Interwined Destinies

Chapter 32

A u t h o r 's POV

The night had transformed the entire mansion into something straight out of a fairytale. Fairy lights draped across balconies and trees blinked softly, casting a warm golden glow over the garden. Laughter floated in the air, mixed with the faint aroma of henna, roses, and sweets. The mehndi ceremony was in full swing-women sitting in circles, hands stretched forward, artists carefully tracing stories and symbols onto their palms while songs played softly in the background.

Karam sat among the girls earlier, laughing, teasing, holding her breath every time the mehndi cone tickled her skin. Now, with both hands covered in intricate designs and her patience running thin, exhaustion finally caught up with her.

She stood up carefully, stretching her back and neck, blinking slowly as sleep tugged at her eyelids.

"I'm going to the room," she whispered to Ruhanika, who nodded knowingly.

"Go, warna yahin baithke so jaayegi."

Karam smiled faintly and made her way upstairs, her lehenga swishing softly with each step.

The moment she entered the room, darkness greeted her. The door clicked shut behind her, and for a second, she just stood there, letting her eyes adjust. The muffled sounds of laughter and music from downstairs faded, replaced by silence-thick, intimate, almost aware.

Then she noticed it.

A dark silhouette stood near the balcony.

Tall. Still. Familiar.

Her heart skipped before she could stop it.

The faint glow of the fairy lights outside outlined his broad shoulders as he stood with his back to her, phone pressed to his ear. His voice was low, controlled, carrying that same authority that made people listen without question.

"Yes... increase security," he said quietly. "I don't want any loose ends. Keep eyes everywhere."

Karam exhaled slowly and shook her head, a tired smile tugging at her lips.

"Always on the phone," she muttered under her breath, irritation laced with affection. "Bada aaya businessman."

She walked toward the switch and turned on the light using her elbow, careful not to smudge her mehndi. Warm light flooded the room, softening the shadows.

Vikrant didn't turn around immediately.

Karam moved toward the mirror, lifting her dupatta slightly-and then froze when her eyes fell on her hands.

Fresh mehndi. Still wet. Dark, delicate, beautiful... and completely impractical.

She let out a slow, frustrated sigh.

"Great," she murmured. "Just great."

She shifted her weight, staring at her reflection-heavy lehenga, jewellery digging into her skin, hair pinned tightly, and absolutely no way to remove anything without ruining the mehndi.

"Of all nights," she complained softly, "yeh lehenga bhi aaj hi sabse zyada bhaari lag raha hai."

She attempted to slide her dupatta off carefully, lifting her elbows awkwardly, twisting her wrists in impossible angles.

"Ugh-no-no-don't touch-" she hissed to herself, stopping mid-movement. "Perfect. Mehndi ke saath wrestling match."

She puffed her cheeks in frustration, shoulders slumping.

And then-

Warm breath brushed against her ear.

Her entire body stilled.