CHAPTER 24
MAAHI
It’s already late evening, and I know Prince Pompous will be home any moment. He wants to take me out, but I have no interest. He’s been gone all day, probably scheming to steal Devki Estate from me. A knock at the door breaks my thoughts, and Meera aunty enters. Since Vikram agreed this morning that I could stay with Daadi for work, Meera aunty has been annoyed and hasn’t spoken a word to me.
“I knew it,” she snarls. “Vikram’s almost home to pick you up, and you’re not even getting ready.”
I sigh in disbelief.
“You don’t need to tell me what to do. I’m mature enough to make my own decisions.”
“Mature? You?” She laughs. “You’re selfish and opportunistic.”
I’m done with my mother-in-law’s taunts.
“If you’re done praising me, please leave.”
“Well, I am leaving. Tomorrow I’m leaving with my son and husband. Even though I don’t accept you as my daughter-in-law, I wished you hadn’t broken my son’s heart by refusing to join us.”
She drops a bag on the bed.
“This is a dress for tonight. I don’t want you wearing those typical salwars with annoying doris at the back.”
Now I’m more pissed.
“But your son loves them,” I smirk, crossing my arms. “He can’t keep his hands to himself when I wear one.”
Her brow furrows, showing disbelief or disinterest in her son’s preferences.
“Take it back,” I say handing the bag again to her. “I’m a fashion designer with better taste than you. Just because you’ve lived abroad for two decades doesn’t mean I need your fashion advice. I’ll wear what I like, not what you and your son want.”
She is silent for a few seconds, then mutters, “I don’t understand what my son saw in you.”
“Ask your son that. He can write a book on me,” I wink and head to the closet. I’d rather get ready than argue with my mother-in-law.
Within an hour, I’m dressed and looking in the mirror. I have no idea where Vikram is taking me, but I’ve chosen a red shimmering gown with silver earrings. My hair is tied in a bun, leaving my nape bare.
I feel Vikram’s presence before I see him in the mirror. He’s standing at the bedroom door, admiring me. My pulse quickens as he approaches, dressed in a black suit and shirt, with a silver tie matching his shrewd eyes. I start to turn, but he presses my shoulders, forcing me to keep looking at him in the mirror. I wait for him to speak, growing annoyed at his silent staring.
“What are you doing?” I snap.
“Capturing your look. After all I have to survive without this gorgeous face for a while.”
I swallow hard, his smooth, raspy voice making my stomach flutter. His fingers inch towards my dress’s zipper. I’m about to shrug him off, but he pulls the zipper up and hooks it firmly, all without breaking our gaze in the mirror.
“I’m good at dressing people too, not just undressing,” he mocks.
Rolling my eyes, I turn around.
“I knew you had experience in both. But don’t waste it on me. Save it for the women who think they still have a chance with you, despite your marriage.”
I start to leave, but he grips my arm, pulling me closer.
“Infidelity isn’t my thing, Maahi. Whatever I desire now, you’re the only one who will fulfill them all.”
Women would love to hear that from their man, and though I appreciate his sentiment, I don’t show it in my expressions.
“What about my desires?” I ask.
He looks amused.
“Name them, sweetheart,” he says, his grip loosening as he circles his hands around my waist.
“It’s a long list. First, stop kissing me without my permission.”
I mean it. He can’t just take a kiss; he has to make me want to kiss him too, which won’t happen.
“Done,” he nods. “Henceforth, I’ll kiss you only when you want me to.”
“Which I would never,” I blow a strand of hair off my face, grinning.
Instead of being offended, he pulls me closer and leans in.
“You will. You will let me kiss every inch of your body, Maahi. And as I’d promised earlier, you’ll beg for it.”
“You dream too much,” I manage to reply.
Something shifts between us. His wet dreams scare me. I’ve never seen a man so obsessed with a woman. Knowing I have one crazy for me is terrifying, but a part of me swells with pride. Not all women get this honor. I could use this to make him dance to my tune, but that’s not me. I’ll never use my husband for my selfishness, no matter how genuine the reason.
“Can we leave now? We’re getting late.”
Vikram steps back, checking his watch.
“Very,” he says, holding my wrist and leading me out.
*****************
When the car parks at Leela Mahal, I realize this is the venue where Vikram wanted me to come along with him. I get out first, followed by Vikram, who takes my hand and leads me to the elevator. Out of all the places in this town, this one holds a special place in my heart. Its vibrant energy and unique atmosphere are unmatched. The elevator doors close, and Vikram turns to me.
“The staff of Leela Mahal is hosting this party to welcome my wife into my world,” he says.
I nod, feeling a bit nervous. His world. I’ve never mingled with people of his class. Vikram slides his arm around my waist, pulling me close.
“Just be yourself, and you’ll be fine,” he assures me, planting a kiss on my head, just above my ear.
It’s not a sexy kiss, more like a comforting gesture. As the doors open, we’re greeted by a crowd of high-class people from notable families, none of whom I’ve ever met. Vikram leads me through the crowd, introducing me to most of them. I hardly remember their names and titles as we move forward, spending the next hour accepting well-wishes. I wonder why Vanraj and Meera Singh Grover aren’t here.
Throughout the introductions, Vikram never lets go of my hand. I feel like I’m in a different world—his world. It’s dark and dangerous, filled with social reformers, prestigious royal families, police commissioners, politicians, bureaucrats and government officials. The power my husband and his father wield is intimidating. I feel suffocated, thinking about what these people could do to Devki Estate at the Grovers' command.
“I need to use the washroom,” I whisper to Vikram while he speaks to a guest.
He smirks and excuses us both, leading me towards the other end of the room.
“You don’t have to take me personally, just show me the way,” I say.
He ignores my words, and we stop only when we reach the signs pointing to the washroom.
“Be careful in there,” he mutters. “Couples tend to use them more for making out.”
I’m horrified, which makes him laugh.
“One of my desires with you in the near future,” he whispers.
Is he serious? I push him away and make my way to the ladies' washroom, hoping I don’t walk in on anyone’s private moment. Thankfully, it’s empty, and I take a moment to touch up my makeup. When I come out, Vikram isn’t there, but one of the social reformers I was introduced to earlier is on the phone. He disconnects the call and approaches me.
“Mrs. Grover,” he grins. “What a lovely party.”
“Thank you,” I mumble. He’s drunk.
“Vikram always throws the best parties,” he continues. “Everyone is surprised he married you so suddenly, but I knew it. He’s so much into you. I knew it the day he hit me for you.”
I’m intrigued. When did Vikram hit him?
“He hit you?” I ask. “When? Why?”
“That’s an old story now. But he promised to kill us all if we even thought of hurting you.”
Really? I’m nervous. When did this happen?
“Sinha,” Vikram’s voice startles us both. He strides over, clearly unhappy with our private conversation. He grabs my waist, a gesture I’m getting used to by now, and turns to Sinha.
“I don’t like people scaring my wife,” Vikram snaps.
“Sorry, Vikram. I wasn’t scaring her. Was I, Mrs. Grover?”
I blink at him unfazed.
“You hit him for me once?” I ask Vikram directly.
“He told you that?”
“Is it true?”
Sinha excuses himself and leaves us alone.
“Why did he say you hit him for me? How am I connected to this?”
Vikram stiffens. “Let’s get inside. People are waiting for us.”
“No,” I stop him. “You owe me an explanation first.”
“Don’t ruin the moment.”
“I’m not moving until you explain,” I insist.
He sighs. “My father called these people to Leela Mahal once to break your spirit. They planned to trouble you into giving up Devki Estate. Sinha was one of them. Dad wanted me to lead the team to get the estate from you.”
I’m speechless. Vanraj Singh Grover is terrible. I’ll never forgive him. Vikram cups my face.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you, Cub,” he says.
I nod slowly, my mind reeling. Whose side is Vikram on? He claims he didn’t support his father’s motives and threatened these people to protect me, yet he doesn’t give me the sole rights to Devki Estate. What are his intentions? Should I trust him or fear that he might risk everything for me, even his relationship with his parents?