The Mafia heart ( book 1 )

chapter 22 A New Rival

The sun rose brightly the next day, casting golden rays into Mehek's kitchen as she prepared breakfast. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air, mingling with the scent of toast. As she placed two cups on the table, Vikram strolled in, his hair slightly tousled and a smile gracing his face.

"Good morning!" he said cheerfully. "What's for breakfast today?"

"Just some toast and eggs," Mehek replied, pouring a cup of coffee. "I hope that's okay."

"Sounds perfect," he said, taking a seat at the table. "Thanks for always being so thoughtful."

She felt a flutter in her chest but quickly pushed it aside. "It's just breakfast, Vikram. Don't make it a big deal."

He chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "I can't help it. I feel like I'm on the road to recovery, thanks to you."

Just as they were about to dig into their meal, the doorbell rang, breaking their moment. Mehek exchanged a glance with Vikram, who raised an eyebrow.

"I'll get it," she said, wiping her hands on a towel as she headed to the door.

When she opened it, she was surprised to see Aman Khanna standing there. He was a tall man with a confident demeanor, and his charming smile was often disarming. But today, there was something in his eyes that felt unsettling.

"Aman! What brings you here?" Mehek asked, forcing a smile.

"Hey, Mehek! I came to see Vikram," Aman replied, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "Is he around?"

"Uh, yes. He's in the kitchen," she said hesitantly.

Aman walked towards the kitchen with an air of familiarity, and Mehek followed, feeling a sense of unease. When they entered, Vikram looked up, surprise flashing across his face.

"Aman! What a surprise!" Vikram said, standing up to greet him. "What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to check on you, buddy," Aman said, clapping Vikram on the back. "I heard about your accident. Must have been rough."

"It was, but I'm recovering well," Vikram replied, his smile genuine but cautious. "Thanks for coming by."

Mehek watched as Aman took a seat at the table, a smug look on his face. "You're lucky to have someone like Mehek looking after you," he said, glancing between them. "Not everyone gets that kind of support."

Vikram nodded. "I know I'm fortunate. She's been amazing."

"Yeah, amazing," Aman echoed, but there was an edge to his tone. "You know, not everyone could manage the pressure of taking care of someone after a serious accident. It must be a lot for her."

Mehek felt her cheeks heat up. "I'm just doing what anyone would do," she said, trying to deflect the attention.

"Oh, come on, Mehek. You're really doing a lot," Aman said, leaning back in his chair. "It's not easy being someone's caretaker. I'm sure Vikram appreciates it more than he lets on."

Vikram shot him a warning look. "Aman, stop it. Mehek is my wife. It's my responsibility to take care of her as well."

"Oh, I know," Aman replied smoothly. "But let's face it, you're the one who needed help recently. It's only natural for Mehek to be the one stepping up."

Mehek felt a growing discomfort. She could sense the tension in the air and the underlying jealousy in Aman's voice. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Aman leaned forward, his tone shifting slightly. "I just mean that it's easy for someone like Vikram to take things for granted. He's had everything handed to him on a silver platter. Maybe it's time for a reality check."

Vikram's expression darkened. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just saying," Aman said casually, waving a hand. "You're a successful guy. Maybe it's time for someone else to take the reins for a change."

"Like you?" Vikram shot back, his voice rising. "You think you can just step in and take my place?"

Aman chuckled, but there was no humor in his eyes. "I'm just saying there's a lot more to life than just business, Vikram. Maybe you should focus on what really matters."

"Like what? Allowing someone else to take my position? Or my wife?" Vikram replied, his anger simmering just below the surface.

Mehek felt the heat rising between the two men and quickly intervened. "Guys, can we please just calm down? This is not the time or place for this kind of discussion."

"Right," Aman said, a smirk on his face. "No need to make things uncomfortable, especially when you've got a perfect little life set up for you."

"Enough!" Vikram shouted, standing up. "I don't need you to come here and undermine everything I've worked for. You think you can just waltz in here and say whatever you want?"

Aman stood as well, his demeanor changing to match Vikram's intensity. "You might want to watch your back, Vikram. Sometimes, the people closest to you can be the most dangerous."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Vikram asked, his voice low and tense.

Aman smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Just a friendly warning. Be careful who you trust."

With that, Aman turned on his heel and walked towards the door, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. Mehek stood frozen, glancing between Vikram and the closed door.

"Do you think he really meant that?" she asked, her heart racing.

"Yeah," Vikram replied, his jaw clenched. "Aman has always been jealous of me. He thinks he can take everything I have, including you."

"Why would he say that?" Mehek questioned, her brow furrowing.

"Because he's always wanted what I have," Vikram said bitterly. "He thinks he can charm his way into your life. But I won't let him."

Mehek felt a pang of uncertainty. "But it's not like you're exactly in the best position right now, either. You've just come out of an accident, and he might think he has a chance."

Vikram stepped closer, looking her in the eye. "He doesn't stand a chance. I won't let anyone come between us, Mehek. You're my wife, and I'll fight for you."

The intensity of his gaze made her heart race, but she felt torn. "Vikram, I don't want to be a prize to be fought over."

"Then let me show you that I can be more than just the man you were forced to marry," he said softly. "Let me prove it to you."

As Mehek stood there, the weight of their unspoken feelings hung in the air. She could sense the tension of their situation deepening, and she didn't know how to respond. But one thing was clear: with Aman's entrance into their lives, things were about to get a lot more complicated.