Page 43 of One Hellish Desire

“Helpless?” I giggle, though the sound is shaky. Seriously? Which age is he living in? “In your dreams, Vikram.”

He pins me to the wall without touching me, his breath hot against my ear. “In my dreams...” he whispers, his voice like silk. “You do a lot more than that.”

I swallow hard. He dreams of me? What kind of dreams? The dominance in his act is undeniable, and something surges through me as he pulls away. I force myself to look into his eyes, refusing to let him see my turmoil.

“Will you give me what I ask for, if I make you color me today?” His challenge is clear, and my pulse quickens.

I nod, the stakes suddenly feeling much higher. “Anything except Devki Estate,” I state.

“Deal?” He smirks, a spark of mischief in his eyes.

“Deal.” I nod, the word heavy with implications.

He steps back, freeing me from his pin, and I take the opportunity to run. I don’t know what got into me to accept such a challenge, but I won’t back down now. It’s on, and I will make sure I win, not him.

CHAPTER 13

VIKRAM

Yes, Maahi was in my dream last night. The preparations for the Holi party must have seeped into my subconscious, leading me to dream of Holi, celebrating with Maahi. It was an electrifying dream where she pushed me down and straddled me, determined to color every inch of my body. We laughed like a couple deeply in love as her hands painted my face, neck, and chest, her touch igniting every nerve. By the end, I pulled her down, capturing her mouth with a fierce, searing kiss, my hunger erupting through every sense. What a dream! I've never dreamt of a woman like that. Maahi is becoming my obsession, and I have no complaints.

Reality beckons, and I make my way to the garden of Ratna Mahal. The air is electric with excitement as guests crowd together, exchanging colorful blessings. My eyes scan the throng, searching for her. There - Maahi stands among a group of girls, her laughter carrying over the din. One of her friends catches my gaze, her approving look telling me she has spoken of me. The thought sends a thrill of satisfaction through me.

Daadi approaches with her group of old friends, the same women who once pinched my cheeks as if I were still a child. I steel myself as they reach me, dutifully accepting their colorful blessings and returning the gesture.

“Happy Holi, handsome,” Pushpa Daadi says with a wink before turning to Daadi. “Devki, when are you getting your grandson married?”

Her query sparks a chorus of interest among the older women. Nandita aunty, barely steady on her feet, chimes in with a blush, “What type of bride do you want, Vikram?”

My gaze instinctively drifts back to Maahi, lost in the joyous chaos of colors and laughter.

“Don't be shy,” they persist. “We're experts in matchmaking. Tell us your preferences, and we'll find you a suitable girl. Who knows, by next Holi, you and your bride could be playing with colors together!”

Next year? The thought of waiting that long to claim Maahi as mine is almost physically painful. I turn back to them, my eyes locking with Daadi's.

“Daadi knows my choice,” I state, my tone brooking no argument.

I watch as Daadi's expression flickers with amusement and uncertainty. She knows exactly who I mean, but her hesitation is palpable. She loves us both, Maahi and me, but doubts still linger in her mind about our compatibility, especially knowing I’m interested in Devki Estate too.

“Devki?” Pushpa grins, oblivious to the undercurrents. “Didn't I tell you your grandson would never go against your wishes?”

“This is easy,” Nandita declares. “If Devki's choice will be your choice, then we all know who she'll give her first priority to!”

Their words ignite a spark of hope within me. They're hinting at Maahi, and the possibility thrills me to my core.

Daadi, ever the diplomat, smoothly interrupts. “Pushpa, Nandita, will you spend time with my grandson only, or shall we meet others too? We have so many people to greet.”

As she herds them away, Daadi's suspicious glance doesn't escape my notice. We may not have openly discussed Maahi and me since that night, but she knows. She knows I want Maahi with every fiber of my being. And more importantly, she knows that when I set my eyes on something, I will move heaven and earth to make it mine.

The festivities swirl around me, but my focus remains singular. Today, I will claim my first victory. Maahi will color me with her own hands, willingly. And with each touch, I'll draw her deeper into my world until she can no longer imagine a life without me by her side.

MAAHI

Holi has always been my favorite festival, a time when I'd lose myself for hours in the playful madness of colors and water. But today, something's different. Something's shifted.

Preet's voice cuts through my reverie, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Are you still thinking about the bet?” she asks, giving me a playful shake.

I shake my head, denying the obvious, but Preet isn't fooled. “Ever since you told me about your bet with Vikram, I'm more excited than you,” she giggles, her enthusiasm grating on my nerves.

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