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“Daadi, I am sorry,” I say, but she keeps looking away. “I lost my temper yesterday. I know Vikram is your grandson, and you love him. I will never hurt you again, Daadi. Please don’t ignore me. I feel like an orphan again.”
My sobs turn her around, and she quickly wipes my tears.
“Never say that word again,” she shouts. “You are not an orphan. I am still alive. Do you hear me?”
I nod and give her a tight hug. She takes me into her embrace, and it feels like I’ve won the whole world again. Daadi strokes my back until my sobs subside and then pulls away.
“You both are close to my heart, Maahi. When you both fight, I feel low and cannot tolerate it. I know you have differences of opinion, but Vikram is here for only a few days. You know he won’t show up anytime soon again. I want us all to stay like a family. Will you support me?”
“I will always support you,” I reply, kissing her forehead. “Even if it means staying cordial with that Prince Pompous.”
The moment I say that aloud, she laughs heartily.
“Yes, he is your Prince Pompous.”
I frown. He is not mine. He is Prince Pompous for everyone. Everyone in this house knows his tantrums.
“Why do you call him that?” Daadi genuinely asks.
“He behaves like one,” I reply. “So typically bossy and arrogant. I don’t understand how his girlfriend tolerates that kind of attitude. If my man behaved like him, I would have kicked him away.”
“Maahi, no bad words,” she interrupts.
“Sorry,” I quickly hold my ears.
“Do you think he has a girlfriend?” Daadi’s curiosity peaks.
“I think he has more than one,” I wink. She pats my arm, dismissing the idea.
“No, Vikram is an honest man. He will never cheat on a woman.”
I feel that too, though I don’t share it openly. We continue with the Puja after which I leave for work..
VIKRAM
I miss this morning’s Puja. Last night, I had a weird dream. Maahi was in my room, nursing my wounds, rubbing an ice pack on my chest. They say early morning dreams come true, but I know this one won’t. Maahi hates me, and I have no hope she will ever show concern for me. Now we have agreed to be cordial before Daadi. I intend to follow my part strictly, but if she pokes me again, I know I’ll mess up.
My phone buzzes. It’s Dad’s message:
‘Did you talk about Devki Estate to your Daadi? We have to make a decision fast, son, or else we might miss the business window.’
I sigh. The new collaboration with the real estate company is pressing us. I can't delay my proposal for long. I plan to return to the US next week to close this deal, but it hinges on Daadi agreeing to hand over Devki Estate for our business. I quickly type back a message to Dad, telling him not to worry. I’ll speak to Daadi today.
When I come down, I find Daadi in the kitchen, commanding the servants to get breakfast ready.
“Morning, Sweetheart,” I say, wrapping my arms around her waist and snuggling her.
“Stop buttering me. If you think after yesterday’s silly fights between you and Maahi, I will forgive you, then you are wrong,” she scolds, unwinding my arms from her waist.
“Not even if I apologize?” I ask.
“Events like yesterday will never happen again,” I promise turning her around.
Her expressions say she doesn’t believe me.
“Come on, Daadi, I have never been so sweet and kind to anyone except you. I deserve one more chance.”
“Fine. But this is the last chance,” she agrees and leads me out for breakfast.
