Page 71 of Addiction

“Nonetheless, I don’t like this. You’re clearly in over your head with her. She has you wrapped around her little finger, and thus you’re taking risks which otherwise you wouldn’t.”

His temper sparked. He was tired of Mihir’s warnings about Navya. His brother was wrong about her, and Armaan had to tell him the truth.

Armaan lifted his jaw. “I love her, Mihir.”

Mihir rocked back, and then he shook his head. “No. Fuck. No.”

“You getting annoyed is not going to change how I feel about her. You’re going to have to accept this, and her, in my life.”

“Does she know? Does she reciprocate your feelings?”

“Well, if you move out of my way, then I will go and get the answers to those very questions.”

“You’re an idiot!” Mihir fumed. “You don’t even know what you mean to her. What if this is only one-sided?”

Armaan’s temper flared. However, before he could say something nasty to his brother, both their phones rang. It was Vedant.

“We’ll take it in the study,” Mihir growled.

Armaan followed him.

“Vedant, hi,” Mihir said, putting the phone on speaker. “Armaan is here with me. What’s happening?”

“Hi, guys,” Vedant said. “I’m at home, finishing some last-minute things. I’m getting on a plane tomorrow to come to Dubai.”

“Thank God!” Mihir exhaled.

“Yeah, I can’t wait to be with you both,” Vedant said.

“I’ll definitely sleep a lot better knowing all three of us are under one roof,” Mihir said.

“Why is Armaan so bloody quiet? What is going on?” Vedant asked.

“I’m here, brother,” Armaan said.

“What’s up with you? Is everything okay?”

Armaan let out a sigh. Among his brothers, Vedant had always been the most attuned to Mihir and him. He knew and understood them without even being around.

“I’m fine,” Armaan said.

“Really?” Mihir queried. “You’re nowhere near fine if you think you’re in love with Navya Mehra.”

“What the fuck?” Vedant swore. “Back up and fill me in. What have I missed, and why the fuck have I been kept out of the loop?”

“Armaan’s been meeting Navya since the past few weeks. They used to meet at home first, but now, they only meet on the yacht.”

Armaan’s jaw dropped. How the hell did?—?

Mihir silenced his question with a glare.

“I will always know what my brothers are up to,” Mihir said. “Of course, I know you’re sleeping with her and that the damn yacht is now your love nest.”

“What the hell?” Vedant sputtered. “Is this true, Armaan? Wait, are you in love with her?”

“Yes to both your questions,” Armaan replied honestly. “And the last thing I need is for you two to be patronizing or judging me. I need your understanding and acceptance.” He looked at Mihir as he said, “She’s the one.”

“Well then,” Vedant said, “Armaan, you have my support.”

---