CHAPTER 34
MAAHI
When I step out of the washroom, Vikram is still there, waiting for me but engrossed in a call. Not wanting to disturb him, I scan the area and spot Meera aunty and Sabrina in a serious discussion. Perfect. Leaving Vikram to his call, I make my way to them. They pause their conversation as soon as they see me.
“Hello, Mom-in-law,” I say, taking a sip of the mocktail I grabbed on the way.
Meera aunty raises her eyebrows, surprised by my intrusion.
“We're discussing something important right now, so if you can excuse us,” Sabrina mutters.
“Shut up,” I snap, glaring at her before turning back to Meera. “Sharing your son and his wife’s sleeping arrangements with outsiders doesn’t suit you, Mom-in-law.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Meera aunty's jaw tightens.
“Oh, please,” I scowl. “Don’t try to act innocent. I know you’re spilling everything that transpires between Vikram and me to Sabrina.”
Their startled expressions fuel my resolve.
“You have a lot of misconceptions, Mom-in-law, and let me clear one right now. I didn’t push your son out of his bedroom that night. We had an argument, and he decided to take the other room. Couples fight and argue; you should know that.”
“How dare you?” Meera aunty snaps.
“Hold your dares,” I retort. “I haven’t finished yet.” She is tongue-tied, and I relish her reaction. “Vikram and I believed in emotional understanding first, though our physical compatibility is off the charts. Now I realize how much I mean to him, and we’ve sorted out our differences. You won’t be able to give Sabrina any juicy updates anymore.”
I turn to Sabrina next. “And you, stop dreaming about my husband before he decides to sever ties with you for good.”
“Maahi?” Vikram's stern voice cuts through, but I'm not afraid to face him. I do feel a bit dizzy, though, and my vision blurs.
“What is happening here?” He grabs my elbow, turning me around.
“Nothing important,” I smile. “I just wanted to say hello to your mom and your best friend.”
He glances at them and understands it's more than a simple hello.
“Take me home, sweetheart,” I say, wrapping my arms around his and leaning on him. Something is definitely wrong with that mocktail.
“What did you drink?” He asks, worried.
“Kiss me,” I blurt out.
Oh, God! What am I saying? I want to shut my mouth, but I can’t.
“Okay, that's it. Let's get you home,” he says, holding me securely and leading me to the exit. I feel weightless and numb. When Vikram realizes this, he bends down and carries me in his arms, making me giggle.
“You love carrying me in your arms, don’t you?” I nuzzle my nose against the crook of his neck.
“Stop doing that, Cub,” Vikram groans, clearly restless, and I enjoy knowing I have this effect on him—on my Prince Pompous.