Page 103 of Lawfully Yours

Her voice softened into something more personal. “And who knows? A few months from now, you might just call me... and say thank you, for pushing you toward the decision your heart already knew was right.”

Before Arundhati could say anything, the men returned. Rajveer glanced at his watch and said, “Anu, we should head back. I’ve got a few client calls, and the Nairs have that romantic event to attend, too.”

Ananya stood up, straightened her shawl, then turned to Arundhati, pulling her into a warm hug. “Think about what I said,” she whispered into her ear. “If not for the sake of your heart, then at least for the fact that your man is one hell of a hotty to lose over ego.”

Arundhati couldn’t stop the faintest blush from rising to her cheeks. She hoped no one noticed, but someone did.

Kushal’s eyes flicked to her face, catching the subtle shift in colour. He didn’t comment. Just turned back to Rajveer and continued chatting like nothing had happened.

Rajveer and Ananya soon took their leave. They were here at this resort only to meet someone and were actually staying at another hotel nearby.

Arundhati barely had a moment to process what she was feeling when the receptionist reappeared, smiling brightly. “You’ve already missed the first two games,” she announced. “But the bonfire and couple’s dance are about to begin, along with one final round of games. We’d love for you to join in!”

They didn’t have time to object. The woman had already looped her arm through Arundhati’s and was leading her toward the firepit where couples were already swaying to soft music, wrapped in each other’s arms.

She barely took a step before Kushal’s hand slid around her waist from behind. In one smooth, wordless motion, he pulled her against him, guiding her into his embrace for the ball dance.

His hand found hers and his other arm wrapped around her back.

“Why did you blush back there?”

“Why should I tell you?” she said, chin lifting. “It was just girl talk. Between me and Ananya.”

He smirked. “Except one of those girls ismywife. And knowing what made her blush like that…that’s a husband’s birthright.”

She swallowed the heat rising in her chest and schooled her features into something neutral. “Ananya thinks you’re too hot to lose over my ego.”

His gaze darkened instantly, although he said nothing, just pulled her subtly closer. As their bodies moved in sync with the music, the thin strap of her maxi dress slipped from her shoulder. Kushal’s gaze dropped to the stretch of her smooth skin that gleamed in the firelight, tempting, exposed.

With slow, reverent fingers, he reached up and pulled the strap back into place. But he didn’t let go of her.

She didn’t pull away either.

They continued dancing, looking at each other, with her wondering if she had the strength to give their marriage another shot.

Chapter 18

Dalhousie Hotel

After the warmth of the couple’s dance around the bonfire faded into soft music and satisfied applause, the host returned to the centre of the garden.

“Now,” she announced, clapping her hands, “we’ve saved the most fun for last—our final couple’s game!”

She then announced the game, which was a crowd favourite among honeymooners and even long-married couples. It was playful, intimate, and demanded trust.

Laughter and cheers bubbled up from the crowd as she explained the rules: wives would blindfold their husbands and feed them a series of mystery foods. They would be simple ingredients, nothing exotic, just everyday tastes. The husbands had to guess what they were tasting, and if they got it right, they moved to the next round. Get it wrong, and they were out. The last couple standing would win.

Arundhati stood with a silk blindfold in hand, staring at Kushal as they were guided to their spot. He sat across from her on a chair, legs stretched out, looking entirely too smug under the string lights, but his eyes locked on hers. She stepped toward him slowly, unsure why this felt oddly vulnerable.

As she raised the blindfold, he caught her wrist gently and murmured, “You know... this is the first time you’re going to feed me.”

She froze for a moment, realising he was right. In all their months of marriage, they had shared a home, a bed, a hundred meals, but not once had she fed him.Not even playfully.

She didn’t respond with words. Instead, she wrapped the blindfold gently around his eyes, and tied it behind his head.

Then she leaned in and whispered close to his ear, “We need to win. Focus.”

He swallowed, visibly. His Adam’s apple bobbed.Focus?How the hell was he supposed to focus when his Aru would be the one feeding him? When she was this close, this controlled, this achingly beautiful?