Page 66 of Mrs. Rathore

I stared at the screen, waiting.

Nothing.

“??” I sent it after a few minutes. He saw it. Still no reply.

I sighed and dropped the phone on the bed beside me.

A moment later, Rhea waltzed back in, her face lit up like she was bringing good news from a fairy tale.

“So,” she grinned, “let’s start packing for your honeymoon!”

I blinked at her, half-dazed and half-annoyed.

Ugh. Why on earth was she excited about my honeymoon?

And it wasn’t even a honeymoon. It was a forced getaway with a man I could barely stand. A trip I never asked for, planned with someone who felt more like a stranger than a husband.

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Chapter 24

AVNI

I was scrolling through my phone when Kavya’s text popped up.

"Are you on your honeymoon?"

And she reminded me that I had just arrived at one of the finest hotels in Udaipur. I looked around the room, which felt like something out of a royal dream. The soft mint-green walls were trimmed with gold detailing, and a crystal chandelier sparkled from the high ceiling, beautifully catching the light. A grand four-poster bed stood proudly on one side, while elegant furniture and warm lighting created a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere.

At the far end, three arched windows opened to a peaceful view outside. Beneath each window, cushioned seats invited quiet moments of rest. On the other side, a classic sitting area with vintage sofas and armchairs added charm, and the bold black-and-white chevron floor grounded the space with style. Everything about this room felt elegant, calm, and timeless.

My phone chimed again.

"Avni…?"

I blinked, realizing I had forgotten to respond.

"Who told you I’m on a honeymoon? For God’s sake, this isn’t a honeymoon, Kavya. We only came here because of Grandma.She didn’t want Aryan and me staying in the mansion right after the wedding, so she insisted he take me somewhere nice. She even booked the room here at Taj Lake Palace."

"Taj Lake Palace?!" Kavya replied almost instantly. I could practically hear her gasp through the text. "Oh my God! Please take pictures of every corner! I’ve always dreamed of going there, but all I do is daydream."

"We’ll come here together once we win the competition," I typed back, smiling sadly.

A moment later, another message came through.

"So what are you going to do with your hero husband? Have you thought about sleeping with him? I mean… are you going to have sex with him?"

I rolled my eyes so hard it almost hurt. Trust Kavya to take the conversation there. I wished I could reach through the screen and smack her.

"There are more important things than sex, Kavya."

"But it’s your honeymoon! If you want, I can guide you on consummating your marriage. Aryan totally looks like he’s experienced. I bet he’s been with Ira or other women."

Her words made my jaw tighten. I didn’t reply. Instead, I typed a sharp "bye," shut down my phone, and tossed it onto the nightstand.

I grabbed my clutch and walked into the bathroom, needing a splash of cold water to refresh myself.

The bathroom was breathtaking, just like everything else in this place. The creamy white marble, with its deep veining, gave the space an old-world charm. A claw-foot bathtub stood beneath a window draped with golden-patterned blinds. On one side, a wide mirror stretched over a double-sink counter, perfectly arranged with soft towels, crystal glassware, and fresh flowers. Warm light glowed from antique hanging lamps, wrapping the room in comforting elegance.