“I’m not going to London.”
He assumed it was something she said in the haze of their lovemaking. But when she neither laughed nor took it back, he gently pulled her back just enough to see her face. That soft smile of hers told him she meant every word.
“I decided this the day you were shot,” she added. “I just didn’t tell you, though. All the calls I’ve been taking with the Sahara Foundation team lately were about my handover.”
Karan stared at her, stunned. “Does VK know?”
She bit her lip and nodded.
“How could he not tell me?”
Her eyes flickered in fun. “The same way he didn’t tell me you knew where I was when I was in London. This time, he was on my side. Returning the favour.”
Karan rolled his eyes, then sobered. He brushed a few loose strands of hair away from her face, tucking them behind her ear. “But Mishti… I don’t want you to make this decision just for me. I told you, we could shift together. I’m ready.”
“But I’m not,” she replied calmly. “KW Capital needs you here. Your family needs you here. And now that Avni has moved to Mumbai with Rajat, I want you both to have the sibling time you lost for sixteen years. I don’t want to be selfish.” She paused, then added, “And you’re forgetting something. I’m still a non-executive director on your company’s board. I have responsibilities here, too.”
Karan pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. “Are you sure?”
“More than ever.”
He nodded, firm now. “Alright then. My wife resumes her role at our office.”
She smiled, then suddenly remembered something. “What about the cameras in my cabin? Will they still be there?”
Karan grinned, his thumb stroking her cheek. “Not anymore.”
Instead of looking relieved, she frowned. “So you’re not going to watch over me?”
He pulled her closer, his voice dropping to that husky level again. “No. Because that’s incredibly distracting. Watching you nibble on your pen, getting lost in thought, smiling at files, your ponytail swaying when you move, you stretching in your chair to ease your muscles… It’s pure torture.” His lips curved. “I don’t need a permanent hard-on at work, baby. So, the cameras have to go.”
She pouted, suddenly realising what he must have endured all those earlier days.
“And besides,” he added, “whenever I want to see you, I’ll just walk into your cabin. And neither of us will leave until we’ve given each other a few org*sms.”
Her jaw dropped, imagination running wild.
Before she could respond, he rose, lifting her effortlessly, her legs wrapping around his waist as he carried her toward the bed.
“Karan… your arm,” she whispered, worried.
“Shh,” he murmured. “It already feels better, now that I know you’re not going anywhere.”
He lowered her onto the bed, hovering over her instantly. The lights went off, his mouth finding her neck as he whispered, “Time for round two.”
She didn’t need to give permission.
She was already ready.
CHAPTER 49
Wadhwa Mansion – Two weeks later
It was almost evening by the time Mishti finished overseeing the arrangements twice, once out of habit and once out of restlessness. The living room looked perfect and ready.
Karan had said guests were coming for dinner.Special guests.He didn’t mention who, though, nor did she question him. She knew if Karan Wadhwa wanted to keep some surprise, he would never reveal it before the right time.
When the sound of a car finally reached her, her heart lifted in reflex. She turned just as the main door opened and Karan stepped in. Alone.
