Page 133 of One Hellish Desire

She nods as I lock myself in the bathroom. I need a shower to ease off the tension created by my parents. Since when did business become more important to them than their son’s happiness? Or maybe it always was. They molded me to be like them. Thanks to Daadi and Maahi, I’ve kept my sanity.

“Vikram?” Maahi knocks on the bathroom door. I turn off the shower. She knocks again. “Vikram, what’s going on? Why are you taking so long?”

Did I take too long? I have no idea how long I’ve been standing under the shower, lost in thought. I quickly dry myself and, wearing only black boxers, step out of the bathroom. She takes a moment to realize I’m barely dressed.

“Uh… you don’t look good. What’s bothering you?”

“Nothing, Cub. Go to sleep. I have some work to do.”

“Now?” She groans. “Vikram, it’s almost 2:00 am. What work do you have now?”

“You wouldn’t understand,” I snap, and she gets mad.

“Then make me understand. Didn’t we promise to share everything with each other?”

“And didn’t you tell me not to involve you between me and my parents?”

She sighs in disappointment. “Fine. Don’t tell me anything and do whatever work you have to. Good night.”

She walks back to the bed and shuts off the lamp. Shit! I shouldn’t have said that. However angry I am with my parents, I can’t let those problems affect my marriage. We’re just starting to take baby steps toward each other. I can’t distance myself from her. I look at her and quickly settle behind her on the bed. As if sensing me, she rolls away. I’ve hurt her, and I need to make it up to her.

I spoon tight to Maahi from behind. She tries to move away, but I keep her glued to me.

“This feels good,” I murmur in her ear. Her skin is warm and soft. I gently stroke her waist and stomach over the satin gown. She finally gives in, but only for a moment.

“Care to share what’s bothering you?” she asks, pressing her back against my chest completely.

I finally decide to briefly explain without repeating everything Mom and Dad said.

“My meeting with Sabrina didn’t go well with my parents.” Maahi freezes and turns to face me.

“What do you mean? How can they let Sabrina be a part of your life despite knowing she wants to separate us?”

I love the jealousy in her voice.

“Okay, tell me this: if a woman were trying to lure your father, would your mom still maintain her friendships and ties with that woman and her family instead of saving her marriage?”

She’s right. Mom would have even killed any woman who eyed her husband.

“You know what?” Maahi mutters. “I’m going to ask your mom this tomorrow. Let’s see what she says then.”

Before she can continue, I kiss her nose, and she goes still.

“Keep talking,” I mumble, kissing her cheeks while stroking her back. I can’t believe I’m doing this and Maahi isn’t rejecting my touch.

A rush of love sweeps through me as she hides her head on my chest. I cuddle her tightly, feeling better already. Just a kiss to Maahi could do that to me.

“So, what did they ask you to do?” she asks.

“They want me to sit with her family and sort this out cordially.”

Maahi raises her head and meets my eyes.

“Don’t worry, that’s not happening.”

Her smile returns.

“Then how will you convince your parents they’re wrong?”

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