As Mishti followed him, she could feel Karan’s gaze burning into her back. Rajat introduced her to other men who had knownKaran and him for years. Their banter was harmless, teasing, but their eyes lingered a little longer on her than Karan would’ve liked.
She smiled politely at them, though, not expecting everyone to be so welcoming.
From across the lawn, Karan’s hold around the glass tightened. The sight of her mingling effortlessly with everyone, laughing softly, made his blood simmer.
“You are really beautiful, Bhabhi,” one of the men said with a grin spreading across his face. “No wonder Karan didn’t bring you along here with him. He wanted to keep you hidden on purpose.”
Karan’s glass was halfway to his lips when he saw one of his friends lean closer to Mishti, gesturing animatedly at something she’d said. She laughed softly, not flirtatiously. Still, something hot and territorial stirred in his chest.
Before she could respond to the next question, Karan was suddenly beside her. He didn’t say a word, just slipped his hand to the small of her back, right where the satin doris of her blouse met her skin, and pulled her closer.
Mishti froze for a heartbeat, feeling the warmth of his palm, the unspoken claim in that single gesture.
The men exchanged amused looks. Even Rajat raised an eyebrow, barely hiding his smirk.
“Easy there, Karan,” one of them teased. “We were only saying hello.”
“You’ve said enough,” Karan replied. “She doesn’t like crowds.”
Mishti turned slightly toward him, her brows lifting in mild surprise. She had no problem with crowds. He was only making it up, and she knew. Even Karan glanced down at her soft eyes for a second longer than necessary.
The others noticed it and Rajat, only chuckled. “Looks like someone’s possessive. Didn’t know marriage could do that toyou, Karan.”
“Shut up.” Karan snapped.
“Then what’s this?” another friend piped in, gesturing at his hand still resting against Mishti’s back, firmly. “You look ready to punch anyone who even breathes near her.”
He withdrew his hand slowly, although his eyes never left Mishti’s face. “That’s because I don’t like sharing what’smine.”
That warning was not for his friends but Mishti. It was a clear statement that he wanted her to stay away from them. But Mishti was on some other tangent. Her heart stuttered in her chest because for the first time, he’d called herhis.
Rajat, ever the observer, clapped his hands lightly. “Alright, alright, let’s not scare my guests,” he joked, trying to diffuse the tension. “Mishti, you are my special guest tonight, and you haven’t even tried the dessert yet. Karan, stop glowering and join us before your wife runs away from all this attention.”
Karan’s gaze lingered on her a moment before he shook his head again in denial. “Mishti doesn’t like to have sweets at night. And enough of overcrowding, I need a moment with her. Alone.”
Mishti was again surprised that he decided everything for her. Who said she didn’t like to have sweets at night? He was only making it up again. Yet, she didn’t say a word and waited till his friends teased them a bit more before leaving them alone.
CHAPTER 9
Rajat’s Farmhouse Party
The moment they were alone, Karan almost snapped.
“What are you doing here? Only because you got to know I’m here partying with my friends, you gate-crashed the party? What kind of wife does that make you, Mishti?”
Mishti hadn’t expected any less bitter words from him.
“And you behaving possessively for me before your friends, only to treat me like a stranger back home whom you hate, what kind of husband does that makeyou?”
Karan’s jaw clenched as she continued.
“I seek no pleasure in following you everywhere. But Rajat invited me. He called me personally. It would’ve been rude to decline,” she said quietly. “He’s your best friend, and now my friend too. I didn’t want to offend him.”
“No, Rajat’snotyour friend,” he said, before taking another step toward her, when suddenly Rajat approached them.
“Whoa, whoa. What’s with the interrogation? I invited her, Karan. It’s not a crime.”
Karan turned his glare toward him. “You should’ve informed me before you did.”
