Page 117 of One Hellish Desire

“You should speak to Sabrina, Vikram,” I say, diverting the topic. “And your mother too. I don’t know why, but I feel she’s the one giving Sabrina hope, and that’s wrong.”

Vikram nods sternly. “I’ll speak to both of them,” he assures me quietly.

We then head to Times Square, where he takes me shopping. I’m awed by the fashion stores, but I don’t buy anything despite Vikram’s persistence. I know he’s lost his mood after our little conversation about his past flings, and it has suddenly brought some distance between us. It doesn’t seem fair at all. It was me who wanted him to share his past, and he didn’t hide or lie about it, which he could have easily done to avoid this bitterness. I need to give him a chance.

He then takes me to an Italian restaurant, and I cannot thank him enough for knowing how much I’ve been waiting to taste some Italian food. I quickly place the order, and he adds a few of his choices.

“So, what party are we attending tomorrow?” I ask.

“My friend Nate’s wedding reception. He got married last week to his childhood sweetheart.”

That sounds sweet and romantic.

“Will Sabrina be there too?” I sip my mocktail.

He exhales, leaning back in his seat, nodding. “She’s in the same circle, so yes, she will be there.”

“Hmm,” I murmur, but Vikram holds my arm across the table.

“I don’t want to ignore this reception because of her. Nate is a good friend, but if you still wish me to cancel, we can.”

“No, please,” I reply. “We should go. Not just because it’s your friend’s wedding reception but like you said, all your friends are eager to meet me. This is your best chance to introduce me to them.”

Vikram’s eyes sparkle with delight at my approval.

“But we have a problem,” I add. “I haven’t brought clothes for a party like that.”

“That can be arranged,” he grins, leaving my hand and quickly dialing someone. I wait to know whom he’s speaking to and what he’s arranging. “Ajay… send Elise to the penthouse tomorrow. Maahi needs a bit of a makeover and a party outfit.”

Makeover? Outfit? I shift nervously in my seat as he hangs up and meets my gaze again.

“Sorted,” he says with a smile. I smile back as the food arrives right on time.

VIKRAM

My time with Maahi today has been incredible. I’ve never seen New York the way I did with her. I’ve always viewed this city from my luxury car, but today, walking on the streets with my wife, holding her hand while crossing the roads, and speeding through the subway together—it’s an experience I’ll cherish forever, even after she returns to India. But we also had some conversations I wanted to avoid, like discussing my past flings. My past isn’t going to change, and I’m unsure how Maahi will handle it. I desperately want to stay close to her, but I won’t make any moves that could spoil this budding relationship. Although I suggested revising our relationship without rules or permissions, I want Maahi to initiate the intimacy, to show she’s prepared for it, which I still crave from her… only her.

As we return home, I ask Maahi to get changed and rest while I make a few work calls in my study. When I head back to our room, I see Mom alone in the living room, making herself a drink. It’s an odd time for her to be here, so I decide to check on her.

“Mom?” I say, touching her shoulder. She flinches and puts the glass away.

“Vikram… you’re still awake?”

“What are you doing here? Where’s Dad?”

“He’s sleeping,” she sighs. “He told me about your conversation this morning regarding Devki Estate. You’ve really put your father in a dilemma, Vikram. And for whom? A woman who doesn’t even treat you as her husband?”

“Mom, can we please stop dragging Maahi into every single conversation? She has nothing to do with my plans for Devki Estate now. I’m doing this for Daadi. Technically, Dad should be doing it for her, but that’s too much to expect from him at the moment.”

Mom glares at me, unconvinced.

“I see they both have started feeding you against us.”

“They don’t need to, Mom. I’m old enough to judge a few things on my own. Anyway, this is still a family matter, and we’ll sort it out. But I need to talk to you about Sabrina.”

Now I have her full attention. “What about her?”

“Don’t give her any false hopes about me. You know I’ve never treated her as more than a friend, and that won’t change. I know you like her too much, and Sabrina probably has feelings for me, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m married to Maahi, and this relationship between us is permanent.”

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