Ashi's POV:
The days at my parents' house flew by in a blur of family chatter and warmth. Yet, Akanksha's words lingered, gnawing at the back of my mind. Every time I thought of Vansh, a storm of emotions brewed within me—hurt, betrayal, but also a flicker of curiosity.
It was late one evening, after dinner, when I sat alone in the garden, the cool breeze brushing against my skin. The stars above twinkled faintly, and the distant hum of crickets filled the air. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
I hadn't spoken to Vansh much since I left for Phag Phera. Our conversations were limited to brief, polite exchanges, mostly through texts. He never pressed for more, but his tone had changed. He sounded... patient, almost like he was waiting for something.
My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts.
Vansh: How's your family?
I stared at the screen for a moment before replying.
Me: They're good. Just spending time with them.
A pause. Then another message came through.
Vansh: I'm glad. Take your time.
My fingers hovered over the keyboard, hesitating. Finally, I typed:
Me: You've been quiet. Why?
Almost immediately, he replied.
Vansh: I didn't want to push you. But we need to talk, Ashi. There's something you need to know.
My chest tightened as Akanksha's words resurfaced.
Me: About Zara?
The three dots indicating his typing appeared, then stopped, then started again.
Vansh: Yes. It's not what you think. But I want to explain everything in person.
I stared at the message, my heartbeat quickening. The thought of hearing him out terrified me, but a part of me knew I couldn't avoid this forever.
Me: Fine. We'll talk when I'm back.
His response came quickly.
Vansh: Thank you, Ashi.
I exhaled slowly, locking my phone and leaning back against the bench. The truth was coming, whether I was ready or not.
The Next Day
When the doorbell rang, my mother opened it with her signature enthusiasm. "Vansh! Come in, come in. You're just on time. We were about to have tea. Would you like some?"
Vansh smiled politely. "Thank you, Mummy, but I'll just have some water."
I stepped into the room, trying not to let my nervousness show. Vansh's eyes briefly met mine, his expression unreadable but calm. He was dressed casually, yet his presence, as always, commanded attention.
My dad handed him a glass of water. "How's everything, Vansh? Busy at work?"
"It's been manageable, Papa," he replied. "Thankfully, things have settled down a bit."
"And how's Ashi doing?" my dad asked, with a teasing smile.
Vansh glanced at me briefly before answering. "She's doing great. Though I must say, we missed her at home."
His words were simple, but the weight behind them didn't go unnoticed. My mom smiled knowingly while my siblings exchanged amused glances. I busied myself with checking my phone, pretending not to hear.
As I hugged my family goodbye, Akanksha whispered mischievously in my ear, "Don't let him sulk too much on the way back."
I glared at her, but she just grinned and the kids waved excitedly as I left..
YOU ARE READING
Married to My Ex
RomanceIn Married to My Ex, Ashi Sharma and Vansh Malhotra are forced to marry each other in an arranged marriage. What they can't tell their parents, however, is that they were once in a relationship together. Ashi and Vansh must now find a way to come...
