Page 62 of One Hellish Desire

“Maahi, Maahi, Maahi. What has that girl done to you? You don’t sound like my son anymore.”

“And you don’t sound like my father.”

This is going bad. I have never hurt Dad like this before, nor has he hurt me. Why is this happening? Only for a piece of land?

“Fine, I will stop this. But I am not ending this legal fight between me and her,” Dad continues. “You cannot stop me from fighting this legally.”

I don’t care. Until Maahi is safe, I will do anything to make her win legally.

“Just tell me one thing, Vikram. Whose side are you on?”

That’s a tricky question.

“I’m not answering that,” I say, gulping more whiskey. “I pass on this question.”

“You can’t. Because I need to know whose side my son will stand on if I fight this legally. If you are on my side, fair enough. But if you are on her side—”

“Then what?” I scowl. “You’ll throw me out of your life? Snatch my position in the company? What?”

Dad eyes me like he doesn't like the choices I gave him.

“No, Vikram. I’m your father. I would never do that to you. But I will never let anyone misguide you. Whatever you feel for this girl is momentary. Deal with it and get back on the right track.”

“I am on the right track, Dad. You are misguided. Don’t worry, I know how to get my father back on my side.” I wink, but he doesn’t smile or believe my words. He just walks out.

I sigh and look out of the window. At least I’m glad Dad is not going through with his threatening plans. But I have to be careful.

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

I haven’t seen Maahi for two days because she’s been busy handling the legal issues. I don’t know what her exact plans are, but I’m sure she’s hired a good lawyer and is exploring her options. Daadi has no idea what’s going on, and Maahi loves her too much to worry her. That’s the difference between Dad’s love for his mother and Maahi’s love for Daadi. Dad didn’t hesitate to place a stay order on Devki Estate, knowing it would hurt Daadi, even though she warned him not to.

I’ve been busy too. I’ve hired spies to monitor Dad’s plans and protect Maahi. She doesn’t know she’s being watched, but that’s only because I want her safe. If anyone from that meeting at Leela Mahal tries to harm her, my men will be there to protect her. Daadi is worried about Maahi’s changed schedule. She thinks it’s because of the Boutique, but it’s not. Maahi isn’t home for breakfast or dinner anymore. I don’t like this. I want her to eat well and stay strong for this fight. That’s why I asked Daadi to prepare her favorite dinner and pack it. I’m going to visit her at the Boutique to make sure she eats.

MAAHI

Nothing is going right. I’ve hired the best lawyer, Dheeraj, but he doesn’t seem confident about our chances. We haven’t even started the legal battle, and his negative outlook is disheartening. He’s not offering any alternative options either. Is he really the best lawyer in the city? I know he is. Shuklaji shared his bio with me, and I chose him myself. He has a 98% success rate in the cases he’s taken. How can he not have any options for me? I’m still in my office discussing the issue when there’s a knock on the door. I hate being disturbed at such crucial moments. I’m about to snap at whoever it is when the door opens and Vikram walks in. What is he doing here? My lawyer Dheeraj looks equally disturbed by his presence.

“You shouldn’t be here,” I say sternly. Vikram isn’t affected. He just walks in.

“Did you eat?”

My jaw drops. Is that why he’s here? To ask if I’ve eaten? My lawyer watches us both intently.

“How does that affect you, Mr. Grover? Don’t forget it’s because of you and your father that I’m skipping meals these days.”

“Not because of me. Just Dad. Don’t put that blame on me just because he is my father.”

He places a bag on my table. I have no idea what it contains. Then he turns to my lawyer and shakes his hand.

“Vikram Singh Grover.”

“Dheeraj.”

“Nice to meet you, Dheeraj. Now, if you don’t mind, can we continue this discussion tomorrow? Your client needs to eat.”

“No,” I snap, standing up. “He’s not going anywhere but you are. Is this a new tactic to disturb me? So I can’t prepare for this legal fight?”

He glares at me, but I don’t care.

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