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I swallow hard, his smooth, raspy voice making my stomach flutter. His fingers inch towards my dress’s zipper. I’m about to shrug him off, but he pulls the zipper up and hooks it firmly, all without breaking our gaze in the mirror.
“I’m good at dressing people too, not just undressing,” he mocks.
Rolling my eyes, I turn around.
“I knew you had experience in both. But don’t waste it on me. Save it for the women who think they still have a chance with you, despite your marriage.”
I start to leave, but he grips my arm, pulling me closer.
“Infidelity isn’t my thing, Maahi. Whatever I desire now, you’re the only one who will fulfill them all.”
Women would love to hear that from their man, and though I appreciate his sentiment, I don’t show it in my expressions.
“What about my desires?” I ask.
He looks amused.
“Name them, sweetheart,” he says, his grip loosening as he circles his hands around my waist.
“It’s a long list. First, stop kissing me without my permission.”
I mean it. He can’t just take a kiss; he has to make me want to kiss him too, which won’t happen.
“Done,” he nods. “Henceforth, I’ll kiss you only when you want me to.”
“Which I would never,” I blow a strand of hair off my face, grinning.
Instead of being offended, he pulls me closer and leans in.
“You will. You will let me kiss every inch of your body, Maahi. And as I’d promised earlier, you’ll beg for it.”
“You dream too much,” I manage to reply.
Something shifts between us. His wet dreams scare me. I’ve never seen a man so obsessed with a woman. Knowing I have one crazy for me is terrifying, but a part of me swells with pride. Not all women get this honor. I could use this to make him dance to my tune, but that’s not me. I’ll never use my husband for my selfishness, no matter how genuine the reason.
“Can we leave now? We’re getting late.”
Vikram steps back, checking his watch.
“Very,” he says, holding my wrist and leading me out.
*****************
When the car parks at Leela Mahal, I realize this is the venue where Vikram wanted me to come along with him. I get out first, followed by Vikram, who takes my hand and leads me to the elevator. Out of all the places in this town, this one holds a special place in my heart. Its vibrant energy and unique atmosphere are unmatched. The elevator doors close, and Vikram turns to me.
“The staff of Leela Mahal is hosting this party to welcome my wife into my world,” he says.
I nod, feeling a bit nervous. His world. I’ve never mingled with people of his class. Vikram slides his arm around my waist, pulling me close.
“Just be yourself, and you’ll be fine,” he assures me, planting a kiss on my head, just above my ear.
It’s not a sexy kiss, more like a comforting gesture. As the doors open, we’re greeted by a crowd of high-class people from notable families, none of whom I’ve ever met. Vikram leads me through the crowd, introducing me to most of them. I hardly remember their names and titles as we move forward, spending the next hour accepting well-wishes. I wonder why Vanraj and Meera Singh Grover aren’t here.
Throughout the introductions, Vikram never lets go of my hand. I feel like I’m in a different world—his world. It’s dark and dangerous, filled with social reformers, prestigious royal families, police commissioners, politicians, bureaucrats and government officials. The power my husband and his father wield is intimidating. I feel suffocated, thinking about what these people could do to Devki Estate at the Grovers' command.
“I need to use the washroom,” I whisper to Vikram while he speaks to a guest.
He smirks and excuses us both, leading me towards the other end of the room.
