Page 58 of One Hellish Desire

“She has changed,” Mom says, looking at me. “She was never this rude to any of us.”

“Meera, stop it,” Dad snaps. “You don’t have to comment on everything about Maa.”

“There you go, Vanraj. I knew it. The moment you step into this house, you blindly support your mother. Look what she did to you and Vikram. She took away your rights and...”

“Mom,” I interrupt. “Please don't judge Daadi's intentions. Devki Estate has always been a sensitive subject for her.”

“And she chose to give it to someone else instead of her own son and grandson. How sensitive is that?” Mom retorts.

I know convincing her won't be easy.

“I'm telling you both, this place always brings out the worst in me. You’d better hurry up with your work so we can fly back to the US,” she adds.

Neither Dad nor I reply. This isn’t us. We're not usually this cold and distant. In the US, we’re open, we talk, we share. Here, it's like everyone's at odds, harboring hidden motives. I still need to uncover the root of the bitterness between Mom and Daadi. Someday, I hope to reconcile them – I want Daadi, Maahi, and Mom to coexist peacefully. They're the three most important women in my life.

As Dad leaves and Mom finishes her breakfast in stony silence, I realize I've lost my appetite. I need some air, some space to process everything that's happened.

MAAHI

It's evening, and I'm still at my boutique. The entire day feels wasted after that argument with the Grover family. I told them exactly who Devki Estate belongs to, and I’m sure a war erupted after I left. I hope they haven’t demeaned Daadi in all this; it’s not her fault. I worry for her, but I believe Prince Pompous won't let his parents accuse Daadi. He loves his grandmother, but he loves his mother too. I know how hard it will be for him if they all stay under the same roof.

I’m checking the latest bridal collection designs to email to a client in Mumbai when there's a knock on the door. Devki Estate’s manager, Shuklaji, enters.

“Shuklaji?” I’m surprised to see him here, and he looks panicked. “Is everything okay?”

I immediately get up and walk to him.

“Maahi, did you know about this?”

He hands me some papers, and I go blank when I realize what they are. My temper rises, and my blood boils as I see the signatures at the bottom—Vikram’s signature. How could he do this to me? Shuklaji explains that a lawyer delivered these court documents to him an hour ago. I never thought the Grovers would play this card to snatch Devki Estate. I’m not letting this go easily.

“Where is Vikram right now?” I ask Shukla, who is still nervous.

“Their lawyer mentioned Vikram Singh Grover will be at Leela Mahal this evening.”

Fine. I’ll go there personally and handle this. He’s not going to win Devki Estate. Ever.

****************

I arrive at Leela Mahal, the exclusive VIP club owned by Vikram Singh Grover. The security gives me a hard time. I argue that I know Prince Pompous and have been here before, but the guard still doesn’t believe me. I order him to call Vikram inside and check.

“Just tell him I’m here. Do as I say,” I bark at the security guard.

“Ma’am, whoever you are, we cannot let you inside without a pass, nor can we trouble the owner because you demand he knows you.”

“I do know him, and if you don’t let me in, you’ll regret it.”

The guard doesn’t react to my warning, but the woman who escorted me last time rushes out. She speaks to the guard and bows her head at me.

“Please forgive us, ma’am. The guard didn’t know you are related to the Grovers. How can I help you?”

“I want to meet Vikram. It’s urgent.”

She smiles apologetically again.

“Sir is busy in a meeting inside.”

“A meeting?” I scoff. “This is a club, not an office. I don’t care if he’s in a meeting. Just tell him I’m here.”

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