Lawfully Yours - Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Raj Verma’s Villa, Delhi – Birthday Party
By the time Arundhati reached her uncle’s villa, the celebration was already alive with soft music, warm lights, and a growing cluster of guests exchanging pleasantries over glasses of wine. The large garden had been tastefully decorated—elegant fairy lights strung across the lawn, the faint scent of jasmine wafting through the night air.
It was just past 10:00 p.m. when she stepped inside, slightly breathless, her work satchel slung over her shoulder, and the fatigue of the day still clinging to her like a second skin.
She offered polite smiles and nods to a few familiar faces as she moved through the crowd, heading straight for her uncle.
Raj Verma uncle stood near the bar area, talking animatedly with a group of old friends, his laughter echoing lightly in the space. But the moment his eyes landed on her, his entire face lit up. Breaking away from the conversation, he came to her and pulled her into a warm, protective hug.
“You’re late,” he murmured with gentle affection. “I was beginning to think you forgot your old uncle’s big day party tonight.”
She smiled and pulled back. “Sorry, Uncle. I came straight from office. A client meeting ran longer than expected, and then there were some last-minute filings to submit before the court reopened tomorrow.”
Raj raised a brow. “And I see you didn’t get time to change either?”
“I didn’t,” she admitted. “I have a couple of dresses upstairs in my room. Hopefully, one of them still fits. Give me ten minutes. I’ll be quick.”
Raj nodded. “Go on. Freshen up. I’ll hold the fort.”
But as she turned to head up the staircase, her eyes instinctively swept across the room, scanning the faces of the guests. It was subtle—but not enough to escape Raj’s notice. His gaze narrowed slightly, and a knowing smirk touched his lips.
“The one you’re looking for isn’t here.”
She froze mid-step. “I wasn’t looking for anyone.”
He chuckled softly. “Aru, I may not be your father by blood, but I know you well enough to read those eyes. You were searching for him.”
She turned, feigning indifference. “I wasn’t searching for Kushal, Uncle.”
Raj folded his arms across his chest. “Is that so? Well, in any case, he’s not coming to the party tonight.”
Her steps faltered. He wasn’t coming? That caught her off guard.
“What do you mean he’s not coming? He said this morning he would. Did you speak to him?”
Raj chuckled, clearly amused.
“Why do you sound so concerned? Shouldn’t you be glad the one person who annoys you endlessly won’t be around to ruin your evening?”
Arundhati rolled her eyes, exasperated.
“I don’t care if he comes here or not. I just wanted to make sure you’re not hurt. He’s your golden boy. I know how much you adore him. I know you’ll be disappointed if he didn’t show up tonight. That’s all.”
Raj patted her shoulder affectionately. “Lying doesn’t suit you, Aru. Especially not to me.”
She looked down, a bit caught, wondering what excuse to give further but before she could defend herself again, Raj leaned in conspiratorially.
“He’s on his way. I was just pulling your leg.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Uncle! That’s not funny. Don’t use his name to tease me. Please.”
He laughed, delighted at her flustered reaction.
Shaking her head, Arundhati sighed, then leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “I’ll be down soon and my gift is in the car. I’ll get it once I am ready.”
“Take your time,” he replied, watching her fondly as she turned and made her way up the stairs, disappearing into the soft glow of the upper hallway.