Page 185 of One Hellish Desire

“Can I get some water?” he asks.

I quickly pour some from the jug. He gulps it down while I continue with the remaining kitchen chores.

“Meera wants to visit Devki Estate,” he mentions.

I halt all my actions.

As soon as I meet his gaze, he sighs. “We mean no harm this time.”

I swallow painfully, recalling how he once hired goons, bribed politicians, police, and social workers to destroy my vision for Devki Estate.

“You don’t need my permission to go there if that’s the case,” I reply.

“Thank you,” he smiles. “I know you don’t trust us because of the past, but believe me, this time all we want is to accept you and your decisions wholeheartedly.”

I don’t say anything, but after a few seconds, I just have to ask him this.

“You’re only accepting me for your son, aren’t you? Otherwise, I’m still that same orphan child who was always a burden on your family.”

He’s about to retort when we both see Vikram and Meera aunty standing at the kitchen door. Vikram stares at me, horrified. I put the kitchen napkin away and walk out.

I barge inside our bedroom, trying to ease my anger when I feel Vikram behind me. I don’t turn. I can’t face him right now. I have no idea how he’ll react.

“What was that, Maahi?” Vikram asks, reaching me. I still don’t meet his eyes.

“Please leave me alone, Vikram.”

He grabs my hand and whirls me around to face him, infuriated.

“We have lived alone enough, Maahi. It’s high time we face the issues together. What happened down there that made you say something like that?”

“Sorry,” I swallow hard. “I know your parents are here, and we should all be staying like a happy family. Trust me, I want the same, but—”

I look down as tears roll down my cheeks. Vikram lifts my chin and meets my eyes.

“Say it,” he urges.

“Vikram, there are some things I can’t forget easily. Whatever your father did to fight me for Devki Estate, your mother’s tantrums, and her calling me an orphan as if that’s my nickname. She even tried to fix you up with another woman. Not directly, but she never had a problem when Sabrina put your pictures together with those silly taglines.”

Vikram keeps watching me silently.

“I just can’t forget and forgive everything so easily,” I add. “They love you, but I’m just an add-on in their life. I was Daadi’s tail for them, and now I’ll be yours. That’s it.”

I sob, and Vikram scoops me into his embrace. He doesn’t ask me to stop crying; he just strokes my back, my hair, and keeps kissing my head until my sobs subside.

“I’m sorry,” he apologizes. “I’m sorry that Mom and Dad still make you feel that way. I’m also waiting for them to embrace you like their own daughter. I’ll be the happiest man on this planet when my wife gets all the love and respect she deserves from my family. But, Maahi, we both need to give them some time. They’ve just realized their mistakes. Dad and Mom are repenting a few decisions they made back then, and I’m sure they’ll soon be asking for your forgiveness for making you feel like an add-on. Give them some time. I’m sure they will.”

He’s right. I should give them time. Vikram gently wipes away the crust formed by my tears. It’s such a couple thing!

“Actually, this scene between you and Mom reminded me of something,” Vikram adds making me curious. “The problems you and Mom are facing are similar to what Daadi and Mom faced in the past. You know Daadi said she never accepted Mom as part of the family and kept cribbing about her to Dad and everyone?”

“So?” I ask nervously, trying to read his mind.

“So, I think it runs in the family. It’s like our legacy.” He winks.

I punch his chest, followed by a short chuckle.

“Nothing to be proud of, Vikram.”

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