Page 183 of One Hellish Desire

I've rarely seen Dad hug Daadi, and watching them now is so soothing. But between him and me, I hug my mother better than he does his. I want Dad to surpass me in this regard. Tears roll down Daadi’s cheeks as she hugs her son and pats his back.

“This is so nice. The family is back together.”

Dad pulls away and looks at her.

“I mean, for some time at least,” Daadi adds. She knows Mom and Dad can’t stay here forever.

“The food is getting cold,” Mom interrupts.

Dad helps Daadi to the table, and we all sit down.

MAAHI

I’m excited to see the thrill on Daadi’s face as she hugs Vanraj uncle. I’ve never seen her so happy. Seeing tears in her eyes as Vikram’s father serves her plate makes my eyes moist too. Vikram entwines our fingers under the table, giving me the strength to cope with this change, and I smile back. The happiness of this family lies in staying together. I don’t know how it will be possible, but I will make it happen.

After lunch, I quickly get ready to leave for the boutique. I’m already late. I was supposed to be there in the morning, but I stayed until lunch. I can’t extend this any longer.

“Leaving?” Vikram asks, approaching me.

“Yes. I’ll be back by 7:00 pm. Is that okay?”

He nods and kisses my forehead. “I can come to pick you up.”

“No,” I say, stroking his spiky stubble. “Spend time with your parents. They’re here for you.”

Vikram’s eyes widen, and he pulls me closer.

“They’re here for us. You and I are no different now. We are two bodies but one soul.” He kisses my cheek and whispers, “In fact, we also become one body and soul when we...”

“Shut up,” I grin, pushing him away. “You have no control over your imagination.”

He shrugs. “Not when those imaginations involve you.”

“Whatever,” I pout. “I’m leaving. Bye.”

He walks me out to the car. Just as I’m about to get in, he grabs my elbow and pulls me back.

“Give me a kiss first,” he demands, and my cheeks flame.

“Vikram…”

“C’mon Cub,” he leans closer to kiss my lips. How can he even think of it with our driver right there?

“The driver can see us,” I whisper as Vikram brushes my lower lip before inching closer.

“He won’t. I’m covering you,” he murmurs, his hoarse, needy voice breaking down my resistance. I let him kiss me.

It’s a soul-stirring kiss, making me feel like he’s drawing my very essence out of my body. When he doesn’t seem to stop, I press my palms against his chest to pull back.

“Later,” I promise.

He rolls his eyes, opens the car door for me, and watches me drive away. I wave at him until I can’t see him anymore. Gosh, I’m in love.

VIKRAM

Mom wants to rest more, and although we spend some time talking about the wedding I attended in Udaipur and how much I enjoyed it, she decides to take another nap, leaving Dad and me to discuss business. We have a lot to deal with right now besides our personal issues. So, I take Dad to the drawing room, and we get back to work.

“The clients are already suspicious of our company’s future since I’m here in India. Now that you’re here too, it’s going to be tedious to convince them that everything is under control,” I say, taking a seat opposite Dad, who has taken my working chair.

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