His Vengeance Wife

Chapter 16

Inside the cabin, Akhil sat at his desk, casually flipping through papers. When someone knocked on the door, he allowed them in without looking up, still focused on his work.

Advika entered, holding a cup of coffee in one hand and an iPad in the other.

"You're punctual today. I’m impressed," Akhil taunted.

Advika gave him a sarcastic smile while he was busy reading his schedule. He picked up the cup, but before he could take a sip, the door burst open, revealing Vivaan.

Startled by the sudden noise, Advika jumped slightly.

"Oh! Did I interrupt a private moment?" Vivaan teased, looking at Advika, who stared at him, puzzled.

"Do I know him?" she wondered, but as she listened further, she gasped and quickly shook her head.

"You can leave, Advika. I'll call you when I need you," Akhil said, picking up the cup again.

"At least introduce her to me! Anyway, Advika, I’m Vivaan," he said.

"Hi, nice to meet you, sir," Advika replied with a polite smile.

"Just Vivaan, or you can call me 'bhai' (brother). Don’t be so formal," he added. Advika nodded.

Akhil cleared his throat without looking at them.

He tried again to take a sip, but before he could, Vivaan exclaimed, "Oh wow! I’d love a cup of coffee too!"

"Make one for yourself, then," Akhil retorted, annoyed.

"Oh, I see. You want to enjoy this coffee alone. Advika, will you make one for me too?" Vivaan asked innocently. Advika nodded, but before she could leave, a cold voice stopped her.

"No need. Have this one," Akhil said.

"No!" Advika shouted, making both men look at her—Vivaan with a teasing smile and Akhil with a frown.

"Oh, is this a special coffee only for your soon-to-be husband?" Vivaan joked.

Advika shook her head quickly while Akhil raised an eyebrow, staring at her intently.

"I-I mean, I made this to his liking. It’s not very tasty. I’ll make you a special one. Trust me, you’ll love it, bhai," she said, finishing her sentence in one breath.

Akhil pressed his tongue against his inner cheek, staring intensely at her. Advika felt her insides twist with nerves but didn’t show it. He leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Okay," Vivaan said, taking a seat in front of Akhil, who kept his eyes on Advika. She quickly left the room.

"Stop staring at her, brother. She’s yours," Vivaan teased.

Akhil glared at him before turning back to his laptop. He glanced at the coffee cup before resuming typing.

"What’s the status of the research I asked you to do?" Akhil asked, still typing.

"It’s ongoing—" Vivaan’s phone rang, interrupting him, and he moved to the window to take the call.

Advika knocked and entered the cabin again, seeing Vivaan on the phone and Akhil reading some files. She placed a fresh cup of coffee on the table and turned to leave, but Akhil's voice stopped her.

"Cancel today's meeting with Mr. Mehta and reschedule it for tomorrow."

"Okay," she replied. Her eyes fell on the empty cup, and she hid a mischievous smile. Little did she know, Akhil had already noticed.

She looked at him, finding him already watching her. His eyes were dark, like a storm ready to unleash, while hers burned quietly but fiercely, ready to ignite.

She quickly shifted her gaze to Vivaan, who was smiling teasingly. Advika gave an awkward smile back.

Vivaan took a sip of his coffee and let out a pleased sound. Akhil’s expression turned disgusted.

"What? It’s delicious. Advika, I’d love to drink this coffee every day," Vivaan said.

"Sure!" she chirped happily, sensing a dark glare from Akhil. She turned to see him fuming, his jaw clenched tightly. He looked both intimidating and disturbingly attractive, making her shake her head to dismiss the sudden thoughts that invaded her mind.

Vivaan glanced at her. "Advika, are you free during lunch?"

"Ye—"

"No, she’s not," Akhil snapped. "We have a meeting during lunch, and we'll be eating there."

Vivaan smirked slightly and stood, adjusting his coat.

"I guess my work here is done," he murmured to himself.

"Okay, I’ll take my leave. Bye, Advika," Vivaan said, giving her a side hug that made Akhil's eyes flash with anger as he gripped the paperweight on his desk.

After Vivaan left, Advika turned to face Akhil, immediately regretting it.

"I-I’ll take my leave now. Bye," she stammered and quickly ran out before he could say anything.

Closing her cabin door, she took a moment to control her rapid breathing. "That was close," she muttered and got back to her work.
____

At the Restaurant

Advika and Akhil entered the upscale restaurant and approached the table where a man in his 40s and a young man in his 20s were seated, flanked by bodyguards. They stood as Akhil approached.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Agarwal," the older man greeted.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Malhotra," Akhil replied, removing his shades. His sharp gaze fell on the younger man, who gave off an unpleasant vibe.

"Mr. Agarwal, this is my son, Aarav Malhotra," Mr. Malhotra introduced.

Aarav extended his hand for a handshake, but Akhil ignored it and simply nodded before sitting down like the king he was. Aarav's jaw clenched in anger at the insult.

Advika, watching the new faces, felt a wave of nervousness and clutched her bag tightly. Sensing her discomfort, Akhil signaled for her to sit beside him, which she did.

The business conversation began, and Advika took notes in her small diary. Suddenly, she felt something brush against her leg. She glanced at Akhil, who was still engaged in conversation, and then at Aarav, who smirked at her. She glared at him and shifted her leg away, but he persisted, sliding his leg further up.

That was it. Advika kicked him hard, making Aarav wince in pain.

Akhil and Mr. Malhotra paused and looked at him.

"Sorry, I just hit my leg. Please continue," Aarav muttered, trying to play it off.
"Laato ke bhoot baaton se nahi maante,"
("Ghosts who don’t learn from words need kicks,")
Advika muttered under her breath, thinking no one would hear, but Akhil did, and he shot a glare at Aarav.

Mr. Malhotra, sensing the tension, apologized, and the conversation resumed. Aarav glared at Advika, who met his gaze with a triumphant smirk before he masked it with an innocent expression.

♡♡♡
TBC...