Page 118 of Entangled Vows
Suraj’s expression shifted from shock to wide-eyed disbelief. Ishika looked like she’d walked straight into a scene from a daily soap she wasn’t prepared for. Mohit blinked, hiseyes darting between Vikram and Mahika. He then rolled his eyes and let out a quiet, knowing exhale.
Mahika froze, toast halfway to her mouth. Her head snapped towards the door, and her entire body went rigid.
“Suraj?” she whispered, like she was seeing a ghost.
Suraj looked just as stunned to see her.
Vikram had always assumed there was something between them, something romantic. But now he saw it for what it truly was. It was pure best-friend energy, the kind he had with Arjun and Mohit. It was that silent, easygoing bond that needed no words or explanation.
In a split second, something unsaid passed between Mahika and Suraj, and without warning, she shot off the stool, ran across the room, and threw her arms around Suraj.
“Oh my god. Sunny. You’re here,” she said, her voice cracking on the last syllable.
Vikram stiffened the moment that damn nickname left her lips. It always scraped at his nerves. He gripped the counter so hard his knuckles turned white, as if the granite could absorb the fire building in his chest. His jaw tightened as he was fought back the urge to walk across the room and tear her away from his brother’s arms.
But then, he reminded himself that this was nothing more than harmless friendship. Still, that did nothing to stop the jealousy twisting through him like a live wire.
He stepped forward slowly, his face a mask of calm. His gaze locked on Suraj and then on Mahika. She looked up, and for a second her expression faltered. Tears shimmered in her eyes, and her lips parted as if she was about to speak. But he didn’t give her the chance.
Vikram wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her flush against his chest. She came easily, and he held her like she was his lifeline.
“Let your best friend breathe, baby. He is here now,” he whispered, taking in her tear-streaked face. “Why are you crying?”
“I didn’t know he was coming,” Mahika sniffled.
“Yeah, none of us had any idea he’d be here,” Ishika said. “He showed up at my place around midnight without so much as a text. Typical, Sunny.” She glanced at Mahika and Vikram with a knowing smile. “And honestly, guys… we thought we’d walk in on some rushed, office-ready chaos. Not this… this lovey-dovey, morning-after scene between you two.”
She raised an eyebrow at Mahika. “Now I finally get why you haven’t been replying to my texts. You’ve been busy getting thoroughly laid, huh?”
Mohit groaned. “That’s my little sister you’re talking about. I’ve already seen them making out a hundred times now, and I can’t hear about it too.”
“Well, what’s wrong with them making out, Mo?” Ishika replied with a grin. “Your sister is married to a walking thirst trap.”
“You think her husband is hot?” Mohit locked eyes with Ishika, clearly annoyed.
“What if I do?” Ishika shot back, glaring at him.
“You… you can’t think about him like that,” he stammered, flustered.
“So… you want me to thinkthatabout you? That you are hot?” she teased, smirking devilishly.
Mahika and Suraj exchanged a look, their eyes practically shouting in unison:What the hell were Ishika and Mohit going on about?
“Guys, stop. No one talks about my husband like that except me,” Mahika deadpanned.
“Oh wow. Jealous Mo and possessive Momo. I kind of love this version of you both,” Ishika said with a wink, nudging Mohit, egging him on.
Vikram rolled his eyes, finally fed up with the chaos.
“That’s it. Just stop. We’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said firmly.
“Vikram… but…” Mahika started, only to be cut off as he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Pulling back, he met her eyes. “Let’s go.”
Without waiting for a response, he guided her towards the bedroom, his hand warm and claiming at the small of her back. The moment the door clicked shut behind them, Vikram spun her around. He pinned her to the door and kissed her like he was losing his mind. It was like the jealousy, the possessiveness, and adrenaline from earlier had ignited something raw in him.
Whatever this was between them, it was messing with his head. And Vikram Khurana was not the kind of man who got messed with.
38
