CHAPTER 15
VIKRAM
I stand in the foyer, my pulse quickening as I wait for Daadi and Maahi to join me. Though I'm not typically one for parties, tonight feels different. With these two women by my side, I'm actually looking forward to the engagement celebration.
The sound of their voices drifts down the stairs, and my gaze locks onto them as they descend. Daadi looks radiant in her golden beige silk saree, but it's Maahi who steals my breath away. Her peacock green lehenga choli is a masterpiece, showcasing her design talents and her beauty in equal measure. Every color seems made for her skin, but this... this is something else entirely.
My eyes can't help but wander, drinking in the sight of her. The waist chain I chose for her hugs her bare midriff, and suddenly breathing becomes a challenge. When our eyes meet again, she frowns, and uses her silk veil to cover herself. She's caught me staring, but I can't bring myself to care.
“Did we keep you waiting long?” Daadi asks, a teasing lilt to her voice.
“It was perfectly worth the wait,” I reply, my gaze still fixed on Maahi although she turns away, fully aware of the unspoken compliment.
A dangerous thought flashes through my mind: when she becomes my wife, how will I react to seeing her dressed like this? I doubt she'd make it out the door - not before I show her exactly what she does to me and my body.
The drive to the party is a blur. We arrive at a beautiful garden lawn, awash in a sea of vibrant colors - a stark contrast to the monochrome business affairs I'm used to. As we make our way inside, Kavita's family greets us warmly. I'm not the most social creature, but I manage what I hope are appropriate smiles.
An older couple approaches, and Daadi lights up in recognition. “Shalini? I didn't know you were coming today!”
I'm impressed by Daadi's extensive social network. She introduces me, then turns to Maahi. “You remember your friend Dhanush? The one who used to come by for notes?”
Maahi nods. “Yes, he left for Muscat with his family.”
“That's right. Shalini is Dhanush's mother.”
The conversation grows more animated, and soon Dhanush himself joins us. He's... fine. Smart enough, I suppose. As they chat, Daadi begins extolling Maahi's virtues, praising her success with the boutique. My eyes narrow as I watch Daadi, suddenly aware of what she's doing. She meets my gaze with a cold stare, undeterred.
I hate this. With every word, Dhanush and his family grow more enamored with Maahi, and I can barely contain my frustration. This is exactly why I despise these events - they're breeding grounds for matchmaking.
“Dhanush, why don't you introduce Maahi to your old friends?” Shalini aunty suggests, and I have to resist the urge to physically remove Maahi from this situation.
“Sure, Mom. Come on, Maahi. They'll be glad to see you again.”
Maahi walks away with Dhanush, leaving me seething. When we're alone, I round on Daadi.
“Don't look at me like that,” she snaps. “I was just introducing them to Maahi's talent.”
“You were practically arranging her marriage to Dhanush,” I growl. “With me standing right here!”
“So?” Daadi shrugs. “It's not like Maahi has agreed to marry you. She doesn't even know you're interested. What do you expect me to do? Wait until you decide to change for her and propose?”
“Change?” I laugh bitterly. “No one can change me, Daadi. And what needs to change? I'm good enough to be her husband.”
“Let her decide that,” Daadi mutters, turning to greet another guest.
I've had enough. I make a beeline for the bar, fully aware of Daadi's disapproving gaze. If she can hurt me, I know how to numb the pain. I order a drink and down it in one go.
The engagement ceremony passes in a blur. For the next hour, my eyes never leave Maahi. She's radiant, basking in compliments - especially from men. Every smile she gives them feels like a knife twisting in my gut. I want to smash the faces of anyone who dares to stand too close to her.
As people crowd the dance floor, a possessive fury rises within me. I won't let anyone else dance with my Cub. I set down my drink and stride purposefully towards her, cutting through her conversation group without a second thought.
“Let's dance,” I demand, grabbing her wrist. The horror in her eyes doesn't deter me. I drag her onto the dance floor, pulling her into my arms. She's all I want, all I need.
“What the hell was that?” she hisses. “I was talking to them. And you're drunk?”
“You know I drink,” I snap back.
“I do, but we're here with Daadi. You have to be careful not to hurt her feelings.”
“And what about her?” My voice rises. “She can hurt me, but I can't?”
“She hurt you?” Maahi's tone drips with sarcasm. “She would never. You're mistaken.”
“Am I?” I pull her closer, until every inch of our bodies touch. I know she can feel my desire for her. Her throat works as she swallows hard. Not wanting to scare her, I allow her to put some distance between us, but I don't let go.
As we sway to the music, I'm drowning in her. My eyes never leave her face, committing every detail to memory. My fingers graze her bare back, mere inches from the strings of her choli. In that moment, the realization hits me like a tidal wave: I yearn for this woman in a way I've never wanted anyone before. I want her in ways she can't even imagine, in ways she'd never offer herself to me unless she falls for me completely.
I want Maahi Awasthi in every dark, passionate way possible... and more.