Page 159 of One Hellish Desire

VIKRAM

The visit to Devki Estate has left me awestruck. Seeing the progress and hearing about Maahi and Daadi's plans for the old age home is truly inspiring. It's shaping up to be an exceptional facility with all the necessary amenities. I'd like to think my late grandfather would be proud.

I’m in the kitchen, fumbling with ingredients when Daadi walks in. “Vikram, what are you up to?” she asks.

“Trying my hand at cooking,” I admit sheepishly.

She grins. “For Maahi?”

I nod, smiling back at her.

“How romantic. Your Daadu used to do such things for me too. You remind me of him.”

I hug her close. “I'd say I'm even more romantic. Just ask Maahi,” I tease.

Daadi playfully swats my chest. “Shameless boy! I don't need to know about your private life.”

I can’t resist pushing the joke further. “Really? I thought you might have some tips for Maahi. She's quite passive in our romance.” It is a blatant lie, and Daadi knows it.

“Don't you dare speak ill of my daughter-in-law,” she scolds me, frowning.

I laugh, enjoying our banter. Suddenly, I feel a pang of homesickness for Mom and Dad which Daadi notices too.

“You're missing Meera and Vanraj, aren't you?” she asks softly. “They miss you too. Your sacrifice is admirable, but leaving your parents alone just to support your wife isn't right. I speak from experience.”

“Daadi, I promise we won't be apart for long. Maahi and I are working on bridging this gap,” I assure her.

She smiles, patting my back, then glanced at the messy kitchen counter. “Are you attempting to make gulab jamuns?”

“I think so,” I shrug, feeling a bit embarrassed. “I never realized they'd be this challenging.”

“Let me help you,” Daadi offers help.

“Thanks, but I'd like to do this myself. Can you just guide me?”

She laughs again. “Alright, I won't help. I'll just guide.”

Perfect! I put my apron back on and get ready to try again.

***************

At precisely 6:00 PM, Maahi emerges from the boutique, giving final instructions to her staff. She spots me waiting by the car. As she approaches, I embrace her and plant a kiss on her hair.

“How was your day?” I ask, gently brushing stray locks from her face. She leans into my touch.

“Hectic... and a bit frustrating. One of my vendors missed their shipping deadlines,” she sighs.

“I already dislike that vendor,” I say, kissing her nose, “for upsetting you.”

“Aww...” she blushes as I lean in for a kiss. “We're in India, remember? No public displays of affection.”

“I'm kissing my wife. Who's going to stop me?” I challenge playfully.

Maahi laughs, opening the car door and sliding in. I close it behind her and lean through the window.

“I have a surprise for you,” I announce.

Her eyes light up as I produce her favorite chocolate from my pocket.

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