Chapter : Salt🧂In the coffee ☕, Fire 🔥 in the heart❤️

Chapter : Salt🧂In the coffee ☕, Fire 🔥 in the heart❤️

Prithvi had forgotten to take one of his files to the office, so he called Sanyogita to bring it immediately. She teased him on the mobile for letting slip that he needed his crucial items , which was unusual for Prithviraj Singhaniya . Albeit , her playful words brought a chuckle in his lips. Sanyogita had been experiencing driving anxiety since her accident, so Prithvi cautioned her not to drive. He advised her to give the file to his bodyguard instead, but she didn't reveal her plan for a surprise. She decided to borrow lunch for him along with the file .

Once the driver stopped the car in front of the office , Sanyogita stepped out and entered the building. One of the receptionists recognised her and approached immediately and greeted her courteously.

Sanyogita simply nodded in response and then stepped into the elevator that brought her into the Prithvi's cabin floor. Her face was radiating with a vivid smile. Her image was reflecting on the polished wall of the elevator. Her gaze flickered towards her small bandage, still lingered on her forehead . As she regarded her reflection, her eyes narrowed. Her hand caresses the bandage; although the pain has subsided, the memories of the night remained fresh in her mind, sending a shiver down her spine . Her gaze shifted down to her neck , the gold chain mangalsutra glinting under the white lights . The tiffin box wrapped in a bag , and hung down from her hands.

“ Why was she doing this? Bringing lunch for him? For the man she wasn't sure would be her forever? He knew about her secret,or at least a part of it , yet he said he trusted her and didn't know what the future held, but he would try his best to make things work out.

Sanyogita returned from her train of thoughts as the elevator door flung open . The elevator guard welcomed her politely.

Nodding her head , Sanyogita strolled towards the cabin. As she turned a corner , her eyes widened in shock,her mouth instinctively opened. She couldn't tear her gaze away; her body froze for a moment as she found Prithvi was holding a woman by her waist.

Sanyogita's breathing hitched, and her fist curled tight involuntarily around the file. Her chest tightened inexplicably.

Prithvi had been walking down the empty hallway when he collided mistakenly with Kanika , who seemed to falter, the moment was so very short , before he could process anything, his hand slipped around only to catch her before she fell. Prithvi’s heart came to his throat.

He straightened Kanika on her feet . And he pulled his hands away from her immediately. His eyes darted to the figure standing nearby, Prithvi's throat went dry . He forgot about his surroundings for a moment.

He saw Sanyogita standing there , watching the scene like a silent observer.

Kanika’s nervous voice let out quickly “ Thank you so much, Sir , for your help. “ She stammered, an amusement flickered in her eyes. “ I actually haven't eaten since morning, and I think irregular appetite and lack of sleep have made me weak..”Kanika paused , her clever gaze regarded Prithvi who stood still gazing in another direction.

It was then Kanika spun around and her heart thudded violently. Unkempt fireworks lit in her chest, she only wanted Prithvi's attention but Mrs SINGHANIYA'S sudden appearance was a cherry on cake .

Kanika's smirked deepened but briefly, masking her delightment she added this time layering with extra sugarcoating. “ Thank you so much Sir, aagar aap nahi hote toh na jaane kya hojata. I was working hard for this project, as I know how important it was for you …I mean for the company.”

She was expecting something to hear from Prithvi, anything, a smile or a small acknowledgement. But Prithvi didn't respond. Not a single word. Following his gaze , she saw Sanyogita standing like a strom held back by silence .

And in that silence —

Everything becomes louder. Her stillness, her gaze .

Prithvi didn't respond immediately . He exhaled sharply, maintaining professionalism. “ Next time try to take care of her .”

Kanika who was expecting to hear something from Prithvi but only her disappointment sighs back.

“Alright Sir,” she said softly, “ I'll remember .” She stepped back. Before leaving, she glanced over her shoulder, for a split second —something flashed in her eyes. A faint smirk from her lips .

The hallway went silent again. But this time a heavy tension filled the air .

Sanyogita stood still. But inside — something was burning dangerously.

Once they were inside his cabin, Prithvi loosened his tie a little bit. “ Why did you bring the file ? You could just send it , via a worker's hand !. Anyway, “ he shrugged. “ Since you're already here, just stay, we will have lunch together. By the way, did you have lunch?”

No response came .

When he spun around, leaning causally against the glass table, he found she was standing still . Her expression was unpredictable, watching him intently.

Prithvi's brow puckered in confusion .“ Why are you looking at me like that ?”

She blinked, then a smirk formed instinctively “ Kuch nahi ( it's nothing).” She handed him the documents like nothing happened. “ Aap ki file ( here's your file)?”

Prithvi nodded, while grinning in an attempt to lighten the situation.“ Okay , thanks a lot , Sanjh . Aaj tumne ,meri izzat bacha li”

Sanyogita gave a smile. The smile is a sign of DANGEROUS..

“Fine , now tell me , what do you need for lunch ? He asked casually . “ I'm calling Yuvraaj—

“ Don't call him “ she cut him off, placing the bag on the table . “I’ve brought lunch.”

Prithvi paused, his eyes widened slowly , then his face lit up like a child who got an unexpected desert .

“Seriously?!” He slid on the sofa immediately. “ arey waah! . Aaj toh meri lottery lag gayi.” He slid on the plush L-shaped sofa, his eyes sparkled with amusement. He opened the tiffin, aroma of jeera rice , delicious vegetable sabji mingled in the air. He inhaled deeply.

Sanyogita's gaze narrowed , hands folding over her chest “ Mom, didn't cook lunch.” she paused

“ I did, “ she replied, her chest slightly wrenched.

For a second….he just looked at her aghast , then—almost laughed, shooting an impressive stare . “Aaj toh surprises pe surprises mil raha hain….Kya baat hai little fox, taking care of your husband.”

Sanyogita's cheek warmed instantly, but instead of smiling , her mind was churned with irritation . “ But I think you don't need this lunch anymore.”

“ W-why .. would you think so ?” He asked softly, noticing something unusual in her expression.

Sanyogita titled her head slightly, watching him as he served the food in two plates , one of him and another of her .“ When you already have…. sweet company in the office….Why do you need food?”

Prithvi's brow raised slowly, pretending to be innocent.“Accha ?” He said thoughtfully, taking a small spoonful bite . “ Mujhe toh pata hi nahi tha, office rasmalai ka dukaan ban gaya hai .”

Sanyogita rolled her eyes, her arms stayed clasped together on her chest .

He continued, enjoying himself — “ tumhari aankhein toh CID se bhi zyada tez hai, Sanjh…” He nodded, grinning like a freak . “ multi-talented ho,..huh! ”

“Very funny…huh! ” She chewed her cheeks, flaming red.

“Thank you.”He said, raising his spoon, as a gesture of receiving rewards.

She glared at him sharply, struggling to control her irritation.

“ Ayo, biatho” he said earnestly, gesturing to sit beside him. “ Do the interrogation while enjoying lunch .”

She sat on the sofa , but her posture was straight, distant, as if she was a mini-judge court. He handed her plate intently. “ Lo , khaana suru karo.”

She took it but didn't start eating right away, instead kept watching him as if he were a criminal.

He leaned back slightly, facing her , trying to study her jaw dropped expression. “ toh batayei Madam, case kya hai ?” He asked playfully. “ Aakhir hamara zuram kya hai ?”

Sanyogita's gaze narrowed, a slow smirk spreading across her cheek. “ Memory loss!”

“ What ?” He choked, started coughing

She smirked further, “ Haan . Mr. Singhaniya—the well dignified personalities…began suffering from memory loss.”

Prithvi looked at her and paused. Then slowly grinned , and shot her an impressive stare . “ohhh..” he nodded thoughtfully, “ so this is the problem. But what can be the cause of my recent memory loss?”

His joking words only boiled her temper. She looked away instantly “ Woh toh aap ko hi pata hoga na !”

She taunted , however her accent made him laugh “ Anyway , if you have a memory loss or something else.” She scoffed evasively “ Usey hume kya!”.

Prithvi nodded thoughtfully, chewing the food—

CHAP…CHAP…CHAP..!

Sanyogita winced, looking at his jaw annoyingly..

He leaned slightly closer . “ Waise…” he said, voice dropping mischievously. “ You cooked the lunch with so much care …and you aren't eating.”

Her cheeks flamed pink. “ I'm eating” she snapped, picked the plate up and started taking a bite . Suddenly she coughed slightly because she hadn't even chewed properly.

He handed her the glass of water , “ aram se …khao ..”

“ You don't need to worry about me.” She muttered bitterly , taking another quick bite just to prove a point.

He watched her movement silently, then slowly, very slowly — he leaned just enough to pick up a piece of sabji from her plate. And began eating , “ Ummm!..”

Sanyogita paused for a brief moment. Unable to process. Prithvi behaved as if they were best friends for a long time.

“ Excuse me…yeh kya tha?” She asked , looking at him appalled.

“ Just testing.” He said casually.

“ What ?” She asked cluelessly.

“Just checking , which plate contains more tasty curry, yours or mine!” He licked the spoon making Sanyogita winced with disgust as he leaned in to drop his spoon into her plate once again.

Her eyes widened in surprise . “ Viraj…”She shouted, half baffled , half amuse “ what are you doing?”

“Haan,” he nodded thoughtfully. “Conclusion—your plate has tastier sabji .”

Her face reddened instantly. “ Stop it .”

“ I'm honest,” He said

“ No, you don't.”

His jaw dropped, pouting at her . Hoover slightly, her widened slowly, a slow chuckled curved in her lips.

“ Viraj …don't” she huffed and tried to pull her plate slightly away but he didn’t let her. Instead, he gently slid the plate back toward himself.

“Tch,” he clicked his tongue. “ Don't become so possessive with the food.”

Her eyes widened, surprise etched on her face.” I ain't a possessive"

“ Yes you are,” he nodded seriously. “ And also slightly jealous.”

Sanyogita's cheeks burned with embarrassment. She protested “ I am not jealous!”

“Your volume is saying a different story, little fox.” He grinned deliberately.

Sanyogita opened her mouth to argue—then stopped. His gaze regarded her momentarily. Then she averted her gaze and looked at the window glass.

“Lo.” His words made her flinch.

She blinked with confusion . “ What ?”

“ Aapna muh kholo.” He said softly, holding the spoon before her mouth.

She looked at him startled, unable to speak anything. Her gaze brimmed sombrely.

He leaned his hand solemnly near her mouth, said softly “ Muh kholo.”

She glared at him . But after a second— her lips parted instinctively, and took the bite . The lump in her throat resolved suddenly as if nothing had happened.

Prithvi smiled faintly, almost teasingly glinting “ Good, little fox.”

Her eyes snapped. “ VIRAJ! Her hands raised, patted on his shoulder slightly.

He laughed harder . Finally a smile curved in her lips truly.

The drawing room erupted with laughter, the atmosphere turned into a vivid evening. The large chandelier lit brightly in the ceiling while the family gathered around the coffee table. Plates of samosas, pakoda’s, different varieties of spaghetti pasta butter, Indian dishes for snacks were scattered everywhere.

Everyone was laughing, talking over another, enjoying the rare moment of relaxed family gossip.

Except Sanyogita, whose solemn gaze flickered towards the gate every few seconds like a suspicious security camera .

Pranav was sipping his coffee, caught her in apprehension. A mischievous grin spread across his face. “ Bhabhi “ he announced loudly , grabbing attention, “aapke Pati Dev aajayenge . You can relax and start enjoying the snacks with us .”

Another wave of laughter erupted.

She forced a smile, denying “ No, I was just checking…if …

She bit her lip and picked up a biscuit…she took the first bite and then choked — Ishanvi nudged her elbow and whispered low in her ear

“ Sanyogita, give you some advice, go on a vacation with only the two of you . Trust me it will turn out beautiful.”

Sanyogita’s heart was pounding wildly, her cheeks went hot. She chewed her cheeks, as irritation clung to her . “ Bhabhi aap bhi na…”

“ I said only vacations, why do you turn red,..hmm!” Ishanvi's teaseful glance made Sanyogita's breathing hitch because something — her brain has been replaying . Her dream . The worst dream in the history of dreams since morning.

In the dream…

She had entered Prithvi's office cabin, like a humble servant carrying coffee.

“ Malik yeh lijiye …coffee!” She handed the cup obediently.

He had taken one sip. “ Wahh—”

Then suddenly—

“THUUU!!”

Coffee sprayed everywhere like a fountain.

“ Who mixed salt in this coffee?” He snapped.

Sanyogita gasped in horror.

“Tum kisi bhi kaam ki nahi ho, little fox.” He'd declared melodramatically. “ Tum sirf jhagra karna janti ho!”

Sanyogita's eyes turned watery , her throat tightened, a bitter lump formed there . “ Viraj…hume maaf kardiyjiye…next time I'll add sugar .”

And then—

Kanika appeared out of nowhere. She was wearing the same colour formal White statin shirt tugged around her waist by a maroon A line skirt . She leaned on Prithvi's desk, grinning like a soap opera villain.

“ Darling,” She purred ,“ let her go. I’ve cooked lunch for you and I'll feed you with my hand.”

Prithvi's brow arched high, his gaze piercing.” You're so talented Miss Kanika . I love the woman who cooked for me .”

Sanyogita's breathing hitch. She stood rooted on the floor, motionless.

The words echoed in her mind.

LOVE THE WOMAN WHO COOKED FOR ME

Sanyogita's dream-heart shattered. She woke up with a violent jerk . Her heart was beating like a drum in a wedding band.

Then she noticed something horrifying. The traitor himself.

Prithvi who was sleeping soundly beside her . Looking innocent as if he hadn't just betrayed her in her own dream.

Her fingers curled dangerously, for a moment she genuinely considered throttling his neck. Then she stopped.

“Kharate Singhaniya,”she whispered quietly , her eyes moistened. “ if you would dare do such a thing ... .I…I..I'll”

She paused. Something heavy pressed against her chest . “ What exactly would I do?

She pressed her face into her palms. “ What exactly will I do if you actually do that ….”

Sanyogita pulled back from her train of thinking.

Her brow knitted together.

“Viraj …kya aap sach mein kisi aur ka banaya hua khaana khayenge ?”

Her heart sank slightly. “ Aap bhaut bure ho . Earlier you praised my breakfast….but now you don't even like my coffee.”

Meanwhile the rest of the Singhania family was laughing loudly about something completely unrelated. But Sanyogita sat there like a tragic heroine in a dramatic serial.

Reyansha's eyes reluctantly landed on Sanyogita. As soon as her gaze averted to another direction. She felt something was off …strange.

She peeked once again and noticed Sanyogita was unusually quiet, her hands folded politely on her lap . But her expression was gloomy.

“What happened to her ? Aaj ese kya hogya ?”

She shook her head trying to revert her attention towards the conversation.

She smirked, and muttered underbreath “ Pati k liye itna bhi kya obsessed hona .. Drama queen…huh!”

When the footsteps of approaching sounds echoed, Sanyogita's heart thudded violently. Her fingers clutched the fabric of her clothes tightly. Itching of impatience rushed through her vein, making it difficult to focus on anything . She had never been so desperate for Prithvi like before. What happened to her ? She asked , if he ate food cooked by someone else what could she do? She and Prithvi although married for three months but what's more , neither they share any warmth togetherness nor he had ever said anything that smitten her .

Prithvi's talk frame walked in, grabbing people's attention .

The moment Sanyogita saw him , shrugged as if something withdrew over her shoulders.

Prithvi's clever eyes landed on her , for a second — he forgot to breathe. He found there was something strange in her expression. Her eyes sparkling with a strange mixture of relief, suspicion and something softer .

Once Prithvi returned home , she exhaled a sigh of relief. Her eyes were sparkling with amusement and longing as he strolled inside the living room.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Prithvi noticed immediately.His eyes landed on her.And for a second—He forgot to breathe.Because this was the same woman who had been giggling at him strangely during breakfast that morning.Looking at him like he was some undercover spy. And now…

Now her eyes held something completely different.Worry? Concern? Longing? Suspicion? Jealousy? He couldn’t tell.

Prithvi frowned slightly. What happened to her today…

Meanwhile Sanyogita stared at him intensely.

Her brain whispered dangerously—If you ever let Kanika cook for you…

She narrowed her eyes slightly. I will personally add salt to everything you eat for the rest of your life, Kharrate Singhania.

Prithvi blinked. Because suddenly—

His wife was looking at him like she was planning a crime.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The dining table was occupied with mouth-watering dishes, creating the atmosphere with bubbles of laughter , teasing and jokes a huge congrats to the hectic day at the office. Prithvi beamed as he congratulated Reyansha on her remarkable achievement. Pranali’s eyes were brimming with joy; it had been so long since she had seen her loved ones gathered around the table, eating together.

Siddharth and Vardhan were also asked to have dinner with them . For a fleeting moment, Prithvi's gaze flickered to Sanyogita, who was animatedly talking to Ishanvi and Pranali; their laughter rippled through the air . He couldn't shake off the feelings of bitterness that had formed between him and Vardhan over the past few years, whereas Sanyogita and Ishanvi seemed to bond as if they were longtime friends.

Vardhan was reluctant to join at first, because in Prithvi's presence his temper boiled over. Nevertheless, upon Ishanvi’s warm insistence he gave up . Meanwhile , Dhruvan was relishing the meal , nestled comfortably on his father's lap. dinner with everyone. He was sitting on his father's lap . Vardhan playfully engaged his son in his silly, childish accent, making little Druvhan giggling ebulliently

Ishanvi couldn't help but smile at the heartwarming sight , her thought drifting to a future where distance between Vardhan and his father when it would be bridged .

*********

Late at night , one by one , the lights in the Singhaniya skylines dimmed as everyone retired to their rooms after exchanging warm good nights .

Prithvi quietly pushed the door shut behind. The faint thud echoed briefly in the air .

The room was dimly lit . The bedside lamp cast a warm golden glow across the bed, leaving the corner of the room wrapped in shadows.

The bedsheet shuffled slightly as he slid on the mattress, leaned comfortably against the headboard, picking a non-fiction book up , from the bedside table. Late night reading a daily habit — even if it lasted only a few minutes before sleep claimed him.

The pages rustled smoothly as his fingers flipped one open. However, before he could start reading, his gaze darted towards the other side of the bed . Sanyogita was lying, keeping her back turned to him, arms folded over her chest like a tiny warrior guarding her pride.

Prithvi cleared his throat lightly. “ Ughh–hmm.”

No response.

She didn't shift. Not even a blink.

He tilted his head slightly, to peek at her direction as though she was a spy “ kya baat hai?” He drawled lazily “ Aaj toh ghar bilkul monastery ban gaya hai…itni Shanti.. Mujhe lag raha hai main galti se Himalaya aa gaya hoon.”

No response. Only his disappointment sighed back at him.

Prithvi shrugged, lowered the book a little.His mind caught in a wind-loop. Since the morning she hadn't spoken anything, only glared at him like he was some undercover criminal smuggling diamonds through breakfasts. After returning home in the evening, she welcomed him with the same cold war .

Her shallow gaze remained glued at him still as if a vulture was scrutinising her prey. He tried breaking the ice but she stepped out of the room as if he didn't exit.

“ What's wrong with this woman today….? He thought.

“Sanjh,” he said calmly.

No response. Only silence.

She shifted slightly, adjusting the blanket as if he were invisible.

Prithvi sighed dramatically. “ Sanyogita..”

Still nothing came .

He closed the book with a soft thud.

“Kya hua… maun vrat rakh liya hai kya?” He frowned “ Does the whole fox community come down with a silent strike?

Like a guest of wind—the response landed, lacing with wounded dignity “ hume aapse koi baat nahi karni” She snapped , voice sharp “ Hum aapse baat kare ya na kare… aap ko kya farak padta hai !”

Prithvi blinked, flabbergastly . “Matlab?” he said thoughtfully. “Toh farak padna chahiye?”

Sanyogita hissed but no words came out.

However, his words dropped playfully. “ Lagta hai temperature aaj kuch zadahi garam ho gaya hai…ac retirement le liya hai shayad.” he said thoughtfully .

He glanced toward the window dramatically.

“ Waise bhar toh thandi hawayein chaal rahi hai…long drive pe chalein?” He tilted his head, eyes glinting with excitement. What would you say ,…little fox?”

Sanyogita's temper flared , annoyed by his cheesy voice . “ I don't want to go anywhere.” Her voice suddenly turned icy-cold .“ Why don't you go with the person who you care about the most? ”

Prithvi's brow shot up “ Oh!” He said innocently.“ And who's that lucky person? akhir mujhe bhi toh pata chale…kiske dil mein mere liye laddoo phoot rahe hai.”

Sanyogita's jaw tightened, her hand clenched in a fist to hit him with a punch.

“Woh toh baat long drive tak chali gayi hai…huh” she thought in her mind.

But she masked her temper and said indifferently “ Woh toh aapko pata hoga na!”

He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Hmmm… list banani padegi shayad. Waise bhi itni raat ko kaun milega mujhe… interview lene ke liye?”He grinned.

She abruptly turned onto her stomach, and faced him . Her words shot like a bullet “ achaa!! So agar din hota …toh kisi ko bhi leke chale jate ?”

Prithvi bit back a smile , watched her expression, lines of irritation in her face, her eyes a pool of accusations and a hint of something that brought a smile to his lips .

“Haan… kyun nahi?” he said smoothly , suppressing a smile. “Main toh kaafi friendly hoon… logon ko long drive pe le jaata rehta hoon.”

“Very good,” she gritted, anger fuel beneath the surface . She muttered bitterly, still keeping her eyes shut.“Toh jaaiye na… booking khuli hai …”

Prithvi's lips curled into a teasing glint. “ Alright..tum bhi chalo ” he said instantly. “Buy one get one free”

Sanyogita's brain stopped processing momentarily, her nostrils flared.. “ Kya?"

He asked playfully, changing the subject " Just kidding ! Btw kahin mujhe maan hi maan grinding-vinding toh nahi kar rahi ho ?”

“WHAT ?” She snapped wide, squinted at him sharply .

Prithvi’s jaw tightened, flinching back slightly. He whispered “ Nahi…just mujhe laga ! Dimaag full speed mein chaal raha hai …kahin engine crash ho gaya toh ”

“ Achaa ” She retorted with clenched teeth , turning beetroot “ Aapko toh sab kuch pata hota hai na !” she shot back , more like an angry kitten “ aap toh antar-yaami ho !!” She taunted.

“Sab kuch toh nahi..” he leaned slightly closer, conveyed in an impressive gesture “ Haan.. jinke andar mein rehta hoon… unko haal zarur janta hoon!”

“ Achaa?” Sanyogita scoffed . “Toh unke paas hi chale jaaiye na.”

“Haan jaa sakta hoon…” he said casually. “ Par pehle yeh toh batao… tumhara andar kya chaal raha? He winked, grinning “ aagar kuch hai toh bol bhi do?”

Sanyogita's heart thud—dhup-dhup-dhup, cheeks turned like red golab-jamun . She hissed in rapid breath “ I don't have a bit of interest in a kharate Singhania like you. I'm going to sleep right now.”

She turned her face to the wall , her eyes dropped . Her heart was still hammering like a drum.

Prithvi's brows lifted high, a tiny air escaped his lips . “ Kya attitude hai !” He whispered underbreath “woh bhi Mere samne !” He chuckled slightly. “

Prithvi's gaze softened, something in his chest settled heavily. Then—

Something clicked in his mind. Yesterday’s scene. She was in the same bad mood since…since she saw him helping Kanika .

Prithvi’s eyes narrowed slowly.

Ah!! A slow, mischievous smile curled at the corner of his lips. So this is the problem.

He moved closer . “ Sanjh,” he said playfully, “ pata hai aaj office mein bhaut maza aaya.”

Sanyogita's body stiffened instantly, her jaw clenched. But pretended not to care. “ Oh!” She said flatly.

“Haan.” He nodded pleasantly .“And more than that , today's lunch..”

Sanyogita's eyes snapped. “ THE DREAM!!..” HOW FAST THIS CAME TRUE. DREAM HAI YA YOUTUBE SHOTS”

Her voice suddenly dropped quietly. “ Lunch?”

“ Yes,” he nodded. “It was so delicious…mein toh ungliyaan hi chaat raha tha.”

Sanyogita chewed inside , the temple was throbbing. She muttered underbreath “ What would I do…announce the next master-chef.” she muttered internally.

Prithvi leaned closer. “ Have you said something?”

“ Nothing.”

“ Oh! He smiled innocently. “Waise don't you want to know who brought that lunch for me today?” His tone was laced with teasing

Her chest was burning as if rubbed with red chillies , trying to ignore him. “ No.” She lied.

“ Pakka?” His voice emerged playful.

“..Haan” She hissed reluctantly.

“ Sure ?”

Her jaw tightened “ Haan”

“Computer ji lock kardoon?”

“ Viraj!” She yelled.

Prithvi almost laughed.

Jealous little fox.

He leaned closer, peeking at her side , desperate to catch a glimpse of her pouting cute expression. “ Oh co’mon! tum usse mil chuki ho.”

Her heart skipped.

“I didn’t know,” she said stiffly.

“Achha,” he said thoughtfully

“ Okay.…he said that he invited us both to his house for dinner.”

Sanyogita's fists clenched beneath the blanket. Then— something clicked. “ He?”

“ Yes …”He nodded calmly.

Prithvi stared at her straight, turning on his stomach.

“ Who are you talking about?” She asked, confused .

Prithvi melted at her innocence. “ Yuvraaj.”

“ What ?” Her gloomy face instinctively lit like Diwali lights.

He nodded, tossing on his stomach, gazing at her straight .“ Yes. But who would you have been expecting btw,... little fox ?” He winked.

“ Viraj!” Sanyogita's heart skipped a beat ,trying to sound indifferent “ waise bhi….aapke liye koi kuch bhi banaya…ussey hame kya—

She didn’t get to finish. Her pulse quickened as she found herself trapped in between his arms.

His amber eyes sparkled with amusement.

“ Viraj….” She stammered .“ W-what.. are you doing?”

Prithvi's face was barely a few inches apart. The air suddenly felt warmer. Very warm.His eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Bas…” he murmured softly. “Check kar raha hoon…” He leaned closer. “…kitna farak padta hai tumhe.”

Sanyogita froze momentarily, unable to take her eyes off him. His warm breathing crushed against her mouth. She smelled his cologne that he used after a shower at night. Her curve pressed down beneath his weight. She felt his strong arm holding her waist while another one slid down her chin.

His gaze held her captive.

Without realizing it—her fingers clutched around his night suit.

Prithvi noticed immediately. His gaze flickered down to her hands. Then back to her eyes. His warm breath brushed her cheek. His head leaned in near her face .

“Sanjh,” he whispered near her ear.

Her lips trembled, gawking at him still . She thought her heart almost stopped, but it was beating like a drum . Her breathing hitched. Her gripped on his shirt tightened. Her eyes fluttered shut.

What's he doing…?

Her thoughts spiraled. Will he kiss me…?

Her heartbeat grew louder. No… he won’t…

A tiny pause stretched between them..

Suddenly—

Prithvi leaned forward. The teasing in his expression softened slightly. “Sanjh,” he whispered near her ear.

The deep sound of his voice made her breath hitch. “Don’t stress your little brain with useless things.”

His voice lowered. “Jo haq srif tumhare mujh par hai …” he murmured slowly, “ His gaze lingered on her trembling lips.“…no one can snatch that from you.”

Her eyes open slowly , confused. Before she could react—

He pressed a soft kiss on her forehead. Just a gentle peck. He pulled back immediately.As if nothing unusual had happened.

“Good night, Sanjh.”

Sanyogita's though her skin burns with the mere touch of his lips. She lay completely stunned. Her brain struggled to catch up.

Across the bed, Prithvi leaned back against the mattress , adjusting beneath the blanket . But his mind was somewhere else.Faint smile lingered at his lips. Because now he finally understood. His fierce, stubborn little fox…had started getting jealous.

Not like a FRIEND.

LIKE A WIFE.

An strangely—

He found it dangerously adorable.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The room was lit with a soft glow of yellow lamps reflecting against the vibrant texture of the wall . The faint scent of automatic rose-room-freshner lingered in the air , blending with the quiet hum of the air conditioners.

Shanaya was sitting near the edge of the expansive bed, holding a book of magazines in her lap .

Vikrant was standing before the mirror, busy at trailing all the new suits his daughter brought for him after her international event. His reflection carried the familiar confidence wrapped in pride and something far more calculating beneath it.

“ How many numbers of time , you going to check yourself in the mirror ?” Shanaya murmured without lifting her gaze from the pages. “ Engagement Pragya ki hai, why do you act as if it were yours special occasion”

A slow chuckle curved on Vikrant lips, turning around and stepping to the bed briskly. “ Why not , woh bhi ho jayega .” He slid down on the bed.

Sahanya’s brow arched high, looking at him over the pages , looking at the puzzle “ Why do you mean?”

Vikrant pulled the magazine away from her and kept it on the bedside table. “ Shanaya, I always see things beyond the screen.”

Shanaya still regarded him as confused. Vikrant exhaled sharply and stated , his words were measured. “Our daughter…has finally made me proud..” His time was rich with satisfaction.

Vikrant shifted back slightly , facing her completely. “ I've been thinking , it's time to secure her future.” He had let out calmly.

Shanaya’s brows knitted slightly, “ Secure?”

He nodded, meeting her gaze . “ Yes , by fixing her marriage.”

Her eyes widened slowly. “ With who?

“ Rudra .”

Silence dropped between them.

She straightened immediately, her voice dropped skeptically . “Rudraskh? She repeated, a hint of surprise slipped through.

“ Yes , they're good friends afterall .” He stated causally. “ And she is twenty five already and established financially . I believe it will be a good match “ he put his hand on her lap

Shanaya's expression turned sombre, she said reluctantly . “ But being good friends doesn't mean they will be good partners to get married.”

Vikrant's jaw tightened, suddenly a faint smile appeared on his lips , almost amused. “ How long does it take, “ he added smoothly “ for friendship to turn into love?”

You want to fix your daughter's marriage with her bestfriend!”

The words settled heavily in the room.

His voice grew warmer yet firm. “ Reyansha is beautiful, talented and more than that she has built her own business at this young age ….” He shrugged lightly, a bitter smirk spreading across his face . “ God hasn't been that cruel to me after all . “At least he gave me one daughter worth being proud of.”

A pause.

His last words struck like a blow in Shanaya’s chest. Her expression remained still. The words weren't new after all. But they never hurt any less. Her fingers curled tightly on the mattress , the familiar lump clogged in her throat, by saying he once again reminded her she was unable to give him a son . But, since he heard progress in his middle daughter's future he had poured all his attention only to her ..

Vikrant continued, his eyes gleaming with something deeper than the facade. “And once this marriage happens…., Reyansha will live like a queen”

He smiled, searching to see her expression.

Shanaya watched him sharply . Her mind, however, was a whirlwind of possibilities. “QEEN OR PAWN?”

“ Vikrant…” she said steadily, choosing her words with care . “ Aisa tum chahte hoo..but are you sure Reyansha also wants this ?”

For a fraction of moment—

Another silence.

Then , he smirked , almost dismissively. “ Reya?” He whispered, as if the question itself amused him . “ She has always agreed with my decision. She won't start now .” His tone carried an absolute certainty.

He arrows at her , unwavering, as if stating a strong conviction “ And more than that… she loves me the most .” he added, a hint of pride sharpening his voice . “ For her…her father is an idol”

Shanaya's chest tightened slightly. Not because she disagreed but his tone sounds not just like pride but as a possession.

Vikrant's expression softened, as he leaned in, place his hand on her shoulder, firm yet controlled" All I'm doing ….for the sake of her happiness, ”

Shanaya looked at him . “ But what if she’s already seeing someone?” The question hung in the air momentarily, as soon as she corrected herself. “ I think I should talk to her first, Vikrant. Marriage is a huge responsibility, it's very crucial.”

Vikrant stared at her silently, looking at her piercing gaze . “ Bass!” He stopped , ignoring her advice in the air . “ I’ll talk to Jiji ( Pranali) . Once she agrees, Sanjeev Singhaniya will agree. “ He began bluntly. “ And Raagini Bajaj…” a faint, confident voice lingered in his eyes, he rubbed his chin “ She won't get the chance to refuse a proposal like this .”

Vikrant's eyes shimmered as his mind occupied a maelstrom of thought, something dark , dangerous. “ Ek baar …bas ek baar Rudra ki shaadi Reyansha se hogayi…” his lips curled faintly. “ Then the Bajaj business…will be within my reach.”