Page 117 of Mrs. Rathore

“That’s great,” Aryan said, surprisingly cheerful. “I’m glad Avni found someone she knows. At least she’ll feel comfortable now.”

I was taken aback by Aryan’s reaction, it was a reaction I never expected. He looked genuinely pleased. I had hoped for anger or even jealousy.

Jealous? Why would he be jealous? I was overthinking.

“Did you bring the file, Captain?” Ira asked Prashant with a hint of mockery in her tone.

I frowned. Her attitude was unnecessary. If she wanted to be cold to me, I could tolerate it because I deserved it. But she had no right to talk to Prashant that way.

He was doing nothing but giving her a playful smile as he held out a file in front of her.

“See you around, Avni,” Prashant nodded, and with one last look, he walked away with Ira. Both were in uniform. I guessed they were still on duty, maybe Ira had only dropped by to speakto Aryan, and Prashant had come to meet her but bumped into me instead. For the first time, I was thankful to her for helping me meet my old friend.

“Like what you’re thinking about, that you can’t stop smiling?” Aryan asked, stepping closer.

“Nothing,” I said, shaking my head and wiping the smile off my face. “I’m hungry. Let’s grab something to eat.”

_______

We reached our flat by ten. I had enjoyed the party and mostly because of Prashant.

“How long have you known him?” Aryan asked as he stepped inside the room, his relaxed demeanor suddenly darkening.

“Who?”

“Prashant Pandey,” he spat the name like it was poison. “How long have you known him?”

“I don’t know, I was really little when their family moved next door. We practically grew up together...ten years, maybe more.”

“Is he interested in you?” Aryan asked, unbuttoning his shirt, his eyes never leaving me. He was watching me like my answer might be life or death.

“Why are you asking me this?”

“Is he interested in you?” he repeated, more forcefully this time.

“I don’t know,” I replied, crossing my arms. “And this is none of your concern.”

Aryan’s muscles tightened. His unbuttoned shirt clung to him, revealing the sculpted strength of his chest. But it wasn’t his body that filled the room but it was those eyes. He looked at me with a dangerous mix of anger and hunger. And shamelessly it made me want him even more.

“None of my concern?” His voice was a low, threatening growl. “You’re my wife, Avni.”

“Only on paper,” I snapped. “You made that clear the day we married. You told me we weren’t meant to be.”

His chest heaved, nostrils flaring as he fought to contain something boiling beneath the surface.

“Don’t play games with me. You think I didn’t see the way he looked at you? Like he still owns some part of you.”

“Maybe he does,” I hissed, stepping closer, my pulse hammering. “He was there before you. He cared about me...something you’ll never understand.”

“And now you’re practically glowing just because he showed up?” he countered, his voice rising as he stepped even closer. “You’re married to me, Avni, whether you like it or not.”

“Oh really? You’re the one who made me feel like a burden! And let’s not forget who was having a cozy little chat with his dearest in the corner of the hall!” I shouted, my chest rising and falling with emotion. “So don’t act like you care now because you never cared about me.”

Suddenly, he was right in front of me. The musky scent of his cologne curled around my senses. I wanted to step back, but I stood my ground, meeting his gaze with defiance.

“You know what? I do fucking care,” he growled, grabbing my forearm and pulling me into him. His body radiated heat, and his shirt hung open, revealing golden skin and muscle I didn’t want to admit I noticed. “That’s the problem.”

“Then why do you still see Ira every time you look at me?” I asked, my voice low and hoarse from the emotions surging through me.