She met Samarth's gaze, saw something fierce burning there.
Tell me the truth,his eyes demanded.
"I asked him to let go," she said quietly. "He didn't."
The temperature in the room dropped several degrees.
"It was just a moment," Kabir said quickly. "I was mid-sentence, got carried away—"
"Bruno," Samarth said, his voice softer now. "Stand down."
This time, the dog obeyed. But he moved to Nimisha's other side, still creating a barrier between her and Kabir.
Satisfied.
"I don't understand what his problem is!" Tanisha said, her voice rising. "Bruno has never acted like this. Kabir is going to be family!"
"Bruno senses threats," Samarth said, his eyes never leaving Kabir. "He always has. And he's never been wrong."
The implication hung in the air.
Kabir's smile tightened. "Surely you're not suggesting I'm a threat? To my own future sister-in-law?"
"I'm not suggesting anything." Samarth's smile was cold. "I'm stating facts. My dog doesn't trust you. And I trust my dog's instincts more than I trust anyone's words."
"Bhai, you're being ridiculous," Tanisha said, moving to stand beside Kabir defensively. "He wasn't doing anything wrong!"
"He touched my wife without her consent."
"It was just her wrist—"
"I don't care if it was her fucking pinky finger." Samarth's control finally cracked, his voice hard. "She's my wife. No one touches her without permission. Especially not a man she's clearly uncomfortable around."
"I'm not uncomfortable—" Kabir started.
"She is." Samarth's eyes were black with rage. "I can see it. Bruno can sense it. The only people who can't are the ones too blinded by your charm to see the predator underneath."
"Samarth, that's enough!" Saroj's voice was sharp. "You're being incredibly rude to our guest."
"He stopped being a guest the moment he put his hands on what's mine."
The possessiveness in his tone was unmistakable.
Nimisha's breath caught.
"This is insane," Tanisha said, tears in her eyes. "You're going to ruin everything! You're jealous because I found happiness and you're stuck in a loveless marriage—"
"Tanisha." Raghbir's voice cut through his daughter's tirade. "Enough."
He'd been watching silently from his chair, but now he stood, his presence commanding immediate attention.
"Kabir, I think it's best if you leave for tonight," Raghbir said calmly. "Let tempers cool."
"Sir, I assure you I meant no disrespect—"
"I'm sure you didn't. But my son's wife was uncomfortable, and my grandson's dog is ready to tear your throat out. Those are two facts I can't ignore." Raghbir's tone was polite but absolute. "We'll discuss this tomorrow when everyone is calmer."
Kabir had no choice but to agree. He left with Tanisha escorting him out, shooting daggers at Samarth as she went.
