Page 24 of One Hellish Desire

Outrage courses through me. “I came here of my own free will and I'll leave the same way. You don't own this place, Prince Pompous.” But the beastly smirk stretching across his face makes me falter. Does he...does he actually own Leela Mahal?

“You own Leela Mahal?” I stutter, realizing this place would cost even a billionaire a fortune.

“Just because I stay in the US and haven't set foot in India for nine years doesn't mean I don't do business here. You're talking to Vikram Singh Grover, Maahi. I don't go shopping, but I do know how to buy fortunes.”

His arrogant pride does nothing to amuse me as he opens a drawer and removes some papers. “Sign them.”

“What are these papers?” I ask warily.

“Property transfer papers. You transfer Devki Estate to me and take anything else in return. My lawyer will ensure you get a fair replacement within 24 hours. Anything...you name it.”

I'm utterly offended by his ruthless business tactics. “Is this how you sign big deals with clients? By pushing them into a corner?”

“It's my way or no way,” he says coldly, sipping at what I assume is a glass of vodka

“Devki Estate might be just business for you, but it's Daadi's soul and she gave it to me. I will not return it to anyone, especially you. And one last thing, Mr. Vikram Singh Grover, this is the last time I'll obey your commands and come see you, skipping my personal life. Next time you threaten me, I will...”

“Drag me to court?” he taunts with a smirk. “Sue me? Or complain to Daadi?”

My fingers curl into fists, itching to wipe that arrogant look off his face.

“Grow up, Cub,” he says, setting his glass aside and closing in on me again. “Do any of those things, I don't care. I want Devki Estate and I will have it from you. Give it to me easily or I don't mind using more...complex measures.”

“Keep your threats to yourself,” I snarl. “Open this damn door right now!”

He watches me, surprise etching his features, as if he's never met someone willing to fight with him to this extent before. But he can't scare me. Pulling a small remote from his pocket, he clicks a button and the door swings open. I storm out without a backwards glance, but I can feel the heat of his gaze burning into my back.

VIKRAM

It's been thirty minutes since Maahi stormed out of Leela Mahal and I'm on the phone with my father, who wants an update on the Devki Estate situation. I still haven't told him that Daadi gifted the property to Maahi - he thinks I'm just delaying talking to Daadi about it.

“Dad, relax,” I shout into the receiver. He doesn't understand how critical this is. “I'm handling this.”

“I'm sure you are, Vikram, but we don't have time to waste. This deal is huge and we cannot afford to lose it. We have thirty days to make this happen or we're losing a golden opportunity worth billions.”

“You don't need to remind me how important this deal is. I know.” Trying to change the subject, I ask, “How's Mom?”

“She's my second concern,” he replies gruffly. “She's not speaking to me for the past few days.”

That makes me chuckle. Mom is the only one bold enough to give Dad that kind of attitude. She pulls this stunt every time he forgets their anniversary or her birthday. “Why?”

“Because I sent you to India. You know how possessive she is.”

I know it well. Mom has always been overly concerned that one day we'll decide to settle back in India permanently. She’s totally against that thought and nor has ever made any attempt to bond with Daadi. I wonder why?

“Tell her I'll be back soon,” I say.

“I've told her. Do call her sometime though. She misses her son.”

“I will.”

That reminds me how fondly Daadi speaks of Dad and how much she misses him too. As Dad starts discussing other business matters, I interrupt him.

“Dad...Daadi misses you too. I think you should call her and talk.”

He's silent for a few beats before agreeing. “She must be cursing me for not calling her more often, isn't she?”

“No,” I exhale. “She never curses you or Mom. She's just getting old, Dad. I think she...she misses us too much. She wants to see you. You should visit her.”

---