Page 155 of One Hellish Desire

“No. I’m learning from them. I don’t want to repeat them myself.”

There is complete silence for a minute, then he speaks.

“You think I’m a bad son? Just because I couldn’t keep in touch with my mother? Do you know how busy I was building this empire? The perks you’re enjoying now, son, don’t forget.”

“Was money more important than your mother’s love?”

“No, it wasn’t. But when I wanted my mother and wife to stay cordially so I could focus on work, they fed me with their problems and nuisances. A man needs to focus, Vikram. I chose my work to deviate myself from their silly fights. And at a point, this work began giving me joy that nothing else could. I don’t hate Maa. It’s just that I changed my priorities. And now it’s too late for amends.”

“It’s never too late, Dad.”

He’s quiet again.

“Stop teaching me, Vikram. You got anything else to convey?”

I exhale in a rush. It will take some time for Dad and Mom to realize their faults. I shouldn’t push them.

“Mom isn’t answering my calls,” I inform.

“That’s to be expected. She’s highly upset. But I’ll speak to her once I’m home.”

“I’ll just message her then,” I say and disconnect the call. Damn! What have I gotten into? I hope this works.

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

The party's over, and I join Maahi as she exits with my Club guards at the parking lot. She looks exhausted and a bit tipsy, pouting adorably as I approach.

“The red wine is... doing wonders to my brain,” she slurs.

I suppress a chuckle. I'd seen her drinking wine but never expected her to get this intoxicated. I slide an arm around her and signal my guard to bring the car.

“What will Daadi think of me? Shit!” Maahi curses, clutching my suit. “I didn't even get to change. I can't go home in this dress.”

“Shh... It's okay. No one's going to judge you,” I reassure her.

Maahi wraps her arms around my chest, hugging me tightly, seeking warmth. She places a kiss on my chest. “I'm so happy you're here.”

Where is the car? I can't wait to take her home.

“Same here,” I reply softly.

Maahi looks up at me, her eyes heavy-lidded. “You saw my dance?”

“It wasn't a dance. That was pure torturous seduction,” I tease. “But I loved every bit of it. Glad I didn't miss it.”

“I did it for you,” she murmurs, pecking my jaw.

Finally, the car arrives. I help her into the backseat and join her. I'm grateful I didn't have to drive tonight. Maahi curls her arm around mine and rests her head on my shoulder.

“Don't sleep,” I urge, wanting to spend some time with her before bed.

Maahi assures nodding in agreement, but dozes off within seconds. I exhale heavily. This isn't how I expected our first night together after seven weeks to be.

At Ratna Mahal, I carry Maahi up to our bedroom, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. The house is quiet, and thankfully, Daadi is asleep, sparing Maahi any embarrassment. I gently lay her on the bed, carefully removing her shoes, jewelry, and watch. As I look at her, I’m struck once again by the beauty of this woman who has captivated me since the day we met.

I can’t let her sleep in this tight dress, so I gently change her into her nightie, my hands moving with care and reverence. Maahi is completely passed out, her breathing steady and soft. Once she’s comfortably dressed, I slip her back under the covers, pulling the duvet over her.

For a moment, I stand there, watching her sleep, feeling a deep sense of love and protectiveness. I turn off the night lamps, plunging the room into a soothing darkness, and lean down to place a tender kiss on her forehead.

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