Page 184 of One Hellish Desire

“You’re right,” Dad sighs in disappointment. “But this time, I’m not really counting money, Vikram. I’m here for the family. For you… and...” he pauses.

“For Daadi, right?” I ask.

His face pales, but he nods.

“I’ve neglected Maa too much, and I realized that only after you left us.”

“I never neglected you two,” I argue.

“No, you didn’t. You were always craving to stay in touch with us, unlike Meera and me, who never bothered to check on Maa much. I thought sending her flowers on her birthday and calling her once or twice a month was enough to maintain our relationship, but I was wrong. Money, fame, and power blinded me, but I’m glad you didn’t turn out like me.”

I sigh.

“That’s not true, Dad. I was exactly like you. I was your shadow from my teenage years. How do you think I could be any different? But…” I smile. “Maahi and her love changed me. She made me realize my mistakes. I saw life from a different angle once she came into my life.”

I don’t realize Dad is smiling teasingly.

“What?” I raise my brows. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’re right. You are my shadow, son, and your love for Maahi sounds exactly like the love I have for your mom.”

I grin.

“But,” Dad exhales, “I’ve ignored her too. All her fights with Maa, I never paid attention to them. That’s one of the reasons why Meera and Maa never patched things up. I should have bridged the gap between them, but I did nothing.”

He’s absolutely right.

“That’s why I’m here,” Dad adds. “To sort out our family issues. I don’t care what our clients think about our absence.”

I appreciate Dad’s approach, but not entirely.

“I appreciate your thoughts on patching up with the family, Dad, but I don’t agree that you don’t care about our clients. We run a business, and we never back down. They have relied on us all these years, and we can’t let them lose trust in us.”

Dad looks impressed but still confused.

“What do you suggest we do?” he asks.

I take a minute to decide whether I should share this plan with Dad now or wait until it’s more concrete. But I want Dad to relax, and if sharing this plan helps him, I will.

“Let’s expand Grover Group in India as well,” I suggest.

“What?” Dad scowls. “Do you know what you’re talking about?”

“Yes, I know what I’m suggesting. India is our home country, Dad, and there are so many opportunities here that can benefit all of us.”

“I know, but such decisions need proper planning and…”

“That’s why I’m here,” I smile. “And so are you.” I smile again, and Dad gets my point.

“You mean we’ll tell our clients and spread the news in the media that we’re in India for expansion?”

“Absolutely, Dad. Problem solved.”

He’s impressed by my thoughts and planning, but he has a few doubts which I happily address.

MAAHI

I’m in the kitchen post dinner when Vanraj uncle enters.

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