Page 200 of One Hellish Desire

“Even if you hadn’t said it consciously, I know you love me, Vikram. Your feelings and actions speak louder than your words.”

We stare at each other silently until she finally says it too.

“And I love you too,” she murmurs.

My heart swells with joy. We seal the moment, kissing each other like never before. With Maahi in my arms, there is no one else I want to think about and nowhere else I want to be.

CHAPTER 53

MEERA SINGH GROVER

My head is pounding. Last night, Vanraj and I stayed up watching his favorite old Bollywood movie, and we didn’t sleep until midnight. And lack of sleep gives me a worse headache. So, that explains it. But I didn’t mention anything to Vanraj, Vikram, or Maahi this morning since they all had to leave for work. Now, I’m lying in bed, thinking about taking a painkiller to ease this headache. Just then, the door opens, and Maa comes in.

“Meera? What’s wrong? You don’t look well.”

I don’t want to worry her, so I deny it. “Nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

She comes closer and urges me to lie down. “Do you have a fever?” She touches my neck with the back of her hand. I don’t know how to react.

Maa has never shown this concern for me before. When I was newly married, she didn’t care much. It was only when she found out I was pregnant that she wanted to take care of me, but I avoided her. So, I never really knew what it felt like to have a mother’s care. She looks at my face and strokes my cheek.

“Do you have a headache?”

The way she asks makes me finally admit it. “Yes, since this morning. I’ll take some medicine and be alright.”

She thinks for a few seconds and then shrugs. “Don’t get out of bed. I’ll be right back.”

“Maa, I...”

“I said wait.”

I don’t argue. This is the first time I’m appreciating her taking charge. She isn’t controlling me like a mother-in-law but more like I’m her daughter. I lie down for a few minutes until she returns with a bowl.

“Maa, if that’s some kind of ayurvedic medicine you want me to drink, I’m not.”

I sit up, and she laughs. “You don’t have to drink this. But it will cure your headache. I’ll massage this oil on your head, and you’ll feel better instantly.”

“Oil?” I jolt back. “Maa, no. I don’t use that stuff. I had a spa treatment yesterday and—”

“I’ll book another spa appointment for you tomorrow. Trust me, this will help cure your headache.”

I don’t know if it will work, but sensing that Maa won’t leave me alone until I let her do this, I give in. Maybe a part of me wants her to do it.

“Fine.”

She happily sits at the edge of the bed, and I sit down at her feet on the carpet. She applies the oil on her fingers and starts massaging my scalp. It’s absolute bliss. She’s a bit nervous at first, but when I relax and close my eyes, giving in to the sensation, she becomes more confident. I lose track of time as she massages my head with that magical oil, and eventually, my headache eases. I feel better.

“Thank you,” I say, turning to her. My hair is a mess of oil, but I don’t care. I feel so loved and pampered right now that it brings a smile to my face.

“Daughters don’t thank their mothers for taking care of them.”

Maa’s sudden statement wipes the smile off my face. Daughter? Does she really mean it? I’m not sure.

“Just tell me, Meera, what should I do to earn your forgiveness? I’ll do anything. I just want you to forgive me for my past behavior. Please.”

The tears in her eyes have always moved me. I just kept ignoring them until now. This time, I don’t want to be that hard-hearted woman who has no feelings for her family. I love my family—my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and also this woman here—my mother-in-law. I love her too. I always did but couldn’t accept it. So, this time, I don’t let her tears fall. I wipe them from the corners of her eyes and hold both her hands in mine.

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