The man shot her a half-glare between breaths. “Youmade it, didn’t you? Don’t tell me this was one of your experiments again.”
Mishti blinked in confusion, looking from him to Komal. There was something strange in the way he spoke to her…likethey knew each other. Komal, on the other hand, looked both guilty and flustered.
“I just added a little pepper,” she confessed. “It wasn’t supposed to burnyourlungs.”
He groaned, rolling his eyes. “Unbelievable. And who exactly was this supposed to be for?”
Before Komal could respond, footsteps echoed on the staircase.
“Abhimanyu?”
Mishti stiffened instantly at the sound of Karan’s voice as he descended the stairs with Kanika following close behind.
“Hello, brother,” Abhimanyu straightened immediately, a grin spreading on his face despite his recent coughing fit.
“When did you get here?” Karan asked. “And what’s wrong with you? Why were you coughing?”
Abhimanyu laughed lightly. “Nothing serious. I just drank some juice, and well, let’s just say my throat didn’t approve.”
Karan’s gaze darkened as he turned toward Maria. “Who made that juice?”
Maria fidgeted before she opened her mouth, about to take the blame, when Mishti stepped forward.
“I made it,” she said firmly.
“No, she didn’t.Idid.” Komal immediately interjected.
Karan’s eyes moved between them, his patience already wearing thin. He looked ready to snap, but before he could, Abhimanyu caught his arm.
“Bro,” he said calmly. “It’s fine. I drank it too fast, that’s all. I’m fine now.”
Karan exhaled, still unconvinced. “Are you sure? You don’t look okay to me. Should I call a doctor?”
Komal raised an eyebrow. “You don’t need to. Iama doctor.”
His glare returned instantly. “You’re the last person I’d trust with anyone’s health in this house.”
Komal crossed her arms. “Well, your brother doesn’t seem to share that opinion.”
Abhimanyu chuckled, watching their exchange. “Relax, both of you. I’m fine.”
Komal moved closer to check his pulse. “You sure there’s no burning in your throat? Any irritation in your chest?”
Abhimanyu smiled faintly. “If I say yes, you’ll make me drink something worse, won’t you, Doctor?”
Mishti noticed their comfort again, and this time even Karan did, but he didn’t question yet.
Before Mishti could ask, Kanika’s voice sliced through the moment. “Looks like someone drankmyjuice.”
The implication wasn’t lost on anyone. Mishti’s heart thudded. Yes, it was meant for Kanika, and poor Abhimanyu drank it. Her attention shifted to Abhimanyu again. His features were softer than Karan’s, and that name?Abhimanyu. She had read it in that old photo diary of Karan’s mother. Was he the same little boy who was in those pictures? That’s when Abhimanyu’s eyes met hers, and he grinned.
“In all this, I forgot to wish and introduce myself to Bhabhi,” he said warmly before smiling at Mishti again. “I am Abhimanyu, Karan’s younger cousin brother. And I must say, Bro made a good choice. You’re even prettier than your picture.”
Karan’s eyes lingered on Mishti, whose cheeks flushed immediately at the compliment. Kanika, on the other hand, looked like she was ready to bite her tongue in half.
“Thanks, Abhimanyu.” Mishti smiled softly. “I didn’t know you were coming, or else I would’ve made sure your welcome was more special. After all, you’re Karan’s brother…his family.”
Abhimanyu grinned, clearly charmed as he glanced at Komal once. “I like giving surprises.”
