Page 125 of One Hellish Desire

“Has Vikram woken up?” she asks harshly.

I don’t reply, just let her inside. Vikram gets off the bed and hugs his mother.

“Morning, Mom,” he says.

“Good morning,” she kisses his cheek, then her smile vanishes. “Look, I don’t know what Maahi told you, but it’s not completely true. She’s misunderstanding me, and I don’t want you to believe her just because she’s feeding you lies.”

Now I’m annoyed.

“I haven’t told him anything yet,” I snap. “I don’t backtalk, Mom-in-law.”

“Hold on. What’s happening between you two? You too were arguing at the party last night, didn’t you?” Vikram asks, looking between me and his mother.

“Your wife thinks I’m sharing your bedroom secrets with Sabrina.”

“Which is absolutely true,” I debate. “I heard her friends Gina and Rose gossiping that Vikram and I don’t have a physical relationship despite being married.”

“What the hell?” Vikram shouts. “Who told them?”

“Apparently, Sabrina did. And who else can share this with Sabrina if not your mom?” I ask.

I’m glad this conversation is happening now. I don’t want Meera aunty to think I’m brainwashing her son.

“Mom?” Vikram glares at her, believing me.

“Vikram, that’s not true. I mean, I didn’t tell her openly like that. I was angry about how Maahi treated you, and when Sabrina asked why I was upset, I told her I was worried for you. I wasn’t in the right state of mind and mentioned that you two aren’t in a husband-wife relationship yet.”

“You told that to Sabrina?” Vikram yells, unhappy with the revelation. “Mom, that’s not cool. You can’t share our family secrets with outsiders, no matter how close you are to her.”

“Oh, Vikram,” Meera aunty tries to touch him, but he shrugs her off. He strides away, fists clenched. Then, making up his mind, he returns to her.

“I’m warning you, Mom. Don’t do that again,” he says, his voice dangerously even. “I’m going to say this just once. I’m happy with Maahi, and we’re mending our relationship. If anyone—anyone—tries to mess with that, I won’t tolerate it, no matter who it is.”

My heart flutters at Vikram’s clear message to his mother. She glares at him, shocked by his words. But then her eyes linger on Vikram’s neck, where my lipstick marks are still visible. Though I’m a little embarrassed about revealing our intimacy, I’m glad she sees proof that we’re not pretending. We’re genuinely exploring our relationship and enjoying it. She gives me a cold stare, then nods at her son.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she murmurs before leaving.

I feel a mix of joy and sadness for Vikram. He’s constantly caught between me and his mother, or me and his father, or me and Daadi. I know the Grovers are struggling to accept me, but that doesn’t give them the right to complicate things between me and Vikram.

As soon as she leaves, Vikram texts someone on his phone. Before I can ask, he puts it away and turns to me.

“I’m meeting Sabrina in an hour. It’s time she stops claiming me on her social media accounts.”

I’m impressed and a part of me wants to appreciate his efforts.

“Are we going out today?” I ask.

“Do you want to see my office here?”

“I’d love to,” I reply instantly.

“Great. Then you and Daadi need to get ready fast. We’ll go together, followed by lunch and a movie of your choice.”

This sounds awesome. I’ve always wanted to visit Grover Group since marrying Vikram. He’s a powerful man, and I want to see where he makes those influential decisions for his company. Plus, a lunch date with Daadi and him is exciting, and the movie plan is a bonus. I haven’t got the liberty and time to watch a movie in a multiplex in over a year, and definitely not with Daadi. Today’s plans seem perfect.

When I focus back on him, awareness sizzles across my senses as he absently rubs his stubble and strides toward me as if contemplating something.

“Wear a short dress,” he demands, his voice intense.

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