Page 6 of One Hellish Desire

I kiss her cheek and hurry out of the room.

VIKRAM

My curiosity about Maahi grows with each passing moment.

“She works?” I ask Daadi, finishing my juice.

“Yes, and don't underestimate her skills. Her boutique is one of the best in the city. She's planning to expand to other metros.”

“She's a fashion designer?”

“That’s right and her designs are mainly traditional. Some of the country's elite families are her clients.”

I'm impressed by her accomplishments, the way she's shaped her career and life.

“What are your plans for today?” Daadi inquires.

“A site visit,” I reply vaguely.

“Ah, so that's the work you mentioned. No problem. Go finish your work. Today evening, I've invited some close guests. I want you to meet them.”

“I'll be there.”

I excuse myself and head to my room, my mind already on the site visit. While I mentioned it to Daadi, I didn't specify which site. I'll do that soon, after analyzing the situation and statistics thoroughly.

****************

I stand at the massive iron gate of the sprawling Devki Estate, the primary reason for my visit to India. The guards grant me entry to this land which belongs to my Daadi, Devki Grover. I stride in, taking in the thousands of acres that will soon be mine. I can't wait to discuss this with Daadi. Shukla, the estate's 50-year-old manager, guides me through the property, and I envision the future of Grover Group unfolding before my eyes here. I have plans to transform this barren land into something productive and serene, boosting my company's profits in the coming years.

“Devkiji never mentioned your visit,” Shukla remarks. “I would have prepared better for your arrival.”

“It doesn't matter,” I shrug. “I don't need a grand welcome, Shukla. I'm here to study the land and learn everything about it.”

“Of course, Sir. I'll show you the estate papers. It has everything mentioned about the land's history and all the relevant statistics.”

“Good.”

I make my way to the small office at the estate's entrance, eager to delve deeper.

*****************

When I return to Ratna Mahal, the guests Daadi mentioned have already arrived. Three elderly women, close to Daadi's age, sit on the couch with her, enjoying snacks. Daadi notices me first.

“There he is,” she gestures for me to join them. I approach, my eyes scanning the room, searching for someone I won't admit I'm looking for – Maahi.

“Meet my grandson, Vikram Singh Grover,” Daadi introduces me. “Vikram, these are my dear friends.”

I recall seeing these women a few times during my childhood, accompanying Daadi to Satsang (a religious meeting where people read holy texts, think deeply about or talk about religious matters). I smirk politely, lacking interest in further conversation.

“Daadi, I'll go freshen up.”

“Oh, you already look so fresh,” one of the old woman teases. “If you freshen up more, we might have a heart attack.”

I'm taken aback as they all laugh. That's when I spot Maahi emerging from the kitchen with a tray of tea and coffee for everyone. She heard the comment too and is frowning at me.

“Pushpa,” Daadi stifles her laughter and addresses the woman who teased me. “Don't eye my grandson.”

“Eye him? Devki, I'm cursing my fate for bringing me into this world so early. If only I were his age.”

---