Page 147 of Entangled Vows
“You remembered that, munchkin?” Mahika asked softly.
Kiara nodded with the solemn wisdom of a child who knew how to melt hearts. “Dadda says Mama’s gonna be the best lomance wviter in the whole world. So I’m making it sparkly for good luck!”
Vikram pressed a kiss to the top of her curls. “Finish it, bub. But no more glitter bombs, okay? Deal?”
“Deal!” Kiara chirped, skipping back towards her little workstation with pink streaks in her hair and her chin.
Mahika sighed, marvelling at how amazingly life had turned out. There had been a time when she had doubted whether she could even dream about pursuing her passion for writing romance novels. And now here she was, in Australia for the next two months, on a book-signing tour for her earlier novels at bookstores across Byron Bay. And in just two weeks, she would be launching her brand-new book atCupidCon, the romance book festival in Brisbane.
What made it even more remarkable was that all her achievements were celebrated not only by her family but also by her friends. In fact, Vikram’s friends had all become her best friends too. She was glad they had all arrived the day before yesterday to be there for her book launch.
Mahika joined Vikram and slid her arms around his waist. “How is it that she’s the perfect mix of both of us and somehow also a total maniac?”
Vikram chuckled, tucking a strand of stray hair behind her ear. “Becausewemade her.”
Mahika tilted her head up to meet his gaze. “She’s half you. That explains the drama.”
“And she’s half you. That explains the sparkle,” Vikram teased, his eyes softening.
She looked up slowly, and he kissed her, slow and unhurried. But the moment her fingers slipped under his T-shirt and his hand slid down her back to press her closer, the kiss deepened, turning hotter and more urgent.
Four years together, and they still burned for each other. Just as Vikram was about to lift her into his arms, they heard a loud crash, followed by another.
“Mama, Bungee broke the flower vase,” Kiara yelled in her sweet baby voice.
Mahika rolled her eyes, trying not to laugh. “Bungee and his acrobatics.”
Vikram shot her a mock glare. “Your rabbit clearly needs a lesson in timing. He always shows up when things are getting interesting.”
They heard another crash, louder this time.
“Is he destroying the house?” Vikram scowled.
“No, baby. He just gets jealous when I don’t give him attention first,” she said, trying not to laugh.
He narrowed his eyes. “One day, I’m sending him to a very luxurious rabbit spa. For a whole month.”
“Liar,” she whispered, tugging him back down. “You’d miss him in ten minutes. He sits under your work desk the entire time, and don’t think I don’t know that you sneak him banana chips.”
He kissed her again, his voice husky against her lips. “Damn it. You weren’t supposed to know about the banana chips. You know,” he murmured against her mouth, “we should probably start working on a sibling for Kiara. She needs someone to play with so we can get a little more alone time,” he winked.
Mahika swatted his chest, but her cheeks reddened, and her eyes sparkled at the thought. “Oh, do you really think you’re ready for round two of sleepless nights and diaper duties?”
He leaned in, his lips brushing the slope of her neck in a slow and sinful kiss. “Baby, I was born ready.”
Before she could reply, a loudKiaaaraaaechoed through the house, followed by Kiara’s excited shriek, “Aunty Ishiiii! Uncle Mo!!”
The front door swung open, and Ishika walked in, barefoot. She wore oversized sunglasses, a floppy sunhat, and held up a wine bottle like a trophy. Mohit followed right behind her, juggling their beach gear.
Ishika and Mohit had gotten married last year, and it had been the sweetest surprise for Mahika. She had no idea that they were even dating! Then one day, out of the blue, they announced they were in love and were getting married.
Vikram had known Mohit had a thing for Ishika the whole time, but Mahika was totally clueless. It all began six months after Kiara was born. That was after Mahika and Vikram had gotten married again, with all the ceremonies, rituals, and fanfare.
Six months after Kiara was born, Vikram proposed to Mahika again, this time purely out of love, not some business obligation. He wanted her to have the wedding of her dreams, so he planned everything meticulously. The proposal itself was a cosy, candlelit setup on their terrace with fairy lights twinkling above, rose petals strewn around, and Kiara in a tiny onesie that read,“Will you marry Daddy again?”
Mahika had been stunned, overjoyed, and had burst into happy tears. Every single moment that followed, from the planning to the ceremony itself, was truly dreamlike.
Their beach wedding was breathtaking, with only their closest friends and family around, including their six-month-old daughter, Kiara, nestled in Mahika’s arms for parts of the ceremony. Mahika looked ethereal in an ivory saree, embroidered with delicate pearls, while Vikram looked effortlessly regal in his perfectly tailored sherwani.
