, her lips brushing his chin, “we’re not apart anymore. And from the way you’re looking at me, I’d say you’re hoping for something more tonight.”
Reyansh’s eyes darkened with desire. He pulled her even closer.
“Aren’t you?” he asked, voice low and heated.
Aanya bit her lip and murmured, “Maybe.”
That was all it took.
Their mouths met in a slow, hungry kiss under the moonlit sky, the sound of waves crashing against the shore in the distance. It was tender at first, tasting like longing and missed time, but soon deepened.
She broke away only to catch her breath, their foreheads touching as her fingers slid down to his chest. He kissed her again, harder this time, his hand at the small of her back keeping her steady.
Eventually, the cool breeze reminded them they weren’t entirely alone. Reyansh brushed his lips against her forehead. “Let’s get back before I forget we’re not at the hotel yet.”
Aanya couldn’t agree more. They made their way to the car in silence.
As the driver accelerated, Aanya couldn’t control.
Without a word, she leaned forward and kissed him again.
Her lips moved against his with need, her fingers sliding downward to the hem of his shirt, teasing at where it tucked into his pants.
But just as her hand slipped beneath the fabric, he caught her wrist gently.
“Aanya…behave,” he murmured, breathing hard as Aanya’s fingers wandered again.
She pulled back slightly, eyes searching his before she gently rested her palm over his thigh instead.
“I was just trying to get some warmth,” she said, feigning innocence.
“What a lie!” he smirked. “With your hands like that, we could burn down the whole damn galaxy, baby.”
She chuckled before giving him a quick peck and waiting to reach back the hotel.
Hotel – Cape Town
Sunny opened the car door for Aanya and her face lit up when she saw him.
“Sunny!” she called happily. “Where were you at the award ceremony?”
Reyansh exited from the other side and joined them.
“Boss assigned me some other work. So I’d to leave early,” Sunny replied.
“Why do you always keep him so busy?” she asked Reyansh with a playful glare.
“He loves it,” Reyansh replied smoothly.
And that was true—Sunny lived for this work.
“Is it done?” Reyansh asked.
Sunny nodded. “Yes, Boss.”
“Good work, Sunny.”
Sunny accepted the praise with a smile and stepped aside to let them in.
“Enjoy the wine,” he added as they passed.
Aanya laughed. That wine bottle Sunny had sent earlier was waiting to be opened.
Reyansh slid his arm around her waist and guided her to the elevator. The moment the doors slid shut behind them, Aanya turned, looping her arms around his neck, her body already leaning into his.
“Don’t ask me to be decent at least now,” she whispered in his ear.