“Never have, never will,” he teased. “I’ll text you the address. Be here by night. And bring that calm, pretty smile of yours, the one that’ll make even grumpy Karan behave for a change.”
She chuckled softly and agreed, though her heart was already beating faster, wondering if Karan would like her to be a part of his friends or not.
She hung up, promising herself she would go not to impress anyone, not even Karan, but because she deserved to stand beside him as his wife, no matter how much he tried to push her away.
“Maria, I’ll need your help. I’m going out tonight,” she said, turning toward Maria, who was still there, waiting patiently. “Let’s pick something… nice. I want to look like Mrs Karan Wadhwa tonight.”
Maria smiled widely and clapped her hands together. “Then I’ll make sure you do, Ma’am.”
***************
Mishti stood before her open wardrobe, scanning through rows of neatly folded Kurtis and sarees. None of them felt right tonight. They were too traditional, too plain. She didn’t want to feel out of place at the party.
She rummaged through one of the side compartments and pulled out a set wrapped carefully in soft tissue paper. It was a birthday gift from Divya…a rich black designer saree, elegant yet modern. The blouse was sleeveless, its back designed with delicate satin doris. Each knot held the blouse together, and without untying them, it couldn’t come off.
“You should wear this, Ma’am,” Maria whispered. “You always look beautiful, but as you said, tonight, you should look like his wife. Mrs Karan Wadhwa. And this is exactly what you need to wear for the party.”
The way she said it made Mishti’s cheeks warm. “But do you think… it’ll be too much?”
Maria smiled. “Not for you. It’s modest and graceful; besides, it’ll also remind Sir what a fool he is for ignoring you.”
That made Mishti blush harder. “Maria!” she exclaimed, half-scolding.
But Maria only grinned. “Now go, freshen up. I’ll set this out for you.”
When Mishti emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, her hair damp and cascading down her shoulders, Maria was waiting with the outfit pressed and ready. She helped Mishti into it, tying the blouse Doris at the back carefully.
“These knots are tricky,” Maria murmured as she tied the final one. “You might need help to untie them. Otherwise, you’ll spend all night struggling.”
Mishti laughed softly. “Don’t worry, I’ll manage.”
Once dressed, Mishti stood before the mirror, and for a long moment, she didn’t recognise herself.
Maria clasped simple pearl earrings onto her ears and arranged her hair to one side so that the elegant design of her blouse was visible.
“Perfect,” she said softly. “You look… breathtaking. Tonight, when Sir sees you, he won’t be able to look away.”
That thought sent a rush of warmth to Mishti’s cheeks. Deep inside, she, too, had a fragile hope that maybe Karan would notice her tonight.
When the driver came to announce that the car was ready, Maria handed her a light shawl for the chilly Lonavala air. “Enjoy the evening, Ma’am.”
Mishti nodded, and taking a final look in the mirror, she left the mansion.
***************
Lonavala – Farm House
Rajat’s farmhouse in Lonavala was nothing less than a sprawling estate lit with fairy lights that shimmered across the manicured lawns. The party was at the outdoor patio where fairylights hung between the trees, and the open bar was serving cocktails.
Tonight was all about expensive whiskey, good food, and the comfort of long friendships. The man of the night, Rajat, stood near the bar counter, wearing a dark green shirt, his usual charm on full display. He was taking birthday calls on and off, smiling wider than usual.
Karan, dressed in a crisp black shirt, sleeves rolled, collar open, looking every bit the alpha businessman his reputation promised, noticed his friend and made his way to him the moment he was done.
“Who’s making you blush like a teenager?” he asked, leaning against the counter beside him.
Rajat chuckled. “A close friend.”
Karan arched a brow. “I thoughtIwas your close friend.”
