Page 80 of One Hellish Desire

“Vikram,” Daadi rushes to him. “What took you so long?”

He hasn’t taken his eyes off me. It’s hard to read his expression. Will he cancel the wedding despite being here? If he does, I’ll have to fight legally for Devki Estate, and I don’t know how Daadi will handle it.

“I was fetching a gift for my beautiful wife. That’s why I’m late,” he replies to Daadi.

His tone lacks softness. He called me his wife, so he’s not canceling the wedding.

“Gifts?” Meera sighs. “You gave her one this morning. Are you going to spend all your money on this woman?”

“Wife, Mom,” he snaps. “Please, let’s give her that respect.”

Meera aunty is about to argue, but Vanraj uncle stops her.

“Let’s get inside. The registrar is waiting,” he reminds, dragging his wife inside.

Vikram and I walk on either side of Daadi. We stand before the registrar and quickly complete the formalities. I still can’t believe this marriage is happening. What gift was he talking about? Was he really planning a gift or a shock to ruin my plans? I hope it’s not the latter. We sign the marriage papers, and Daadi hands him the mangalsutra. He picks it up and watches me intently before putting it around my neck. Next is the sindoor, and he fills my maang with such passion and possession that it throws me off balance. I’m so lost that I don’t even hear the family’s claps as the registrar announces us husband and wife. All I can do is stare at Vikram, who glares back with unknown rage. Daadi feeds us sweets, and when she’s busy feeding Vanraj uncle and Meera aunty, Vikram strides to me and leans close.

“You broke a condition of our deal; now it’s my turn, Sweetheart,” he whispers. “Want to know what that is?”

Sweat mists my skin. Vikram grins before declaring it loud and clear to me.

“I’m not giving up Devki Estate, not after you changed your mind about the US,” he declares.

My fingers clench at his words. He won’t give up Devki Estate? But that was my sole purpose of marrying him.

“Vikram, you can’t—” I start to argue, but he grabs my hand and drags me to Daadi and his parents. We take their blessings, and when I touch Daadi’s feet, she blesses me and cups my face. Tears roll down my cheeks as I imagine the consequences of Vikram’s decision. If he doesn’t give up Devki Estate, it means he will support his father in building his business there, shattering Daadi’s dreams. I never thought he would change his mind like this. He wouldn’t have done that if I had agreed to travel and settle in the US with him. But he cannot assume and take decisions on my behalf.

“I hope these are happy tears,” Daadi’s voice breaks my stance as she wipes my tears. She then looks at Vikram. “Keep her happy always. I know you always have and always will.”

Vikram presses a gentle kiss on Daadi’s forehead. “You have no idea how interesting our relationship is going to be from now on, Daadi,” he mocks, turning to me. “I will give her what she never even dreamt of.”

I shoot him an annoyed look. If he thinks I am going to let him ruin Daadi’s dreams, he is wrong.

“Vikram, we need to talk...” I try to speak to him again, but he turns to his mom, ignoring me once more. Meera Singh Grover throws her tantrums as usual, but Vikram pulls her chin to make her look at him.

“Mom, I need a hug.”

She smiles at her son and embraces him finally. “I wish you had married a girl of my choice,” she mutters. “But now that you haven’t, I hope you get everything you desire from her.” She then stares at me while stroking her son’s back. “And I don’t have to say… I will make sure she keeps you happy.”

“She will,” he pulls back from the hug, glaring at me.

No, I won’t. If he thinks by crushing the sole purpose of this marriage, he is going to get his husbandly rights on me, he is entirely wrong.

“It’s time for celebration!” Vanraj uncle cheers. “Where’s the party tonight?”

“No party tonight, Vanraj,” Daadi interrupts. “Today is their special night. We can have the party tomorrow before you all fly.”

I want to scream that I’m not flying anywhere, but I don’t. I need to talk to Vikram first and clarify this madness he is bringing upon us by changing his stand. We all head out, and though I try my best to sneak some time with Vikram, he is purposely moving away. I have never been so pissed with anyone before. We should have traveled back in the same car, now that we are just married, but Vikram gives some excuse of work and informs everyone that he will see us by late evening. Daadi doesn’t stop him either as she doesn’t want to interfere in his work. The rest of us head back to Ratna Mahal, where Daadi welcomes me like a new bride should be, with all the rituals. Aunty is a silent spectator, whereas Vanraj uncle is already on cloud nine thinking he has bagged his business deal through Devki Estate.

“Maahi, you must rest now. I have called Preet to get you ready for the evening. We will have a small ceremony tonight. I am going to invite a few of my friends and relatives for the Mooh Dikhai.” (An important post-wedding ritual for the bride which means ‘showing your face’ and in this context unveiling your bridal veil and getting her introduced to the Groom’s family and guests.)

I nod at Daadi passively, whereas Meera Singh Grover rolls her eyes.

“Maa, everyone has seen Maahi already. She has been living with you for years. Why this unnecessary formality then?” she snaps.

“Meera. This is our tradition.”

Meera aunty laughs sarcastically. “Thank God I am no longer part of this circus.”

---