The Malhotras Brides ✔

chapter 18

Advik lounged on the sofa, his anticipation for the evening's event evident in the slight smirk playing on his lips. His attention was soon drawn to the entrance as Ishan entered the room, cradling Pragya in his arms as she slept peacefully.

“I guess this time period was short for your romance huh?” Advik quipped, his smirk widening as he teased his brother.“Bhaiya, didn't anybody teach you not to poke your nose in their love life?” Ishan retorted with a playful grin.

“i am just waiting for my nephew or niece to call me 'chachu',” Advik replied with a chuckle, enjoying the banter with his younger brother as Ishan rolled his eyes and made his exit.

As Advik reached for his coat, his attention was suddenly diverted by the sound of clicking heels on the stairs. His gaze shifted towards the staircase, his breath catching in his throat as Anika descended, adorned in a breathtaking green ankle-length dress.

Advik found himself captivated by her beauty, his eyes never wavering as he drank in the sight of her, unable to tear his gaze away. “You are looking gorgeous,” Advik complimented, his eyes gleaming with admiration."Thanks, you too," Anika replied with a smile, returning the compliment.

"What, beautiful?" Advik teased, a playful smile tugging at his lips.Anika glanced down shyly and shook her head. "I mean, you are looking good," she corrected herself."Only good?" Advik prodded, his playful mood evident. "Abababa, no, I mean you look handsome," Anika hastily amended, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as Advik stifled a chuckle.

"Let's go," Advik suggested, offering his arm to Anika, signalling for her to take it."With you?" Anika questioned, her uncertainty evident."Or who else?" Advik quipped, raising an eyebrow in amusement. "No, I mean, nobody knows about me being married," Anika explained, her voice tinged with hesitation.

"You dropped 'Saxena' from your profile," Advik recalled, remembering the recent change."Yes, but now I've added another initial, 'M,'" Anika confirmed."Okay, come with me. I'll drop you off a little distance from the venue," Advik offered, and Anika nodded in agreement.

As they settled into the car, Anika made a request. "Can you please take me to my company? Mr. Gupta's gift is there," she explained."What gift, by the way?" Advik inquired, focusing on the road ahead.

"All my books, signed by me. He personally asked for them," Anika replied."Ah, I see," Advik acknowledged.
Outside Mr. Gupta’s mansion, Anika expressed her gratitude. "Okay, thank you so much," she said, stepping out of the car, and Advik nodded in response

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞In the Party∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Mr. Gupta approached Advik with a smile. "Hello, Mr. Malhotra, how are you?" he inquired.

"I am fine. How are you?" Advik responded politely."Very happy. I invited Ms. Saxena today," Mr. Gupta revealed to Advik, his excitement evident."Ah, my son's crush," he added, and Advik's grip on his glass tightened imperceptibly.

"Just a moment, I will introduce you to her," Mr. Gupta continued, leading Advik along with him.As they approached, Advik spotted Mr. Gupta's son, Alok, engaged in conversation with Anika.

"Hello, Ms. Saxena, meet Mr. Malhotra," Mr. Gupta introduced them, and Anika nervously nodded, extending her hand to Advik."Let's come, Ms. Saxena," Mr. Gupta urged, and Anika followed his lead.

Onstage, Mr. Gupta addressed the crowd, his voice filled with warmth. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us today for my beloved son's birthday," he greeted, eliciting applause from the guests.

Anika glanced in Advik's direction, her curiosity piqued. Was he drinking alcohol or a cold drink?Advik noticed her gaze and intercepted a passing waiter, exchanging his drink for a glass of cold beverage. He subtly showed it to Anika, who looked away with a smile playing on her lips.