Page 194 of One Hellish Desire

“He’s already asleep,” I reply. “He was so tired working all day that he dozed off within an hour of dinner.”

“Oh, okay,” Meera passes me a soft smile, and I exhale. This is the first time we are in the same team, co-working. I don’t want to build high expectations, but I genuinely want to help her. “Just tell me what to do and how; I will do the rest,” she adds.

I keep giving her instructions, and she follows them without question. At times, she even laughs like a child when she does something right. She could be a good cook if she wants to learn, but she doesn’t need to if it doesn’t interest her. The lifestyle she’s groomed into is totally different, and it suits her.

She pours the batter into the cake mold while I set the oven’s temperature.

“In 35 minutes, the cake will be ready,” I say, turning on the baking mode.

“Perfect.” She wipes her hands with a napkin. We then prepare for the icing. Since uncle loves chocolate, we get the chocolate icing ready, and once the cake is baked, we decorate it with icing and top it up with some choco chips. And it’s done!

It’s still 15 minutes before midnight and uncle’s birthday to begin. I clean my hands, fill the water jug, and turn around when aunty blocks my way. The smile on her face is new.

“Thank you.” She presses my hands. “I wouldn’t have done it without you, Maahi.”

I’m speechless. So, I just nod, but she has more to say, which surprises me.

“And I am sorry too,” she adds, looking right into my eyes. I know she means it. Meera aunty has always been straightforward with her actions. If she dislikes someone, it’s on her face. If she likes someone, she makes sure to let that person know. “I’m sorry for calling you an orphan all the time.”

Oh! So, this apology is for using that word.

“Maahi, I never realized the impact it would have on you. The truth is, I stopped caring for anyone apart from Vanraj and Vikram ever since I left this country. I wasn’t like this before marriage. Trust me. Otherwise, Vanraj would never have fallen in love with me. He is a good man. He saw something good in me that I lost somewhere, holding a grudge against Maa. I cultivated so much bitterness for Maa, and since she loved you, I was naturally jealous of you too. Whatever attention she gave you, I craved once. I was jealous of your bond with her. It might sound foolish, but that’s the truth. I am so sorry. I don’t know what else to say, but I really hope you forgive me someday and patch this distance between us too.”

Tears well up in my eyes, blurring my vision.

“When Maa brought you into our family, Vanraj should have loved you like a father. I should have given you a mother’s love. Instead, we fled. You weren’t an orphan, Maahi. It’s like we orphaned you. I wish we could change that past and mend things from scratch again.”

She sobs and quickly wipes her eyes with tissues from the kitchen counter. I help her pass a few.

“Uncle’s birthday is about to begin,” I remind her. “You should surprise him with the cake.”

She nods and holds the tray with the cake and knife.

“You can join us too,” she insists.

“That’s your special moment. We will wish him tomorrow morning.”

My comment brings a short laugh to her face. She looks okay now, no longer emotional like she was a while ago.

“Thank you. Now go back to my son before he finds his wife missing. You know how grumpy he can get.”

I hold back my grin. Yes, but Grumpy Vikram is a treat to watch and take care of. I’ve now learned how to mend his mood in my ways. As aunty heads to her bedroom, I walk into mine, thankful to see Vikram still sleeping. I place the jug and lie down next to him. Immediately, Vikram’s arm slides around my waist, pulling me close. His lips nuzzle my neck, and his fingers play with my belly button. I’m already in heaven. He whispers something that I assume is “I love you” and then snores again. Vikram Singh Grover has never said those three magical words otherwise to me, but who cares? I know he loves me deeply, and that’s enough for me. I pull the duvet over us and shut my eyes to sleep.

CHAPTER 51

MAAHI

I’ve been up for a while, watching Vikram sleep. These are rare moments I cherish deeply. My husband looks so peaceful, like a baby free from worries and surrounded by happiness. I don’t realize when Vikram slides his arm around my waist and draws me closer.

“Morning.” He nuzzles his nose into my neck, making me squeal in delight.

“Stop doing that,” I giggle, holding him in place.

Vikram finally opens his eyes and gives me the best smile of the day. “I thought you like morning love-making.”

“Well!” I blush. “I do, but not today. It’s your dad’s birthday. We have to wish him.”

Vikram recalls and grins. “Don’t worry, he must still be in bed with Mom.”

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