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As I look around, a subtle movement catches my eye. Through the dim lighting, I see a tall silhouette in the shadowy corner leading to the washrooms. There’s something about his stance, the way he carries himself in that expensive black silk shirt and denim, that makes my breath hitch. I’d recognise that attitude anywhere—it’s uncannily similar to my husband, Ayaan.

But there’s only one other person who exudes that same magnetic aura, that unmistakable air of self-assurance—Raghav, his fraternal twin. And if it’s really him, what on earth is he doing here in Mumbai?

Before I can process my thoughts, he turns and moves toward the back exit.

“I’ll be right back,” I say to the girls, already rising from my seat.

“Where are you going?” Simran asks, concern creeping into her voice.

“To the washroom,” I lie, hurrying after the familiar figure.

The dimly lit corridor seems to stretch endlessly as I follow his path, pushing through the back exit door just seconds after it closes behind him. The cool night air hits my face, and I catch sight of three black sedans speeding away from the pub.

And then I see him—standing with his back to me, his posture tense, as though he’s just about to chase those cars.

“Raghav?” I call out, my voice uncertain but loud enough to reach him.

He freezes at the sound of my voice and slowly turns around to face me. For a moment, we simply stare at each other in surprise. It really is him. Here!! It’s been months since I last saw him, though my father-in-law had visited him just two months ago.

There is the faintest flicker of surprise in his expression, but it’s gone in an instant, quickly by his usual stoic demeanour.

“What are you doing here?” he asks, with that edge of authority he carries effortlessly.

“I should be the one asking you that,” I shoot back, closing the distance between us. “What areyoudoing in Mumbai? Why didn’t you tell us you were here? And why haven’t you come home?”

He doesn’t answer, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glances past me toward the pub.

“Where are your damn guards?” he snaps, his tone biting.

Right on cue, my security team bursts through the back exit, looking harried. Raghav’s expression darkens like a storm as he strides toward them, unleashing his full fury on them.

“Eleven seconds,” he growls, his voice low but menacing. “That’s all it takes for the enemy to strike. Eleven seconds late, and anything could’ve happened to her. Do you even understand the responsibility that comes with your job?”

The guards shift uncomfortably, looking down under his withering gaze.

I sigh, stepping between them. “Okay, okay, they’re here now, and I’m fine.” I fold my arms, trying to diffuse his anger.

“Don’t give me that ‘I am fine’ shit?” Raghav’s sharp eyes dart to me and then instead of backing down, he crosses his arms, towering over the guards with an unimpressed glare again. “If they can’t do their job properly, I’ll add a few of my own men to take care of it.”

I blink at him in surprise, then let out a nervous laugh. “You’re joking, right? You’d really put your guards on me?”

“Yes, because your present ones are clearly not capable of doing their job right,” he replies without hesitation, his voice completely serious.

I laugh again, brushing off the tension with humour. “Well, thanks, but no thanks. I already have Ayaan breathing down my neck and Vishnu’s military-level security measures tracking my every move. The last thing I need is you throwing more guards into the mix. By the way, I am here with Devika and Simran. I saw your silhouette and thought it was you, so I came out.”

He ignores me, glaring at the guards one last time before turning back to me.

“You shouldn’t take risks like this,” he says firmly.

“And you shouldn’t just disappear on us like this,” I retort, my frustration mounting. “Now, tell me. What are you doing in Mumbai?”

“Work,” he says curtly, his typical one-word response.

“Work,” I repeat sceptically as I narrow my eyes. “And you didn’t think to inform Ayaan or Paapa? They’ll be furious.”

“I’ll handle them,” he replies calmly.

“Fine. But you’re coming home with me now.”