Page 188 of One Hellish Desire

“You’ll convince Mom? For me?” he repeats.

“I will, if it makes you happy.”

“Okay,” he becomes serious, the teasing smile gone. “Go and convince her.”

I nod and turn to leave when Vikram grabs me by the nape and pulls me back to him.

“How dare you, Maahi?” he groans. I don’t understand. I thought he’d be happy if I did this. But it seems like I’ve pissed him off.

“What??” I ask nervously, clutching his shirt again. It's so hard to read what he wants sometimes.

“You are my wife, not my assistant to obey all my commands without your will,” he says.

I’m still blank.

“I want you to do things when you think they are necessary, not just because they will make me happy,” he adds.

“Then you’ll have to wait,” I murmur sadly. “No idea how long, Vikram. Your mother and I can never be on the same side anytime soon, and neither will Daadi and your Mom.”

He swallows painfully, nodding in agreement.

“I know that. But you three and Dad are my pillars. I need all of you together, and I promise that day isn’t far when we all will be one happy family.”

His determination gives me hope and strengthens my urge to make him happy in return. I kiss his left cheek.

“This is for the breakfast idea,” I say, then kiss his right cheek. “And this is for putting my dignity before your wishes.”

Vikram grins. With Daadi at the temple and his parents visiting Devki Estate, I decide to make the most of our privacy. Whispering my desire in Vikram’s ear I head to our room, knowing my husband will soon follow.

VIKRAM

Maahi knows exactly how to tease me and change my mood. I never expected her to initiate lovemaking on a weekend morning, but I don't mind at all. After spending an hour in bed with her, watching her take a quick nap while cuddling me, a thought strikes me.

“I know how I have to patch up Mom and Daadi,” I murmur.

Maahi opens her eyes and watches me intently. “How?”

“Through Dad. He is their weakness.”

A weak smile pops on Maahi’s face. “I know what you're thinking.” I pull her close, and she instantly wraps her arm around my back. “Dad is genuinely interested in mending his relationship with Daadi. He won’t repeat his old mistakes.”

“I hope so,” Maahi breathes into my neck, placing a soft peck there. “What’s the plan then?”

“Want to know?” I grin as she nods excitedly. “Then come here…” I stretch my arms for her to come and hug me again.

She rolls on the bed and hugs me tight. We stay like that for a minute, feeling each other’s hearts beating.

“What is your plan?” Maahi reminds me.

“It’s Dad’s birthday next week. Just like every year, Mom and I will go shopping for him. She always buys expensive suits and perfumes for him. So, you and Daadi will show up exactly at the same time in the same store.”

“Then?” Maahi lifts her head to see me.

“Then you and I will leave them alone to assist each other with gift ideas.”

Maahi’s eyes beam with delight. “This is great. I’m in.” She kisses my cheek, and I’m back in my naughty mode.

VANRAJ SINGH GROVER

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