Page 77 of One Hellish Desire

“You think she’ll like it, Vikram?”

“She loves everything you get for her, Daadi. You don’t need to ask.”

A contented smile lights up her face, and I seize the moment to talk about moving to the US.

“My work in the US requires me to travel back soon,” I say. “I’d love to stay longer, but...”

“I know, Vikram. Work is important. I’m glad you both decided to marry before you leave.”

“You’re coming with us,” I declare.

She looks a bit surprised but then smiles.

“I will, Vikram, but not this time. I’ll speak to Maahi. I know she’ll hesitate to go without me, but I’ll reassure her.”

“Why can’t you come with us now?”

“I don’t think I can handle such a long journey, even though the doctors have cleared me to travel. I want to rest here a bit longer.”

“Daadi, you promised,” I snap. “You promised to come and stay with us.”

“And I will, for a few days next month.”

“Few days?” I groan. “Daadi, I’m not asking for a vacation. Now that Maahi and I are getting married, I don’t want to leave you here alone. This house can be our vacation home, but I want you with us permanently.”

She looks sad.

“Ratna Mahal is my home, Vikram. It will always be. I stepped into this place with your grandfather after we got married, and it holds all our beautiful moments. This house is my soul, and I can never part from it.”

Damn! I want to respect her sentiments, but I can’t leave Daadi alone again. I’m about to argue when I feel Maahi’s presence. She’s standing at the door, tears in her eyes.

“Thank God you’re here. Only you can convince Daadi to change her mind,” I mutter.

She enters the room and sits next to Daadi, holding her hands.

“No one will drag you away from Ratna Mahal, Daadi. This is your home... our home. We’ll always stay here.”

I can’t believe Maahi is encouraging her.

“Excuse me?” I glare at Maahi, who wipes her tears and kisses Daadi’s cheek. Realizing she’s avoiding this discussion in Daadi’s presence, I show some patience and wait until we’re alone to talk about it.

“This saree is so pretty,” Maahi says, taking the red saree and trying it on in front of the mirror.

I’m lost, watching her. They discuss the attire and jewelry for the wedding, while I focus on other tasks. I haven’t seen Dad since morning, and it worries me. Mom is also aloof from the wedding preparations, but I know she’ll attend. She won’t leave for the US without me.

It takes hours to finish everything. My lawyer has arranged the court wedding; we just need to show up. I check my watch—it’s midnight already. Not the right time to wake Maahi to discuss our travel plans. Tomorrow is our wedding, and I want her to rest. It’s going to be a big day for us.

CHAPTER 22

MAAHI

Daadi helps me drape the red saree she bought specifically for my wedding. Despite Preet's selection of designer lehengas, I choose to wear what Daadi picked for me. Her happiness is unparalleled today; her dream of seeing me as her grandson’s wife is coming true. While I'm thrilled for her, I'm also nervous. Daadi will never leave this place, and neither will I. Though Daadi has told Vikram, I still need to discuss it with him.

“Now sit here and wear this,” Daadi says, removing a necklace from the jewelry box. It’s one I’ve never seen before.

“Daadi, this one is...”

“I know,” she interrupts. “I kept it for Vikram’s bride. I’m so honored to give it to you. Meera always had an eye on this, but I never gave it to her.”

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