Page 115 of One Hellish Desire

“Let me help.”

I can never deny her help. After checking out a few options, she picks out a white turtleneck sweater with blue high-waisted jeans and a long, wool coat, considering it's winter here. She then selects black mid-calf boots to complete the look. I’m amazed at Daadi’s choice.

“Daadi, I always knew you had great taste in traditional clothing. But western too? That’s new to me,” I tease.

She laughs heartily. “My bahu is a fashion icon and my bahu’s bahu is a designer. I will obviously show some of their traits, won’t I?”

How true! We both laugh.

“Come on, get dressed and enjoy your evening with Vikram.”

“I will.” I give her a quick peck on the cheek and begin dressing up.

VIKRAM

Mom stares at me as I check my watch for the umpteenth time and then shift my gaze back to the stairs. What is taking Maahi so long? We were supposed to leave at 5:00 pm, and it’s already 5:15 pm. Dad is at home too, and he has been quiet since our morning conversation. I don’t want to think about Devki Estate at the moment. I hear Maahi’s voice as she heads down with Daadi. She looks no less than a New Yorker in her attire, especially the long coat hanging over her arm. She’s yet to wear it. I take in her beauty until she reaches me and her brows quirk.

“I’m ready,” she says. I take the coat from her hand and pull it open for her to wear. It’s cold outside. I know Daadi and my parents are watching us, but I don’t care. Maahi is surprised by my gesture, but she lets me help her with the coat. Once she’s done, I pull out my phone.

“I’ll ask the driver to get the car.”

I’m about to dial when Maahi interrupts. “Can we take the subway? I’ve heard about the notorious traffic in this city, and it will just delay us more. Besides, I’ve never traveled by train before.”

She pouts innocently, making me forget everything for a moment.

“Vikram and trains?” Mom mocks. “He always travels in luxury cars and limousines, Maahi. Stop bothering him with your petty wishes.”

Maahi stares at my mother briefly and then meets my eyes again. “Up to you,” she murmurs, displeased. I quickly dial my driver, asking him to get the car ready. Mom passes a winning smirk to Maahi, who doesn’t bother. She hugs Daadi and walks out with me to the elevator.

“We’ll get down at the nearest subway,” I mention, opening the car door for her. The smile she rewards me with flutters my heart.

“Are you sure?”

“No,” I shake my head. “But if it means so much to you, I can adjust.”

“Thank you. I’m so happy right now. I’m going to sit in a train.” She jumps in joy, pressing my arm. I’ve never seen her so happy, so I guess I’ll take that little credit for giving up my luxury for some time, only for Maahi. It’s going to be one hell of a sightseeing trip with my wife today.

As usual, the subway is busy during peak hours. We buy the train tickets and blend into the crowd, making our way inside. This isn’t my usual style, but with Maahi beside me, I’m as excited as she is. I’m taking her to the most iconic sight in the United States—the Statue of Liberty—followed by some shopping at Times Square. I know she loves Italian food, so we’ll dine at one of the finest Italian restaurants in the city. I don’t mind spending the whole night with her outside if we have to.

“You too never traveled on a train?” she asks, matching my speed as we hurry.

Our train is arriving in five minutes.

“I have, a few times with friends during my college days. That’s it.”

“Friends?” she asks curiously. I hold her hand, entwining our fingers, which slows us down.

“You’ll meet them all tomorrow.” I pull her along, and she speeds up.

I don’t remember letting go of her hand at all during our train ride until the fifth stop when we get down. We then take a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty. Maahi keeps clicking pictures of the monument while I drown myself in admiring her.

“My Instagram account is going to crash today when Preet sees these pictures,” Maahi says, giggling.

“You have an Instagram account?” I ask casually. I didn’t know she had personal profiles on social media.

“Of course, I do. One is my business profile for Blush Boutique, and the other one is personal.”

I mentally make a note to check those. Maahi suddenly remembers something and turns back to me.

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