Intertwined

Chapter 14 : Jealousy Jealousy

It were twenty more days to the wedding but for the elders, time was running. The ladies had already started with the festivities, had set the staff to clean every nook and cranny than it already was. The haveli was being adorned with fairy lights and garlands as well to glow and be sented till the wedding day. Closer relatives like Mandira's in-laws, Shreya's cousins from her father's side, Anushka's family, Kabir and Mahir's maternal cousins have started to arrive as well while the formal guests were due to come a week prior to the main event.

As someone who didn't like the limelight on herself, Sneha felt like fleeing the space because the addition of the cousins of all the Chauhan siblings, she had become the center of attention. Sometimes Disha was coming with her favourite cousins to introduce her would-be ‘Bhabhi’ to them sometimes Kabir. And right that moment, it was Shreya

“Sneha, this is Raniya and Taniya. My elder paternal uncle's daughters. And girls, this is Sneha. Kabir's would-be wife.” - Shreya introduced with a warm smile.

Sneha smiled at them in kind while her eyes discreetly searched for an escape.

“Have you seen Mahir, Shreya ?”

Sneha raised a brow at Raniya's question. It would not have been unusual if not for Raniya rolling a hair tendril around her finger while smiling meaningfully.

“I haven't. He'll be somewhere around.” - Shreya replied, shrugging.

Just then, Sneha saw Divya coming their way with another group of cousins, most probably for another introductory round. She internally groaned and decided to flee.

“Excuse me guys, I have to use the loo.” - she said and hurriedly took stairs. “God, how and why I'm stuck in all this ?! How's everything messed up all of a sudden ?” - she was talking to herself while crossing the hallway towards Kabir's room. Utterly pissed, she didn't think about knocking and twisting the knob, barged inside.

“Kabir I want-”

She stopped short at the sight of Mahir. Both brothers were bent over the laptop on the study table, probably discussing something which she had interrupted. Her cheeks pinked in embarrassment.

“Sorry I... I wanted to talk to you urgently and forgot to knock...” - she was apologizing to Kabir but her eyes were locked with Mahir who had his jaws clenched.

“It's alright. You don't need to knock anyways.” - Mahir said with a smile that looked too tight to be real. “Kabir we can discuss this some other time. Right now, your fiance wants to have you all to herself.” - he was addressed to Kabir but was staring straight at her.

Sneha barely stopped her mouth from dropping. All to herself ? Where did that come from ?

Mahir grabbed his phone from the table and walked towards the door but she was in the way. Kabir picked the books from the table and went to arrange them in the shelf and she got the chance to hold Mahir's arm as he tried to sidestep her.

His jaws were set so tight she could feel him gritting his teeth. His loyal companion in his anger, his temple vein, was popping wildly. But he didn't turn, nor looked at her. Instead, his other hand took her hand off his arm and he left the room.

God, she would need to cajole him now.

~

Next morning after enjoying a relaxing bath, Sneha came out of her room to join everyone at breakfast. She reached the landing of the staircase of first floor when she spotted Mahir entering the hall in tracksuit. Most probably returning from his jog. Her eyes automatically narrowed as Raniya, who was seated with other cousins in the living room, brightened at his sight and shot to her feet.