CHAPTER 33
MAAHI
Elise is here, the designer Vikram arranged to get me a makeover and help me with an outfit for tonight’s party. After Daadi’s confession about the bitterness between her and Meera aunty, Vikram and I are still trying to figure out how to bridge the gap between them. We agree that Daadi was at fault in the past, but she didn’t deserve isolation from her family all these years as punishment. We even asked if she had a heart-to-heart talk with Meera aunty about her guilt, but it seems Daadi never got the chance. When Vikram decided to bridge that gap, Daadi didn’t want him to focus on anything except me, as this vacation is ending in five days and we will part ways again. But that shouldn’t stop us from thinking about patching them up soon.
“She’s Elise, the best designer in New York,” Vikram introduces me to Elise, sliding an arm around my lower back. “And this is my wife, Maahi Singh Grover, who also happens to be one of the best fashion designers back in India.”
Did he just praise me? I quickly glance at him, then smile back at Elise, who is dressed in an elegant, low-neck shimmering bodycon dress with her blonde hair loose on her shoulders.
“Nice meeting you, Elise,” I say, shaking her hand formally.
“It’s my pleasure to meet you personally, Maahi. I’ve heard so much about you from Vikram.”
Has she? “Good, I hope,” I tease, shooting a look at Vikram, who has a megawatt smirk on his face.
“Oh yes,” Elise replies. “I was so confused about which collections to pick for you, but when I spoke to Vikram, he told me so much about your personality and preferences that my selection became easy. I hope you like what I’ve got for you, but please feel free to reject anything that doesn’t suit your style.”
I choke. Vikram has taken my dressing for tonight very seriously.
“I’m sure you’ll love them all because, obviously, who better than a husband knows a woman inside and out, right?” she adds. The tingling in my body erupts, especially as Vikram gently strokes the sensitive skin of my lower back. He does it so naturally and without hesitation that I realize he isn’t doing it intentionally—it’s just how he is. This is his first gesture of affection and attraction towards me since we revised our relationship, and just as I start liking it, he removes his hand to answer a call. The sudden loss of his touch leaves me feeling void, but I don’t show it.
“I’ve got to take this call. I’ll be right back,” he says, placing a kiss on the top of my forehead, which is so genuine and unintentional that I love that too. He heads away.
“Let me show you the collections then. Where should we do the trials?” Elise asks, and I direct her to the guest room downstairs, which is unoccupied.
“Elise!” Meera aunty appears, overexcited and surprised to see the designer. “What a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know Vikram would call you for my outfit tonight.”
I don’t say anything and hope she doesn’t make a fuss that this time Elise is here for me, not her. The two hug each other.
“Sorry, Meera, but I’m here for your daughter-in-law this time. If you need, I can ask my colleague to fetch some designs for you.”
Meera aunty turns to me, and her smile vanishes. “Oh. Okay. That’s great. I already picked my dress for the party. You can assist Maahi with hers.”
She’s clearly surprised, but I don’t dwell on her reaction and proceed to try out the designs Elise brought for me. All of them are beautiful. I try a few gowns and end up picking a red V-neck silk slip dress along with a red fur coat to cover my shoulders, considering the cold weather. I match it with strappy red sandals and a sparkling gold clutch.
“This is perfect,” Elise says as I change into the dress I tried on earlier to check the fitting. “You have great taste, Maahi, and I must say it’s all the easier since you’re already a designer. I really wish to visit your boutique when I’m in India.”
“You’re most welcome,” I reply. “It will be my honor.”
“Oh darling, that’s so sweet of you. Give me a hug.”
I hug her, then head out to drop her off at the door. Vikram is done with his calls and reaches us again.
“Vikram, your wife has curves to die for.”
I curb the urge to run away as Vikram’s gaze falls on me at Elise’s comment.
“I know,” he smirks.
“And so is her choice, which I was aware of knowing she chose you as her husband. Please call me again if you need me next time. And my assistant will be here by evening to do her hair.”
“Thanks, Elise. You’re a savior,” he says, giving her a formal hug although his eyes are only on me. Either he wants to see if I mind or he just can’t take his eyes off me, as usual.
As promised, Elise sends someone to fix my hair, and I’m ready to start for the party. Vikram gets dressed in our bedroom while I’m down in the same guest room where I did my dress trial. Daadi enters the room, ready for the party, and though she tried her best to deny coming, we didn’t let her stay back this time. Vikram wants his whole family at this party, and that includes Daadi.
“Pretty,” Daadi says, admiring me in the red silk slip dress. “You look so good in these western outfits. You should wear them more often.”
“It’s only for parties, Daadi. You know I’m more comfortable in traditional clothes.”
“Start getting used to these. You’ll have to be a part of Vikram’s life here soon, and this will be your new normal. Plus, Meera is very social and will want you around at her parties too.”
I doubt Meera aunty will ever want to flaunt me at her parties, but I don’t say anything to Daadi.
“Anyway, I’m going with Meera and Vanraj in their car. You and Vikram follow in a while. He’s on a business call and needs a few minutes to finish,” Daadi adds.
“But why are you going with them? You can come with us, Daadi.”
“No, thanks,” she grins. “I want you two to make a grand entry without this old woman. Plus, it was Vanraj’s idea. I can’t believe he asked me if I’d like to go with them. How could I deny?”
Really? Vanraj uncle proposed this idea? I hope he doesn’t have any other selfish motives behind it.
“Come soon, you two. Bye.” She palms my cheeks and heads out. I take a few more minutes to get ready and then come out. Vikram is nowhere around, so I think he’s inside the study room on calls. I wait for him in the living area, browsing through my phone, when I feel his presence. My heart and body always sense him before my eyes do, and today is no different. I turn around, pretending to be unaffected, but when I see Vikram in a custom-made dark grey tuxedo, just like James Bond, my heart flutters. The black silk shirt he’s wearing inside the suit with the top two buttons undone tickles every nerve in my body. His eyes turn hot as they catalogue my appearance. He looks dangerous and fiercely sexual. Vikram strides toward me, and my grip on the gold clutch tightens. That’s the only way to keep myself in check. He reaches me, and the next instant, his knuckles graze my cheeks, turning them naturally red. Just when I think he’s going to kiss me, he surprises me with a question.
“Are you comfortable in this dress and shoes?”
I swallow painfully, nodding at him.
“Good,” he exhales, as if curbing his own desires. “Let’s go then.”
He doesn’t speak a word until we get in his car and drive to the party venue. I know this party is more than just his friend’s wedding reception. All his buddies will be there, and Vikram is going to introduce me to them. They have always seen him with Sabrina, and their expectations are different.
“I hope your friends like me,” I mutter nervously.
“They will,” he smirks. “Though their approval hardly matters.”
As I thought, we make a grand entry at the party, and Vikram introduces me to some of his friends who greet me formally. I cling to Vikram’s arm for support, feeling nervous because I know I’m being judged and compared. But as I meet more people, this fear fades. We meet the newlywed couple, Nate and Sheena, and congratulate them. So far, there are no signs of Meera aunty, Vanraj uncle, and Daadi. I hope Vikram’s parents aren’t ignoring Daadi.
Vikram picks a cocktail for himself and hands me a mocktail.
“Daadi is with Mom over there,” he points out, and I see Meera aunty talking to a group, with Daadi actively interacting with a few Indian women almost her age. “Sheena is from India, so her family is here too. Daadi has good company,” he adds.
“I’m relieved,” I say, sipping my drink, and that’s when we both hear Sabrina.
“Hey, sexy man.”
We turn around and see Sabrina with two other girls. Vikram introduces me to them, mentioning that they are Sabrina’s besties, Gina and Rose. While Sabrina makes small talk with Vikram, Gina and Rose check me out like I’m an alien. I know they’re not happy with me being Vikram’s wife, but who are they to decide that? Vikram slides his arm around my waist again and draws me closer, making me feel connected. I couldn’t be happier. I want people to see us together and accept that no other woman has a chance in Vikram’s life anymore. Am I jealous? Or am I getting possessive of my husband? Maybe both.
“Dance?” I ask Vikram purposefully, and as if he reads my mind, he nods happily. But then he turns to Sabrina again, his voice stern.
“I have to clear a few things with you, Sabrina. But not here. Let’s meet tomorrow.”
Sabrina looks horrified. “Sure, but what is it about?” she stutters.
“I’ll tell you tomorrow. Excuse us.”
Without getting into the details, Vikram leads me to the dance floor.
“I thought you would never ask,” he says, sliding his arms around my back and pulling me closer.
“You never gave me a chance to ask. Ever since I turned you down for that kiss, you’ve been putting distance between us.”
His fingers stroke my back over the silk dress. I think that’s his favorite gesture.
“I mentally promised that night to make you beg if you wanted more,” he confesses.
My jaw drops. Beg? As if I would.
“High hopes, Prince Pompous. I would never do that.”
“We’ll see.”
I’m startled by his vehemence. He twirls me once with the music, and I land back on his chest smoothly.
“I’ve made my bed, Maahi,” he says tightly, his face hard. “Now it’s your decision to accept me wholeheartedly or not.”
Damn hell!!
“Don’t mistake my feelings for you as mere lust. They’re anything but that. Yes, I want your body, and this attraction was the first step that made me fall for you, but now it’s more. I want your mind, your soul, your heart—all of it,” Vikram adds.
My legs turn to jelly as his breathing quickens and his hold tightens. The tension between us thickens, growing hotter as he brings his face closer.
“I don’t want you to make assumptions about my feelings. If you really want to know them, all you have to do is read my eyes,” he whispers.
I stare consciously into his eyes.
“I always thought I was perfect for any woman and she’d be lucky to have me. But you proved me wrong, Maahi. I have my flaws, and I didn’t realize I had them until I became serious about you.”
Oh! The outside world ceases to exist around us. I’m so lost in him.
“I promise to be the man you deserve.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I promise to date you first and prove we have a connection deeper than attraction. I know Daadi has always been and will be your priority, but all I ask is for a little place in your heart and life for me, which I assure you won’t regret giving.”
I place my finger on his lips to stop him from saying anything further. I can’t take any more. The feel of his lips against my skin is warm, and I take a few seconds to touch his face. We’ve practically stopped dancing, and if anyone is watching us, they might see we’re in our own private bubble. His chest expands in a deep, slow breath as I lean in and peck the corner of his lips. His fingers curl at my back, and I know he’s only controlling himself from pulling me into a passionate kiss. He wants me to beg, and maybe I will.
The sudden claps from the crowd pull us out of this daze. The music has stopped, and everyone is dispersing from the dance floor. Vikram looks knocked out, clearly not expecting the kiss from me, even if it was just for a fraction of a second.
“I need to use the washroom,” I say, unable to contain the rush of emotions coursing through me.
He gently grabs my arm and leads me away from the crowd. As I see the signboard for the washroom, I stop him.
“I’ll be right back.”
He gives me a curt nod and waits for me there. Inside the washroom, I look at myself in the mirror. I look flushed, and anyone could read my state without much trouble. Vikram’s little confrontation, his genuine desire to start a normal relationship, has erased a few lines between us. I want to give him a chance.
“They aren’t sleeping together.”
I hear a familiar voice from the other side of the washroom. There are a few girls gossiping and smoking. I can’t see their faces, and they can’t see me.
“Are you sure, Gina?” the other woman queries.
Now I know who these women are. They’re Gina and Rose.
“Sabrina told me that, Rose. Vikram and his wife don’t sleep together. Even if they do, it’s only for their grandmother. They don’t have a physical relationship,” Gina continues.
What the hell! They’re gossiping about Vikram and my married life? And who told Sabrina we aren’t sleeping together or don’t have a physical relationship?
“Then there’s a chance, you see. As it is, Vikram’s wife isn’t going to stay here forever. She’s returning in five days.”
“Good for Sabrina,” Rose giggles.
Now my blood boils. If they think Sabrina can lure and snatch Vikram in my absence, they’re so wrong. I want to just intrude and let them know I heard everything, maybe even give them an earful, but that’s not needed. I know actions speak louder than words. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. It’s solely between Vikram and me to decide when to take the next step in our marriage. But what bothers me is the fact that someone is feeding this information to Sabrina, and I know who that is. Obviously, Meera Singh Grover. She’s the one who knew Vikram and I slept in separate rooms the first night I came here. I understand that woman doesn’t like me, but I will not let her ruin whatever is budding between Vikram and me. She thinks Vikram is the only one wanting this relationship; now it’s high time she sees my contribution too.
I walk out of the washroom without letting the girls know I was there.