CHAPTER 54
VIKRAM
Two Years Later
It's a lazy Sunday morning, and my sunshine isn't outside the window but in my arms—my wife, Maahi Singh Grover. She's the light of my life, the woman who not only taught me what true love is but also made me want to hold onto it forever. I can't imagine a single moment without her. It's been two years since we got married, but it feels like I've known her forever. I know Maahi inside out—from knowing every inch of her body to understanding her thoughts, desires, reactions, what makes her happy, what dampens her mood, what brings a smile to her face, what triggers tears, who she enjoys spending time with, what she loves to eat, how she feels when she's emotional, how she reacts when she's angry, how she squeals with pleasure when I touch her, and the expressions she makes when I claim her every night. I know it all.
I peck her lips, and as usual, she snuggles closer to me for warmth. She does that every time in her sleep. It's such a turn-on for me every morning, and there hasn't been a single day when I haven't kissed her after waking up or made love to her in the middle of the night. There hasn't been a single moment when I haven't told her I love her or explored every desire together. She's all mine, in every possible way.
As if she realizes I'm admiring her, Maahi opens her eyes and smiles, stroking my chin.
“Morning...” she purrs as I scoop her into my embrace, even tighter than before.
“Very good morning, Cub.”
“Ummm...” she snuggles into me, kissing my chest. That's one of the reasons I love sleeping shirtless next to her. She's the most romantic person in the mornings.
After a quick make-out session, shower, and dressing up, Maahi and I head to the dining room where Mom and Daadi are arranging breakfast on the table.
“Sorry, I'm late,” Maahi pouts, giving a hug to Mom and Daadi. “Morning...”
“Morning, sweetheart,” Mom pecks her cheeks and then gives me a quick hug. “And don't worry about being late. We love when you both don't show up early. It just means you both are happy and very much in love.”
I turn to Maahi, who blushes at Mom's teasing. She still isn't used to this. Every time someone teases her about me, her cheeks and nose turn red. I have that effect on her. While Daadi heads to the kitchen to bring the fruits, Mom points out something on Maahi's neck, making me curious.
“Another one?” Maahi asks, while quickly hiding the mark.
She slides her hair over her shoulder and frowns at me. Well, I'm aware of how much she adores those love bites, but only no one else gets to see them.
“It's okay. It's not very visible,” Mom chuckles, easing her a bit.
“But you saw it. Anyone else could too.”
She then turns her attention to me.
“This is all your doing, so you better stop grinning right now,” Maahi scolds me and then goes quiet as Dad and Daadi step out of the kitchen.
“Dad? What were you doing in the kitchen today?” I ask casually. It's not new that Dad loves to cook these days, and I've seen him assisting Mom and Daadi at times, but never for breakfast.
“That's called utilizing time wisely, Son,” Dad answers. “What other work do I have these days? You've handled things so well at work that there's hardly anything left for me to do apart from attending a few conferences and signing some checks.”
That's right. Dad is aging. I want him to rest and spend time with the family. He's worked hard all these years for us. That's why I'm taking on most of the business now with his guidance and blessings. I handle all the business trips on my own, which takes me away from the family for a week, but it's Maahi's strict instruction not to spend more than a week away continuously, and Ajay fits my schedule accordingly. Plus, Sundays are family days, which means no work. That's another rule I follow without fail.
Maahi helps serve us, and then we begin to eat.
“By the way, do you know the Mehtas? Their daughter-in-law is pregnant—16 weeks!” Mom mentions.
Both Maahi and I share a glance and then focus back on her.
“Oh, no, no. Please don't think I'm pushing you two to plan a baby soon... I just—”
“Mom,” Maahi holds her hand over the table. “Actually, Vikram and I have something to share with you all.”
Everyone stops eating, and I smile, seeing my wife take the lead in sharing this news. It's not a huge announcement, but it's important to us. We want our family to know every step we take in our lives. Since Mom brought up the baby topic, it's a good time to share.
“Share what?” Daadi asks, a bit worried. “Is everything okay with you both? Anything to worry about?”
“Nothing to worry about, Daadi. We just made a decision and wanted you all to know,” Maahi assures.
“What decision?” Dad pokes.
“I know what it is,” Mom intervenes. “They need more time to plan for babies. I totally understand if that's the case.”
“Mom,” Maahi presses her arm. “It's the opposite, actually. We were just thinking this is the right time to start a family. Vikram doesn't have any huge ventures this year that might consume his time, nor any extended business trips. I've already hired a good team to take care of all my boutiques in India and New York, which means we will have ample time to plan for a baby this year.”
The room goes silent. Maahi looks at me, and I'm already grinning. Yes, we had this conversation this week. It wasn't a planned conversation—it just happened! Maahi and I were at a nearby park and saw toddlers playing, which sparked the idea and feeling within us to have that moment in our lives too, soon. So, we quickly reviewed our business plans and decided to go for it. No more precautions while making love. We want babies. Soon!
“Say something,” Maahi nudges me with her elbow.
I scoop her into my arms.
“You said it all, sweetheart. Nothing left for me to add.”
I place a kiss on her forehead and turn to the three people who look at us as if we've announced Maahi's pregnancy.
“Wow, wow,” Mom squeals. “This is incredible. I mean, yes, why not start a family? Ask Maa and Vanraj, we were all waiting for you two to think on these terms and... Oh my god, what should I say?”
She gets up from her seat and reaches Maahi, who stands up and gives her a hug.
“I'm so happy to hear it. Please give us the good news soon.”
Maahi pouts, feeling embarrassed. Daadi is next to bless her.
“Excuse me?” I interrupt. “Why is no one blessing me? I'm also contributing here.”
Everyone laughs, and Dad reaches me and pats my back.
“I'm here for you, son. Good thought, and I wish you good luck. Making babies is easy, but nurturing them and giving them good values is tough. But I'm sure you and Maahi will give them all they need.”
“Not without your support, Dad,” I add. “We're lucky to have a family like you all to help raise our children.”
“Children?” Mom pokes. “That means you're not going to stop at one?”
I laugh.
“It's a free country, Mom. I can have as many kids as I want.”
While everyone laughs, Maahi and I share a long look. Our lives are about to take a wonderful turn—something we've both been anxiously waiting for.