Page 191 of One Hellish Desire

“So, thank you for showing me and Vanraj the grave mistakes we made in the past. We are here to rectify them.”

“I know,” I hold her hand and kiss her palm. “Daadi wants a chance to make things right between you and her.”

She looks down unable to reply. I want Mom and Daadi to reconcile soon, but I won’t pressurize them. Still, I tell her what's in my heart.

“Mom,” I pull her chin up. “I know you suffered Daadi’s ignorance and bitterness during the early days of your marriage. You gave Daadi the same in return, but it’s been more than decades now. Can you not forgive each other and move on?”

I watch Mom carefully. It’s hard to predict what she feels at the moment. The designer returns with the Sherwanis, breaking our conversation. Mom ushers me to the counter for selection while I keep an eye on the door, waiting desperately for Maahi and Daadi to arrive.

MAAHI

Just like Vikram planned, I bring Daadi to the store where Vikram and aunty are shopping for uncle.

“Maahi, I really don’t understand why we are here?” Daadi asks, confused why I brought her to a men’s store.

I took her out of Ratna Mahal under the pretext of some shopping.

“Daadi, I want to buy a shirt for Vikram.” I had my excuse ready. I really do need to buy a shirt for him though.

“Daadi? Maahi?” Vikram meets us halfway inside the store, pretending to be surprised.

“Vikram? What are you doing here?” I fake my share of astonishment, and he holds back his laugh.

“I came here with Mom to buy some stuff for Dad.”

Meera aunty joins us, and soon Vikram and I watch Daadi and Meera exchange glances.

“Maahi wanted to buy a shirt for you,” Daadi breaks the silence.

I bite my lip. Vikram knows exactly why I want to buy this for him. We’re both transported to the night I tore his favorite white shirt in the hurry to undress him. It wasn’t my fault, just my hormones were wild and high that night. After that intense lovemaking, I promised to buy him another shirt, and that innocent promise made him love me again that same night.

“I see,” Vikram smiles, and I quickly turn to Meera aunty as we begin our plan to patch her up with Daadi.

“What are you buying for Vanraj uncle, if I may ask?”

“Sherwani,” she replies, and I’m startled. So far, I’ve never seen any connection between Meera aunty and traditional outfits.

“Wow,” I smile. “In that case, Daadi can help you out. I mean, she has a great eye for traditional outfits.”

Aunty looks confused for a moment, while Daadi presses my arm for even suggesting that.

“No, Maahi. Meera knows what to buy for Vanraj,” Daadi mumbles. “Let her buy something of her choice.”

“I think Maahi is right,” Aunty shocks us all with her easy acceptance. “Vanraj always appreciated the traditional clothes you bought for him. So, I might like it if you help me choose.”

Vikram and I share a quick glance and grin. Job done!

“Okay,” Daadi swallows nervously.

“This way,” Aunty gestures for her to follow, while Vikram grabs my hand.

“Mom, while you two choose, Maahi and I will look for a shirt for me. Is that fine?”

“Sure,” they both reply, and Vikram drags me to the shirt section.

“That was easy,” I say as we move away. Vikram pulls me closer, and I freeze.

“Buying me a shirt? Seriously?” he murmurs, and I blush.

---