SHADOWS OF DESIRES

chapter 4

AUTHOR POV

  As they entered the palace, the grandeur of the place was amplified by the buzz of activity. Vikram’s family immediately surrounded Adriti, showering her with warmth and affection. Abhiman’s parents were also present, their interest piqued by the new arrival.

  “Adriti, it’s wonderful to finally meet you,” Abhiman’s mother said, pulling her into a warm embrace. “We’ve heard so much about you. And please, call me Aunt, not Mrs. Suryawanshi.”

  “Thank you, Auntie,” Adriti replied, her smile genuine.

  Abhiman’s mother beamed, taking a step back to admire her. “You’re even more beautiful than I imagined. No wonder you’ve captured everyone’s hearts.”

  Adriti blushed slightly, murmuring her thanks. Meanwhile, Abhiman stood off to the side, his irritation growing as he watched his parents and everyone else fawning over Adriti. Vikram wasted no time in sharing the tale of their airport bickering.

  “You should have seen them at the airport,” Vikram said with a chuckle. “They were like cats and dogs!”

  Abhiman’s father raised an eyebrow, looking at his son with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. “Abhiman, speechless and annoyed? Now that’s a first.”

  Abhiman scowled. “She started it.”

  Adriti shot back, “I did not! You were the one being impossible!”

  “Oh, really? You’re the one who can’t handle a simple conversation without turning it into a debate,” Abhiman retorted.

  “Simple conversation? You call that simple?” Adriti countered, crossing her arms.

  Abhiman’s mother laughed. “I like her. She’s got spirit.”

  Abhiman couldn’t believe his ears. “You’re taking her side?”

  Vikram’s mother chimed in, “It’s not every day someone can match wits with you, Abhiman. It’s refreshing.”

  As the families continued to chat and laugh, Ahana’s jealousy simmered. She stepped forward, her tone dripping with false sweetness. “Abhiman was just trying to be helpful. Maybe you were too sensitive, Adriti.”

  But her words fell on deaf ears. Everyone was too busy enjoying the novelty of someone standing up to Abhiman. Even his parents seemed to take delight in the situation.

  “Adriti, how did you manage to leave Abhiman speechless?” Abhiman’s father asked, a twinkle in his eye.

  Adriti smirked. “It wasn’t that hard. Just a matter of pointing out his flaws.”

  “Flaws?” Abhiman said incredulously. “I don’t have flaws. Just... preferences.”

  “Sure, let’s call them that,” Adriti teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

  Everyone burst into laughter, except for Ahana, who tried again to take Abhiman’s side. “Adriti, maybe you should be more respectful. Abhiman is—”

  “Ahana, dear,” Abhiman’s mother interrupted gently, “we appreciate your concern, but Adriti is handling herself just fine.”