Page 5 of Entangled Vows (Destined Diaries #2)

“And what about the Antichrist over here? Is he getting some kind of weird arm-twisting by his father from the grave too?” Mahika interrupted, crossing her arms like a defiant kid. She knew she was being childish, but right now, she just wanted to lash out at everyone.

This was too much. Why was only her life being demolished like this while Vikram sat like he was just listening to soothing music?

“Mahika...” Her mother’s voice cut through for the first time in the past hour, quiet, but full of disapproval.

Oh, so now she has found her voice?

“What?” Mahika shot back, glaring first at Mohit, then at Mr. Rao. “Why is Vikram just sitting there like a statue? Does he think we’re discussing IPL scores? What the hell is wrong with you, Vikram? Why are you being so cold and unaffected when you should be just as furious as I am?”

“Calm down, Momo,” Vikram replied evenly, his tone clipped.

“You have no right to tell me to calm down, you ass!” she fired back.

Mr. Rao pressed his lips into a thin line.

“Mahika, Vikram already knows some of the details of the clause. It was disclosed during his father’s will reading at his home a few days ago.

This stipulation is not one-sided. The stakes are just as high for him.

If he refuses, the JK Group will go bankrupt, and a third party will swoop in.

That would mean the end of the legacies, of everything your fathers built together.

Even the Khurana Empire will be stripped away from him, piece by piece. ”

He paused, meeting her gaze. “One refusal from either of you, and it all crumbles. There is no escape. The fall will be brutal.”

Mahika faltered for a moment, looking uncertain, but Mr. Rao pressed on.

“If you both agree and remain married for one year, the clause will be fulfilled. After that, you may stay married or get a divorce... it’s entirely your decision.

You will keep the beach house. And Vikram will save the business. ”

Mahika frowned. “What happens if we agree, but divorce before a year is up?”

“Then the deal’s null and void,” Mr. Rao said firmly, “and you both lose everything.”

Mahika stayed silent, fury burning in her veins.

This wasn’t just about her. It was about saving the businesses.

She didn’t want to see Vikram’s side of things, but she wasn’t built to turn away from the truth.

She couldn’t ignore the fact that Vikram was just as trapped.

Their legacy bound them together, whether they liked it or not.

Her jaw tightened as she snapped, “I hate being cornered, forced into something I never wanted. And this… this is the choice I’m left with? Chain myself to him, or watch everything collapse? Tell me, Mr. Rao, does that sound fair to you?”

Mr. Rao sighed. “This clause was designed to protect your father’s legacy, but more than that, it’s for your own protection, Mahika. It’s not about fairness. In the end, it all comes down to trust.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

“Like I said, you’ll understand better once you’ve had the board meeting with Mr. Uday Jehangir,” Mr. Rao replied.

“That’s not fair,” she whispered, her voice shaking.

Mr. Rao replied gently, “Wills rarely are. The wishes of the departed often differ from the expectations of living people.”

A flicker of sympathy crossed his face, making Mahika feel sick.

She hated that look, hated the quiet pity in his eyes.

She tried to tell herself it was okay. That all of it was something she could rebuild.

.. the job, the house, all of it could be replaced.

That none of them mattered. She still had her secret writing career, and with it, savings no one knew about.

That was hers alone. And that was how she intended to keep it.

But the beach house in Australia?

That was different. She could never walk away from that.

“He can’t do this!” Mohit burst out.

“All of it legally belonged to your father,” Mr. Rao replied calmly. “He had full authority.”

“No,” Mohit said, refusing to back down. “There has to be a loophole.”

“There isn’t one,” Mr. Rao said quietly. “This clause is airtight.”

Mahika’s hands clenched into fists. “Why?” she whispered. “Why would he do this?”

Mr. Rao cleared his throat. “I wish I knew.”

The silence that followed was heavier than any answer.

“I’m not doing this by choice,” Vikram muttered at last. “I gave up everything… my company, my whole life in Mumbai, just for this circus.”

Mahika let out a bitter laugh. “You mean the parties, the luxury, the women? That’s not real life, Vikram.”

“You only know what I show you…” His eyes narrowed. “And tell me, what do you even know about real life? Mumbai… that place… that is my life. I have people there who care about me more than blood ever has.”

She scoffed, letting out a bitter laugh. “Real life? Please. Don’t act like you know me. You have no idea about my battles or my struggles. All my life, I’ve lived by someone else’s rules, and this feels like the final nail in the coffin.”

“Be thankful there’s an exit plan,” he said flatly. “It’s just one year, Mahika. You’re mature enough to survive that, aren’t you?”

Her head shot up, and she stared daggers at him. “How generous of you. One whole year with you. What a dream!”

“Trust me, it’s not paradise for me either. But at least I’m not the one whining about a clause that gives you an out.”

“Whining?” she repeated, rising to her feet. “I didn’t sign up for this, Vikram. I don’t need an out because I never agreed to be in.”

Every time she said his name like that, something inside him flared. Something intense and unbidden, but he forced it down.

“Neither did I,” he said, his voice taut. “But if one year is what it takes to protect my father’s legacy, then I’ll do it. You’re the one making this harder than it needs to be.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said sarcastically, her voice bitter. “I thought you hated this empire. Didn’t you dump this mess on Suraj and take off to Mumbai? Some hero you are.”

Vikram stepped closer, his voice low and edged with steel. “I don’t need to explain myself to anyone. While you’re busy throwing tantrums, I’m holding together everything my father built. I’ve got people relying on me. And here… you are freaking out over a beach house.”

The words landed like a slap, and the silence pressed down on them, sharp and suffocating.

“Don’t you dare bring up that house,” Mahika hissed, her voice hardening. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“So, enlighten me. Don’t freak out every time things get difficult. Deal with it and just accept it.”

“I’m not throwing my life away for this,” she rebelled, her eyes blazing with frustration.

“It’s fucking one year. Try getting that through your pretty head. I’m not the bad guy here.”

“Doesn’t feel like it,” she muttered, bitterness lacing every word.

Vikram’s gaze wandered around the room. Then his voice lowered, calm and controlled. “Would you all mind giving my fiancée and me a moment alone with Mr. Rao? This is a private matter.”

The word fiancée exploded through the room like a detonation. Mahika recoiled as if burned.

“Fiancée?” she spat. “I’m not your fucking fiancée.”

Vikram didn’t flinch, but the muscle ticking in his jaw gave him away.

“I am not, and I will never be yours,” she said, her voice shaking. “Not in name. Not in any goddamn way.”

“Will you two stop?” Mohit snapped, his voice laced with frustration. “Mr. Rao, there has to be another way. Something we can challenge, contest… anything.”

Mr. Rao held his gaze steadily. “No. Vikram made me review the clause thoroughly. It is airtight. Your father and Sanjyot were fully aware of what they were doing. There is no exit without a cost.”

Ratan Pattnayak quietly cleared his throat. “It’s best if Vikram and Mahika speak with Mr. Rao in private. Come, Varsha ji. I’ll make you some herbal tea. It might ease your headache.”

“Are you serious?” Mohit exploded, his voice rising. “You think tea is going to fix this? Dad dropped a bomb, and you’re acting like it’s no big deal. Ratan Uncle, this is serious. Stop acting like it’s nothing.”

“Mohit,” Varsha cut in, her tone calm but firm. “Do not raise your voice. Ratan may have worked for your father, but he has been part of this family for years. Show him some respect. Apologise, please.”

Ratan raised a hand. “It’s alright, Varsha. He’s angry. And he has every right to be.”

“I will see you outside,” her mother whispered.

Mahika turned towards her, searching for even an ounce of support. But all she found was cold distance in her eyes. And that stung more than any words could.

Ratan paused at the door. “I know it sounds twisted, but you have to trust your father, Mahika. He knew exactly what he was doing when he made these changes. He cared about you a lot and loved you both so much.”

“What a way to show love,” she muttered, her voice scornful.

She spun towards the window, her fists clenching at her sides. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ratan Uncle leading her mother away. Her mom stopped and glanced back, and for a fleeting moment, Mahika hoped she’d say something.

But her mom just pursed her lips, shook her head, and walked away.

The door closed with a click.

And just like that, Mahika’s last bit of hope vanished.