Page 118 of One Hellish Desire

“Permanent?” Mom laughs. “How can you be so sure? Last night she threw you out of the room.”

“She didn’t. It was my choice to sleep in a different room last night. So, please.”

I give her a gentle hug. “Good night, Mom,” I say before walking away.

If she thinks Maahi and I are ever going to split up, she’s in for a huge misconception. I hope we make that clear in the coming days.

CHAPTER 32

MAAHI

Vikram is back in the bedroom, and he's probably noticed me lying on bed, pretending to be asleep. I hate pretending, but I have no clue what to expect from this revised relationship. Ever since we decided to have no more rules or permissions, everything feels different. I held his hand today, many times, during our sightseeing. It gave me a sense of security in this new place, surrounded by strangers. He adjusted his lifestyle just to explore the city by train with me. He took me to an Italian restaurant, knowing it’s my favorite. I don’t think any other man has done all this for me.

Shyam and I were good friends, and despite our plans to marry, he had his priorities set. I never felt comfortable holding his hand in public or getting physically close, except for a few friendly hugs. But with Vikram, I crossed these lines even before our marriage. He’s kissed me several times without my permission, and though it was against my will, it somehow left a bubbling impact on my body. I’ve reacted to his touch every single time, and now that I’ve agreed to explore this marriage in every way, I’m unsure how to proceed.

My eyes are shut, and the lights are dim, but I feel him standing next to my side of the bed. If I'm right, he's watching me. When we came home tonight, he changed and left to make some work calls. He was the one who asked me to rest, so here I am—resting, sleeping, or rather… pretending to sleep. I sense his fingers inching closer to my lips, and just when I think he'll touch them, he pulls away. Gosh! How can I sense his movements with my eyes closed? What kind of telepathy is this between Vikram and me?

I hear the click of the bed lamp and feel the mattress bounce as he takes his side behind me. Phew! He’s convinced I’m asleep.

“Don’t sleep at the edge, Maahi. You might fall. There’s ample space behind you,” he says softly.

Oh no! He knows I’m pretending. But maybe he's just guessing. I don’t react and continue to feign sleep. Then, his arm pulls me closer, and I’m forced to meet his eyes as he rolls me to the center of the bed.

“No rules, no permissions, and most importantly, no pretense,” he mumbles tapping at my nose once before pulling his arm away.

I’m glad it’s dark because he can’t see my cheeks burning red from being caught.

“Good night,” he says, turning his back to me and pulling the duvet over us both. I feel embarrassed, but I don't know how to amend the situation. I have no clue what to do next.

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

I wake up earlier than usual and decide to do something special for Vikram. He's been putting in so much effort to set things right between us, and I want to show him that I’m committed too. Planning to surprise him with bed tea, I head downstairs and find Daadi and Meera Singh Grover arguing.

“Oh, please Maa. Why don’t you let me stay happy with my husband and son? Every single tension between us is only because of you. This has to stop,” Meera aunty says, exasperated.

“Meera, that’s a huge allegation,” Daadi snaps back.

“You will never accept your faults, will you Maa? You always think you are right, but you have no idea how much your actions are hurting us. Do you realize Vanraj and Vikram are distancing because of you? Devki Estate has become a curse to this family,” Meera aunty accuses.

“Aunty,” I shout, finally interrupting their fight. I can’t stand anyone talking to Daadi like that and dragging Devki Estate into it unnecessarily.

Both women freeze at my intervention. “Please don’t talk to Daadi like that. She is so much older than you and is your mother-in-law,” I say, stepping closer.

“Are you forgetting I am your mother-in-law too?” she scowls at me. “You better not use that tone ever with me.”

“Maahi,” Daadi grabs my arm. “Don’t get involved. This is not your fight.”

“But Daadi, I—”

“No,” Daadi sternly denies. “This is between me and Meera. We are mature enough to sort it out on our own. I appreciate your concern, but I don’t need it at the moment.”

I am speechless. This is the first time Daadi has asked me to stay out of her problems. I know she is capable of handling it, but I am still a member of this family and I have every right to protect her dignity.

“You know what?” Meera Singh Grover glares at us both. “I don’t want to argue with either of you and spoil my day. I’m already late for the gym.”

She strides away, and I am boiling with anger.

“You shouldn’t have interrupted, Maahi. I don’t want your relationship with Meera to spoil because of the bitterness she shares with me,” Daadi says.

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