CHAPTER 52
VIKRAM
Dad's birthday two weeks ago was unlike any other. We had a small, private party at Ratna Mahal, and it was the best one yet. Mom and Maahi took care of everything, from the cake to organizing dinner with Dad's favorite chef from Mumbai. Watching Mom and Maahi work together was incredibly pleasing, and their bond has only grown stronger since.
“Vikram? Where are you lost?” Daadi gives my arm a gentle push, breaking my trance. We are in the garden, enjoying our early evening tea. Dad and Mom are out but will be home any moment, and my beautiful wife is at her boutique, working.
“Nowhere.” I sip my tea.
“Don’t lie. You were surely thinking about Maahi. The way you were smiling, proved that.”
Do I still look like a love-sick puppy? Maybe. Every time my family teases me, I feel that’s what they see. I’m smitten by Maahi, and it’s hard to hide it.
“Well, yes. I was thinking about Maahi but also Mom. I mean, how their equation has changed in the past two weeks.”
Daadi nods happily. “Meera is opening up with Maahi. I’m so glad they are bonding. I wish to work on my relationship with Meera too but don’t know where to start.”
I sigh, holding her hand over the table. “You are a mother, Daadi. Start with that!”
She takes a moment to understand, and I’m in no rush. I really want the family to come together, support each other, and stick together forever. Dad and Mom have started accepting and loving Maahi like they love me. Dad knows his mistakes and is working on his relationship with Daadi too. Only Mom and Daadi still need to reconcile and I can’t wait for that to happen.
“What’s going on there?” My parents interrupt our conversation. They return with loads of shopping bags. I know whenever Mom is out with Dad, she shops like they are celebrating. I hug Mom, who looks exhausted, and then pull a chair for her. Daadi quickly asks the servant to bring tea for them.
“What is all this?” Daadi asks Dad about the shopping.
“Don’t ask me, Maa. It’s all your Bahu’s stuff.”
“Really?” Mom glares at Dad. “I just got a mascara for myself; the rest is for the family.”
“Is it?”
“Fine,” she shrugs. “Those shoes are mine too and that black saree.”
I grin seeing them bicker. Daadi holds her laugh.
“Vikram, I got a few things for Maahi. Hope she likes it.” Mom mumbles.
“She will. But what have you got for her?”
“Some designer jewelry and the rest… she will tell you herself.”
Mom’s naughty wink makes me wonder what else she bought. I assume she means some sexy stuff but won’t ask her directly. It’s better to find out from my wife.
“And Maa,” Mom turns to Daadi, passing her a bag. “This is the holy book you were talking about. We managed to find it in a bookstore.”
Daadi is pleased and thanks them.
“Don’t thank me, Maa,” Dad replies. “Meera insisted we keep looking until we found one. We hunted all the bookstores in the city and finally got it.”
Daadi’s eyes moisten with tears seeing Mom’s efforts.
“Thank you so much, Meera. It means a lot to me.”
Mom nods gently and then rises. “I have to go. It’s already 6:00 pm.”
“Go? Where?”
“Spa appointment. I’ve taken one for me and Maahi. I will pick her up on my way.”
Spa? I’m overwhelmed.
“Do you want to join us?” Mom asks Daadi, who instantly declines.
“No, no. What will I do there?” Daadi resists.
“Spa is for everyone, Maa,” Dad interrupts. “You should go. Meera will add one more person to her appointment. Not a big thing.”
Mom nods in agreement, but Daadi keeps resisting and promises to join them next time. Mom hurries back inside to get ready and leave. Seems the appointment is at 7:00 pm, and they will return before dinner.
While I’m still busy chatting with Dad and Daadi, my wife’s message pops up on my phone.
‘Your Mom is taking me out for a spa. Will be late. It was her idea totally and I couldn’t deny.’
I reply to her.
‘Missing you bad. Get the best treatment done at the spa tonight. I want you all relaxed before I exhaust you again tonight.’
She sends me a blushing emoticon in response, which brings a smile to my face too. Can’t wait to see my wife tonight?