Page 50 of The Pursuit
“But why?” I questioned, perplexed by her request.
“Because I want you to,” Meher stated matter-of-factly.
“But I’m not supposed to wear all this.” I shook my head. “As your bodyguard, my duty is to remain vigilant and protect you at all times from any harm. I can’t be celebrating with you at the event if that’s what you want because one wrong move from me could have severe consequences. I can’t risk that. Maybe some other time.”
Meher frowned, then looked at Krish, who had stepped closer to us on hearing our conversation. “Krish, what kind of bodyguard have you hired for me who doesn’t even listen to my commands?” she asked, a hint of teasingin her voice.
Krish chuckled, recognising her playful tone. “Did you obey the bodyguards your father hired for you in the past? If I remember correctly, you always gave them a tough time and eloped just to have some freedom from their constant following.”
Meher bit her lip, acknowledging the truth in his words.
“So, Mrs. Meher Shergill, how can you expect them to listen to you now? And Trisha is right—wearing traditional outfits while she’s on duty protecting you isn’t a good choice. I won’t approve of that; and don’t even think of asking Ayaan, or he might not let you attend the function tomorrow.”
Meher rolled her eyes, knowing Ayaan’s protective instincts could indeed lead him to make such a decision. She smiled at Krish, trying to convince him instead.
“Come on, Krish. Can’t you approve of such a simple favour for me? Besides, this function is safe. There will be Walia family guards too, and I promise I won’t disturb Trisha there, except to show her off to my cousin brothers.”
“What?” Krish scowled, clearly not happy about what she had said. “You would show off Trisha to your cousins? Why would you do that?”
Meher’s innocent expression morphed into a mischievous grin.
“I like Trisha, and I really want her to stay close to me. What better than marrying her off to one of my cousins in the future?”
I was equally surprised by Meher’s idea, though I couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth at her desire for me to remain close. However, the look of jealousy on Krish’s face was priceless.
“If that’s your plan, then I definitely wouldn’t approve of this now,” Krish stated firmly. “I don’t want to lose Trisha to one of your cousins.”
Meher furrowed her brows, trying to find the meaning behind his words. Krish instantly realised he had said too much. He quickly tried to explain himself.
“I mean, I’m not letting my best bodyguard, Trisha, be taken by one of your cousins. I need her... I mean, we... need her.” He almost stammered by the time he completed saying that.
Meher burst out laughing at Krish’s evident confusion and his attempts to backtrack.
“Fine,” she conceded. “If you don’t want me to do that, you’ll let Trisha wear the traditional outfit I’ve gifted her. No more arguments over this.”
With a wink in my direction, Meher made her way up the stairs, leaving Krish staring angrily in her wake. He then turned his gaze towards me.
“Why are you smiling now?” he scolded, noticing the grin on my face.
“You look cute when you’re jealous, Director,” I teased.
Krish sighed and shook his head, but a hint of a smile played on his lips.
“Wear the outfit... but... stay away from her cousins.You’re mine... I don’t want them anywhere near you.”
I stifled a giggle before giving him a mock salute. “Yes, Sir.”
Just then, Ayaan called out for Krish from another room, and Krish had to leave, but not without giving me another warning look to stay away from Meher’s cousins. It was all in good fun, and I couldn’t help but laugh at Krish’s adorable display of jealousy.
The next day, I wore the beautiful traditional outfit Meher had gifted me—a lehnga choli with intricate embroidery and vibrant colours that complemented my skin tone. The choli was almost backless, something I hardly wore during my regular duty, which is why I couldn’t wait to see Krish’s reaction.
As I emerged from my room, ready for the function, I caught sight of Krish in the hallway. His eyes widened, and he seemed momentarily stunned as he took in my appearance.
“Trisha, you look...” he began, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words.
“Like a woman that you wouldn’t want to lose to Meher’s cousins?” I finished for him, echoing his words from yesterday with a playful grin.
Krish chuckled and shook his head, but his gaze was fixed on me, desire evident in his eyes. “More like a woman I never want to let go of,” he murmured, pulling me into his embrace.
