Page 66 of One Hellish Desire

“I’ll get her out of this, Daadi. I promise.”

My heart clenches. I don’t want his help because I know what it implies.

“Right now, you should rest.” He raises her hand and kisses her palm. “Dad and Mom are waiting to see you.”

“I don’t want to see them,” Daadi replies, shocking us both. “Not now.”

My heart aches for her. She’s hurt by her own son, and this isn’t the first time.

“Fine, I’ll tell them,” Vikram says, walking out. I take my seat beside her again.

“Go and sleep, Maahi. It’s still night,” Daadi says looking at me.

“I won’t leave you.”

“I know.” A lone tear escapes her eye as she touches my face. “This is not your fight, Maahi.”

I don’t understand what she means. “Vanraj wants that land for business, and you want it for fulfilling my dream. I can never dream of anything that puts my children at risk.”

“Daadi?” I frown. “No.”

“I’m sorry,” she sobs. “I know it will hurt you, but I want you out of this mess. How long will you keep fighting for me? They want the land, give it to them. Even if it doesn’t fulfill my dream, I’ll still be happy because I have you.”

“No.” Tears roll down my cheeks. “I won’t let them win.”

“I want to see you happy, Maahi.”

“I can fight this.”

“I know you can, but no fight is worth hurting your own family.”

“Daadi, don’t give up,” I plead. “Let me try.”

She isn’t convinced, but I don’t let her stress more. “Okay, rest for now. We’ll decide once you get better.”

She swallows painfully and closes her eyes to sleep.

VIKRAM

When I tell Mom and Dad that Daadi doesn’t want to see them, they’re shocked. Mom is annoyed but doesn’t make a fuss. I send them back to their rooms to rest while I stay to look after Maahi and Daadi.

The next morning, things momentarily fall back into place. I force Maahi to shower while I sit with Daadi, helping her eat. She’s not in the mood, but I insist, and she complies. I’ve never had the chance to look after Daadi, and doing so now feels good. I wipe her lips and place the bowls away. She brings my hand to her heart.

“When you were young, you resembled your father to me. But you’re not like him, Vikram.”

“I’m worse than him in my decision-making,” I argue. “But I won’t let my family be hurt. I know you’re hurt by what Dad did. I’m not supporting him either.”

“Have you talked to Maahi?” she asks. “Does she know what you feel for her?”

Yes. She knows. Last night I proposed to her, and the kiss that followed sealed the deal from my end. But she wasn’t prepared for my proposal or the kiss, so I’m still waiting for her reply.

Maahi enters the room just then. Our eyes meet. She’s in a light blue salwar, with dori ties at the back, and I’m transported back to last night when I untied one such dori while kissing her. My touch had melted her, and though I don’t mean to take advantage, it’s hard to control my hormones when we’re together. None of us could focus on my marriage proposal to her, as Daadi’s sudden illness kept us occupied, but now that she’s well, I can’t wait to know what Maahi has decided.

“Move,” she demands, wanting me away from Daadi.

“Excuse me?”

“I said move. Your time is up. Go shower, and I’ll stay with Daadi.”

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