Page 88 of Mrs. Pandey
"Prashant?" My voice came out as a startled gasp. "What the heck are you doing here?"
He lifted his gaze from the screen, his expression unreadable. "Is that even a question?" His brows knitted together, his tone sharp but oddly calm. "If some other man can enter your room, why can't your own husband?"
My mind froze for a second. "What are you talking about?" I asked, rubbing my temple in confusion. A dull ache throbbed behind my eyes, but the herbal tea Saurav had made for me earlier had dulled it a little.
Wait. Saurav. Was that who he was talking about?
"He was here to help me," I said slowly, realising dawning. "I was drunk last night..."
"Help?" Prashant let out a bitter scoff. "Was he helping you take off your clothes?"
My jaw clenched so hard it hurt. "Are you out of your fucking mind, bastard?" I spat, my voice shaking with rage. Every muscle in me wanted to strangle him for even thinking let alone saying such a thing. How dare he talk to me like I was the one betraying our marriage, when he was the one practically glued to another woman every day.
"I saw him leaving your quarters at one in the morning," Prashant hissed, his tone laced with venom. "You've made a habit of cheating, haven't you, Ira?"
The disbelief made my voice falter. "Prashant... What are you even saying? You seriously think I was having sex with a man I've always thought of as my brother?" My heart was pounding, a cold wave of hurt rushing through me. "Don't throw accusations at me when you're the one spending every waking hour with someone else."
His eyes narrowed. "Was that my choice, Ira? You know damn well it was our superior's decision. I'm not working with Dr. Riddhima but I'm doing my duty."
I shook my head, the frustration bubbling higher. "Then tell me where have you been all day? Why do you ignore me? Why don't you tell anyone I'm your wife? Why haven't you arranged for our spouse quarters yet? You keep putting distance between us and acting like I don't notice, but I do, Prashant. I see everything."
He exhaled slowly, his gaze still locked on mine. "I've been busy. I'm not ignoring you. I've had dinner with you twice this week. And yes, I haven't got the quarters yet, but I will by next month. And..." His voice softened, but his stare grew more intense. "I'm planning to throw a big party next month. I'll announce our relationship there, in front of everyone."
The sudden shift in his tone caught me off guard. He reached forward and cupped my face in his warm hands, his thumb brushing against my cheek. "I don't want to hurt you, Ira. I'm doing everything I can to make things better between us. You just have to trust me."
Something in his eyes, something deep and unreadable made my throat tighten. I swallowed hard. "Do you trust me?" he asked.
I nodded quickly.
"Is everything okay between us?" My voice was quiet, almost afraid of the answer.
"Yes," he said, his tone was low but certain. "Everything is going to be okay." His fingers traced the line of my jaw, his eyes dipping briefly to my lips. "But next time... don't let any man into your quarters."
"I promise," I said, managing a faint smile. "No man will set foot in here."
His lips curved slightly. "I came to meet you at the party, but Saurav was there and he didn't leave your side the entire evening." His tone was bitter.
I let out a soft laugh. "Are you jealous?"
His smile widened. "So much," he admitted before leaning in to kiss the corner of my lips, his breath warm against my skin. "Are you feeling better now?"
"Better," I murmured, my head resting back against the pillows.
"Good. Let me make you something to eat," he said, starting to stand.
But I caught his wrist. "Just stay with me," I whispered.
He didn't hesitate. In the next second, he was beside me, pulling me into his arms. I curled into his chest, breathing in his familiar scent as his hand began a slow, soothing caress over my back. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat under my ear was the only sound in the room, and for a moment, the tension between us melted into the quiet comfort of his embrace.
"I'm sorry for saying those things to you," Prashant murmured, his voice low and edged with remorse. "I was just... extremely angry when I saw him hovering around you."
"I thought you didn't even notice," I said, tilting my head to look at him.
His gaze locked with mine. "Trust me," he said, almost in a whisper, "my eyes were on you the entire evening yesterday."
A soft laugh escaped me, and I slid my fingers into his hair, feeling the warmth of him so close. The tension between us shifted, melting into something softer, hungrier. In the next heartbeat, our lips met, and the world outside the two of us ceased to exist.
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