Page 150 of One Hellish Passion

Other than accolades for his business, this was the first time Ranveer was appreciated for his personal qualities.

“I wish you and Maya the very best in life. You have my blessings,” Garima said, kissing the back of his hand.

The gesture was unfamiliar, but he would have to accept this new bond between him and Garima. She was Maya's mother and now his too. But thinking of his own mother brought back the pain and fear he still hadn't confessed to Maya. She had just accepted his proposal and he didn’t want her backing out when she learned of his past.

“Where is my fiancée?” he broke his reverie, refocusing on Garima.

“She went shopping,” she replied. “I wanted to go too but you know Maya's insistence about my health. She didn't want me leaving bed. I'm sick of being cooped up. I want to help with and enjoy my daughter's wedding.”

“It's your daughter's wedding, you have full right to participate. No one will stop you,” he assured her.

“But Maya…”

“I'll handle her,” he assured.

Garima's smile brightened. “Thanks for the permission, son-in-law,” she said.

Son-in-law? Ranveer gulped. That seemed like a massive responsibility.

****************

“This is an awesome idea, Bro.” Dhruv clinked wine glasses with Ranveer, who'd called him over after his boxing classes to share the wedding plans.

Dhruv had rushed right over, eager to be part of the celebrations at Paradise the next day.

“You really shocked me. I was still thinking up ways to help you woo Maya, and you tell me she's agreed to marry you? Wow. You hit a sixer this time. I couldn't have imagined this day coming so soon.”

Ranveer just smirked, sipping his wine.

“But I hope you sealed the marriage deal with her, so she doesn't change her mind,” Dhruv added.

Ranveer shot him a wry look. “Why would she do that? She won't.”

“I know she won't, but sealing the deal would cement things,” Dhruv winked suggestively. “Seal it with a kiss, bro. That's what I mean.”

Ranveer rolled his eyes at the crass advice.

“Actually, can I ask you something?” Dhruv scooted next to Ranveer eagerly. “Considering Maya is so innocent and naïve, have you two even kissed yet?”

Ranveer's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and recollection. Yes, they had shared a kiss at the resort when he'd confessed his past.

“You don't have to answer,” Dhruv teased, poking his side. “I can read your face. I get it.”

Ranveer shoved him away and refilled their wine glasses.

“No, wait.” Dhruv grabbed his glass back. “No more drinking. You've got your wedding tomorrow. Focus on your last night of bachelorhood.”

“That's what I'm doing,” Ranveer grumbled. “Enjoying my last night of bachelorhood without any remorse. Because from tomorrow, it’s going to be even better.”

Dhruv chuckled at my desperation to get married to Maya.

“Then let's go out for a drink, just us two,” Dhruv suggested, grabbing the car keys and steering Ranveer outside.

******************

When Maya returned home from shopping for her wedding outfit, she found out Ranveer had gone out with Dhruv. She showed her purchases to Garima, who praised Aisha's sari idea for Maya’s court wedding tomorrow.

“I hope it looks good on me,” Maya said, touching the red sari delicately.

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