Page 101 of One Hellish Desire

“How about we plan a short trip?” I ask to divert her mind.

“Sounds good to me,” she agrees. “How short?”

“Like a week? It’s been a year since we went out. Just you and me.”

“I would love that,” Daadi nods. “But this time, I will plan the trip. Right from the place and the travel arrangements.”

Now I am confused. Daadi will plan? But she doesn’t have such people to do this work for her.

“Let me give you my assistant then. She and you can plan it out,” I urge.

“No. Thank you. Do you think I am not capable enough to book a trip for us?”

“Of course, you are,” I giggle, placing a warm kiss on her cheek.

A part of me is excited to spend this lovely time with Daadi for a week, but another part still wonders if Sabrina could be a threat to my marriage with Vikram. I trust my husband’s desires me, but that definitely doesn’t mean he cannot be attracted to another woman—especially if one of them is his ex!

VIKRAM

New York – Two days later

I haven't spoken to Maahi in the last two days; she's been busy with her clients, having bagged a huge contract again. I'm proud of her achievements. If I were in India, I'd throw a party or take her out for a private dinner at Leela Mahal. I never got the chance to take Cub on a date, but that doesn’t mean I can’t congratulate her on her success. Even from here, I can put a smile on my wife’s face. I quickly call my assistant Ajay and ask him to deliver something special to Ratna Mahal for Maahi.

“A red rose bouquet should be fine, Ajay. And make sure it says, ‘Congrats on your success. I’m proud of you, wife. Only yours, Vikram.’”

“You are sending me flowers?” Sabrina’s voice interrupts, and I look up to see her standing in my office doorway. Gesturing her to come in, I disconnect the call. “I thought you’d stopped giving me flowers and gifts, now that you are married. I was wrong,” she adds.

Leaning back in my chair, I wait for her to sit. “Maahi won a new contract. I’m sending her a bouquet.”

Sabrina stares at me in disbelief. “Did she tell you this, or did your grandmother?”

“Daadi told me.”

“See,” she frowns. “She didn’t even tell you, and you’re sending her flowers and gifts. Lucky girl. But I seriously pity you, Vikram. You could have had a better wife.”

I roll my eyes. “I know what you’re trying to do, Sabrina. Stop putting Maahi in a negative spot.”

“Then why didn’t she share this news with you? Forget being the first person to share; she didn’t even tell you at all. That’s really mean of her.”

“Why are you here?” I cut her off. Sabrina’s constant nagging about Maahi is not helping me behave calm. She wasn’t like this before—not until she found out I got married.

“Well, you know I was bidding for the contract with the Shenoy group of hotels?”

I nod, recalling how much she worked for this bid.

“I got it,” she winks. “A three-year contract to redesign all their hotels in New York and Chicago.”

“Wow. Congratulations. You did it.”

“I know,” she pats herself.

“Your mom and dad must be happy.”

“I haven’t told them yet,” she bites her lip. “I told you first.”

She told me first?

“I want to celebrate, Vikram.”

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