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Before I can respond, there's a knock at the door. It's Maahi, and I pray she hasn't overheard our conversation.
“Sorry to interrupt,” she says, “but Daadi, I need to go to the boutique. It's Kavita's engagement tomorrow, and she's coming to try her outfits.”
As Daadi nods, I find myself looking at Maahi with new eyes. Wife. Could she really be my wife? The woman I wake up to every morning, make love to every night? My body stiffens at the thought, and I hope Daadi can't read the desire written plainly on my face.
“Come back soon, Maahi,” Daadi says.
“I will,” she smiles at Daadi. “She’s invited us all to the engagement party.”
Maahi’s gaze meets mine, and I see her nervousness. I don’t want to scare her, so I look away.
“We’ll go,” Daadi agrees. “All of us,” she adds, looking at me.
“Great. I’ll leave then. See you at dinner.”
After Maahi leaves, Daadi turns to me, her expression stern. “If Maahi wants the same thing you want, I have no objection to your marriage, Vikram. But if she doesn't want you as her husband, I'll make sure you never become her life partner.”
With that, she walks away, leaving me stunned. Did my grandmother just threaten me? I smirk with pride. After all she is my grandmother. What less can I expect? Arrogance runs in our blood. The challenge in her words has ignited a fire within me. I've never backed down from a challenge, especially not one involving something - or someone - I want. And I want Maahi more than I've ever wanted anything in my life. Game on, Daadi. Game on.
**************
Blush Boutique
The bell chimes as Kavita steps out of the dressing room, and my breath catches. The rich fabric of the lehenga I designed cascades around her, the color vibrant against her skin.
“Wow,” I whisper, circling her like a painter admiring their masterpiece. “This shade is absolutely killer on you.”
I deftly tie the strings of her choli, my fingers working with practiced ease. “Is it too tight? I can have the tailor loosen it a bit.”
Kavita beams at her reflection. “It's perfect. God, Maahi, you've outdone yourself. Your taste is impeccable as always.”
I wink, basking in the praise. After finalizing details, we retreat to my office, where I order coffee for both of us.
“You missed one hell of a Holi party,” I tell her, settling into my chair. “Preet and I had an absolute blast.”
Kavita's smile turns wistful. “I wish I could've been there. Rohan wanted me with his family, though.”
Our coffees arrive, steaming and aromatic. Kavita's eyes suddenly glint with mischief. “Speaking of the party, Preet told me about your... creative approach to coloring people this year.”
I nearly choke on my coffee, shooting her a glare hot enough to melt steel. She just laughs.
“Oh, and let's not forget the highlight of the evening.” Her wink is positively devilish. I know exactly what she's referring to – Vikram filling my maang with color.
“We were both high on bhang,” I protest weakly.
“But the feelings were real, right?” Kavita presses, leaning forward.
I'm about to shut her down when a knock freezes the words in my throat. My heart lurches as I see Vikram himself standing in my doorway, his trademark smirk firmly in place. Kavita goes stock-still, and I swear I can feel the temperature in the room skyrocket.
“Ladies,” Vikram purrs, sauntering in uninvited. The sight of him sets my nerves on fire, a mixture of irritation and something far more dangerous.
He approaches Kavita first, ever the charmer. “You must be Kavita, Maahi's friend.”
“Y-yes,” she stammers, rising to shake his hand.
“We've never met, but thank you for the engagement invitation. Congratulations.”
I can practically see the stars in Kavita's eyes. She's always had a weakness for alpha males, and Vikram is ticking all her boxes. I know that look – she approves him. For me.
