Page 165 of One Hellish Desire

I swat her lower back and push her gently toward the couch.

“Now go finish your work while I pack the rest of my stuff.”

“Thank you,” she mouths and runs to complete her designs.

MAAHI

We take blessings from Daadi, ensuring she knows where all her things are, including her medicines. Daadi seems more excited than us, and I understand why: this is the first time Vikram and me will be together… just us.

“When are your friends coming?” Vikram asks her possessively.

“Tonight, and I have so much to prepare,” Daadi replies with excitement.

“Daadi,” I say, reaching her. “You don’t need to do anything in the kitchen. I’ve already given the necessary instructions to the chefs and maids. They will take care of hosting your friends. Please, just enjoy yourself without any stress.”

“I will,” she replies cupping my face. “I know it’s too soon to ask,” Daadi continues, “but have you two decided when you want to start a family?”

My heart flutters as I look everywhere except at Vikram.

“Daadi?” Vikram chuckles. “You made my wife uncomfortable.”

“Did I? I’m sorry, Maahi. I didn’t mean to—”

“No, Daadi,” I interrupt, holding her hand. “You didn’t ask anything unusual. Every bahu’s mother-in-law and grand mother-in-law are always eager to get those answers.”

“Really?” Vikram intrudes. “So, if you know so much, why don’t you answer it too? Tell Daadi about our family plans.”

I know he is teasing, and I’m soon going to punish him for that. But for now, I go speechless again.

“Umm... Daadi... We...” I stutter.

“We haven’t thought about family planning yet,” Vikram replies on my behalf. “But it looks like we might during this four-day trip. But let me tell you both, I’m in no hurry to have kids.”

My jaw drops. Vikram grabs my arm and pulls me from Daadi to him, hugging me from behind.

“I want to spend as much time as possible with my baby’s mother first.”

“Stop,” I hit his arms, which are locked around my waist.

“Absolutely right,” Daadi laughs. “Come on now, leave, or you’ll miss your flight.”

I shrug off his hold and hug Daadi once more before walking out with Vikram to the car. As the driver starts the engine, Vikram pulls me closer to his side of the backseat.

“Shy?” he asks.

“Shy? Me? Why?”

“Because I romanced you in front of Daadi?”

“Oh, that.” I turn to him and pinch his cheek hard.

“Ouch... What the—”

“This is for putting me in that situation in front of Daadi. You’re in India, Mr. Vikram Singh Grover. So, you better keep your hands to yourself, especially during Preet’s wedding. Besides, all my friends are going to tease me like crazy when I introduce you to them.”

“Tease?” He looks confused. “Why would they tease you?”

“Forget it,” I laugh, trying to move back to my side of the seat, but Vikram grabs my arm, his other hand resting on my knee.

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