SHATTERED

Veiled Bonds

Author's POV

Reyansh's gaze lingered on Ananya as she walked toward them, her every step graceful and poised. She wore a delicate pink saree that clung to her form like the blush of dawn on a quiet morning. The soft fabric seemed to ripple with every movement, catching the light in a way that made her skin glow. Her hair was pinned up loosely, a few stray curls framing her face, which looked more radiant than ever. It was the first time he had seen her in a saree since their wedding, and to him, she looked more stunning now than she had on that day. The sight of her made his heart lurch; her beauty was a reminder of something delicate and untouchable, like a rose blooming in a storm.

He snapped out of his thoughts when Abhay nudged him, bringing him back to reality. Ananya set the tray of juice on the table and bent down to touch his parents' feet. Maya, Reyansh's mother, stopped her halfway, her face breaking into a warm smile.

"Beti, humare yaha betiya pair nahi chooti. Gale lagao, chalo." (Daughters don't touch feet, come give me a hug.)

Ananya straightened up, and Maya pulled her into a tight embrace, full of affection. Ayaan, Reyansh's father, patted her head gently, his stern features softening.

"How are you guys?" Ananya asked, her voice light and cheerful, but with an undercurrent of nerves.

Maya's smile turned playfully stern. "Hmmm, you never talk to us, and now suddenly you're asking how we are? For formality, right?"

Ananya let out a small, sweet laugh that caught Reyansh off guard. It was a sound he hadn't heard in a long time. "Even though I don't call, I know everything about you guys," she said, glancing at Reyansh, whose heart momentarily skipped a beat. "I ask Ansh about you every time." She then gestured to the tray. "Now please drink this juice. I'll quickly start making lunch."

Just as she turned to leave, Maya caught her wrist, noticing something missing. "Ananya, where is your nuptial chain?"

Both Ananya and Reyansh stiffened, tension filling the air. Ananya stuttered, searching for words that wouldn't come. Her mind was blank, panic rising in her chest. But before she could say anything, Reyansh stepped in smoothly, his voice calm but firm.

"Mom, she has this habit of removing it whenever she bathes," he said, trying to sound casual. "It's okay even if you don't wear it. Nowadays, many people don't wear anything to show that they're married," Ayaan interjected, attempting to ease the awkwardness.

But Reyansh felt a flare of possessiveness ignite within him. The idea of Ananya being seen as unmarried, as someone not bound to him, unsettled him in ways he didn't fully understand. Without thinking, he crossed the room, wrapping an arm protectively around her shoulders. "That's not true, Dad. I always have my ring on," he said, flashing his wedding band. "And Ananya likes to wear her chain."

He looked down at her, his amber eyes meeting her dark, confused gaze. A silent tension passed between them, electric and charged, as if they were caught in the eye of a storm. For a moment, it felt like time stopped, and they were the only two people in the room.

Maya clapped her hands, breaking the spell. "Okay, now you two stop it. Ananya, don't bother with lunch today. We're going out," she announced, her tone cheerful.

Before they could respond, a voice interrupted from behind. "Rey, why is...?"

Reyansh turned to see Raina standing in the doorway, her expression a mix of surprise and discomfort as she took in the scene before her. She quickly masked her emotions, her usual haughty demeanor slipping back into place. "Uncle, Aunty! How are you? When did you arrive?" she asked, her voice saccharine but strained.

Maya's smile towards Raina was thin, polite but cold. She knew of the past between Reyansh and Raina, a history she never approved of but chose to stay quiet about. Ananya's presence had been a relief, a welcomed change that Maya was grateful for. "We just arrived," Maya replied curtly. "What brings you here, Raina?"

Raina's gaze darted to Reyansh, seeking support, but found none. "I just came to discuss some project plans with Rey," she said, correcting herself quickly. "I mean, Reyansh."

Maya's eyes narrowed slightly, her distaste barely hidden. "Discuss those things in the office, Raina," she said firmly. "Reyansh, next time, keep work at work."

Reyansh's parents didn't wait for further explanation. Turning to Ananya, Maya said, "Come, beta, show us our room. We've got plenty to catch up on." She shot Raina a dismissive glance. "Raina, you can meet Reyansh in the office tomorrow. Today is family time."

With that, she linked arms with Ananya and led her away, leaving Raina standing awkwardly in the doorway. As Reyansh turned to follow, Raina grabbed his arm, her eyes pleading. "Rey, I..."

But Reyansh cut her off. "We'll talk tomorrow," he said, his tone final. Raina's face twisted with frustration, her composure cracking, but she said nothing as she watched him walk away.

Abhay, silently observing, stepped forward with a mischievous grin, guiding Raina toward the door. "You heard them. Office hours only," he wrote on his phone and showed Raina, his gesture tinged with mock cheerfulness. Raina shot him a glare before storming out, her anger palpable.

Reyansh, watching from a distance, couldn't help but feel a strange mix of satisfaction and unease. The dynamics in his house were shifting, and as he glanced at Ananya, he knew that the calm was only temporary.

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Hellooo all
I'm so happy that you all are liking my book ❤️
what do you think of this chapter Is Reyansh in Love?
Even if he is what do you think "Will Ananya trust Reyansh Again ?"😢

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Only a few edits will be posted more frequently as I have just started learning to edit
Until the next chapter Keep Smiling😊