Page 167 of One Hellish Desire

“So am I.”

I frown and am about to leave when she holds my hand and, raising herself on her toes, kisses my lips. I regard her cautiously as she cups my face.

“Just let me control these four days of our privacy, please. I promise you won’t regret it.”

That one statement is enough to vanish my anger. I stare into her glowing eyes with love before leaning down and kissing her tenderly. She wants to control this trip, so be it. I am all hers!

CHAPTER 44

MAAHI

I don’t get much time with Vikram today because it’s Preet’s Haldi, and my presence is needed there. I wear a yellow Anarkali, the one I designed specifically for this occasion. Vikram drops me off at the venue but doesn’t stay; he’ll be there only for the wedding tomorrow, which is fine by me. At least in my absence, he can focus on his work.

I meet all my old friends who I haven’t seen much since marrying Vikram. They greet me first and then the teasing begins. I wish Preet could come and support me, but being the bride, she’s busy with her family.

“So, how’s married life?” Pooja asks.

“Great,” I reply, not giving them any more details. It’s all over my face that I’m happy being married to Vikram Singh Grover.

“You’re blushing,” Heena elbows me as I fiddle with my phone. “He must be really good. I’ve seen his pictures. Very handsome.”

I shift nervously on my seat as they start discussing my husband.

“One of the top 100 sexy billionaires in the US too, I heard,” Pooja mentions. “Does he work out every day?”

“Yeah, he has good muscles,” Kriti adds.

“Girls,” I snap. “Enough. You’re talking as if I don’t exist here. He’s my husband now.”

“And we are his Saalis (sister-in-laws),” Pooja replies. “And Saali is half gharwali.”

I laugh too. “In your dreams. He’s mine for the next seven births.”

“Aww,” they begin to tickle me, and I keep laughing. Finally, after all the teasing is over, we hug each other. I’m so glad Vikram isn’t here today to witness this madness. It would boost his ego to know my friends are swooning over him.

After two hours and almost at the end of the Haldi ceremony, Preet finds some time for me. I help her untuck the pins from her hairdo while she stares at me in the mirror.

“So, you finally got your Prince Charming in the form of your Prince Pompous, huh?”

I frown. “Not you too, Preet. The girls have teased me enough today.”

“That’s because it’s written all over your face. You seem very happy with Vikram. And he came here for you. That’s a great sacrifice.”

I nod. “But he’s not the only one making sacrifices. I’m going to do it too.”

“Oh yes. Have you told him about your plans with Elise to start your own boutique in New York?”

“Not yet,” I mumble. “I want to finish all my preparations first before surprising him.”

She hugs me. “I’m so happy for you, Maahi. Who knew your Prince Charming was right in the same family that adopted you? That’s destiny, isn’t it?”

I nod happily. “Yes, and I’ve found mine.”

A message beeps on my phone, which I quickly check.

‘Done? I’m missing you, Cub. Should I come to pick you up now?’

‘Yes,’ I reply and shut my phone.

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