𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒚♡

Aayansh’s grip on Ishanvi’s hand was firm—possessive, even—as he led her inside the palace, leaving a stunned Avni standing in place. His long strides didn’t falter, and though Ishanvi could feel the weight of the gazes behind them, she didn’t resist.

Her heart was still racing, but for an entirely different reason now.

Why did he do that?

Why did he claim her so openly in front of everyone?

A part of her wanted to believe that it meant something, that there was a shift between them. But the other part—the logical, wounded part—reminded her that this was just another act. Another performance in the grand charade of their marriage.

As soon as they crossed the threshold of their shared room, Aayansh released her hand.

The warmth of his touch disappeared in an instant, leaving behind an emptiness that shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

Ishanvi took a deep breath, schooling her features before turning to face him.

"Yeh sab karne ki zaroorat nahi thi," she said quietly, her voice calm but distant.

["There was no need to do all this."]

Aayansh, who had been unbuttoning his kurta’s cuffs, paused. His sharp eyes met hers, unreadable as always.

"Kya?" he asked, his tone carefully neutral.

["What?"]

"Sabke saamne haath pakadna. Avni ko yeh kehna ki main aapki patni hoon jaise… jaise aapko is rishte se koi farq padta hai," she said, forcing herself to sound detached.

["Holding my hand in front of everyone. Telling Avni that I’m your wife as if… as if this relationship actually matters to you."]

Aayansh’s jaw tightened. He turned to fully face her, his gaze darkening.

"Tum meri patni ho," he stated simply.

["You are my wife."]

Ishanvi let out a humorless laugh. "Haan. Kaagaz par. Sach much mein kab banungi, Aayansh?" she asked, searching his face for an answer.

["Yes. On paper. When will I actually become one, Aayansh?"]

His expression flickered, just for a second, but she caught it.