Page 41 of Entangled Vows

Vikram reluctantly finished introducing everyone, while Mahika responded with a polite but strained smile.

“Now that we’re done with introductions, let’s go,” Arjun announced. “We’re celebrating. There’s this café two streets away, and we’ve booked the entire place for two hours.”

“You booked a whole café?” Mahika asked in surprise. “Why?”

“Because we can,” Ruhi replied with a wink. “And besides, the owner went to culinary school with Mira and me.”

“No,” Vikram said flatly. “We won’t be able to join as we have a board meeting at two.”

“You still have three hours. You’ll live,” Kabir retorted. “Your empire won’t collapse in sixty minutes.”

“Don’t tempt fate,” Vikram muttered under his breath.

Mahika stood awkwardly as their laughter bounced around her. She thought about pointing out that this wasn’t a wedding worth celebrating, but before she could, Mira caught her eye with a kind smile.

“Mahika, please. Convince your husband.”

Mahika gave a small, sheepish grin. “I don’t have that kind of power.”

“Oh, trust me, you do. Every wife does. You’ll find out after your wedding night,” Ruhi teased, earning a sharp tap from Kyra.

“Roo, don’t. Stop scaring her with those comments.”

“She won’t scare that easily. Isn’t that right, wifey?” Vikram said, his eyes locking with hers.

His face was neutral, but there was something about the faint curve of his lips that made her wonder if he was hiding a smile. Or maybe teasing her?

If yes, then fine. She’d play along.

“You’re right, husband. I must be fearless, considering I married you. That’s basically one step away from participating in Khatron ke Khiladi.”

“Ooh, savage!” Vaayu whooped. “This is a match made in heaven.”

Still laughing, he started herding everyone towards the car.

Vikram was about to refuse, but Arjun cut him off smoothly. “Vicky, you are coming with us. If not, Ira will send pictures of us celebrating without you to the board members. Just imagine them finding out you picked spreadsheets over your wife on your wedding day. Not the best impression of ahappy marriage, right?”

Mahika nearly choked. These people were insane. And yet she couldn’t deny the thrill of watching Vikram’s jaw tighten as he silently gave in, letting himself be herded towards the waiting cars.

∞∞∞

The café was tucked between a bookstore and a boutique, with fairy lights strung across the awning, and the air was rich with the smell of coffee and fresh pastries. Inside, mismatched chairs and wooden tables gave it a cosy, old-school charm. It was newly opened, and Mahika couldn’t believe she had missed visiting it.

The group dragged the tables together in their usual chaotic style. Mahika was nudged into the centre, with Kyra on one side and Mira on the other. Vikram sat directly opposite her, his face caught between irritation and reluctant tolerance. The orders went in, and the chatter kicked in immediately.

“So,” Mira leaned in with a conspiratorial grin, “how did this even happen? Vikram swore he’d stay single forever. Now look at him. He’s all married.”

Vikram rolled his eyes. “Stop. What kind of question is that, Mimi?”

“The right kind, asshole. And don’t take that tone with my wife,” Adil cut in.

“Well, I don’t like the question your wife is askingmywife, so—”

“It’s complicated,” Mahika blurted, louder than intended. Everyone turned towards her. She offered a sheepish smile, and Mira burst out laughing.

“Mahika, relax. This is normal. Bickering is just how Adi and Vicky show their love for each other.” She patted Adil’s cheek, and he melted instantly.

God, all these couples were so in love it was nauseating. And yet, deep down, Mahika couldn’t deny that she wanted something like that too.