Page 61 of Entangled Vows

She opened her side of the wardrobe and took out her armour. Within minutes, Mahika was dressed and ready for theclash of wills, her ‘war paint’ consisting of crimson lipstick, rose blush, and bold eyeliner that accentuated her almond-shaped eyes.

A cropped ivory Max Mara blouse paired perfectly with her high-waisted charcoal grey trousers, that fit her waist with tailored perfection. Her nude Louboutin pumps added poise and gave her a subtly glamorous look. Her hair was swept into a smooth ponytail, and polished gold hoops gleamed against her skin. She checked herself in the mirror, smirked, snapped a quick selfie, and sent it to Ishika.

Mahika:(sends image) Ready to ruin a certain someone’s peace today.

Her phone buzzed instantly.

Ishika:Daaaamn, are you headed to a boardroom or a runway??

Mahika:Both?

Ishika:Should I be scared?

Mahika:Not unless you’re a rich, rude, and controlling husband named Vikram.

Ishika:Omg. What did he do now?

Mahika:He exists. That’s enough.

Ishika:Should I grab popcorn? Just trying to be prepared.

She sent back a string of laughing emojis and headed into the kitchen, drawn by the rich, comforting smell of coffee. The familiar scent grounded her, fully awakening her senses.

Sandhya was standing near the counter, shelling some green peas. As soon as she saw Mahika walk in, she wiped her hands, grabbed some cups, and brought out her favourite ginger cookies. Sandhya had known Mahika since she was a little girl. Everyone called herSandhya Ma. She was in her late fifties, full of warmth, with kind eyes and a gentle face. She wasn’t merely a housekeeper…she had become a mother figure to Vikram and Suraj after their mother left. And for Mahika, Sandhya Ma was a kind and comforting presence in the big house. Over time, their bond had grown, and was filled with memories of homemade snacks, warm laughter, and quiet afternoons as the trio, Mahika, Ishika and Suraj, spent time in their own little world.

“Sandhya Ma,” Mahika said softly as she stepped in. “Good morning.”

Sandhya crossed the room in a few steps and gave Mahika’s arm a warm, gentle squeeze. “Good morning, sweet girl. Congratulations! I was just about to come check on you. Vikram told me you both got in late last night.”

Mahika smiled faintly. “Thanks. Yeah, we went to see Mom, and then I had to finish up with packing, moving, and all of that chaotic mess.”

Sandhya nodded, her eyes crinkling with affection, a subtle knowing smile playing on her lips.

“It doesn’t surprise me, you know. The girl who’s been a part of his childhood… is now the lady of this house. I’ve known this marriage was in the works for a long time.”

Mahika blinked. “You knew? Since when?”

Sandhya chuckled, a knowing gleam in her eyes. “Of course I did. I’ve been around this family long enough to sense when something is meant to be. And who do you think set up your wardrobe and arranged all your things? We wanted to give you a proper, grand welcome last night. But you know Vikram… stubborn as ever. He made it very clear there would be no ceremonies and no rituals. He just wanted a quiet court marriage, and that was it.”

Mahika huffed, rolling her eyes. “If it were up to Vikram, he’d have skipped even the signatures and declared us married over an email.”

Sandhya laughed. “That sounds like something he’d do. He’s too much brain and too little romance.”

“That’s classic Vikram.” Mahika’s smile faltered for a second before she pasted it firmly back in place. She saw the unfiltered joy sparkling in the older woman’s eyes, and she couldn’t bring herself to extinguish that hope.

“You’ve always been too kind to me,” Mahika said gently, as she stepped closer to the stove and pretended to peer into the simmering pot of the gravy, its contents bubbling softly. “I haven’t forgotten how you used to slip me extra laddoos during Diwali. I think you liked me even before Vikram did,” she joked.

Sandhya’s laugh was warm and familiar. “That boy took his sweet time, no? But I always noticed the way he watched over you. He could never hide his true feelings, though. His eyes always gave him away, even when he was trying to be serious.”

Mahika’s grip on the counter tightened. What was Sandhya Ma talking about? “I guess he’s always been like that,” she replied lightly, keeping her tone careful. “Blunt to a fault.”

“True,” Sandhya agreed, shaking her head with a fond smile. “But you… you balance him. He needs someone who’s not afraid to challenge him. Someone who won’t back down andbend to his will. You’ve always had that quiet strength, my dear. I’ve seen it in you since you were little.”

Mahika froze, her chest hurting at the reminder that their marriage wasn’t forever. For a moment, she’d almost forgotten it was temporary. She didn’t dare tell Sandhya Ma that love had nothing to do with it.

So instead, she lowered her gaze and whispered, “I’ll try my best to be what he needs.”

Sandhya cradled her face with motherly tenderness. “That’s all I ask, Mahika. He’s been through too much. Life has been hard on him, especially with his mom leaving years ago, and now, losing his dad. All I want is to see him happy.”