CHAPTER 4
MAAHI
Last night, I couldn’t sleep well. Daadi ignored both Vikram and me for the first time, all because of that arrogant Prince Pompous. But I refuse to let Daadi ignore me for long. This morning, I set everything up for the Puja before she steps into the temple room.
“Morning, Daadi,” I greet her, taking her blessings as usual.
“Khush raho (stay happy),” she blesses me but doesn’t speak another word. She continues with her holy rituals, not taking my assistance, and it brings tears to my eyes.
“Daadi, I am sorry,” I say, but she keeps looking away. “I lost my temper yesterday. I know Vikram is your grandson, and you love him. I will never hurt you again, Daadi. Please don’t ignore me. I feel like an orphan again.”
My sobs turn her around, and she quickly wipes my tears.
“Never say that word again,” she shouts. “You are not an orphan. I am still alive. Do you hear me?”
I nod and give her a tight hug. She takes me into her embrace, and it feels like I’ve won the whole world again. Daadi strokes my back until my sobs subside and then pulls away.
“You both are close to my heart, Maahi. When you both fight, I feel low and cannot tolerate it. I know you have differences of opinion, but Vikram is here for only a few days. You know he won’t show up anytime soon again. I want us all to stay like a family. Will you support me?”
“I will always support you,” I reply, kissing her forehead. “Even if it means staying cordial with that Prince Pompous.”
The moment I say that aloud, she laughs heartily.
“Yes, he is your Prince Pompous.”
I frown. He is not mine. He is Prince Pompous for everyone. Everyone in this house knows his tantrums.
“Why do you call him that?” Daadi genuinely asks.
“He behaves like one,” I reply. “So typically bossy and arrogant. I don’t understand how his girlfriend tolerates that kind of attitude. If my man behaved like him, I would have kicked him away.”
“Maahi, no bad words,” she interrupts.
“Sorry,” I quickly hold my ears.
“Do you think he has a girlfriend?” Daadi’s curiosity peaks.
“I think he has more than one,” I wink. She pats my arm, dismissing the idea.
“No, Vikram is an honest man. He will never cheat on a woman.”
I feel that too, though I don’t share it openly. We continue with the Puja after which I leave for work..