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“You do,” he cuts in. “Daadi told me how much you have loved that bed since your childhood.”
Yes, I have. That bed is something special. I always thought it would give me the best sleep, and it hasn’t disappointed me yet.
“My people will visit Devki Estate next week. Don’t stop them.”
Just when I thought he wasn’t as bad as I imagined, he drops this bombshell.
“Who are these people? Why are they coming? What is going on, Vikram?”
I would have kept asking more if he hadn’t touched my lips. His fingers graze my bottom lip, where it still aches from last night’s kiss. There’s a bruise on my lower lip where he bit me last night in passion, when we kissed at Leela Mahal.
“Put something on this. It should be alright,” he says.
His hoarse voice makes me believe he wants to kiss me again, but I am not going to let him, even if he asks. But he surprises me by going to Daadi instead and taking her blessings. They speak for a few minutes, and he kisses her forehead, promising to see her soon and asking her to look after herself. Soon, the cars leave for the private airport where the Grover’s jet is waiting for them to board.
*****************
It’s been a week since the Grover family left me and Daadi alone, and we already miss them. Daadi misses her son's presence, her daughter-in-law's tantrums, and her grandson's love and concern. I miss my cold fights with my father-in-law, heated arguments with my mother-in-law, and intense moments with that Prince Pompous. Spending time in my boutique, designing clothes has always been my passion, but now I am even more determined to expand it. Daadi thinks I should consider expanding abroad, starting with the US, where my husband and his family reside. I am going to give it some thought, but settling there permanently is not on my list anytime soon.
Vikram and I have exchanged a few messages this week, where I have grilled him about the people coming to Devki Estate. But he has cleverly diverted my queries. Daadi mentioned he is very busy at the office, handling a major client who is throwing tantrums. I check my watch. I haven’t called him since he left. Since those people are coming to Devki Estate tomorrow, I decide to speak to him once and for all. I dial his mobile, but it's switched off, so I try the other US number he gave me, hoping he will pick up.
I tap my feet restlessly, waiting for someone from Grover Group to answer.
“Hello, this is Ajay from Grover Group. How may I help you?”
Ajay? I try to recall Vikram mentioning this guy who is also his personal assistant.
“I need to speak to Prince Pompou—”
“Prince?” Ajay interrupts. “I think you dialed the wrong number, Ma’am. This is Grover Group office not London palace,” he jokes.
I roll my eyes, realizing my mistake but appreciating Ajay’s humor.
“I meant patch me through to Vikram Singh Grover, please.”
“Oh. Boss is busy in a meeting.”
I frown. I thought Vikram would be easily accessible on this number if not on his cell phone.
“Can you please ask him to call me back once he is free?”
“Sure. Who should I say called?”
“Maahi.”
There is silence for a few seconds, making me think the line is dead.
“Hello? Ajay? Are you there?”
“I am. Sorry. Are you Mrs. Maahi Singh Grover?”
“That’s right,” I say, biting my lip, still getting used to this new name.
“Just hang on.”
In almost 10 seconds, I hear his voice. Vikram’s voice.
“What is it, Cub?”
