Page 122 of One Hellish Desire

“I always thought I was perfect for any woman and she’d be lucky to have me. But you proved me wrong, Maahi. I have my flaws, and I didn’t realize I had them until I became serious about you.”

Oh! The outside world ceases to exist around us. I’m so lost in him.

“I promise to be the man you deserve.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I promise to date you first and prove we have a connection deeper than attraction. I know Daadi has always been and will be your priority, but all I ask is for a little place in your heart and life for me, which I assure you won’t regret giving.”

I place my finger on his lips to stop him from saying anything further. I can’t take any more. The feel of his lips against my skin is warm, and I take a few seconds to touch his face. We’ve practically stopped dancing, and if anyone is watching us, they might see we’re in our own private bubble. His chest expands in a deep, slow breath as I lean in and peck the corner of his lips. His fingers curl at my back, and I know he’s only controlling himself from pulling me into a passionate kiss. He wants me to beg, and maybe I will.

The sudden claps from the crowd pull us out of this daze. The music has stopped, and everyone is dispersing from the dance floor. Vikram looks knocked out, clearly not expecting the kiss from me, even if it was just for a fraction of a second.

“I need to use the washroom,” I say, unable to contain the rush of emotions coursing through me.

He gently grabs my arm and leads me away from the crowd. As I see the signboard for the washroom, I stop him.

“I’ll be right back.”

He gives me a curt nod and waits for me there. Inside the washroom, I look at myself in the mirror. I look flushed, and anyone could read my state without much trouble. Vikram’s little confrontation, his genuine desire to start a normal relationship, has erased a few lines between us. I want to give him a chance.

“They aren’t sleeping together.”

I hear a familiar voice from the other side of the washroom. There are a few girls gossiping and smoking. I can’t see their faces, and they can’t see me.

“Are you sure, Gina?” the other woman queries.

Now I know who these women are. They’re Gina and Rose.

“Sabrina told me that, Rose. Vikram and his wife don’t sleep together. Even if they do, it’s only for their grandmother. They don’t have a physical relationship,” Gina continues.

What the hell! They’re gossiping about Vikram and my married life? And who told Sabrina we aren’t sleeping together or don’t have a physical relationship?

“Then there’s a chance, you see. As it is, Vikram’s wife isn’t going to stay here forever. She’s returning in five days.”

“Good for Sabrina,” Rose giggles.

Now my blood boils. If they think Sabrina can lure and snatch Vikram in my absence, they’re so wrong. I want to just intrude and let them know I heard everything, maybe even give them an earful, but that’s not needed. I know actions speak louder than words. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. It’s solely between Vikram and me to decide when to take the next step in our marriage. But what bothers me is the fact that someone is feeding this information to Sabrina, and I know who that is. Obviously, Meera Singh Grover. She’s the one who knew Vikram and I slept in separate rooms the first night I came here. I understand that woman doesn’t like me, but I will not let her ruin whatever is budding between Vikram and me. She thinks Vikram is the only one wanting this relationship; now it’s high time she sees my contribution too.

I walk out of the washroom without letting the girls know I was there.

CHAPTER 34

MAAHI

When I step out of the washroom, Vikram is still there, waiting for me but engrossed in a call. Not wanting to disturb him, I scan the area and spot Meera aunty and Sabrina in a serious discussion. Perfect. Leaving Vikram to his call, I make my way to them. They pause their conversation as soon as they see me.

“Hello, Mom-in-law,” I say, taking a sip of the mocktail I grabbed on the way.

Meera aunty raises her eyebrows, surprised by my intrusion.

“We're discussing something important right now, so if you can excuse us,” Sabrina mutters.

“Shut up,” I snap, glaring at her before turning back to Meera. “Sharing your son and his wife’s sleeping arrangements with outsiders doesn’t suit you, Mom-in-law.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Meera aunty's jaw tightens.

“Oh, please,” I scowl. “Don’t try to act innocent. I know you’re spilling everything that transpires between Vikram and me to Sabrina.”

Their startled expressions fuel my resolve.

“You have a lot of misconceptions, Mom-in-law, and let me clear one right now. I didn’t push your son out of his bedroom that night. We had an argument, and he decided to take the other room. Couples fight and argue; you should know that.”

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