CHAPTER SEVENTEEN : THE TRUTH LOOMS
“Priya?”
Everyone turned to look at him in surprise, but Priya didn’t react. Her heart skipped a beat, yet she tried her best to stay calm. She pretended not to hear him and kept her eyes fixed on Jully.
Jully frowned a little. “I think you have some misunderstanding, her name is Riya,” she said, glancing between the two with confusion.
Jake took a small step forward, his eyes never leaving Priya’s face. “Priya, what’s going on here?” he asked, his tone firm but laced with disbelief.
“Nothing… just forget it,” she replied quickly, forcing a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Her hands trembled slightly as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, trying to mask her nervousness.
Mrs. Khanna, watching their strange exchange, asked curiously, “Maybe you both know each other well?”
Priya hesitated for a brief second, then composed herself and said, “Hmm… he’s my college friend… and we are meeting after so long.”
Jake let out a humorless chuckle. “After so long? I came to India for your wedding, but you—”
Before he could finish, Priya quickly cut him off, her tone sharp and uneasy. “Okay… okay… By the way, I think we should get ready soon and start the shoot,” she said, smiling awkwardly at everyone.
Without giving him another chance to speak, she grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the makeup room, leaving behind a puzzled Jully and Mrs. Khanna.
Inside the makeup room, the tension between them thickened like fog. Jake crossed his arms, looking directly at her. “Can you tell me what’s going on here and about your name?” he asked in a calm but demanding voice.
Priya avoided his gaze. “I’ll tell you later,” she muttered, pretending to check her reflection in the mirror.
“Firstly, tell me,” Jake insisted, stepping closer.
She sighed, realizing she couldn’t escape the conversation anymore. “Okay fine. Then listen…” she began.
Her voice softened as she told him everything — how she left India and changed her name after the chaos of her wedding, how she moved to Paris to start over, and how fate led her to meet Aryan. She explained how their bond grew naturally, how they fell for each other, and how they eventually got married… without Aryan ever knowing who she really was.
Jake stood still for a long moment after she finished, his face unreadable. “Oh, so you mean he doesn’t know that you’re the same girl?” he finally asked.
“Not now,” Priya replied, lowering her eyes. “And you also have to keep in mind that you will call me Riya here.”
Jake raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with sarcasm. “Okay… okay… Miss—”
“Mrs. Riya Khanna,” she corrected sharply, looking him dead in the eye.
“Yaa… yaa…” Jake muttered with a small smirk. Then his expression turned serious again. “But remember one thing — the relationships that are built on lies don’t last long.”
Priya’s jaw tightened. His words cut deep, but she refused to show it. “Whatever,” she said flatly, turning away to face the mirror.
A long silence lingered between them — heavy, suffocating, filled with all the things left unsaid.
Then, a crew member knocked on the door. “Ma’am, sir, you’re both on in five minutes.”
Priya took a deep breath, forcing herself to smile again. “Let’s go,” she said quietly, walking out of the room before Jake could respond.
He watched her go — the same girl he once knew, now wrapped in secrets and a new name.
And as they stepped onto the set, ready to perform a scene about a runaway bride, Priya couldn’t help but feel the cruel irony — because in many ways, this wasn’t just acting anymore.
The shoot finally wrapped up for the day. The crew started packing up while Jake and Priya stepped aside near the vanity area, still dressed in their costumes.
“By the way, tell me one thing…” Priya said, breaking the silence as she folded her dupatta neatly.
Jake looked at her curiously. “Hmm, ask.”
“Where did you get this idea from?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
“Which idea?” he asked, pretending not to understand.
She crossed her arms. “About this show. The whole story about a girl who runs away from her wedding…”
Jake smirked, his tone teasing. “Actually, I have a friend who did something similar at her wedding, so I just got this idea from there.”
Priya’s mouth fell open slightly, realizing what he was implying. “Hahaha… very funny,” she said with a clearly fake laugh, rolling her eyes.
Jake chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. “What? I’m just being honest,” he said, his grin widening.
Just then, Mrs. Khanna’s voice echoed across the set. “Riya dear, let’s go! Aryan is very excited to know about your shoot. He’s called me so many times!”
“Sure,” Priya replied, forcing a quick smile. Then under her breath, she muttered, “Mr. Khanna has also been calling me too many times.”
Jake, who caught her words, raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Khanna? You never called me by my last name before.”
She turned to him sharply, smirking. “Why would I? Are you my boyfriend or husband?” she asked, arching a teasing eyebrow.
Jake blinked, taken aback. “L… Friend…” he began, but the word seemed to choke in his throat. He wanted to say something else — something real — but stopped himself. His voice dropped low as he finished weakly, “Just… friend.”
Before Priya could respond, Mrs. Khanna called out again, “Priya, come on!”
“Coming, aunty!” she said, turning to Jake. “Bye.”
Jake gave a small nod, watching her walk away with Mrs. Khanna.
His teasing smile slowly faded as his gaze followed her — the same girl he once knew, now living a new life with a new name and a husband who had no idea who she really was.
And for the first time in years, Jake felt that old ache again — the one that started the day she disappeared from his life.
After some time, Mrs. Khanna and Priya returned home. As soon as they entered, Aryan, who was sitting on the sofa reading a few documents, looked up at her.
“How was your day?” Aryan asked, his tone casual but his eyes curious.
“It was outstanding,” Priya said with a bright smile. “I started my shoot as the lead.”
Aryan’s lips curved into a small, proud smile. “That’s nice.”
“Congrats, dear!” Mr. Khanna added warmly.
“Thank you, Dad,” Priya replied, her smile softening.
“Now let’s go and eat,” Mr. Khanna said, and everyone moved toward the dining table.
The dinner was peaceful — filled with light conversation and Mrs. Khanna’s happy chatter about how proud she felt of her new daughter-in-law. Aryan remained mostly quiet, occasionally glancing at Priya, who seemed lost in her thoughts about the day.
After dinner, Aryan and Priya went upstairs to their room.
Priya freshened up first. When she stepped out of the bathroom, towel-drying her hair, she saw Aryan sitting on the bed, a file open in his hands. His face was serious, brows slightly furrowed.
Curious, she walked toward him. “What are you reading?” she asked.
“Information papers of my assistant,” he replied without looking up.
She blinked. “You mean mine?”
“No,” he said, flipping a page casually. “About my new assistant.”
Her tone sharpened. “Girl or boy?”
He looked up this time, slightly amused. “Girl.”
Her reaction was instant. “Then you won’t hire her,” she said firmly, almost like an order.
Aryan raised an eyebrow. “And why?”
“Because I’m saying so,” she said, crossing her arms.
He leaned back slightly, his voice calm but teasing. “And with what rights are you saying this?”
She shot back instantly, “The right of your wife.”
He looked at her for a long moment, his expression softening… then, quietly, he said, “But the fake one.”
Her smile faded. “Was it necessary to remind me?” she said, her face turning away, her voice heavy with hurt.
Aryan sighed, looking down at the file. “But that’s the truth,” he said softly, almost regretfully.
“Hm, right…” she muttered. Then, forcing a neutral tone, she added, “Now, please move aside. I want to sleep.”
She brushed past him and climbed into bed. Aryan got up wordlessly and went to the sofa, sitting down with his file still in hand.
The silence in the room was thick — the kind that carries words left unsaid. Priya turned to her side, her back facing him, pretending to be asleep.
After a while, she heard him speak quietly on the phone. His voice was low but clear enough for her to catch the words.
“Yes… cancel that interview. I don’t need a female assistant. Hire a male instead,” Aryan said, and then ended the call.
When he looked up, he saw her watching him — or at least trying not to smile too widely. She quickly hid her face under the blanket, but a small grin escaped her lips.
She looked like a little girl who had just gotten her favorite candy — innocent, satisfied, and secretly happy that her wish had been fulfilled.
Aryan couldn’t help but smile faintly himself. “Unbelievable,” he muttered softly before turning off the lamp.
The night settled into a peaceful silence — two hearts pretending indifference, yet somehow caring more than either would admit.
It had been more than a month since Priya’s life had fallen into a perfect rhythm — mornings filled with laughter, long hours on set, and late nights reviewing her dialogues. Aryan, too, was caught up in his endless meetings and business calls. The two barely saw each other, except for the quiet moments during breakfast or late-night glances before sleep.
That morning, the sunlight streamed warmly through the dining room windows. The table was set beautifully — toast, fresh juice, and Mrs. Khanna’s favorite homemade parathas. Priya sat down beside Aryan, who was scrolling through his phone, while Mrs. Khanna served everyone with her usual cheerful energy.
Between bites, Mrs. Khanna said, “Priya, you’ll have to go alone today because I have to go with your dad for some work.”
Priya looked up and smiled reassuringly. “It’s okay, Mom… I can go myself.”
Aryan glanced at her briefly, wanting to say something — maybe to offer a ride — but before he could, his phone buzzed again with a business call. He sighed softly and stood up. “I’ll see you all in the evening,” he said, grabbing his coat and leaving for work.
Mrs. Khanna smiled faintly as she watched him leave, then turned to Priya. “He’s been working too much lately.”
Priya nodded, a small sigh escaping her lips. “Yes, but he’s doing great. I’m proud of him.”
Mrs. Khanna smiled at her daughter-in-law’s gentle tone — a warmth she couldn’t help but admire. “I’m proud of both of you,” she said softly.
After finishing breakfast, Priya left for her shoot.
The set was buzzing with energy as usual — camera crew adjusting lights, stylists running around with costume racks, and makeup artists preparing brushes and palettes. The scent of coffee and foundation mixed in the air — the familiar chaos of showbiz.
Jully, the director, stood in the center, holding the script in one hand. Her sharp, confident voice rose above the noise as she addressed the team.
“Okay everyone, listen up!” she said. “Today’s a very important scene, so I want your full focus.”
Priya arrived just in time, greeting the crew politely. Jully turned toward her and smiled. “Ah, there you are, my leading lady.”
“Good morning, Director Jully,” Priya said politely, adjusting her bag on her shoulder.
“Good morning,” Jully replied. Then, turning to the team again, she began explaining the sequence — describing every emotion, gesture, and camera angle in detail. Everyone listened carefully.
Finally, after explaining the scene thoroughly, Jully clapped her hands and said, “Alright, everyone, go and get ready!”
The crew scattered instantly — makeup artists leading actors toward their chairs, costume assistants rushing to prepare outfits, and cameramen setting up their equipment.
Priya walked toward her vanity mirror, her reflection staring back at her — confident yet thoughtful. She smiled faintly at herself and whispered, “Let’s make it perfect today.”
The studio lights glowed bright and hot, filling the set with a golden hue. The music started softly, echoing through the wide, decorated hall. It was a romantic couple dance sequence — full of emotion and chemistry. But something wasn’t right.
“Jake, be focused!” Jully shouted from behind the camera, frustration clear in her tone. “What happened to you? It’s a couple dance, so do it properly!”
Jake stopped mid-step, his movements stiff and awkward. The music faded, and everyone on set exchanged confused glances.
Priya, slightly breathless from the rehearsal, looked at him and asked, “Jake, what happened? Why are you spoiling the scene?”
She walked closer, her heels clicking against the floor, and took his hand, placing it gently on her waist — guiding him into position. But the moment his hand touched her, he froze again. His eyes shifted away nervously.
“What’s the problem with you, Jake?” she asked again, irritation rising in her voice.
He exhaled and muttered, “Your dress.”
She frowned. “My dress?” she repeated, not sure she’d heard him right.
“Yes,” he said firmly this time. “Don’t you think your dress is too short? You should change it.”
Her eyes widened slightly, a mix of disbelief and annoyance flashing across her face. “Why would I? If I’m comfortable in it?” she replied sharply, her tone full of pride and defiance.
Jake didn’t respond, just looked away awkwardly. The air between them turned tense.
Before the silence could stretch longer, Jully’s voice cut through the air again, louder and more impatient.
“Hey guys! Stop talking and start the shoot! It’s already too late!”
“Okay,” both said in unison, though the tension was still visible between them.
After several retakes — filled with awkward eye contact and forced chemistry — Jully finally shouted, “Pack up!”
Priya let out a sigh of relief, brushing her hair back. “Finally,” she said, sounding exhausted.
She grabbed her bag and started walking toward the exit door, desperate to get some fresh air. But before she could leave, Jake stepped forward and stopped her gently.
“Where are you going? Don’t you have to change the dress?” he asked.
Priya looked at him tiredly. “I’m exhausted. I don’t have the courage to change my dress right now,” she said honestly.
Jake nodded slightly, his tone softening. “It’s okay… By the way, if you’re alone, let me drop you?”
She gave him a polite smile and shook her head. “My driver is waiting outside,” she replied.
As she walked past him toward the exit, she turned slightly and said over her shoulder, “Bye.”
“Bye,” Jake murmured, watching her leave — his expression unreadable.
The quiet hum of Aryan’s laptop filled the room. He sat on the couch, lost in work, the glow from the screen reflecting on his face. The clock ticked softly in the background.
A moment later, the door creaked open. Priya stepped inside, her heels clicking faintly against the floor. Without saying a word, she dropped her bag onto the chair and flopped face-first onto the bed, sighing deeply. Her hair was still styled from the shoot, her makeup slightly smudged but beautiful in a tired way.
Aryan looked up from his laptop, surprised. He tilted his head slightly and thought, It looks like she’s coming straight from a party.
He stood up and walked toward her quietly. She had already closed her eyes, clearly exhausted. With a soft smile, he pulled a blanket over her legs — his movements gentle, almost protective — and sat down beside her.
“Where are you coming from?” he asked in a calm, curious tone.
“From the set,” she replied without opening her eyes.
He raised an eyebrow. “In this look?”
She opened one eye lazily and said, “Hmm… I was tired, so I didn’t feel like changing my dress. I came home like this.”
Aryan’s gaze softened, but he still couldn’t help teasing her a little. “But still, don’t you think this dress is too small?”
Her eyes opened fully this time, and she turned her head toward him. “If you don’t like it, then I’ll keep that in mind next time,” she said sweetly, her tone calm and obedient — almost like a good girl trying to please him.
He smiled slightly, charmed by her response. “Good,” he said simply.
A moment of silence passed between them — comfortable, almost warm.
“Have Mom and Dad come home?” Priya asked after a while.
“Not yet,” Aryan replied, glancing at the clock. “Maybe they’ll come tomorrow.”
“Okay,” she said softly, yawning.
“Now go and freshen up quickly,” he said, standing up and stretching his arms. “Then we’ll have dinner.”
She frowned a little. “You didn’t eat yet?”
“No,” he said with a smile. “I was waiting for you. Now get ready quickly… I’m starving.”
Her lips curved into a small smile. “Just give me five minutes,” she said while sitting up and brushing her hair back.
“Okay,” he said, watching her with a faint smile as she walked toward the bathroom. He didn’t realize he was still looking until she turned slightly and gave him a teasing glance before closing the door behind her.
The morning sunlight streamed gently through the large windows, filling the dining room with a soft golden glow. Aryan and Priya sat across from each other, quietly finishing breakfast. The clinking of cutlery and the faint aroma of coffee made the moment calm — almost domestic.
As Priya took her last sip of juice, Aryan looked at her and said casually, “Let me drop you today?”
She paused, a bit surprised by the offer, and replied softly, “But it’s the opposite side of your company… You’ll be late because of me.” Her voice carried a hint of concern — she didn’t want to trouble him.
Aryan leaned back in his chair, brushing it off with an easy smile. “It doesn’t matter… Let’s go.”
Just as they stood up to leave, Priya’s phone started ringing. She glanced at the screen and picked up the call.
On Call:
“Hello!!!” came Karan’s energetic voice from the other side.
Priya frowned slightly. “Hmm?” she hummed, not sure what he was getting at.
“Is the leader at home yet?” Karan asked quickly.
“Hm,” she hummed again in response, glancing at Aryan.
“Could you make me talk to him?” he said.
“Sure,” she replied, handing the phone to Aryan. “It’s Karan.”
Aryan took the phone and placed it to his ear. “Hmm?” he said, a little confused.
“Where is your phone, man? I’ve been calling you for so long, but you’re not picking up!” Karan said, sounding annoyed.
“Oh, it’s on silent,” Aryan replied, checking his phone with a small chuckle. “You tell me, what happened?”
“Did you forget?” Karan asked.
“Forget what?” Aryan asked, raising an eyebrow.
“You asked me to arrange a directors’ meeting today. Everyone’s here, waiting for you.”
Aryan blinked, realizing. “Oh yeah… Right. Just wait for a while, I’m coming.”
“Okay,” Karan replied, and the call ended.
Aryan sighed, sliding the phone back into his pocket. “I’m sorry, Riya. You’ll have to go alone today.”
Priya smiled reassuringly. “It’s okay. I can go myself.”
He nodded, still feeling a little guilty. “But yeah — in the evening, I’ll pick you up from there.”
“Okay,” she said, her smile soft and genuine.
With that, they both walked toward the door — their paths splitting at the car porch, one toward work and the other toward the set, but both with an unspoken warmth lingering between them.
The studio lights shimmered like tiny suns above the glossy marble floor. Crew members rushed around — adjusting mics, checking lenses, whispering instructions. The faint scent of coffee and fresh paint lingered in the air, mixed with the electric buzz of excitement that came with the start of an emotional scene.
Jully stood near the monitor, her script in hand. “Alright everyone!” she called out. “This is a one-take scene — raw emotion, real connection. I want to feel the love. Got it?”
“Got it,” Priya and Jake said in unison.
They stood face-to-face under a circle of warm light. Priya’s outfit, soft yet elegant, swayed gently with every breath she took. Jake straightened his collar, took a quiet breath, and knelt down — the faint scrape of his knee echoing against the studio floor.
His eyes met hers — a little too long, a little too real. The air between them suddenly thickened with something unsaid.
“I love you…” Jake said, his voice low, almost trembling. “Will you marry me?”
For a moment, Priya forgot the cameras. His gaze — intense, familiar — pulled her into a brief silence. Then, remembering where she was, she smiled gracefully, her voice steady and warm.
“Yes… I will.”
Jully’s voice cut through the stillness. “Perfect! That’s a wrap on this scene!”
The crew clapped lightly, some murmuring praise for their chemistry. But Jake didn’t look away — not right away. His eyes lingered, dark with something that wasn’t part of the script. “I hope tonight you’ll accept my proposal the same way,” he thought bitterly, a smirk tugging at his lips as Priya turned to walk away.
The bright lights dimmed one by one as the crew packed up. The heavy camera rigs clicked shut, and voices turned casual. Priya stood near the makeup table, wiping off the last traces of foundation.
From behind, she heard Jake’s voice — calm, almost friendly. “Priya,” he called softly.
She turned slightly. “Yes?”
“If you’re free now… maybe we could grab dinner? Just talk — it’s been ages.”
Priya sighed. “No, I can’t.” Her tone was polite, but firm.
Jake stepped closer, hands in his pockets. “Come on, dude… we haven’t talked properly in forever. One dinner won’t hurt.”
“Today, I have to go with someone else,” she said, not meeting his eyes.
His jaw tensed. “With whom?”
“With me.”
The voice came from behind — deep, calm, commanding.
Priya froze for a second before turning. Aryan stood there in his crisp black suit, confidence radiating from him. The soft studio lights glinted off his watch as his eyes flickered briefly between Jake and Priya.
“When did you come?” she asked, almost startled.
“Just now,” Aryan replied evenly, walking closer.
Jake’s smirk returned, but his tone sharpened. “And you are?”
Aryan didn’t flinch. “Her husband.” His voice was cool, deliberate. Then he reached for Priya’s hand — gently, possessively.
Jake’s eyes narrowed. “Husband? Whatever. But you can go now, because she’s coming with me.”
Priya’s temper snapped. “Jake! He’s my husband — how could you talk to him like that?”
Jake’s expression hardened. “So you’ll argue with me for this tomorrow’s guy?” His words dripped with venom. “The guy you’re too afraid to tell your truth to?”
The air seemed to crackle. Priya’s chest tightened; her eyes flashed. “Jake… just shut up!” she shouted, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and panic.
Aryan turned to her, confusion and suspicion flickering across his face. “Your truth?” he asked quietly.
Priya grabbed his hand tightly. “Let’s go,” she said quickly, pulling him toward the door.
As they walked away, Aryan’s voice followed softly, but heavy with doubt. “Riya… what’s the truth?”
She didn’t answer. The silence between them spoke louder than words.
Behind them, Jake watched with a shadowed grin. His laughter — low and dangerous — echoed through the half-empty set.
“Go on,” he muttered under his breath. “Go and ask her the truth.”
Priya turned once — just once — her eyes full of fury and warning. But she didn’t speak.
Jake smirked wider, muttering to himself, “If I can’t have you… then I’ll make sure no one else can.” The studio fell silent again, except for the soft hum of the fading lights.
❁𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑❁
❀𝕴𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖎𝖙!❀
♡ 𝙳𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚒𝚔𝚎, 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 ♡
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