Page 42 of Entangled Vows

“Complicated love stories are the best kind,” Kabir drawled over his espresso.

“They make the juiciest bedtime stories for our kids,” Kyra teased.

“Stop it, guys,” Ruhi chided.

“It’s fine,” Mahika said quickly, her pulse racing with the speed of the banter around her.

Vaayu grinned. “Good. You’ll get used to it. We tease and argue… a lot. It’s our love language.”

Arjun leaned forward, his eyes dancing. “But seriously, Mahika. What possessed you to marry him?” He jabbed a thumb at Vikram.

“Don’t,” Vikram warned, his voice low.

“Oh, come on. You can’t expect us not to ask.”

Mahika stole a glance at Vikram. His glare was sharp enough to cut steel, but the warmth of the group emboldened her.

“I suppose I’m a masochist,” she said lightly.

Everyone roared with laughter. Even Vikram’s lips twitched before he hid them behind his cup.

“I like her,” Ruhi announced. “She fits right in.”

Vikram shook his head, while Mahika looked away, fighting back her smile.

The teasing rolled on. The men roasted Vikram, while the women pulled Mahika into their circle with questions about her work, her hobbies, and her favourite places in Dehradun. To her surprise, she found herself laughing and sharing stories she hadn’t spoken aloud in years.

Halfway through, Mohit and Ishika slipped in. Arjun spotted them first.

“Look who finally showed up. Thirty minutes late!” he bellowed, waving them over.

Relief was evident on Mahika’s face. Everyone shifted to make room for them. Ishika slid in beside Mahika and leaned in. “You okay?”

“Yes. These people are nice,” Mahika whispered back, then frowned as she noticed her friend’s pink cheeks. “But why are you late? And why are you looking so flushed?”

“Ugh. Nothing.” Ishika shrugged.

Mahika narrowed her eyes. “What did he do?”

“Nothing—” Ishika began, but Mira cut in.

“What’s the whispering about, girls?”

“I was just asking Mahika how it feels to be married to the angel of darkness,” Ishika said sweetly, tossing Vikram a look.

“Angel of darkness?” Vaayu hooted. “Vicky, you’ve been holding out on us.”

“Angel of darkness suits me just fine, Ishika. Better than people mistaking you as Miss Always-So-Innocent,” Vikram scoffed, and the table erupted in laughter.

Mahika sipped her cappuccino, hiding a smile. Soon, the cookies and pastries arrived, followed by Vikram’s salad and green tea. Mahika almost rolled her eyes.

Of course. Freaking health freak.

He wasn’t laughing as loudly as the others, but Vikram’s shoulders were relaxed, his expressions were more open, and even his tone held a lightness. When his gaze flicked to hers, he didn’t look like the ruthless businessman bound by duty. He looked almost… normal.

Their gazes tangled, and a charged moment passed between them. Mahika quickly looked away, her cheeks warming. Between bites of food and sips of coffee, laughterflowed freely, catching the attention of other patrons, who smiled at their lively exchange.

When Vikram finally stood, the entire table groaned collectively.