Page 193 of One Hellish Desire

“Wow,” Meera claps. “You both are very quick.”

“I am really happy with the progression,” Maa adds.

“Thanks,” I smile at both of them. Now comes the surprise part. “So, it will take another month until we finalize everything, and once we do, we also need to inaugurate that place. A small puja should do.”

Maa is happy, and Meera nods in agreement. “Maa, can you please talk to the priest and get an auspicious date for us?”

Maa readily agrees.

“Good.” I smile happily. “I want Maahi to inaugurate this office. But let’s keep it a surprise for her.”

Vikram looks bewildered, while Meera grins and Maa couldn’t agree more.

“Dad?” Vikram intervenes.

I walk to him and pat his arm. “Maahi is the reason you came all this way to lead a life with her. This office idea in India wouldn’t have come to you otherwise. She’s your motivation, Vikram, and we are genuinely thankful to her. Somewhere, she is responsible for the togetherness our family is building today. We owe her a small favor in return. What do you think?”

Vikram is speechless. He turns to Meera and Maa, who nod in agreement, and then he gives me a tight hug. I know my thoughts have stunned my boy, and I feel no less pride in declaring my gratitude to my daughter-in-law for being an integral part of our family.

MAAHI

Nights with Vikram are the best these days. Ever since his father arrived, they’ve divided the workload, which means I get to see my husband beside me all night. They are building a new office of the Grover Group in one of the best Technology Parks in the city. The inauguration date has been fixed for next month. Daadi talked to the priest and got the best date for this event. Tomorrow is Vikram’s father’s birthday, and we have a small party at home. Only a few close relatives have been invited, as his parents suggested they want this birthday to be low-key. Although we agreed, it’s still a lot of preparation.

It’s around 10:00 PM, the night before the party when I walk into the kitchen for the water jug. Everyone has settled into their rooms except aunty. I’m stunned to see her in the kitchen, looking seriously messed up with the baking products. What is she doing here at this hour? To be honest, she hardly ever steps into the kitchen, so this is really shocking.

“Everything alright?” I ask softly, not wanting to terrify her.

She still jolts back, dropping the spatula from her hand.

“I’m sorry,” I quickly apologize. “Just wanted to check if you need any help.”

I walk inside as she picks up the spatula and puts it away. “No, I don’t need help. I’m fine, just trying something, but I’m fine.”

She stutters, and I know what that means. She’s hiding something. I scan the kitchen counter and realize she’s trying to bake a cake. It’s obvious from the ingredients.

“Are you sure that’s baking powder and not baking soda?” I ask, and she looks utterly confused.

“Are they different?”

I chuckle but instantly hold myself back from embarrassing her. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh at you, but yes, they are different.”

I reach the closet and take out the baking powder box. “This is what you need to bake.” I put it on the counter before her, and she exhales, annoyed.

“You know what? I don’t think I can do this. I want to bake a cake for Vanraj tonight, but these cooking videos are so confusing.”

“I understand,” I smile. “For first-timers, they can be confusing. But why do you want to bake? We can still order. It’s not too late for a delivery. In fact, I know a cake shop that’s open until midnight. Let me call them.”

I’m about to dial when she stops me.

“I don’t want to order a cake. I want to bake it myself. Never done this before. Can you help me?”

I swallow painfully. She wants my help? My silence confuses her.

“No, Vikram must be waiting for you. I don’t want to intrude on your plans. You can leave. I will try something.”

“I will help,” I declare, putting the phone away.

“No, Maahi. Vikram will be waiting for you.”

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