Page 33 of One Hellish Desire

“What?” She is confused.

Maahi doesn't speak a word. She stares while we both argue.

“I don't like them, Daadi, and I don't want to see Maahi in that family.”

Now she speaks.

“Excuse me? Who are you to decide that for me?”

Who am I? My teeth clench as I glance back at her.

“Get one thing straight, Prince Pompous. You might have rights on Daadi, not me. Do not interfere in my life and my decisions. If Daadi thinks I should be engaged to Shyam next week, then I will. I know she will always take the right decision for me. You might not, but I believe in her.”

She then scurries back to her room. Wish I could just follow her and... I stop my wild imaginations because I know Daadi is still watching me. I turn around and face her.

“Trust me when I say this, Daadi. I don't think they are good. I will prove it to you, and if I am right, I am not letting this engagement happen ever.”

And with that, I walk out. I have too many things to take care of.

CHAPTER 10

VIKRAM

It’s been two days since the Trivedis came to Ratna Mahal to discuss Shyam and Maahi’s engagement. Time is running out for me to prove that Shyam and his family are only after Devki Estate. I’ve already asked my sources to dig up any information on what benefits the Trivedis might gain if Maahi marries into that family. I hope to get some info soon.

“Vikram,” Daadi calls out as I head for the stairs. “Will you go to the jeweler? I had ordered a waist chain for Maahi.”

Waist chain? My body heats up at the thought of Maahi wearing it. But then reality hits hard. Cub is getting engaged to Shyam, and the thought of him touching Maahi, even to put that chain on her, makes my blood boil.

“Vikram?” Daadi’s voice shakes me from my thoughts. “What happens to you these days? You seem all lost.”

I don’t reply because Daadi wouldn’t like to know what’s wrong with me—especially since it’s related to Maahi. “Daadi, you can send someone else to collect it.”

“I know,” she sighs. “I had promised to go with Maahi, but now the priest has called me to discuss a puja. I can’t miss it. I don’t want Maahi to go alone. She’s the bride, and we’re her only family. That’s why I wanted you to accompany her. I’ll give you my card to make the payment.”

Cub is coming along? In that case I don’t want to deny Daadi anymore, but I can’t show that on my face. “Fine,” I say, holding back a smirk. “I’ll go with her.”

“Thank you,” Daadi smiles, lighting up my face too. Seeing her excitement for Maahi’s future makes me realize how much she loves her. “Let me give you my card.”

“No need. I’ll pay.”

How can I take money from Daadi for Maahi’s waist chain?

“No, Vikram. It’s my gift to her.”

“And we’re family,” I argue. “So, who pays doesn’t matter.”

She likes my reply and agrees. “I’ll send Maahi down.”

As she leaves, I head to the car. I'm sure this engagement won't happen, but I don't want to miss this shopping trip. It will give me time with Maahi to talk about Devki Estate. My lawyer advised that the only way to secure the estate is to marry Maahi. But though my body aches for her, my mind resists. I can't marry someone just for a piece of land. Although Maahi intrigues me, her innocent gestures charm me, but I don't see her as my wife. It would be difficult to handle a wife who doesn't want to leave this place because I'm not staying in India forever. My world is in the US, my life is there. And though I've heard of long-distance relationships working, I don't believe a long-distance marriage would be fruitful. Whoever I marry, I want her by my side, in my bed, beside me every night.

I get in the car and take the wheel, waiting for Maahi. I haven't really thought about marriage yet, but now, as I close my eyes, the future unfolds vividly before me. I'm in my penthouse in the US, lying on the bed on a lazy Sunday morning. The golden sun filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. I lean down and press my lips to the soft skin of my wife's shoulder, trailing kisses up her neck. She stirs, a sleepy smile playing on her lips as she fists my hair and pulls me away, forcing me to open my eyes and gaze upon her angelic face... It's none other than my Cub, Maahi. I see her as my wife, radiant and content in my embrace.

My eyes fly open, a fine mist of sweat gleaming on my skin. Before I can analyze why my subconscious conjured such an intimate image, the passenger seat door opens, and the woman responsible for my current torturous state gets in, shattering the vivid dream.

MAAHI

I’m taken aback when Daadi cancels her plan to accompany me to the jeweler, especially when she tells me who her replacement is. She’s sending Prince Pompous with me. Despite my protests that I can go alone and make my selections, she insists. Not wanting to upset her, I find myself getting into Prince Pompous’s car. He looks at me as if I’ve interrupted his daydream.

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