Page 33 of Entangled Vows

Ishika’s jaw fell open. “What the fuck! Two weeks? You’ve known for two weeks and you’re telling menow? Did he threaten you not to tell me?”

“No! He doesn’t have that kind of control over me.” Mahika rubbed her temples again, wincing. “And please, not now, Ishi. My head’s splitting as it is. You please get ready. We have to go to the marriage registrar’s office.”

“You’re getting marriedtoday?” Ishika screeched. “What the actual fuck? How did this even happen?” Her gaze cut sharply to Vikram. “You pressured her, didn’t you?”

Vikram let out a low, amused laugh. “That’s a bold accusation.”

“Well, youdohave a reputation for being ruthless.”

His expression didn’t shift. “Not with Mahika.”

For the first time, Ishika looked slightly thrown off, but she quickly scoffed. “Right. Because arranged marriages aresoromantic.”

Vikram arched a brow. “You tell me. You seem to have had a pretty romantic night yourself.”

Ishika’s jaw dropped before she clamped it shut. “Don’t deflect.”

Mahika stepped between them. “Ishi, I love you, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you over the phone. I wanted to do it in person. Just… let me handle this my way.”

Ishika threw her hands up. “Your way? You’re trying to ‘handle’ it by marrying this passive-aggressive angel of darkness?”

Vikram didn’t miss a beat. “You do realise I’m standing right here.”

Mahika groaned. “Please, stop. You’re both making my headache worse.”

“That’s what happens when you feed your plant a detox smoothie that was clearly meant foryou,” Vikram said, rolling his eyes.

“Wow, thanks for the health tip, Dr. Doom,” Mahika snapped.

Ishika narrowed her eyes. “You two haveinside jokesnow? What the hell? You’re my best friend, not his.”

“Of course I’m your best friend,” Mahika said quickly. “It’s nothing like that.”

“Yeah,” Vikram added with a smirk. “We’re just getting hitched, that’s all.”

Mahika glared at him. He was clearly enjoying this too much.

Ishika blinked rapidly, shaking her head as if she could undo what she’d just heard. “No. No, this can’t be serious. You can’t marry him. What kind of madness is this? Mahi, tell me this is bullshit.”

“I wish it were, Ishi,” Mahika answered, her eyes betraying her inner turmoil. “But it’s the truth. We’re really getting married.”

For a long moment, the girls just stared at each other, as if a telepathic conversation was happening between them. Ishika’s lips parted as if to argue again, but the protest died on her lips. At last, she turned to Vikram, her voice firm. “If you’re marrying my best friend, Vikram, I need the whole truth… the real reason why this is happening.”

“Ishi…” Mahika began, but Ishika cut her off with a fiery glare. Mahika immediately fell silent.

“You think you can just marry her and be done with it?” Ishika’s voice trembled with fury. “No way. Know this, she is not going to face this dark day alone. I am coming with you both. And just so we’re clear, Vikram Khurana, if you so much as make her frown, I will make your life a living hell.”

“I am terrified,” Vikram drawled, amused. “Absolutely trembling in my shoes.”

Mahika sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Ishi, I’ll explain everything later, I promise. I know you’re angry, and I’m sorry. But this can’t be avoided. Right now, I just need you with me. I need you calm and collected by my side as we take this step. So please, get ready quickly. We are waiting outside.”

Ishika studied her for a moment before nodding stiffly. “Fine. I’ll be out in ten minutes. But don’t think I’m okay with this.”

Vikram, already busy texting someone, steered Mahika towards the door. Then he paused and glanced back over his shoulder. “It’s a good thing your approval was never required.”

“I don’t like you,” Ishika muttered.

“The feeling’s mutual,” he shot back, his hand settling at the small of Mahika’s back as they stepped out. “And be ready, Ishika. I just texted Mohit. He’s on his way to pick you up. We both are leaving.”