Page 191 of Lawfully Yours

She laughed softly because that was true. She couldn’t wait to get back home with him either.

Her hands curled into his shirt as he leaned for a kiss. His hand sliding up her spine, her body arching into his like it had always belonged there. The kiss deepened, lingered, until they both pulled back, breathless, dizzy, smiling like two people who knew exactly what was coming next.

Kushal brushed his thumb over her lower lip as his gaze held hers. “Let’s slip away.”

She picked up her glass, which she had set aside when he had come here, finished the last sip of wine with a sly smile, and set it aside again. “Lead the way, Mr. Nair.”

He grinned before taking her hand firmly in his. Together, they turned back toward the glowing hall. Every head turned asthe golden couple of Verma & Associates walked inside hand in hand. Raj Verma smiled at the two with pride.

They felt the teasing stares and knowing smiles from almost everyone as they walked back into the party. The music softened for a moment, and clearly, the office gossip mill had found its confirmation.

Kushal leaned toward her. “I think it’s time we make it official, before they come up with a new version of the story.”

She chuckled softly. “By all means, Mr. Nair. Go ahead.”

He turned to the team, still holding her hand, his trademark confidence returning in full. “We’ve an announcement to make. Since most of you already seem to be great detectives,” he began, smirking, “let me end your suspense. Yes, Arundhati and I are not heading for divorce. We’ve decided to give each other, and our marriage, another shot.”

The room broke into cheers and applause. A few even whistled. Someone shouted,‘finally’!

Arundhati blushed, sliding her arm around his and leaning into him as everyone surrounded them with congratulations. “Thank you,” she said, smiling at their team and blushing deeper when her uncle Raj joined in with a teasing grin.

“Well, well,” Raj said, raising his glass. “My favourite power couple…back in business, both in court and in love!”

Laughter rippled through the group, and just as it began to quiet, Kushal cleared his throat again. “And since Anant’s case wrapped successfully,” he added, his gaze sliding to Arundhati once before he turned to the crowd again, “starting next week, Arundhati and I are taking a two-month break.”

A collective gasp echoed in the hall, followed by more cheers. Arundhati blinked, startled, at this news. “Two months’ break?” she repeated under her breath.

Kushal bent closer, his voice dropping to that husky tone only she could decode. “We have a long-overdue honeymoon,Mrs. Nair. Even a day less than two months with you doesn’t sound like the dream honeymoon I’ve planned for my wife. And don’t look so surprised… it was supposed to be a year.”

Her jaw fell open as she smacked his arm lightly. “A year? Are you serious? Does uncle know?”

Raj Verma chuckled, stepping in. “Yes, he told me. And don’t worry, I’ve already approved your leaves. You’ve earned it. Now go enjoy your life. And don’t you dare come near the office for the next two months.”

Arundhati’s eyes widened; she couldn’t believe Kushal had planned all of this without saying a word. Her heart fluttered with surprise. But before she could respond, the music buzzed louder now. People were heading to the dance floor.

Raj extended his hand toward Arundhati. “Come on, Aru. One dance with your old uncle before you disappear for two months.”

Before Raj could whisk Arundhati away, Kushal moved first, tugging her back gently by the waist. “She’s dancing withme.”

Raj raised a brow, feigning offence. “Oh no, young man. You get her for sixty days straight. Tonight, she’s mine.”

Before Kushal could protest, Arundhati laughed and slipped her hand into her uncle’s. “It’s just one dance,” she said with a teasing smile toward her husband.

Kushal shook his head in mock annoyance but couldn’t hide the soft grin tugging his lips as he watched her walk away. She laughed freely with her uncle, her smile radiant under the lights, her black dress shimmering with every move.

He took a slow sip of his next drink, eyes following her every sway and turn. Even in a crowd, she had his full attention. Always!!

***************

The dance with her uncle seemed endless. For Kushal, every minute felt like an hour. His patience wore thin as he watchedArundhati’s laughter float across the floor, her black dress catching the light with every move. By the time Raj twirled her one last time, Kushal couldn’t take it anymore. He strode straight to them, his eyes fixed on his wife.

“I’m afraid I’m stealing her now,” he said to Raj Verma with a faint smile and urgency.

Raj laughed, shaking his head. “Go on then. I wouldn’t want to keep my golden boy waiting.”

Arundhati could only blink at her husband’s brazenness. With final goodbyes to everyone, they stepped out.

In the car, she couldn’t resist teasing him, tracing idle circles over his thigh as he drove. When her fingers inched too close to his straining bulge in his pants, he grabbed her wrist and pressed her hand down on his thigh again, before entwining their fingers. Arundhati saw the wild heat in his gaze as it roamed on her face once before he raised her hand and kissed her fingers.