CHAPTER 35 #2
Reyansh and Aanya sat inside the mandap, surrounded by sacred fire and family with Radhika, Rishi, and Nani, all watching with pride.
With each mantra chanted by the priest, Aanya’s thoughts drifted briefly.
She remembered how hollow she’d felt signing the marriage papers during their first, legal ceremony.
Back then, it hadn’t felt like a union. It had felt like a transaction, her responsibility quietly handed over from one man to another.
But today? Today felt sacred. Every ritual mattered.
Her soul clung to each word, each vow. She lifted her gaze and found Reyansh watching her with the same fierce commitment.
Without hesitation, he reached out, entwined their fingers, and offered her a smile that made her heart flutter.
This was the best day of their lives and they were going to make it count.
Once the rituals were complete, they stood side by side, bowing to the elders and receiving their blessings. Cameras flashed from every direction as family rushed in for photographs, eager to pose. Each family member wanted to have infinite photos with the newlyweds.
Reyansh leaned in, his lips brushing against Aanya’s shoulder as he whispered, “Now they’re harassing us.”
She stifled a laugh, keeping her composure as Nani joined them for a picture.
“This isn’t what I imagined,” he muttered again, quieter this time. “I thought this would be more private after we complete the rituals. Just you and me… not a photo shoot marathon.”
Aanya smiled through gritted teeth, still posing. “You didn’t expect the post-wedding chaos? Thank God it's just the family here, and no other guests invited.”
He exhaled, his hand tightening slightly around her waist. “I knew there’d be some fuss, but not hours of smiling, nodding, and holding in my real thoughts while people talk about how ‘happy’ we look.”
“Grumpy groom,” she whispered under her breath, biting back another giggle.
He glanced at her with a look that was both exasperated and completely smitten. “I’m only grumpy because I have a wife I can’t escape with yet.”
She tilted her head toward him, whispering back, “Just a little longer. Then I’m all yours.”
That made him grin. But it didn’t stop him from throwing a pleading glance at the clock, silently counting down the seconds until the family would finally let them go.
“Let’s elope,” he said, gripping her hand.
Aanya’s eyes widened. “What? Where?”
“Somewhere private.”
Without waiting for a response, he gently tugged her away from the family, announcing that they were leaving for the night, and slipped through the exit.
Outside, their car was already waiting.
“Reyansh, I’m so overdressed for this escape,” she said with a dramatic sigh.
“Doesn’t matter,” he replied with a wicked grin. “No one’s going to see you in this except your husband. Now, get in.”
She giggled when he playfully patted her behind, clearly in a hurry to get away. The driver took off as soon as they were seated.
Aanya watched him as he gave the driver the instructions of where to take them. He looked even more striking tonight. The beige sherwani suited him like it had been stitched by the stars. He looked every bit the man she once resisted loving, now completely hers.
“We’re not going back to the resort tonight?” she asked curiously as the car took the next left.
He raised her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “I have a better place in mind to celebrate tonight.”
Ten minutes later, the car pulled up near the seaport. Aanya stepped out and froze.
A private white yacht, sleek and elegant, gleamed under the night sky.
“We’re spending the night here?” she gasped.
Reyansh leaned in and whispered, “Surprise.”
She turned to him, jaw slack, eyes wide. “Rey, you really know how to give surprises.”
“You loved it?” he asked.
“I love anything and everything that comes from you,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck and rubbing their noses together.
He smirked and, without another word, swept her into his arms.
“I bought this yacht last month,” he said as he carried her toward it. “You have no idea how desperate I’ve been to bring you here.”
“You work too hard,” she murmured, curling her arms around his neck.
He set her down at the entrance where the crew member greeted them.
“Welcome aboard, Mr. and Mrs. Chopra.”
“Thank you, Jack,” Reyansh replied.
The man stepped aside to let them pass. Inside, Aanya was instantly dazzled. The yacht was impeccable. A trail of rose petals led them to a private room…clearly their bedroom for the night. The space glowed with the soft flicker of candles, the air laced with her favourite floral scent.
“How’s it?” he asked, watching her closely.
“Stunning,” she murmured, her fingers playing with the buttons on his sherwani. “You really do have my magic wand. Everything I’ve ever wanted… you find a way to give it.”
Reyansh cupped her cheeks.
“That’s because you’re the centre of my universe, Mrs. Aanya Chopra. My world orbits around you.”
He kissed her lips softly, then pulled back. “Wait. There’s more.”
She didn’t even bother acting surprised. With Reyansh, wonder never seemed to run out.
He led her out onto the deck. The yacht had already begun its course into the night. The open air was fragrant with roses, and at the centre stood a table—and on it, a wedding cake.
Her eyes widened again.
“Is that... Red Velvet? My favourite?”
Reyansh rolled his eyes. “Is that even a question? I know every detail about you. And by the end of tonight,” he added huskily, tracing a finger along her cheek, “I’ll know every inch of you too.”
Aanya gasped. He took her hand, guided her to the table, and helped her cut the cake. She fed him the first bite, then he returned the gesture.
“Mmm, it’s delicious,” she said, licking frosting off her finger.
“It should be,” Reyansh said. “It’s from your best friend.”
“What? Navya?”
He nodded. “She couldn’t be here, but she made sure to send this.”
“You’d invited her?”
“Of course. She’s your bestie.”
Aanya kissed his cheek. “You really planned everything to perfection, didn’t you?”
“For you,” he whispered, returning another kiss on her lips. Then he dialled Navya’s number and handed the phone to Aanya.
“Not a voice call. Video, please,” Aanya insisted, snuggling closer to Reyansh. “I want to see her reaction.”
Reyansh chuckled at her excitement and did as asked. He dialled Navya on video. It was late at night in India. Navya had been fast asleep but seeing Reyansh Chopra calling her, she instantly knew Aanya was behind it.
“Hello, Mrs. Chopra,” Navya teased, rubbing sleep from her eyes. “How did the remarriage go?”
Aanya hugged Reyansh from the side as he held the phone, both of them now filling the frame. Navya’s drowsy eyes widened.
“What do you think ?” Aanya asked, giggling, her cheek resting against her husband’s shoulder.
“Oh my God...” Navya blinked hard. “Are you guys on a yacht right now?”
Aanya bit her lip, caught.
“And is that my cake in the background?” Navya added, pointing at the screen.
“Yes,” Aanya replied, smiling. “Thank you, Navya. I really wish you could’ve been here for the wedding.”
“I wish so too,” Navya sighed. “I had a shoot today I couldn’t reschedule. And your dear husband didn’t agree to postpone the wedding by just one day. If it had been tomorrow, I’d have flown in.”
Aanya turned her head toward Reyansh, who simply nodded. That was true. Navya had asked him to postpone the wedding by one day. But their schedule was tight. Aanya had to return to California soon, and Reyansh didn’t want to take any chances with fate.
“It’s okay,” Aanya said softly. “I understand.”
“I wish you both the happiest life together,” Navya continued with a grin. “And for God’s sake, please make some babies! I’m dying to be an aunt.”
Aanya laughed, hugging Reyansh tighter, her eyes gleaming with love.
“We’ll give you that honour soon,” Reyansh promised.
Navya grinned. “I won’t take more of your time. It’s your first night . Go, enjoy.”
Aanya flushed crimson as they exchanged quick goodbyes and ended the call.
Reyansh pocketed the phone and turned back to her.
“Time for bed, Mrs. Chopra,” he whispered.
Aanya raised a brow, lips curving in mischief. “Hmm… before that, I want my dessert.”
He blinked. “Seriously? You want to eat that cake now?”
She giggled, walking backward and grabbing his hand. “I meant you , Mr. Chopra. But I’ll take the cake too…later.”
That was all the invitation he needed. He let out a low groan, as she pulled him toward the cozy bedroom of the yacht, his heart already racing faster than the waves beneath them.
Though they had been married legally for months, tonight felt like the real beginning. Tonight, they weren’t bound by contract. They were bound by love and thick desire.
When they reached the bedroom of the yacht, Aanya didn’t hesitate. She pushed Reyansh gently, making him stumble back onto the bed with a surprised grunt. He landed on the edge, half-sitting, half-lying, as she leaned over him with a mischievous spark in her eyes.
“I’m not the typical shy bride… if you thought I would be,” she murmured, her voice sultry and teasing.
Reyansh grinned, his gaze darkening with hunger. “Can’t wait for you to take the lead then.”
“Watch me,” she whispered.
One by one, she began removing her small bridal jewelry...her bangles first, then the earrings, each piece hitting the side table with a soft clink. Every moment was made was done with her eyes locked on his, bold and unflinching.
While Reyansh was enjoying it all, she slowly reached up and opened her hair, letting the silky waves tumble down her back. With practiced grace, she slid the bridal veil from her shoulder and let it float down to the chair behind her.
Now standing before him in just her embroidered lehenga and choli, she turned, showing him her flawless back, and deliberately untied a single knot of her choli.