Page 73 of Entangled Vows

Dehradun was a small town, but it had the reach and influence that rivalled a big city. Everyone knew all about theJaykars and the Khuranas. It was like she was always being watched, no matter how careful she was. Everyone was nosy, treating people’s lives like a reality TV show.

She breathed out slowly. Though she came from this world of privilege, she had never truly felt like she belonged. The glitter, the fake smiles, and the constant pressure to be perfect was so not her.

Her stomach churned uncomfortably. This wasn’t a celebration. This reception was a PR stunt dressed up in champagne and floral arrangements. It was a performance where Mahika had to be the showstopper.

“I’ll check my schedule,” she said stiffly.

Vikram chuckled, obviously thinking he’d cornered her. And maybe he had. As far as she knew, her entire future felt mapped out after marrying him.

“Spend the day with your friend,wifey. Relax. These last few weeks… hell, these last few months haven’t been easy. Take the time while you still can.”

“Why are you being so… so nice?” she asked suspiciously.

“I am always nice, Momo. You just have selective memory. Now, go and enjoy yourself, yeah?”

She opened her mouth to reply, but the line went dead.

“Puhleasee. Please don’t tell me you’re going to refuse all this?” Ishika said, exasperated.

“Ishika,” Mahika warned.

“What? You think he’s playing games?”

“Exactly.”

“So what? We’ve got a spa and a salon to ourselves. Accept the pampering now. Make him regret it later.”

“To ourselves?” Mahika narrowed her eyes, incredulous.

“That’s what he said.”

“He can’t possibly shut down an entire spa for us on a Saturday. That too at one of his most popular resorts. That’s—”

“He’s Vikram Khurana. He can do whatever the hell he wants. And right now, he wants to makeyouhappy, for whatever reason. So let him.”

The knock at the door kept Mahika from arguing further. Ishika answered the door to find a maid holding a large black box tied with a silver ribbon.

“This came for Mahika Bhabhi,” the girl said.

“Thank you. I will take it from here.” Ishika took the box and the girl left.

Mahika glared at it like it was a bad omen. “What is it now?”

“Go on, open it. I’m dying to see what’s inside.” Ishika bounced in her place.

Mahika hesitated. “What did he say to you today?”

“Nothing. Why?”

“You’re veryTeam Vikramright now.”

“What? That’s nuts! You know I’m always Team Mahika. Honestly, I just feel like you need a break, Mahi. These past few months have been rough, and with the marriage, the upcoming reception, and everything else on your plate, you deserve some time to just breathe.”

Unable to argue with that, Mahika pulled the ribbon. Silver tissue paper rustled as she reached in and pulled out a tiny silver bikini.

As it slipped into her hands, a folded piece of paper tumbled out. Frowning, she picked it up and unfolded it. Hereyes landed on the neat, unmistakable strokes of the bold handwriting.

Momo,