Page 143 of One Hellish Desire

“Vikram…”

“Maahi,” he murmurs, leaning into the crook of my neck, and for the next few minutes, I can hardly think of anything else. He peppers kisses on my body, undressing me, leaving me bare for his hungry eyes. His mouth and lips transports me into another world altogether, his experienced fingers brings me to the edge again and again. Tonight, his desires are on fire. So far, we’ve never raced to the finish line, consummating our marriage, but tonight it seems like Vikram wants to. But I’m too overwhelmed by the changes in my life right now and flinch away when Vikram pulls my hand over his hard length inside his boxers. He pauses, taking a minute to realize I’m not ready and quickly rolls back on the bed and pulls me close.

“I’m sorry, Maahi. I forgot we were taking this slow,” he says, his words choked.

I swallow painfully and snuggle him tight for considering my situation. Parting tomorrow will be hard if we go any further tonight. I’m glad he didn’t push, because if he had, I would have submitted willingly. I’ve got comfortable with him over the past few days, and with the level of understanding he’s shown tonight, I think I’m falling harder for Vikram, and I don’t mind it at all.

MEERA SINGH GROVER

I knock on my mother-in-law Devki Grover’s door early this morning and step inside. She looks up from her holy book as I enter.

“Meera?”

“Your tea,” I say, walking over and handing her the cup. “Just as you like it. With extra ginger.”

She stares at me, bewildered.

“You didn’t make this, did you?”

“No, I didn’t,” I reply. “I asked Jack to make it and gave him the instructions.”

“Oh,” she says, taking the cup. “That’s still a good gesture, Meera. I appreciate it.”

“I know.”

I turn to her bags, which are packed and ready.

“Vanraj and I liked your surprise of bringing Maahi here. It was a great change for Vikram, and it seems like their relationship needed this.”

“I know. It wasn’t even a week into their marriage when they had to part ways. Someone had to do something about it.”

“Indeed. And since Maahi is your favorite daughter-in-law, how could you not do anything for her?”

She sips the tea and sets the mug aside.

“Maahi is more like a daughter I never had.”

That statement pricks me.

“Right,” I smile with sarcasm.

“Meera,” she says, getting up. “Don’t think I treat you any less either.”

“Do you?” I accuse. “Since when?”

“Meera, I should have said this much earlier, but I never got the courage. My behavior towards you has always been rude. I took our arguments to Vanraj, and I was the cause of the tiffs between you two.”

Oh. She finally admits it. Wow. I cross my arms and watch her.

“Tiffs that almost broke our marriage,” I add.

She looks at me apologetically.

“I was selfish and inconsiderate. You and I never got along, but I should have bridged that gap long ago,” she says. “I’m sorry, Meera. Please forgive me.”

She holds my arm and presses it gently, looking into my eyes.

“Why now, Maa?” I fume.

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