Page 56 of One Hellish Desire

“You're up early,” Daadi observes, handing me the prasad.

“I hardly slept last night,” I reply, my gaze drifting to Maahi once more.

“Daadi, I will have to leave for the Boutique soon. I will eat breakfast there.” Maahi tries to excuse herself, but Daadi doesn’t allow her.

“You'll eat with us before leaving,” Daadi insists. I silently support Daadi's stance, knowing Maahi's true desire is to avoid prolonged interaction with me and my parents.

“But Daadi, I really have some important work there,” Maahi protests weakly.

“You won’t listen to me?”

Daadi’s manipulation works and Maahi reluctantly agrees.

Just then dad enters the temple room. I notice Maahi's slight flinch, though she manages a polite smile.

“Hello, Uncle,” she greets him.

“Hello, young lady,” he responds warmly. “You must be Maahi.”

There's something in his tone that makes me wonder if Mom has been talking about Maahi and me.

“Yes,” Maahi fakes a smile.

“Nice to meet you, Maahi. Maa, what’s for breakfast?”

As Daadi and Dad discuss breakfast plans and Mom's whereabouts, I find myself captivated by Maahi tidying up after the puja. These small, devotional acts stir something within me. I imagine her as my wife again, wondering if I'll have the patience to watch her perform these rituals. The way her simple salwar accentuates her figure... I might struggle to keep my hands to myself.

Dad's hand on my shoulder snaps me from my reverie.

“Let's take a walk until the breakfast is served,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument. As we stroll through Ratna Mahal's grounds, I brace myself for the inevitable interrogation.

“Is there something going on between you and Maahi?” he finally asks.

I freeze, caught off guard by his directness. Dad quickly adds, “Don't misunderstand. I'm asking as your father. Your mother thinks you're infatuated with this girl... that's why she's here to check on you.”

“Check on me?” I snap, indignant. “What am I, a child?”

Dad chuckles, but there's tension beneath it. “You know your mother, Vikram. She's always been protective of you.”

I do know. Mom's possessiveness has been a constant in my life, from school field trips to now. It's a trait I've inherited to some degree.

“Seriously, Vikram, what's happening?” Dad presses.

My patience wears thin. “Nothing's happening, Dad. If it does, you'll both know.”

He nods, seemingly accepting my answer. “I won't interfere in that part of your life. But there are risks, Son. You know Maahi is like a daughter to your grandmother, and your mother... she'll never approve.”

I have no desire to argue this point. Dad, sensing my reluctance, changes tack. “What about the Devki Estate?”

Before I can formulate a response to this equally unwelcome topic, Daadi's voice mercifully cuts through the air, announcing breakfast is ready.

MAAHI

I busy myself helping the servants arrange breakfast. Part of me desperately wants to flee this forced family time, but Daadi's insistence leaves me no choice. I understand her feelings – she wants me to feel like I belong here. But with Vikram's parents present, especially his mother, that sense of belonging feels impossibly out of reach.

As Daadi enters with Vanraj Uncle and Vikram, I keep my eyes lowered, avoiding interaction. The last thing I need right now is to meet Vikram's gaze and remember our kiss.

“Good morning,” Meera aunty's voice cuts through my thoughts. Her smile, directed solely at her family, does nothing to ease the tension I feel. “Vikram? No hug?” she asks, approaching her son.

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