Page 141 of One Hellish Desire

“You’re telling me this, Aunty?” Sabrina bursts in anger. “You always gave me hopes that one day Vikram would be mine, and now you want to accept this foolishness?”

“Yes, I was hopeful he would choose you over Maahi,” Mom argues. “But Vikram proved me wrong. I am his mother, and I have noticed the changes in him ever since Maahi came here. He genuinely likes her, and things are turning fine between them. I am not approving Maahi yet, but if my son wants to stick to this marriage and Maahi is keeping him happy, we don’t stand a chance to break them apart.”

Maahi smiles, and when she glances at me, I return her smile.

“This is getting messier,” Dad blurts. “Patel, I’m sorry, but I think Meera has a valid point. Sabrina is like my daughter too, and I will not like her wasting her life running behind a married man, even if he is my son. Vikram told me about this yesterday, but I thought if we sat and talked, it would be sorted. But seeing Sabrina still so adamant about what she wants from Vikram, I don’t think it’s right.”

Now I’m even more shocked. Is that really Dad talking? Sabrina gets up.

“You all don’t understand. One day, this woman will snatch your son from you both, and that day you will repent, Uncle, Aunty. That day, you will wish he had cut off his ties with Maahi forever. Let me see what you do then,” Sabrina threatens Mom and Dad.

“Mr. Patel,” I rise to my feet. “Sabrina needs counseling and a vacation. Please take care of that.”

Sabrina glares at me, but I don’t care. I pull Maahi closer to show her who my priority is and will be for the rest of my life. As she walks out fuming, Mr. and Mrs. Patel rise up too.

“Sorry, Vanraj, Meera. I think we all know who needs to understand here. We will talk to Sabrina and sort this out. In fact, I am glad Vikram didn’t pick up that offer Sabrina gave him. That proves how much he respects his marriage with Maahi and the friendship he once had with Sabrina.”

Dad pats Uncle’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry. Sabrina will surely understand where she is going wrong. But I hope there is no more bitterness between us because of our children.”

“Don’t be stupid,” Patel uncle smiles. “I am not a fool to break professional ties with you and Vikram only because of Sabrina’s madness. But if Vikram doesn’t want to work with us anymore, then…”

“I am fine, Uncle,” I reply. “I want the best for both Sabrina and our business.”

“Great.” He shakes my hand and then hugs Dad. Soon, Mom and Dad lead them to the door, and I turn to my wife.

“Sorted,” I exhale, and the next instant she cups my face and kisses me passionately. I kiss her back, almost picking her up one foot above the floor. “Wow,” I mumble between kisses, and she finally pulls away, still floating in my arms. “So much for showing Sabrina her place?”

“That was for letting them all know I have a family… that you are my family,” she pecks my nose.

It’s obvious Maahi heard the Patels calling her an orphan, though she was in the kitchen at the time. And she heard my fitting reply too.

“We are a family. You and me,” I agree, kissing her again. This time I don’t crash my lips on hers, just gently brush them lightly. But as she takes over, my mind spins, and my inner thoughts turn into a crazy rumble. So, I screw the gentleness and kiss her raw and deep.

We hear Mom clearing her throat, and Maahi instantly urges me to put her down and then stands beside me. This day is seriously embarrassing us. First Daadi and now my parents, both witnessed us kissing.

“Do you both wish to have tea with us or disperse back to your room?” Mom asks shamelessly. Maahi’s cheeks turn tomato red.

“What do you think?” I ask, turning to my wife, who elbows me and quickly starts serving the tea and coffee.

This is the first time Maahi and I have our evening tea with my Mom and Dad, and though we are all very quiet, absorbing what happened with the Patels, it’s still a lovely moment – a family moment.

CHAPTER 39

MAAHI

It’s already the fifth day, with just one more left before Daadi and I return to India. I can’t believe this is happening. Vikram and I have grown closer than I ever expected, thanks to Daadi and her wonderful surprise. Staying here with Vikram was no less than a dream come true, and I’m beginning to imagine living here forever. Though I know it’s not possible anytime soon, I can see myself cooking in this kitchen, with Prince Pompous distracting me with his kisses and hugs.

We’ve already christened the living room and his playroom with our make-out sessions, and our bedroom is now filled with memories of our togetherness. I’ll miss that bed, especially the open sky ceiling where we star-gazed for hours last night. And I’ve lately realized how hot my husband looks at night wearing nothing but his boxers. The way he is slowly leading our marriage one step at a time is incredible.

Lost in these thoughts, I keep stirring the dosa batter when I hear Meera aunty’s voice.

“Dosas?” she asks, approaching me. “Is there anything you don’t know how to cook?”

“Was that a compliment or a criticism?” I ask.

She rolls her eyes. “That’s the problem with every daughter-in-law. They don’t understand when their mother-in-law is teasing them. By the way, it was a compliment. Vikram has always loved Indian breakfast, but I… I never could make one for him. And you know Jack—he can make the best Western and Continental dishes, but that’s it.”

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