Knotted Destiny(ON HOLD TILL APRIL)

15

Purvi Ahuja

It had been 15 minutes, and I was still trying to figure out why these men, dressed in all black, were standing in front of my house. Who were they? And why were they standing there like guard dogs?

Maybe they had mistaken my house for someone else's. I decided to go out and tell them they had the wrong address.

Marching towards the gates, I called out, “Excuse me! Hello! Over here! Yes, here!

One of the men stepped forward. “Yes, ma'am? Is there a problem? Wait—did someone break in?” he asked, genuine panic visible in his voice.

“No, the problem is you. You've got the wrong house, Mr. Bodyguard,” I said, pointing out the obvious.

He raised an eyebrow, stepped back, glanced at the nameplate and house number, and then, with renewed confidence, said, “Ma'am, we’re not mistaken. We’re at the correct address.” With that, he turned on his heels and resumed his post.

“Wait! But we didn’t hire you! Why are you here?” I asked, utterly confused.

“We’ve been hired by Mr. Malhotra, ma'am. And if we slack off, sir will have our heads. So if you’ll excuse me,” he said politely before walking away.

“Arey, par yeh Mr. Malhotra namuna hain kaun?” I muttered under my breath.

Then it hit me — there was only one Malhotra crazy enough to pull something like this. No way—why would he?

Without wasting another second, I rushed back inside, flew up the stairs, and headed straight to my room. I frantically searched my contacts for his number.

Crap! I didn’t have it saved!

Wait— Aarohi had sent it to me once!

I opened Aarohi’s chat and scrolled up like a maniac. “Where are you, number? Where are you... HERE YOU ARE!”

Ring… ring… ring… ring… ring…

"The number you're trying to call is either busy or not reachable at the moment. Please try again later."

Arey?

I dialed again. After three rings, the call got cut.

Did he just cut my call?!

Scoffing, I redialed, then again, and again. I was determined— I would keep calling you, Aarav Malhotra, until you answered.

Finally, after nine persistent calls, the arrogant Malhotra decided to pick up.

“Who the hell are you, dude?! Where the hell did you even get my fucking number, you fucking moron?!” he practically yelled over the phone.

God! He's so foul-mouthed!

“Stop yelling, Aarav! And I swear to God, fix that foul mouth of yours!” I snapped, gritting my teeth.

I don't think anyone has ever managed to work me up like this.

“Well, well, look who’s called me! My dear fiancée. Were you missing me so much that you just had to call?” His annoying voice practically dripped with sarcasm.

I scoffed. “Even my Louboutin heels wouldn’t miss you, Aarav! Snap out of your delusions. I called to ask why the hell there are so many bodyguards outside my house!”

“Someone’s trying to break my marriage! I wouldn’t be surprised if someone even tried to kidnap you. So, I’m just taking precautions beforehand,” he said casually, making me shake my head in disbelief.