Chapter 17
Reeva
I stare at my reflection for the third time and wonder whether the red dress is a mistake. The long-sleeved wrap dress hugs my curves before ending just above my knees. It is modest enough for the business party I am attending with Bhai, yet fitted enough to make me feel like myself again.
And God knows I need that. It has been a week since Shaurya moved into this house, and having him under the same roof has left me constantly irritated and restless.
That is why when Bhai suggested attending this party, I agreed without hesitation.
A few hours to relax, let loose, and forget the complicated mess my life has become, are exactly what I need.
Drawing in a deep breath, I study my reflection once more. I have paired the dress with nude heels and minimal jewellery, leaving my hair loose in soft waves and keeping my makeup light.
My eyes drift towards my stomach. There is no visible bump yet, but I can already feel so many changes in my body.
I gently place my palm over my stomach. “I hope you’re in the mood for an outing tonight,” I whisper with a smile.
“And please don’t make Mommy nauseous or dizzy. We both deserve a little fun.”
A knock sounds against my bedroom door.
“Come in,” I call out.
I turn as Bhai enters, fastening the cuff of his black shirt. His gaze travels over me before a broad smile spreads across his face.
“Now, that is the little sister I remember,” he declares, stopping in front of me.
I roll my eyes. “The little sister you remember wore two pigtails and followed you around the house.”
“Exactly. A wonderful age. You listened to me, believed I knew everything, and never hid anything from me.”
My smile fades as I take his hands in mine.
“I am sorry, Bhai. I never wanted to hide my pregnancy from you.” My voice trembles as guilt tightens around my heart.
“I was terrified. My marriage was falling apart, I had just discovered that the man I loved had betrayed me, and then I learned there was a tiny life growing inside me.” Tears sting my eyes. “It was all too overwhelming.”
Bhai’s expression instantly softens. He closes his hands around mine and gives them a gentle squeeze.
“You don’t have to apologise, Ree. I am not angry that you hid it from me.
” His eyes fill with pain. “I’m only hurt that you believed you had to carry all that fear alone when I was standing right beside you. ”
“I know, Bhai.” I squeeze his hands. “It wasn’t because I didn’t trust you. I simply didn’t know how to share the truth when I could barely understand what I was feeling myself.”
“I understand, Ree. But I’ve said this before, and I’ll keep saying it until you believe me.
No matter how broken or confused you feel, you never have to face anything alone.
Not while I’m here.” He gently wipes away my tears before studying my face with concern.
“Now, are you certain you feel well enough to go?”
I nod. “Yes. I need a few hours away from everything.”
Bhai offers me his arm. “Shall we?”
“Just a minute, Bhai.” I quickly touch up my makeup, pick up my clutch from the bed, and walk back to him. Slipping my hand through his arm, I let him lead me out of the bedroom and towards the stairs.
The moment we reach the bottom of the stairs, I notice Shaurya sitting on the living-room sofa with his laptop balanced on his lap.
He is dressed in a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and matching trousers.
His tie is missing, and the top two buttons of his shirt are undone.
He appears absorbed in whatever is on his screen.
As though he senses my presence, his fingers go still over the keyboard before he slowly lifts his head.
His gaze lands on my face and then travels down my body with an intensity that steals the breath from my lungs.
Heat creeps beneath my skin as his eyes return to mine, his jaw tightening.
I hate that he can still look at me and make my pulse lose its rhythm.
But I hate even more that some foolish part of me is pleased by the way he is staring.
Shaurya closes his laptop and rises to his feet. “Where are you going?”
Before I can answer, Bhai speaks. “It’s none of your business.”
Shaurya’s gaze shifts towards him. “I wasn’t speaking to you.”
Bhai merely shrugs. “And yet you received an answer. Life is full of unwanted surprises, like having you under my roof.”
I close my eyes briefly. We haven’t even reached the front door, and the two of them are already at each other’s throats.
Shaurya walks the few steps towards us. “Where are you going, Reeva?”
“To a party,” I reply, hoping he will accept the answer and let us leave.
“What party?”
“The kind where people gather, talk, eat, and occasionally enjoy themselves.”
Bhai looks at me with unmistakable pride. “That’s my sister.”
Shaurya ignores him. “You didn’t mention a party.”
I raise an eyebrow at him. “I wasn’t aware I needed to report my plans to you.”
“You do when you’re not the only one going,” he counters, his gaze dropping pointedly to my stomach. “You’re carrying my child.”
I grit my teeth as his eyes travel down to my feet.
“And are you even allowed to wear heels?” he demands.
I follow his gaze to my nude heels before looking back at him in disbelief. “They’re three-inch heels, Shaurya, not instruments of torture.”
“You should still change them,” he says firmly, as though the decision is his to make.
My eyes narrow. “Excuse me?”
“The doctor told you to avoid unnecessary strain,” Shaurya points out, his disapproving gaze fixed on my heels. “And walking around in those for hours certainly qualifies.”
“If you’re so concerned about unnecessary strain, perhaps you should leave,” Bhai says, stepping between us.
Shaurya glares at him. “Do you enjoy being difficult?”
“Immensely. Particularly with you,” Bhai replies. “But let me remind you, you are staying in my guest room because Reeva allowed it. Being her husband on paper does not make you her doctor, bodyguard, parole officer, or fashion consultant.”
They stare each other down while I look from one impossible man to the other.
“If the two of you are finished measuring your authority, I would like to leave,” I interrupt.
“Yes, let’s go, Ree,” Bhai tells me, and then turns to Shaurya with a smug smile. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, your almost ex-wife and I have a party to attend.”
Shaurya’s expression turns dangerously cold. “Be very careful with your next words, Rudra.”
Bhai arches an eyebrow, completely unfazed. “Or what? You’ll threaten to throw me out of my own house?”
Before Shaurya can reply, I wrap both hands around Bhai’s arm. “We’re done here,” I announce, dragging him towards the door. Shaurya’s gaze burns into my back with every step, but I refuse to turn around.
The moment we reach the car, I slide into the passenger seat and shut the door, finally releasing the breath I have been holding.
“Did you really have to provoke him, Bhai?” I ask, turning towards him. “You were enjoying that far too much.”
“Can you blame me?” Bhai asks, starting the engine with a satisfied grin. “That man doesn’t deserve a moment of peace after what he did to you.”
I shake my head, knowing there is no point in discussing Shaurya any further. “You still haven’t told me who’s hosting this party. You only said it was a business event.”
Bhai keeps his gaze fixed on the road. “Ayaan Mehra.”
I turn sharply towards him. “Ayaan Mehra? Your best friend and the same man you once wanted me to marry?”
Months ago, before Shaurya entered my life, Bhai had mentioned Ayaan’s name more than once.
A brilliant businessman from a respectable family.
He was charming, successful, and, according to my brother, one of the rare men who possessed both intelligence and basic manners.
Nothing ever came of it because before Bhai could arrange a meeting between us, I met Shaurya.
And after that, no other man stood a chance.
“The one and only,” Bhai replies, looking far too pleased with himself.
I study my brother’s far-too-innocent profile. “Bhai, what are you up to?”
His mouth curves into a suspiciously innocent smile. “I have no idea what you mean. The Mehra Group has completed twenty-five years, and Ayaan is hosting a celebration. Half the business world will be there. Besides, he’s been my best friend since school. I couldn’t refuse his invitation.”
“I know you want to provoke Shaurya,” I say, narrowing my eyes at him. “But let me make one thing clear. I am not going to become a pawn in whatever ridiculous war is happening between the two of you.”
“You are not a pawn,” Bhai agrees. “But you can certainly sit back and enjoy the show. Knowing that stubborn jerk, he has probably already discovered which party we’re attending and is on his way there. I cannot wait to see his expression.”
I shake my head and look out of the window as the city lights blur past us. God, please don’t let tonight turn into a complete disaster. Although, after the way I left Shaurya standing there, I have a sinking feeling it already has.
A few minutes later, we pull up outside a five-star hotel and make our way into the ballroom.
Glittering crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceiling, bathing the elegant room in warm golden light.
Soft music drifts from the live band beside the dance floor while waiters move through the well-dressed crowd, carrying trays of drinks and delicate appetisers.
Within minutes of our arrival, Bhai excuses himself to take a call. I accept a glass of sparkling water from a passing waiter and glance around the crowded ballroom.
“No one warned me that the most gorgeous woman in the city would be attending my party.”
The smooth, teasing voice makes me turn.
Ayaan Mehra stands behind me in a midnight-blue tuxedo, one hand tucked casually into his pocket. Tall and undeniably handsome, he wears his confidence with effortless ease. His dark eyes sparkle with amusement as he looks at me.
“Mr. Mehra.”
He places a hand dramatically over his heart. “That formal? I’m wounded.”
“We’ve only met once.”
“Twice, technically.”
“The only time I remember is when you came to the house to meet Bhai.”
“That was our second meeting,” he corrects. “The first was at the Foundation dinner, shortly after you joined your brother’s business. You wore blue, argued with a minister about environmental clearances, and left me completely smitten.”
I blink at him. “I don’t remember that.”
“That’s because you left me so speechless that I couldn’t bring myself to approach you, let alone introduce myself.”
A laugh escapes me just as Bhai appears beside us, carrying a glass of whisky.
“Ayaan, always the charmer,” Bhai remarks with a grin.
“What can I say?” Ayaan’s gaze returns to me. “Your sister makes it impossible not to be.”
“Well, I agree that my sister is the most beautiful woman here,” Bhai says with a proud smile.
“Will both of you stop with the compliments?” I interrupt, heat creeping into my cheeks. “You’re embarrassing me.”
“It’s the truth,” they say in perfect unison, making me shake my head as both men grin at me.
Before either of us can speak, someone calls Bhai from across the ballroom.
He looks at me. “Ree, I need to speak to Khanna.”
I nod. “Go, Bhai. I’ll be fine here.”
“You carry on, bro,” Ayaan says. “I’ll take care of your sister.”
“You’d better,” Bhai warns before giving me a smile and walking towards the waiting group. Despite my reassurance, he glances back twice before reaching them.
Ayaan watches him leave. “He still treats you as though you’re twelve.”
“He raised me.” I take a sip of my drink. “I don’t think he knows how to stop.”
“You’re fortunate.”
“I know.”
His expression softens before his earlier playfulness returns. “And I meant what I said, Reeva. You truly are the most beautiful woman here.”
I should move away. I should tell him to stop flirting with me. Instead, I find myself smiling. And why should I care how Shaurya might react? He no longer has the right to decide who I speak to or how I enjoy my evening.
Ayaan extends his hand towards me. “Would you like to dance?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
He gives me an exaggeratedly innocent look. “One harmless dance. I promise, no hanky-panky.”
A laugh escapes me as I stare at his waiting palm. After a moment’s hesitation, I place my hand in his.
“One dance.”
His smile widens. He takes the glass from my other hand, passes it to a waiter, and curls his fingers around mine. “Thank you.”
He leads me onto the dance floor just as the band shifts into a slower song. One of his hands settles respectfully at my waist while I rest mine on his shoulder, and we begin swaying gently to the music.
Ayaan looks down at me. “You know, I was heartbroken when I heard you were getting married.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Heartbroken? We barely knew each other.”
“That didn’t stop me from imagining a very promising future for us.”
“A future?”
“Dinner, courtship, marriage.” He gives me a mournful look. “Rudra supported the plan. Everything was progressing beautifully inside my head.”
I laugh. “And then?”
“Then Shaurya appeared and destroyed it before I even had the courage to ask you out.”
“I wasn’t aware my marriage left casualties behind.”
“I suffered terribly.”
“You appear to have recovered remarkably well.”
“Not entirely.” His hand tightens slightly around mine as his smile turns playful. “Dancing with you is reopening all my old wounds.”
I shake my head, but before I can answer, a dangerously familiar voice cuts through the music from behind me, making my heart give one violent beat.
“Take your hand off my wife.”
I close my eyes for one brief second before dropping my hand from Ayaan’s shoulder and turning around.
Shaurya stands there, his powerful frame rigid with barely controlled fury. Judging by the possessive rage blazing in his eyes, he looks ready to commit murder in the middle of the dance floor.