Page 44 of One Hellish Desire

“Seriously, Preet? You think this is funny?” I frown.

She's undeterred, her grin widening as she pinches my cheeks. “It's not funny, it's romantic! Because I’m confident once you start coloring him, you'll not be able to stop.”

That does it. I grab a water balloon and hurl it at her, but she's quick, darting away with a laugh. I snatch up more, chasing her through the crowd, our shrieks of laughter rising above the festive din. For a moment, I feel like my old self again, carefree and exhilarated.

As our water fight subsides, Preet materializes with a glass of Bhaang, offering it to me with a sly smile. I hesitate, eyeing the intoxicating drink warily.

“No thanks. I don't want to drink Bhaang today.”

“Why?” she prods, her eyes dancing with knowing amusement.

I remain silent, but Preet, ever perceptive, fills in the blanks. “Oh, I see. You're afraid a glass of Bhaang will unleash your naughty side, and you'll willingly lose the bet with Vikram?”

“What nonsense!” I retort, bristling at her insinuation. “Even intoxicated, I'd never lose this bet.”

“Really? Then what's stopping you? Prove it,” she challenges, pressing the glass into my hand.

Her words stir something in me, a defiance I can't ignore.

“Come on, Maahi, stop living in fear,” she urges. “Even if you color him willingly, what's the worst that could happen? It's not a crime to play Holi with a sexy man.”

“It is!” I exclaim, my voice rising. “If he wins, he can ask me to do anything.”

Preet shrugs, unfazed. “So? I don't think he'd ask anything inappropriate. He seems respectful towards women.”

Her words soothe my worry, and before I can second-guess myself, I down the Bhaang in one swift gulp. It's only after the liquid burns its way down my throat that Preet finishes her thought with a wicked grin. “He seems respectful towards every woman... except you.”

The implications of her words hit me like a physical blow, and I hiccup, my head already starting to swim. “Preet, don't...”

But she's off again, laughing as she pelts me with color. We tumble to the ground, a tangle of limbs and giggles. I pin her arms behind her back, demanding she take back her words, but she refuses, her eyes gleaming with certainty.

“I won't, because I'm right,” she insists. “Just look at him. See the way he's staring at you. He hasn't taken his eyes off you since he arrived. When you run, his eyes go wide with delight. When you color your friends, his fingers fist in jealousy. And when you laugh and dance, it's taking every ounce of his control not to make a move towards you.”

As if compelled by her words, my gaze finds Vikram in the crowd. The intensity of his stare sends a shiver down my spine. He's clearly feeling the effects of the Bhaang. I don’t even know how many glasses he's had.

“Look, Maahi, I think he clearly likes you.” Preet's voice softens, taking on a note of sincerity. “Now that greedy Shyam is out of your life - you never belonged to him anyway - don't you think this is all destiny? Vikram coming back after nine years, helping you see Shyam's true colors, and now showing every sign that he wants you? When a man like him shows that kind of interest, I think you should grab the opportunity before it's too late.”

Her words echo in my mind, a cacophony of possibility and fear. I watch as Vikram downs another glass of Bhaang and this time he starts moving towards me. Panic rises in my chest, and I bolt, ignoring Preet's calls behind me.

I weave through the crowd, bumping into revelers and muttering apologies. My throat is parched, my head spinning from the Bhaang and the weight of Preet's observations. I grab another glass, desperately trying to quench my thirst and quiet my racing thoughts.

VIKRAM

My eyes scan the crowd, searching for Maahi. She vanished the moment I approached her, fleeing so swiftly I lost track. I push through the throng, frustration mounting as each unfamiliar face hinders my search. Is she hiding from me? The thought sours my mood further. Since joining the festivities, my gaze has been fixed on her. She's had too much Bhaang, and I know all too well what that intoxicating brew can do. With so many men around, the thought of anyone touching Maahi ignites a primal rage within me. I swear, if anyone lays a finger on her, I'll break their limbs and slit their throats without hesitation.

Suddenly, a pair of arms encircle my waist. I know its her even before I turn around.

“Maahi?”

Before I can ask if she is okay, her soft voice cuts through my anger.

“You,” she shouts, her small fists pounding against my chest. “You hurt me. You can't... look at me like that. It's gross.”

My eyebrows twitch in surprise. “How do I look at you?” I challenge, tightening my grip on her. She doesn't resist.

“Like...” she fumbles for words, the Bhaang clearly affecting her eloquence. “Like everything... Like I'm the only one here... the only woman... you want to...”

I hold my breath, wanting – needing – her to finish that thought. But even in her intoxicated state, her walls slam back into place.

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