Page 198 of One Hellish Desire

“Not tonight, darling.” She pats my arm. “We are getting late for the spa. But I will pay a visit again soon and take a tour of your lovely boutique.”

“You should,” I agree, walking out with her.

Things have taken a slow turn in my relationship with Vikram’s mother. Ever since she apologized and started befriending me, I’ve allowed her into my zone. She’s genuinely bridging the gap between us, which is a nice change. In the past two weeks, we’d been to shopping twice, and it was fun. I might be the coolest designer, but she has a great sense of fashion, which I admire. Now I know why Vikram is so stylish. He got those traits from his mother.

“I have shopped a few clothes for you,” she mentions, breaking my thoughts as we get inside the car.

“Clothes?” I smile, knowing how modern her choices are. I might never have worn that kind of clothes in public.

“Don’t worry,” she grins. “They are only for Vikram’s eyes.”

I feel goosebumps erupting on my skin as she says that with a wink.

“It is surely going to stun my son, seeing you in those sexy attires.”

“Aunty?” I clear my throat. “You didn’t have to buy me all that. I mean…”

She holds my hand.

“I am just pampering my daughter-in-law, which is also going to benefit my son. Am I doing anything wrong?”

That statement surely zips my lips.

“I have always loved shopping for women, but all these years, I could buy stuff only for me. Now I have you, so I thought I will pamper you with some of my choices. Actually, I got you a few nightwear. If you don’t like it, you can let me know, and I shall stop.”

“No.” I press her hand, which is on mine. “That’s not what I meant. Let me check them out tonight. I’m sure they will be lovely.”

“Yes, please. I need feedback.”

I am so embarrassed to even think of my mother-in-law’s contribution to my nightwear, but fine. I will try them on and give feedback based on my husband’s reaction.

We spend the next hour and a half at the spa, taking a good facial cleansing and hair treatment. My hair looks great, and I feel rejuvenated. We are almost done when we hear a familiar voice from behind. Sabrina? We both turn and see Sabrina approaching us. Aunty shifts from me to give her a hug.

“Oh my god. Sabrina? What are you doing here in Delhi?”

Sabrina smiles at her and then frowns, turning to me.

“Had some work. Flew here last week. How’s Uncle?”

“He is good,” Aunty replies. “You should come home sometime. Maybe for dinner.”

“Sure.” Sabrina grins as if she wanted this opportunity. I don’t say a word.

I know the Grovers and Sabrina’s family share a bond, and if they wish to invite her for dinner, that’s fine with me.

“How’s Vikram?” She asks this to Aunty again, ignoring me completely.

“He is good. Happy! After all, he has a wife like Maahi who loves him so much.”

Aunty’s reply baffles me. She holds my arm and brings me forward.

“I have never seen my son as happy and content with anyone as he is with her. So yeah, Vikram is absolutely enjoying his marriage.”

Sabrina gets jealous instantly, and it shows on her face. But I don’t have to do anything about it. My mother-in-law does it all for me.

“You remember, Sabrina, you told me back in New York that I would regret letting my son marry Maahi and that she would snatch him from us?”

Sabrina stiffens.

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