EPILOGUE
Two years Later – Delhi
“Ma’am, we have a lunch meeting scheduled with Mr. Williams.”
“I remember. We’ll leave in an hour,” Aanya replied.
“Sure, Ma’am,” her secretary, Debby, said before walking out of the cabin.
Aanya turned toward the glass wall of her office, letting her eyes wander across the expanse of Delhi spread out below.
It still amazed her sometimes how far she’d come.
After accepting the Project Head position at the same interior design firm her previous client had offered before she left California, her life had taken a sharp, upward turn.
In the past year and a half, she had built the company’s reputation to a level it had never reached before. Just last month, she’d been promoted again. People who hadn’t even known she existed now sought her out, appreciated her work, and wanted to be part of her world.
All of it had been possible because of one man.
The man who had once made her realize her worth, and the one who never stopped standing by her side as she carved out her place in the world.
Her husband, Reyansh . He never once complained about the long hours she worked or the time they lost together.
Instead, he stood solidly behind her, helping wherever he could, proud of her for managing everything so gracefully.
Despite the workload, she continued to fulfil her responsibilities at Chopra Mansion as the family’s bahu, stayed a devoted wife, and remained the doting aunt to their now two-and-a-half-year-old niece, Ruhi Negi.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzz of the intercom.
“Ma’am, Dr. Minal is on the line,” Debby informed.
“Please transfer the call.”
“Right away, Ma’am.”
Aanya leaned back in her chair, heart pacing with anticipation. She’d been waiting for this update all morning.
“Hi Aanya, how are you feeling today?” came Dr. Minal’s voice.
“I’m okay, just the usual morning sickness that knocks me out for about an hour daily.”
“That’s perfectly normal. Just be sure to take your medications on time. No skipping.”
“I haven’t,” Aanya replied, smiling faintly as she bit the end of her pencil, though her cheeks flushed at the memory from last night.
She had skipped her dose despite Reyansh’s reminder. When she returned home late and confessed, he’d gone completely silent, refusing to speak to her for two hours. It had taken some serious convincing, and a lot of promises not to let it happen again.
But once he finally forgave her, they had made love with the kind of urgency that only two people madly in love and desperate for connection could feel.
Though still in her first trimester, it was considered safe, yet first-time father, Reyansh had worried and was concerned after their intense night of lovemaking.
Although Dr. Minal had assured them earlier that sex was perfectly safe unless there were complications like bleeding, cramping, Reyansh didn’t want to take a chance.
He’d even called Dr. Minal in the early hours of the morning…something Aanya found terribly embarrassing. He insisted on accompanying her for a surprise scan just to be sure all was well. Because of that visit, she had to reschedule her first meeting of the day.
Minal hadn’t been at the clinic then, but the tests were done, and now, the doctor was calling with the results.
“Everything okay, Minal?” Aanya asked, her voice lined with concern. “I mean... the baby’s fine, right?”
“Absolutely,” Minal assured her. “You’re both doing great. Make sure to tell your husband. He’s probably blaming himself more than necessary.”
He wasn’t just blaming himself. He was mad at both of them for losing control last night, even though Aanya had repeatedly assured him it was fine. If it had been the end of her second trimester, there might’ve been reason to worry. But still, poor hubby.
“I’ll let him know. Thanks, Doctor. I’ll be there on time for my next appointment.”
“Alright, Aanya. Take care.”
Aanya ended the call and immediately typed up a quick email to her overprotective husband. Their habit of emailing never really stopped. It had only gotten cheekier with time, especially after they found new ways to spice up the messages.
Dear To-be Daddy,
Baby’s fine. Just got confirmation. Happy now?
Your baby’s mother,
Aanya Chopra
A minute later, his reply popped up.
Dear Mommy,
Relieved. Finally!!
Also, did you eat the salad I packed?
Your baby’s Daddy,
Reyansh Chopra
**************
Dearest Daddy,
The salad was amazing. Your cooking is improving!
Can I expect something spicy tonight? Baby’s craving some spice.
Your dearest baby’s Mommy,
Aanya.
**************
Sweetheart,
No spicy food until the baby’s here.
And no arguments.
Your commanding Husband,
Reyansh
**************
Honey,
But what about my mood swings? Who else is supposed to handle them?
Your pouting sweetheart,
Aanya.
*************
Sweetheart,
Don’t try that fake pout trick on me.
Reyansh.
************
Darling,
Then what should I use to lure you?
Kisses? Hugs?
P.S. Why am I yawning so much?
Only yours,
Aanya.
**************
Baby,
You need sleep. I remember us barely sleeping last night.
Now, since you’re yawning because of me, I might reconsider the spicy request. And since Dr. Minal officially allowed us to keep making love for a few more weeks, I’ll happily report for duty again tonight.
Love you endlessly.
Only and forever yours,
Reyansh.
Aanya blushed at the playful, sweet message. Just the idea of another night wrapped in his arms was enough to recharge her for days. She locked her laptop and stood up to leave for her lunch meeting with Mr. Williams when her phone buzzed with a call from Navya.
“Hey Mommy,” Navya chirped as Aanya answered.
“Hello to you too, Mommy,” she replied, smiling wide.
Both women burst into laughter like schoolgirls.
“I still can’t believe we’re pregnant at the same time,” Navya said. “And our due dates are literally a week apart. Do you think Reyansh and Rohan planned this?”
“I’ve wondered the same thing!” Aanya laughed. “We should ask them tonight.”
“Absolutely. Anyway, I called because I’m running out of clothes. Nothing fits anymore. I need to go shopping before I end up in Rohan’s t-shirts full-time.”
“Same here. Let’s go tomorrow?”
“Perfect. Just the two of us, like old times.”
“Yeah... like old times,” Aanya repeated softly.
But nothing really felt like the old days anymore. Her world had changed completely. If someone had shown her this life three years ago, she would have laughed in disbelief. A successful career. A devoted husband. Loving in-laws. Caring parents. A baby on the way.
She was living her dream and treasuring every single second of it.
A Year Later – Chopra Mansion
Aanya walked into the kitchen, searching for Nani, who was busy filling milk supplement into a baby bottle.
“Here it is,” Nani said, handing it over. “Is she asleep?”
“Not yet,” Aanya replied with a soft giggle. “She’s playing with her Daddy.”
“He’s already such a wonderful father,” Nani smiled. “I never knew Reyansh had this many parenting skills.”
“He’s good at everything, Nani. And I fall for him more because of that.”
Nani nodded in agreement, affection glowing in her eyes.
“Go feed her before she drifts off,” she urged gently.
Aanya hugged her and wished her good night before heading back to their bedroom.
As she opened the door, she found Reyansh bent over the crib, placing a tender kiss on their daughter’s forehead.
Ryna lay peacefully asleep, and the sight made Aanya pause at the doorway, not wanting to disturb the moment.
Since Ryna’s birth, their world had shifted completely. Reyansh had arranged to work from home for two full months, while Aanya had extended her maternity leave, deciding to step away from her job until Ryna turned one. Nothing mattered more than giving their daughter undivided love and attention.
Now, as Reyansh gently wrapped Ryna in a soft blanket and laid her in the crib, Aanya tiptoed over, wrapped an arm around his waist, and leaned her head against his shoulder as they both stared lovingly at their sleeping baby.
“She looks so beautiful when she sleeps,” Aanya whispered.
“Just like her mother,” Reyansh teased, tapping her nose.
“But she snores like you… soft and adorable,” she added with a smile.
“That reminds me…we should head to bed too before she wakes up hungry again.”
Aanya let out a quiet laugh. That had become routine. Almost every night, Ryna woke multiple times at midnight feeling hungry.
“She’s always so hungry,” Aanya joked.
“Like her father,” Reyansh replied, and without warning, scooped her up in his arms. “And right now... he’s very hungry.”
Aanya laughed, playfully hitting his chest. “Put me down!”
But he ignored her protests and carried her straight to the bed, placing her down with care before switching off the night lamp and joining her.
“You do realize half the time we’re the ones who wake her up at night with our midnight actions,” she whispered, eyes wide.
“Not actions… but with your moans, baby,” he smirked, pinning her gently. “Let me remind you what those sound like.”
She couldn’t stop giggling as his kisses rained down, but still tried to keep her voice low so they wouldn’t actually wake their daughter. That was the last thing either of them wanted.
“Happy anniversary, hubby,” she whispered between their stolen kisses.
He paused, smiled, and hugged her tightly. “Happy anniversary to you too, wife,” he replied, brushing a kiss to her forehead.
“Where’s my gift?” she asked cheekily.
“How about one more baby? A boy this time?” he offered with a grin.
She rolled her eyes and patted his arm. “I want a non-human gift.”
“What do you want then?” he asked, curious.
“Hmm…” she pretended to think, then added, “Promise you won’t be mad?”
Reyansh narrowed his eyes, suspicious now. “Depends on what you’ve done this time.”
She cuddled closer and confessed, “I’ve planned a surprise anniversary party tomorrow.”
He tilted his head. “Why would that make me mad?”
“Because it’s at Noor Mahal,” she said, biting her lip and studying his face carefully.
His expression shifted. Noor Mahal. Though the property was legally in his name now, he hadn’t stepped foot there in years.
“Whose idea was that?” he asked with a trace of irritation.
“Mine,” she replied softly. “It’s a beautiful place, Reyansh. I want it to be a part of our lives again. Please don’t say no.”
His resistance melted. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
“As you wish,” he murmured.
Delighted by his answer, Aanya squealed and hugged him tightly.
“Now… can we continue what we started?”
She echoed his tone with a playful glint, “As you wish.”
Just as their lips met again, Ryna let out a sudden wail from her crib. Both parents froze before bursting into quiet laughter and rushing to their daughter’s side.
This…every laugh, every tear, every midnight feeding…was their love story. A story of two people, one child, and a forever filled with love, and only love.
Noor Mahal- Anniversary Party
“Kyle!” Aanya greeted her stepmother with a warm hug, followed by one for her father. “I expected you both earlier. Do you realize the party’s about to begin?” she teased with a playful frown.
“I was ready. Anand delayed us,” Kyle replied, throwing a light jab toward her husband.
“I’m so sorry, baby,” Anand said, kissing Aanya’s forehead. “But we’re staying here for two days. We want some real time with Ryna. Where is she?”
“With her father,” Aanya smiled, gesturing toward Reyansh, who stood nearby holding Ryna, accepting anniversary wishes from the guests.
Kyle immediately rushed inside to see her granddaughter.
“She’s so delicate,” Kyle murmured as she gently took Ryna in her arms, rocking her with practiced ease. Reyansh shared updates about Ryna’s recent mischiefs, while Anand and Aanya watched from a distance, touched by the sight.
“Thank you, Aanya,” Anand said quietly. “Kyle always longed to be a mother. But now… look at her. She’s not only found that bond with you, but she’s also a doting grandmother. She talks about you both all the time. Honestly, she forgets my office schedule, but never Ryna’s vaccination dates.”
Aanya nodded. During her pregnancy, Kyle had gone out of her way to support her.
She had stayed at Chopra Mansion in the final weeks before Ryna’s birth and even remained a month after to help.
From researching every precaution online to ensuring Aanya followed them, Kyle had poured her heart into that phase.
“Happy Anniversary, Babes!” Navya’s cheerful voice broke into the conversation.
Aanya turned and threw her arms around her best friend. “Thank you for coming! Where are Rohan and Ruhaan?”
Navya had given birth to a baby boy Ruhaan, a week after Ryna was born.
Navya chuckled. “Look over there. Rohan is venting both his joys and struggles of parenting Ruhaan to your husband.”
Aanya burst into laughter. “They’re such amazing fathers,” she said fondly.
“That they are,” Navya agreed, nodding.
“Aanya, Reyansh,” Radhika called out, walking over. “It’s time to cut the cake.”
Everyone gathered around the beautifully decorated cake table. Rishi held little Ruhi in his arms, helping her clap along with the crowd. Aanya and Reyansh reached for the knife together and made the ceremonial cut.
“I love you,” Aanya whispered as she offered him the first bite.
Reyansh fed her the next piece and pulled her into a tight, heartfelt hug.
The noise around them melted into a blur.
What started as a marriage of convenience, and later a contract of living under the same roof for two months, had changed their lives.
They were once just names on a marriage certificate…
strangers playing parts. But tonight, wrapped in each other’s arms, with their daughter in the crowd and love written all over their smiles, Reyansh and Aanya knew one thing for sure…
their One Hellish Wedlock had turned into one heavenly forever.
The End