Page 86 of One Hellish Desire

Her directness stuns me.

“Don’t hurry to plan children. I’m not ready to be a grandmother.”

I roll my eyes, wanting to see her reaction when she knows I didn’t let her son touch me at all, forget making babies with him.

“Meera, what’s your problem? They’re married. Having children is their call,” Daadi argues.

“Don’t lecture me, Maa. Didn’t you insist we have kids immediately after our marriage?”

Daadi goes quiet.

“You brainwashed your son every day. I won’t do that with my son.”

I turn to Daadi, who looks guilty. Their bitter relationship is still a mystery to me.

“And you...” Meera points at me. “Don’t pack your old-fashioned clothes. We Grovers have a class. I’ll take you to my designer in the USA.”

How dare she treat me like this? I’m already tolerating her son’s tantrums; I won’t tolerate hers.

“I think you didn’t take my yesterday’s words seriously. I’m not coming along with you all to the USA this time.”

“What?” she snaps. “Your husband has business to take care of, and you should support him.”

“I have business here and wish he’d support me.”

“She’s right,” Vikram’s voice startles us. He walks over, glaring at me before addressing his mother. “Maahi’s not traveling with us.”

“But, Vikram...”

“Let her finish her work here first.”

“What about the reception party?”

“Cancel it,” he growls, without breaking our locked gaze. He’s not happy but has no choice. Why pretend to support my decision?

“No one has to cancel any plans. Maahi will come to the USA with you, and so will I,” Daadi interrupts.

Now I’m intrigued. Daadi wants to travel now?

“So, you admit she isn’t ready to leave because of you?” Meera aunty taunts Daadi.

“That’s not true. I have work here, and Daadi isn’t fit to travel. She needs to recover.”

“I’ll manage,” Daadi argues. “Pack your bags.”

I’m about to argue, but Vikram intervenes.

“Will you ladies just stop arguing?” he scolds us all. “I know what I’m doing. Doesn’t matter how far I stay from my wife, my feelings and responsibilities won’t change. So, end this debate. I’m going out for some work.”

“Work? Again?” Daadi sighs. “You married just yesterday. Spend time together. Take her out...”

“I will,” he raises Daadi’s hand and kisses her wrist. “Tonight.”

He stiffens as he glares at me before leaving. What’s keeping him so busy? My heart says it’s related to Devki Estate.

“I’ll be right back.”

I follow Vikram out, blocking his way to the car. He waits for me to catch my breath.

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