CHAPTER 26
MAAHI
Vikram’s silence irks me. Ever since I married him and he defied the sole purpose of it, I haven’t been myself. Even the slightest provocation ignites my temper. Yesterday, I snapped at my boutique team when they surprised me with a cake to celebrate my wedding. Instead of thanking them, I scolded everyone for not focusing on the client deadlines. I’m losing control. The mere thought of losing my grip on Devki Estate is driving me mad.
“They say if a woman is unusually quiet, she is either not well or hiding something,” Vikram says, breaking my thoughts.
I realize we are still on the call. I wanted details on why he sent men to measure the site, but he’s too good at evading. He twisted the conversation, asking why I met Shyam without his approval.
“Maahi,” he says softly, striking a chord in my heart. It's still hard to believe that this man I constantly argue with is my husband.
“I’m fine,” I lie. “Actually, I’m superfine. Know why? Because I have an idea how to make you feel exactly what I’m going through.”
“I’m listening,” he mutters. The sound of the shower has stopped. He’s done bathing.
“I’ll visit Leela Mahal tomorrow and renovate it, change all your loyal staff, and even alter some administrative rights.”
Vikram is silent, so I continue.
“That’s when you’ll understand what I’m going through,” I add.
“I would feel nothing if you do any of that,” he declares proudly. “In fact, I’d welcome your inputs to make it a better place.”
His reply baffles me. He really wouldn’t mind?
“You wouldn’t feel anything?” I repeat.
“No. Because Leela Mahal is just an investment for me, and I’ve happily given you half the rights. But Devki Estate...” he pauses, and I hear the sound of his closet door. He’s probably getting dressed. “Devki Estate is not just an investment for you, Cub. It’s your soul.”
He knows that so well, and yet he’s hurting me by bringing his real estate friends into this?
“That’s right,” I interrupt, swallowing the painful lump. “It’s my soul, and I never gave you any rights over it. You are trying to snatch my soul from me. How do you think I’m coping? I’m going insane thinking about your next moves. If this continues, I might end up seeing a psychiatrist. And if I do, you’ll be paying all my medical expenses.”
Our conversation suddenly shifts to a lighter note, and I realize it when Vikram laughs heartily at my last sentence.
“Your billionaire husband will happily settle all your bills, Sweetheart,” he teases. “But on a serious note, I hope you never have to see a psychiatrist. Your brain is perfectly normal, and I like how it works.”
Is he buttering me up? It’s not helping.
“I wish I could say the same about you,” I reply. “But despite thinking for hours, none of your qualities impress me.”
“None?” he asks dryly, bringing a smile to my lips.
“None,” I repeat confidently, holding my smile.
Suddenly, my phone beeps. Vikram is requesting a video call, and this time, I don’t decline. I accept, and we see each other on our phone screens. Vikram is dressed in a crisp black suit. It’s been a week since I saw him. He runs his fingers through his gelled hair, staring right into my eyes. A thrill rushes through me as he leans closer to the phone.
“You are lying,” he says with a slow, wicked smile. “I’m the only one who can make you blush.”
He’s going off-topic, but word choke in my throat as he continues.
“My touch does things to your body you don’t even realize, Maahi. We have a chemistry, and despite all the hatred, you can’t stop loving those qualities in me that make you crave my attention.”
He’s going too far. We’re transported back to moments where he kissed me, with and without my permission. I have to admit, I’ve never been this bold with anyone before. Who was Prince Pompous to me? Just Daadi’s grandson? Despite knowing he’s not my type, I’ve always reacted to his touch. So yes, every word he utters now is true. We might have great chemistry, but our ideologies, motives, lifestyles, and future plans don’t match.
“We’re an odd pair, Vikram,” I declare. “I wonder how long this will work. Chemistry alone can’t sustain a marriage.”
As if my words hurt him, he looks away to sigh before turning back to me.
“I was willing to make it work until you decided not to fly to the US with me,” he says with a ferocity that stills me. “I’m still willing to make it work, Maahi. All you have to do is come here and be my wife.”
I don’t reply.
“I’m not asking for anything unreasonable, am I?” he continues. “Husband and wife stay together and blend into each other’s worlds.”
Finally, I speak. “I never said we couldn’t stay together. You had to fly to the US for work and you left. My work and business are here in India.”
“Which can be shifted here,” he debates, rising my temper.
“Why don’t you shift here permanently?” I snap. He looks shocked. “Why does it always have to be the woman who sacrifices her career, dreams, and ambitions for a man? Why can’t a man do the same for his wife? Will you ever leave the US permanently and settle here for me? Just like that’s practically impossible for you, I have the same reasons. But since we’re married now and one of us has to choose, I need time to fix things here before deciding to move in with you permanently. That’s why I didn’t come with you this time. But what did you do? You crushed the sole purpose of our marriage by shaking hands with your real estate clients and used your rights over Devki Estate.”
“I didn’t do any of that.” He bangs his fists on the table. “You want to know what’s happening at Devki Estate, you’ll know tomorrow. Show some patience till then. You’re not the only one who cares for Daadi. I care for her and her dreams too. Whatever is happening there is to fulfill those dreams. My men will get in touch with you with the project file.”
As if someone shook me hard, I stare at Vikram, bewildered by what he just confessed. He’s fulfilling Daadi’s dream? How? I don’t understand. He checks his watch.
“I have a party to attend tonight. We’ll speak soon again.”
“No, wait,” I shout. “You can’t leave this conversation half. I want to know everything right now.”
“Patience, Cub,” he says, putting on his stylish golden cufflinks without breaking his gaze.
I’m tired of keeping patience.
“By the time you reach the boutique, the project file will be on your desk, I promise,” he adds.
I don’t know what to say, but his words excite me. I can’t wait to reach the boutique. The call disconnects, and I stare at the blank screen. If Vikram is truly fulfilling Daadi’s dreams and is on my side, there’s a slight chance this marriage can work.