Page 217 of One Hellish Passion

“I hate him. I hate you. I hate everybody.”

“Just get up. I will drop you home,” she insisted.

“I don’t want to go there. And even if you send me there, I will come out again. I am a free girl. My life is mine not yours, not dad’s, nobody’s—”

Garima felt the weight of Adira's animosity.

“I don’t want to go anywhere with you. My friends laugh at me you know. Because I am letting you marry my father. You make me feel ashamed.”

Vivek was out of the country, and Garima was at a loss for what to do with Adira in her current state. Tensions rose as Adira slumped further onto the road. That’s when Garima dialed her son-in-law, Ranveer, seeking assistance.

Upon hearing Garima's distress, Ranveer instructed her to stay calm and asked her to hand over the phone to his guard. Following his directions, Garima, along with Adira, returned to Paradise as instructed by Ranveer.

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After 20 minutes, the doors of the private elevator swung open, and the guard emerged, carrying Adira in his arms, with a worried Garima tailing behind. Ranveer and Maya awaited them in the living room.

“Put her in the guest room, Mike,” Ranveer directed the guard to take Adira to the guest room. She was unconscious. Garima halted near them.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

“Most welcome, mother-in-law. It's too late now. Go and sleep. We will talk tomorrow,” Maya reassured her.

“But Adira...”

“I will take care of her, don't worry,” Maya replied.

“No, I don't want you to be with her. She is not on good terms with any of us, and...”

“Mom,” Maya interrupted, holding Garima's arm. “Don't worry. We will tackle this, alright? Now just go and sleep.”

“Where is Dhruv?” Garima inquired.

“He has left. We will have ice cream with him some other time. Right now, it was important to focus on this issue,” Ranveer explained.

Garima sighed in disappointment and retired to her room. Mike emerged from the guest room.

“She is fast asleep, Boss,” Mike reported.

“Thank you, Mike,” Ranveer acknowledged, and Mike departed.

Maya breathed heavily, pressing her forehead.

“Do you really think she should stay here?” Maya queried, uncertain about the decision.

“Yes,” Ranveer affirmed, heading to the small bar counter at the poolside and opening a bottle of wine. Maya followed him there.

“Ranveer, she probably doesn't even know Mom has brought her to Paradise. Tomorrow morning, when she wakes up and finds herself with us, she will unnecessarily create more drama, and...”

“I love dramas,” he interrupted, offering her some wine.

Maya clenched her jaw. “All this is a joke for you?”

Ranveer slid his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “You look sexy when angry,” he remarked, attempting to kiss her nose, but she averted her gaze.

“This is no time for romance, Ranveer,” she scolded, but he paid no heed, sipping his wine before placing the glass back on the table. His other arm remained around her waist.

“Adira Bajaj's presence here won't decide when I can romance my wife,” he declared confidently, observing her reaction.

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