Page 31 of Entangled Vows

Before he could say a word, another door swung open, and the sharp click of heels echoed down the hallway. And just like that, he froze.

Mahika walked in draped in a red saree with a golden border, every inch of the silky fabric hugging her sinful body as if it had been designed to test his sanity. A delicate chain rested at the base of her throat and dipped into the shadow of her cleavage. It shimmered in the light, luring his gaze there, before he tore it away. Diamond studs gleamed against her skin, understated yet enough to make it clear she didn’t need anything more to grab his attention. Her hair, smooth and dark, cascaded over her shoulders, each strand brushing against her skin as if even it ached to touch her.

Her makeup wasn’t heavy; it didn’t need to be. A soft glow lit her skin, the kohl enhancing the beauty of her eyes. And her lips wore a red so lovely it made him want to smudge it... with his own lips. Nothing about her attire was accidental. She looked like she had planned every inch of destruction she was leaving in her wake.

The effect hit him hard, even before he had a chance to understand it. His throat tightened around a rush of breath that came too fast. His fists curled at his sides, the only proof that he was trying to hold on to control, while the rest of him burned with a want he refused to name.

He kept his face blank, his mouth shut, his body locked in place. Because Mahika didn’t need to know that in a single glance, she’d managed to drive him halfway to madness.

“What the hell is going on?” she demanded, looking around. Then, her gaze fell on Ishika.

“Ishi?” Mahika blinked in disbelief, then broke into a happy smile. “Oh my God! You’re back!”

“Yes, I—” Ishika began, but before she could finish, Mahika practically squealed, rushing forward to throw her arms around her best friend.

“You didn’t even tell me you were coming! I would’ve picked you up!”

Vikram let out a dry scoff. “Really? Were you planning to pick her up while swaying on your feet? Because if I recall, you were completely sloshed last night.”

“Shut it, Grizzly.”

“What nonsense is he spewing now?” Ishika arched a brow. “And seriously, why are you in a saree that screams both temptress and perfect bahu?”

“Ignore him. I’ll explain the saree later. First, tell me, when did you return?”

“Yesterday,” Ishika replied, hugging her tighter. “Got stuck in Mussoorie longer than planned.”

“Mussoorie?” Mahika pulled back questioningly.

“I met this hot guy on my flight back to Delhi,” Ishika said with a sly grin. “Let’s just say... things got interesting. We had fun. And then... some more adult fun.”

Mahika burst out laughing. “God, at least one of us is living their best life. I missed you, you idiot.”

“I missed you too, dumbo.”

Vikram stood in the background, just like old times. These two and Suraj had always been a tight trio. And he was always the one circling outside their little world, watching themlaugh from afar, as though he didn’t belong. Even now, a flicker of disappointment stirred in his chest, but he shoved it aside.

“What is he even doing here? And why is he doingourlaundry?” Ishika demanded, kicking off her shoes.

“You go freshen up first,” Mahika said, distracted.

“Okay, but this one…” Ishika jerked her chin at Vikram, “was about to fling Bungee across the room like a cricket ball.”

Mahika’s smile dropped and she turned to Vikram. “You what?”

Vikram groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “For fuck’s sake, I wasn’t going to throw your damn bunny. But after he clawed me for trying to do your laundry, I should have. The little demon attacked me for no reason.”

“He was scared, Vikram. He’s terrified of loud noises,” Mahika snapped.

Vikram let out a dry, humourless laugh. “Can you blame him? That thing sounds like Godzilla gearing up for a war.”

A beat of silence followed, interrupted only by the loud, clunky churning of the washing machine behind them.

“Come on, Bungee, let’s go to my room,” Ishika cooed, scooping up the indignant rabbit before disappearing down the hallway.

Mahika sighed. “Why are you still here? I thought you’d gone back to your car,” she said wearily, her tone clipped. Then her gaze swept the room, and her eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Wait… did you tidy up?”

“Someone had to,” he said coolly, rolling his sleeves down.