KATHA

10 KALKI - JEALOUSY

I glared down at Kisan who sucked Nankhatai like it was life support. He got himself comfortable with a sweet tea and ten of those delicacies at my expense and haven't stopped teasing me since Katha commented how his 'charming and handsome' company was more tolerable and welcomed than mine.

I was battling my anger while the said vixen fed to the delusions of a possibly jobless runt who thought he stood a chance of charming her to his bed tonight, two tables down. He was the second one and I remembered the names when both of them introduced themselves. I'd kill them of course. I'd kill any man breathing in her direction with wrong intentions.

I glared at the small plain white vase that housed two marigolds as I sipped the second glass of Cutting Chai. I was addicted.

Their conversation was floating to my ears as if it purposely wanted to mock me. Along with that, the place was submerged in the soulful melody as Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai by Mukesh escaped the radio.

Finally after they flirted for two hundred years, that bastard left but not before placing a kiss on the back of her hand. He'd touched her. With his fucking lips. A seething rage surged within me at the thought, an uncontrollable fire that threatened to consume every fiber of my being. The mere notion that someone had laid a claim, however fleeting, upon my woman sent a flood of primal fury coursing through my veins. Yes. Mine. She was mine. My fists clenched til my knuckles turned white, my jaw was set in a steely resolve, as a tempest of raw emotion took form within me.

She navigated the vintage charm of her tea shop, her frustration eventually simmered beneath the surface. I watched her every move as she flew around clearing tables and tending to the few patrons. She barely glanced up as the door chimed, announcing the entry of a customer.

With a curt nod, she gestured to a seat, sounding exhausted. She worked too hard. I needed to find her irresponsible, unprofessional bunch of employees. "Find a spot wherever you like," She said, her dark eyes focused on setting a table for a couple. I thanked the Goddess because if she'd started flirting with the third man in front of me, I'd have snapped.

The stranger's voice was playful, drawing her attention. "Well, aren't you the warmest of hosts ?" He drawled, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

I instantly wanted to murder him. Third man.

Third man in a span of three fucking hours.

Katha rolled her eyes and much to my pleasure, ignored the man who looked like he spent seventeen years of his eighteen year existence helping a grandma run a library. His baby blue checkered shirt and white pants were a pair too loose and his short hair were oiled in place. "I'm in the business of tea, not pleasantries," She retorted as she wiped her palms over her brown apron.

Unfazed, he leaned back, his gaze fixed intently on her. "Ah, but what's a cup of tea without a sprinkle of charm ?" He countered, his eyes dancing with a hint of intrigue.

She spared him a glance, a wry smirk playing on her lips as she walked to his table. "I'm sure you're quite the expert in charming your way into tea shops,"

He chuckled. "Only the finest establishments," He was practically devouring her with his audacious eyes now.

I grinded my molars too hard, only realising when they hurt. An unwelcomed, burning sensation creeped up my chest and wrapped around my throat. My knuckles turned white around the glass again.

Her lips curved into a sardonic smile. "Is that so ?" She mused, her fingers deftly arranging cups and saucers on the table he sat.

"Yeah, Love. Ravi Gupta here, I work in the bookstore across the street." If I wasn't so furious, I'd have laughed. Love. LOVE. Just one word. And I was so furious. I'd break the bastard's jaws first. Then rip his tongue out.

"The one ran by that old lady ?"

"Exactly that."

"I'll consider. What can I get for you ?"

"A sweet coffee with Mawa cakes please."

"Give me a few minutes." She didn't bother to wait for his reply or tell him the reason for taking extra time like she did with me. I had fucking butterflies in my stomach.

Kiss' laughter erupted like a symphony of amusement. I had no idea how he managed to not choke on the Nankhatai stuffed in his mouth but my annoyance flared.

"Kiki, my dear friend, I must say, your taste in hobbies has truly taken a fascinating turn. From Don to a tea connoisseur. And now I see you getting your balls in a twist over a man who looks like he worked at a bookstore owned by a grandma ?"

My gaze could have turned steel into molten lava, "You seem to have quite the knack for irritating me, dear friend,"

He leaned back in his chair, a grin playing on his lips. "Oh, it's one of many talents of mine. Besides, looks like we uncovered a crack in your unbreakable armor. I can literally see steam coming out of your ears and nose." He laughed.

My narrowed, "Seems you think it's your job to hunt and feast on my rare moments of vulnerability, Kiss,"

His grin widened, eyes glinting with mischief, "Since the moment I met you on that Port. I simply cannot resist savoring the sight of you squirming in your seat like a fish out of water. Brimming with jealousy, no less."

My lips curved into a sinister smile, "Your ability to derive pleasure from my irritation is truly remarkable. If only you put this much efforts in your Investigation skills, we would have had our serial killer in our clutches by now." I mused.

"Ah, Kiki, it's all in the name of friendship, you see. A true best friend delights in uncovering the hidden facets of your personality,"

"Your definition of friendship leaves much to be desired, Kiss," I muttered.

Kisan's laughter bounced off the walls of my new favourite place. "Consider it a small price to pay for a glimpse of your rarely seen human side."

I retorted, "You make it sound as if I'm some mythical creature that surfaces once in a blue moon."

Kisan's eyes sparkled, his grin unapologetic. "Well, considering your usual stoicism and past, I wouldn't be surprised if rumors of your existence manage to inspire a few legends,"

"Whatever." I slipped my gaze back to a much pleasant sight. She took a seat on one of the tables, wiping that glistening coat of sweat off that golden skin with her pallu. As I fought the urge to take her in my arms and never let go, our eyes met with a clash. She didn't glare at me but...

I wasn't sure if it was warmth in her eyes.