Page 11 of Entangled Vows

The wordfiancéeexploded 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 amnot, and I willneverbe 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.

4

She caught Mohit staring at Vikram… like really staring at him.

“You seriously didn’t know about this?” Mohit spoke with disbelief.

The question hung in the air. Mahika’s heart skipped a beat when she looked at Vikram. His expression was unreadable as he looked at Mohit, but she caught the slight shift in his body language. Jaw clenching. Shoulders stiffening. Tension radiating off him.

“No,” Vikram said quietly. “I didn’t. Not until three days ago.”

Mohit just scoffed. “Great. Then don’t do it, dude. We’ll fight this. It doesn’t have to happen.”

“You think it’s that simple?” Vikram said, his voice bitter.

“Since when do you let anyone dictate your life?” Mohit let out a short, humourless laugh. “You know, if this were Suraj…” He shook his head, his voice casual but edged with something unspoken. “I’d probably be relieved.”

Mahika’s pulse thudded in her throat.

Why the hell was Mohit even bringing up Suraj?

Vikram’s gaze snapped to him. “What the fuck do you mean?”

Mohit met his glare. “Exactly what you think. If Suraj were here, I’d be less worried. He’s… gentler.”