Page 133 of Entangled Vows

“Then let’s grab something to eat. You remember that samosa place near college? Come on. Let’s catch up. Just for a bit.”

Mahika hesitated for a moment… why, she didn’t know. But then gave in, realising it really had been ages since they’d chatted.

“Okay,” she said slowly. “But not near college. It’s too far. There’s a café near the market square. That should work.”

He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. They swept over her slowly before locking onto her face again. “Perfect.”

What the hell was that?A prickling sensation crawled over her skin, like a thousand ants scurrying across her body, as his gaze travelled from her head to toe. She felt extremely awkward under his perusal. Maybe it didn’t mean anything, but it still made her uncomfortable.

Just then, he clicked open the passenger door and gestured for her to get in with a wide smile. She hesitated for a moment before shaking herself out of her thoughts. She slid inside, buckled her seatbelt, and immediately grimaced. The car smelled… strange.

A heavy, stale, almost smoky odour clung to the interior, making her want to puke. She reached for the window switch, but nothing happened. She tried again. The glass didn’t move.

“Karan, the car window’s stuck,” she told him, frowning.

“Oh, yeah. That window’s been acting weird lately. I keep forgetting to fix it,” he replied casually, sliding into the driver’s seat and starting the car.

That made her pause. Now that she saw him up close, she felt uneasy. His shirt was wrinkled, his hair a little messier than usual, and he looked at her with a weird smile, his eyes carrying an odd glint. She even noticed a slight tremble in his hands as he gripped the steering wheel.Was he okay? Was he unwell?

“Karan, are you feeling alright? Your hands are shaking,” she asked, worried.

“I’m absolutely fine. Don’t worry,” he chuckled.

Mahika nodded, but the silence that followed felt awkward. She scrambled for something to say. “So… how’s Priya?”

“She’s fine.”

“I never knew you guys were into each other. Even in college, I never had an inkling.”

“We never liked each other back then.” His tone was irritated, and Mahika wondered why.

“Oh. I thought she would be with you today.”

“She’s busy.” His eyes stayed fixed on the road.

“Oh, okay. Are things serious between you two?”

“Not exactly.” His answer was cold as he exhaled.

Mahika rambled on nervously, “Really? I thought you guys were pretty serious from what I saw at the night of my wedding reception. I mean, it’s none of my business, but that’s just what I thought. Anyway, now we can stay in touch, you know? And maybe someday we all can go on a holiday together. You know, as couples—”

“Will you shut the fuck up for a minute and stop asking me about Priya?” he burst out suddenly.

Mahika jolted at the harsh pitch of his voice. His face was twisted in anger, and she had no idea what she’d said to make him snap. She opened her mouth to apologise, but instead reached for the window switch again.

Karan shot her a sharp look. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“Karan, chill, okay? I’m just trying to roll this window down. The smell in here is making me nauseous. Can you at least open yours?”

“I don’t like keeping the windows open,” he replied, his voice flat and robotic.

Mahika frowned, baffled by his curt tone. She tried the switch again, but the glass stayed stuck.What was his problem?

Her heart began to race as the car rolled forward, the familiar roads passing by in silence. Neither of them spoke.Shit!She suddenly remembered she hadn’t told Vikram she was out. This detour wasn’t planned, and she didn’t want him to worry.

She pulled out her phone and opened Vikram’s last message. He’d said he would be late and asked her to head home with Max. She began typing a reply, but before she could finish, Karan leaned over, snatched the phone from her hand, and switched it off.

“Karan! What are you doing?” she shrieked, disbelief lacing her voice.