Avni nodded at first. Then she noticed the way Meena Aunty looked at Mishti again, almost soft, assessing, and affectionate. The dots connected instantly.
Avni’s face lit up with sudden excitement.
“Oh my God, Aunty,” she exclaimed. “I know exactly what you’re thinking.”
Mishti looked between the two of them, completely clueless. Avni wrapped an arm around Mishti from the side and said brightly, “Mishti would be perfect for Manav bhaiya. And if she becomes my sister-in-law, what more could I ask for? It would be the best thing in the world.”
Mishti froze.
“Avni, please,” she said quickly. “Stop it.”
Karan, standing a little distance away, clenched his fists. If only Avni knew that Mishti already was her sister-in-law.
Avni laughed it off.
“Why? What’s the harm?” she said lightly. “Alliances are made like this only. Especially when you don’t even have a boyfriend.”
Turning back to Meena Aunty, she added with complete conviction, “I can vouch for Mishti. She’s the sweetest, kindest soul you’ll ever meet. No bad habits, no boyfriends, and someone who only knows how to give to others. She’s so selfless.”
Meena Aunty’s face glowed, clearly pleased as she took in every glowing detail about Mishti.
Mishti, however, was visibly uncomfortable now. She tried to look away. And that was when her gaze collided with Karan’s. His eyes fixed on her, glaring in a way that sent shivers down her body again. She had seen that kind of look many times before. It was his look of possessiveness.For her.
Karan knew this wasn’t Mishti’s fault. His anger wasn’t directed at her, not even remotely. It was meant for the other two.
Rajat immediately caught Karan by the arm.
“Relax,” he said firmly. “That’s my aunt. Nothing is going to happen. They’re just talking. Dad will explain to her later who Mishti is. You don’t have to take any action right now. Just stay calm.”
Karan turned on him sharply, with fury flashing in his eyes.
“My sister is matchmaking for my wife, and you want me to stay calm?”
“Yes,” Rajat replied without hesitation. “Because your sister doesn’t know who Mishti is to you. Unless you want to tell her right now.” He paused deliberately. “Go ahead.”
Karan knew he wouldn’t.
He knew exactly what that would lead to. There was every chance that Avni and Mishti’s bond would fracture, and he didn’t want that either.
Meanwhile, Meena Aunty had begun listing Manav’s qualities to Mishti, who was growing visibly uncomfortable, especially when the old woman went on to describe how romantic Manav was, how he loved books, long walks, and all the things Mishti could barely hear anymore.
That was it.
Karan had heard enough.
He shoved Rajat’s restraining arm aside and strode toward the group.
“Enough of this discussion,” he said angrily, turning to Avni.
Mishti swallowed hard, her chest tightening as she wondered what he was about to do. Rajat rushed after them and quickly addressed Meena Aunty.
“Aunty, Dad wants to speak to you.”
“To me?” Meena aunty asked. “Now?”
“Yes, now,” Rajat said, smoothly diverting her away from the scene.
Now, it was just Avni, Mishti, and Karan.
