Page 91 of One Hellish Desire

This isn’t a plea or a gentle request; it’s a demand. The answer is right on my lips. I can't. Not now. Not when Daadi cannot accompany us and the ownership of Devki Estate is still in question. He reads the denial in my eyes and looks down helplessly. I have never seen him like this before—so distraught and hurt. He leaves me and walks away.

We don’t communicate while driving back to Ratna Mahal either. He is absorbed in his ego and anger, while I am exhausted and sleep overtakes me.

I don’t recall when we arrive, but when I open my eyes, I am in Prince Pompous’s arms as he carries me to the bedroom. He places me on the bed and even gets my night suit from the closet.

“Change and go to sleep,” he says before turning off the lights and heading to the bathroom.

Damn. His concern, gentleness, and utterly good husband traits are weakening my resolve already.

CHAPTER 25

MAAHI

The day is finally here! When I wake up the next morning, Vikram is not in the room. Panic strikes as I realize I'm late—it's already 10:00 am, and I'm still in bed. I quickly shower and head downstairs, only to be greeted by my mother-in-law's taunts.

“There she is. Glad she didn’t wake up after we left.”

Everyone is downstairs except Vikram. I don’t see him anywhere. I pull the dupatta around my neck and quickly take Daadi’s blessings, my usual routine.

“Sorry, I woke up late,” I whisper.

“It’s okay. Vikram told us you both came late last night and that he didn’t wake you up because you were very tired.”

Oh, I like it when Vikram covers for me.

“Where is he?” I ask.

“He's on calls outside,” Meera aunty answers. “Anyway, you better take care of things here and come back to the USA with Maa. Don’t expect Vikram to return and pick you both up. He has a lot to handle at work.”

I curb the urge to roll my eyes at her but when Vanraj Singh Grover enters the room, my anger simmers. I still can't believe he was going to use all his political power to stop me from owning Devki Estate. And our legal fight is still ongoing.

“All set to leave?” he asks his wife, who nods happily.

“Can’t wait to get home. Nothing feels like home,” she replies.

Daadi sighs in disappointment, and I stroke her back.

“Sorry Maa, I have to leave this time too. But I will come back soon. When you and Maahi are ready to fly to the US, let me know. I will personally come to pick you both.”

I glance at Meera aunty, who looks offended by her husband’s statement.

“We don’t want anyone to come here again if that’s a problem. Me and Maahi will manage,” Daadi curtly replies. “Just reach safely and stay happy.”

She blesses her son and daughter-in-law. Vikram is still nowhere to be seen. Vanraj uncle comes to me and smiles.

“Whatever happened between us, I am extremely sorry, Maahi. I didn’t know my son was so serious about you.”

I don’t react.

“I am taking the case back. I don’t think it's necessary now. My lawyer will contact you.”

I don't say a word. He thinks now that I am married to his son, I will let Vikram handle the estate, which is not true.

“The car is ready,” Vikram's voice breaks my focus from his father, and I finally see him. He is dressed casually today in blue jeans and a black T-shirt. Our eyes meet, and the memory of last night's kiss flashes in my mind. Our first mutual kiss. I excuse myself and walk over to him, not knowing what to say. Goodbyes are always heartbreaking, but didn’t I always want this man to leave? Now that he is my husband, my thoughts have changed.

“The bed is all yours now,” he says with a gentle smirk.

“I don’t like your bed.”

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