Page 72 of One Hellish Desire

MAAHI

I’ve made the scariest decision of my life: to marry Vikram Singh Grover. It’s necessary for Daadi’s dreams, which will always be my priority. But Preet doesn’t see it that way. As soon as I told her my plan, she rushed to Ratna Mahal. After checking on Daadi, we’re now in my bedroom.

“Are you crazy? This isn’t a decision you can ever reverse. It’s going to shape your whole life, Maahi,” she exclaims.

“I know,” I say, fiddling with my phone.

“You don’t know anything,” she snaps, snatching my phone to get my attention. “In fulfilling Daadi’s dreams, I don’t want you to lose yours.”

That statement irks me. “My dreams and Daadi’s aren’t very different.”

“They are. Daadi had a loving partner. She might not have received the same love from her son, but she got it from you. Now, she wants to help old people like her. But you? You have your whole life ahead. Marrying a man you don’t love is the worst decision.”

“I didn’t love Shyam either,” I snap. “But I was marrying him. And didn’t you coax me then to think of Vikram, not Shyam, because you thought we had some foolish chemistry?”

“You two have crackling chemistry, and even a blind man can see that. But that’s not enough. Will he love and respect you? Will he prioritize you over his parents? Will he let you work and continue this business?”

I haven’t thought about these things, but before I can, we hear Vikram’s voice. He’s in my bedroom; I must have forgotten to lock the door.

“I didn’t know I had to pass your friend’s test before marrying you,” he teases, stepping inside.

Preet’s face flushes—every woman’s reaction when Vikram is around.

“You eavesdropped?” I glare at him. He might be my future husband, but he needs to respect my privacy.

“Anyone would have, the door was unlocked. And we don’t want any ears on us until we marry. People could take advantage.”

He’s right. I should have been more careful.

“First things first,” he says, turning to Preet. “I don’t care what others think of me, but since you’re Maahi’s friend and concerned about her wellbeing after she marries me, let me clear up some doubts.”

My gaze is glued to Vikram’s face. I’m equally interested in hearing his replies.

“When I promise commitment and respect, I mean it, no matter who tries to sway me. And Maahi doesn’t need my protection from my parents. She can tackle them herself,” he smirks at me. “In fact, I’m more concerned about how often she’ll show them where they go wrong.”

Does he really think I can handle his parents? My heart swells with pride at his faith in me.

“I know Maahi has a business here. But who says she can’t start one in the US too? All she needs is finance, which I’m ready to provide for my wife.”

Now I’m worried. He thinks I’ll move to the US and start a business there? Sorry, but I can’t leave Daadi alone. I won’t tell him yet; marriage is a must. I can handle these decisions later.

“Fine,” Preet says, looking satisfied. “If that’s what you both want, I have full faith Maahi made the right decision. You both can take care of each other.”

I heave a sigh of relief, but it’s short-lived as Preet continues sharing my secrets with Vikram.

“Take her to Switzerland after the wedding. She always dreamed of her honeymoon there.”

“Preet, shut up!” I shout, not wanting to see Vikram’s reaction, though I can feel his heated gaze on me.

“And if you want to know her sensitive spot, it’s here,” Preet touches the base of my neck where my pulse flutters. I freeze. “She thinks she’ll melt if a man touches her there.”

Damn her! “I’m not going to leave you,” I shout, chasing Preet out of the room. I wish she hadn’t given such idiotic clues to Vikram because now I know what his next course of actions will be.

VIKRAM

As Preet and Maahi run out of the room, my mind wanders to a honeymoon with Maahi and touching that sweet spot on her neck. Damn, I can’t resist making that happen, but right now, I need a cold shower.

After a long shower, I come down for lunch. Maahi is serving Daadi, while Dad and Mom serve themselves. I hate the silence that stretches in the room when we’re all together. I know it will turn into a war at the dining table when I make my announcement. Maahi glances at me as I take a seat opposite my parents. Daadi is seated at the center, the head of the family. Unlike last time, when I had to force Maahi to sit next to me, this time, she does it on her own. She knows her place now—always by my side. Mom stares at us and then continues eating. We’re almost finished with lunch when I decide to break the silence.

---