Page 29 of One Hellish Desire

“Cub...do as I say.”

“For once, you do as I say. There are plenty of other rooms you can watch your news.”

“I could say the same about you watching your idiotic TV soap here. This is my house.”

I frown at his age-old refrain. But I don't argue further. “Fine. Your house...you win.”

I slap the remote into his palm and push to my feet. The sudden movement makes my head swim, blackness spotting my vision as I lose my balance. But he catches me.

“Don't,” I snap, pushing him away. “Don't touch me!”

“I have...and I will,” he counters, pushing me back onto the couch and handing me the remote. “Watch whatever you like.”

I wonder why he even picks fights just to back down. Typical bully mentality, I suppose.

“Maahi!” Daadi emerges from her room, looking excited. “Good, you're both here. Shyam's father called. They're eager to get you and Shyam officially engaged by next week. They're coming home tonight to discuss it further. Isn't that wonderful?”

Engagement? Next week? That's way too soon. I spoke to Shyam after recovering, and he never mentioned any rushed engagement plans.

“Vikram,” Daadi addresses him. “Please clear your schedule, if needed. I want you here with us when they arrive to discuss the alliance.”

Looking more shaken and traumatized than I feel at the moment, Vikram pushes himself to his feet and stalks from the room without a word.

CHAPTER 9

MAAHI

Shyam answers my call after a few rings. Ever since Daadi told me how interested they are in proceeding with the marriage, my mood has been off. I should be happy, but I am clearly not.

“Hello, would-be Mrs. Trivedi,” Shyam says, answering my call. Mrs. Trivedi? That name doesn't suit me. At all!

“Shyam, what is this? You didn't tell me your father is hurrying for our marriage,” I say, exasperated.

“That's called a surprise,” he replies nonchalantly.

“It's clearly not a surprise,” I snap. “You know I'm still recovering from a fever.”

“We're not getting engaged tonight, Maahi. Relax. And it's just a fever. You'll be fine next week during our engagement.”

It's just a fever? Did he really say that? My subconscious mind instantly compares Shyam and Vikram. Shyam couldn't come to save me, but Vikram did. Shyam didn't even come to meet me these two days when I was burning with fever, and Vikram... he got me home, arranged a doctor, ensured I had my medicines on time, and didn't argue much, even for a TV remote. He looked concerned for me, which technically Shyam should be.

“Shyam,” I exhale. “I think we should wait for a month or two. You know my business is expanding. I may have to travel to meet some clients in Mumbai this month. I'm going to get very busy.”

“Maahi, work and personal commitments go parallel. You can get engaged and travel for work. I'm not stopping you.”

“You don't understand,” I shout.

I am not prepared to marry so soon. No way. He goes quiet for a few seconds.

“Listen, Maahi. My father and I have already decided, and your grandmother has agreed too. Unless you don't want to marry me at all, I don't see why we shouldn't be getting engaged next week.”

Do I want to marry Shyam? I... don't know.

I rub my temples, hopping on the bed.

“I... I don't know what to say, Shyam,” I reply, exhaling in disappointment.

“You're thinking too much, Maahi. Just believe in whatever is happening and give it a chance.”

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