Page 187 of One Hellish Desire

“What?” I ask, striding over as he makes his coffee.

“Can’t believe my son is deciding the breakfast menu,” he laughs.

I tell him about my plan to surprise the ladies. Dad loves the idea.

“You could’ve told me. I would’ve helped. Did you include Meera’s special pancake recipe? She loves them these days. David’s tired of making them every other day.”

Really? I chuckle, and sharing the recipe with the chef, I lead Dad out.

“Is Maahi okay now?” Dad asks.

I’m glad he wants to know. “Yes, she’s fine. Mom?”

Dad sighs. “She and Maa had a confrontation last night. It broke them both a bit.”

“What?” I’m stunned. Dad shares the whole conversation between the trio, and I’m so worried for Mom and Daadi that I want to hug them both.

“I never realized Maa had all this pent-up frustration,” I swallow hard.

“I’ve failed her too, Vikram. Instead of solving her issues with Maa, I ignored them. But I’m glad you’re not making the same mistake. Seeing you do so much for Meera, Maa, and Maahi today, I’m sure they’ll bond soon.”

That’s my goal. I want to see the women of my family happy. Daadi is the first to come downstairs.

“She never misses the morning Puja, does she?” Dad asks proudly and goes to hug Daadi.

For the first time, she lets him hug her despite knowing he hasn’t showered yet. That’s the eighth wonder of the world. She’s never let me do that, but seeing her enjoy family time, ignoring some of her self-made rules, makes me happy.

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

At the breakfast table, it’s disheartening to see Mom ignore Daadi and Maahi ignore Mom for similar reasons, but their smiles return when Dad and I start serving their favorite breakfast.

“Oh my God, Vanraj,” Mom exclaims. “Did you tell the chefs about my special pancakes?”

“Not me, sweetheart. Our son did. This is all Vikram's doing. I just supported his idea.”

I grin as I serve some pudding to Daadi, who pinches my cheek. Then I serve my wife. Maahi’s eyes light up with delight when I feed her a puri aloo morsel. She tries to eat on her own, reminding me that everyone is watching, but I don’t care. I feed her, and she reluctantly accepts. Dad mentions his plans to visit Devki Estate with Mom and urges Daadi to join them, but she declines. I realize she knows it will only upset Mom. Similarly, when I suggest taking Maahi and Daadi shopping and ask Mom to join us, she refuses, not wanting to dampen Maahi’s mood with her presence. I sigh in disappointment. These small gestures aren’t enough. I need to try something bigger. Maybe leaving these three women alone for a while will help. I need a plan and will definitely seek Dad’s input this time.

Once everyone finishes breakfast, Daadi heads to the temple, and Dad and Mom get ready to leave for Devki Estate. Maahi starts clearing the table, but I stop her. Just as I’m about to help, Maahi stops me.

MAAHI

“Don’t,” I tell Vikram as he begins to collect the dishes.

“I want to help,” he insists, but I pin him to the table.

“Don’t think I’m not noticing.”

He stares at my arms, which have fisted his shirt and draws me closer.

“You think I’m not noticing how you’re trying to patch things up between Daadi and your Mom and your Mom and me?”

“Patch up? Really?” Vikram frowns.

I punch his chest gently.

“You wanted your mom to go shopping with me, and she declined,” I mention. “I can go convince her if you want me to.”

I mean it. He watches me with amusement.

---