Page 156 of One Hellish Desire

I need to take care of a few things before bed. I'm missing my US office, and I know it'll take time to adapt to being here, away from the city where I've lived all these years. But I'll manage. After changing, I head down to the drawing room to handle some work, leaving Maahi to sleep peacefully.

MAAHI

I open my eyes, yawning and stretching in bed as I recall last night's party. It was fantastic. I've never enjoyed myself so much with the girls. And Preet was... exceptional. I need to call her before she flies to Udaipur. Wait! My jaw drops. How did I get back home? Then I remember – my husband is here... in India. I met him at Leela Mahal, and he must have brought me home. I vaguely recall how he controlled his desires and asked me to stay awake for a while... and I failed him. I dozed off! Gosh! How could I do this to him all the time? Why did I drink that stupid wine? Vikram came all the way for me, and I... disappointed him on our first night together after seven weeks. This is so unfair.

I scan the room and the other side of the bed. It looks like he never returned to bed after putting me here. Where did he sleep, and why not in this room?

Quickly freshening up, I head downstairs, having skipped today's morning Puja with Daadi. I find Vikram having morning tea with Daadi in the living room. They pause their conversation when they see me.

“Sorry,” I mumble to both. “I missed the Puja and... I woke up late.”

I turn to Vikram, who shifts on the couch to make room for me. I'm relieved he isn't grumpy. I quickly take my place next to him.

“Tea?” he asks lovingly, and at my blank nod, he starts pouring my cup. I try to stop him, but he insists, “Allow me.” He even adds the right amount of sugar I like and stirs it. “It will cure your headache.”

Oh! He knows I have one. I swallow, taking the cup from him and sip the tea. It's soothing... just what I needed.

“Maahi, how was the party?” Daadi asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

I take a sip of tea before answering, “It was wonderful. I had a great time.”

“Vikram mentioned he surprised you,” Daadi adds, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

My eyes involuntarily seek out Vikram's, and as our gazes lock, I feel my heart flutter. The realization hits me anew - I've completely fallen for this man.

“He did,” I confirm softly, unable to look away from Vikram's intense stare. “It was quite the surprise.”

We remain lost in each other's eyes, the world fading away around us, until Daadi's throat-clearing breaks the spell.

“I'll go check if breakfast is ready,” she announces, rising from her seat.

Snapping back to reality, I quickly offer, “Oh, Daadi, please sit. I can check for you.”

“No, don't get up!” Daadi insists, her voice surprisingly forceful. Her expression softens as she adds, “Your husband is here for you. Give him your time.”

A wave of shyness washes over me at her words. I feel my cheeks warm as I smile, watching Daadi leave us alone. She always pushes me and Vikram together to spend time. Not that I mind anymore. The air seems to thicken with anticipation as I turn back to Vikram, acutely aware of our newfound privacy. Vikram tenderly brushes loose strands of hair from my temples.

“Had a good sleep?” he asks.

“Sorry,” I mouth again, my throat suddenly dry and words failing me. “I dozed off.”

Vikram's eyes soften as he replies, “You needed rest. You got some. I'm happy.”

“But I'm not,” I protest. “Why didn't you sleep in our room? Where did you spend the night?”

“Drawing room,” he answers matter-of-factly. “Had a lot of things to take care of.”

I sigh, noticing the fatigue in his eyes. “No wonder you still look sleepy,” I murmur, gently stroking away a bit of morning crust from the corner of his eye. “Take a nap after breakfast.”

“Alone?” he teases, and I feel my breath catch.

“I can push my schedule. Let me check with—”

“No, don't,” he interrupts. “I came here so one of us can stick to our schedule and work normally. You don't have to push your schedule, just fit me in it.”

I like him being so considerate, Leaning closer, I place a soft kiss on his forehead appreciating this side of Vikram. My lips linger for another few seconds on his skin before I meet his gaze again. I want him to kiss me too.

“Daadi is around,” he whispers, answering my unspoken question. I exhale, disheartened.

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