Anika’s PoV
After getting out of the shop, Preethi told me secretly that the man we saw in the shop was her ex-husband with his mistress. She told her flashback, that she is a divorcee, a single mother, working in a shipping unit, a friend of Arjun, and her husband cheated her big time. I pity her but I also hate her for the place she holds in Arjun’s life. He is ready to indulge in a fist fight in a public place for her. I also hate her for that control she has on Arjun. Something inside me finds it unsettling for a friend. But I dare not to tell it out loud. I may be over possessive of my husband and also I should not disrespect their lifetime friendship even after his warning.
“Anu, what are you doing here?” I heard a very familiar voice behind me when we were shopping for some biodegradable disposable plates and cups.
“Hey, Harish Anna(brother)? How are you?” I jumped in joy. Harish Anna was my neighbor in Coimbatore. His family moved to Chennai after he got a job here. He was the one that used to teach me until I got to my high school. It’s been like 4 years since I last saw him at his wedding. Heard from mom that his wife passed away.
“I am good. Next week-end is my son Nitvik’s birthday. I came here to buy some party stuff. When did you come here? You got a job here? How is aunty and uncle? Advay must have finished his school now, right? What is he going to choose for college?” He bombarded me with lots of questions.
“Whoa whoa, relax, anna, Everyone back home is fine. Advay has opted for Electronics and communication Engineering. I am here because I got married.” I told him.
“Whoa, what? You got married?”
“Yup, I am. My husband’s friend needed to do some shopping. So here we are.” I showed him Arjun and Preethi who were standing in the queue for billing.
“Arjun? You married Arjun?” He asked me in shock.
“Yes, You know my husband?” I asked him.
“I know. Preethi, there is my college mate, now she is working along with me. I have met Arjun with Preethi. I even saw them last month and he said nothing about his wedding. He was so keen to set me up with Preethi.” He said.
“Wait, what? He tried to set you up with Preethi? But she just got divorce from her husband.”
“Yeah, he tried to play cupid between us but I told him that I already have a girl whom I would like to remarry.”
“Wow, you finally agreed to marry Shivani akka(sister)?” I asked him with unbound happiness. Shivani akka was Harish anna’s uncle’s daughter who loved him dearly. But their parents didn't accept the wedding so he married another girl. But Shivani akka refused to marry anyone. Now that his wife has passed away, Shivani akka must have compromised her parents for this wedding. I am so happy for them.
“Yes, Shivani will come to Nitvik’s party. I didn't plan on inviting anyone but some friends of Nitvik from his play school. Now I would like to invite you, Shivani will be happy to see you.” He said.
“I would love to come.” I told him while Preethi and Arjun came near us.
“Love to go where? Hi, Harish. How are you?” Arjun asked me and greeted him.
“I was inviting her for my son’s birthday next weekend. I am good, Arjun.” He told him.
“Wow, you know Anika? How?” Preethi asked him.
“Anika was my neighbor when I was in Coimbatore. I have known her since her childhood. I just happened to meet her and got to know that she is Arjun’s wife. So found your soulmate huh, Arjun?” He asked him.
“Sort of.” Arjun answered him unwillingly.
“She is a very good girl with a witty character. She will make you laugh by her silly behavior. You are so lucky to have her, Arjun. Anyways, I will text you my address. I hope to meet you all at my son’s birthday party next week. I will expect you for sure, Anu.” Harish told us.
“We will surely be there.” Preethi said.
“Do you have the same number?” Harish asked me and I nodded yes.
We went home after dropping Preethi in her house. The friendly Arjun just disappeared in thin air and the grumpy old Arjun replaced him. I hate this uncomfortable silence in the car and I switched the music system on. He turned to look at me and switched it off. He won’t talk and he won’t let me listen to the music too? I switched it back on. I am done being Miss Goody Shoes.
“Can’t you be quiet for sometime?” He yelled at me, switching it off again.
“I can’t. I hate silence.” I barked back at him and switched it on again.
“Are you not going to stop it again?” I asked him when he didn't do anything.
“Why should I? Anyways you will turn it on again. I am not a 5 year old to fight with you.” He said with his eyes on the road.
“Oh, you are not a five year old. I agree. You are a grooooown up who will only try to murder your wife.” I mumbled but made sure that he heard it well.
“I didn’t plan on killing you. I just wanted to see you suffer.” He said, looking me in the eye. He is not joking.
“What? What are you? You are some sick person. I'm sure there is a great chance that you killed Anamika and buried her somewhere and tricked the world to believe that she has gone missing.” I blurted out but immediately regretted it. He stopped the car.
“You know what? You must learn to shut up your bloody mouth. You are not good with words.” He told me, turning to me.
“I am sorry.” I said timidly. He is right. I should have not talked like that.
“Your sorry means nothing when you do the same thing over and over again. You are not a small kid anymore where people let you go easily for your mistakes. I won't be talking to you like this again if you don't control your damn tongue.” He said calm and clear that made my stomach fall into a pit. His words bear more promise that he would not think before he kills me if I talk trash again.
“I won’t talk like this again. I promise.” I said.
“You better don’t.” He turned to the road again and concentrated on driving.
“Arjun” I called him.
“Yes” He said, still his eyes on the road.
“Why did you want me to suffer? What did I do wrong?” I asked him.
“You know what you did. I leave it to you to decide whether it is right or wrong.” He said.
“Are you going to torture me by talking in riddles? You yourself said that I am behaving like a kid. I am not brilliant enough to crack your riddles, Arjun. Tell me what I did and I will correct it or atleast explain to you why I did what I did. Please Arjun, I could not understand you. It hurts me to even think that you hate me. I asked you before marriage if you like me. You said you do. I saw genuinity in that answer, but now you behave like I am your grave enemy. Why, Arjun?” I asked him and I didn’t realize that I was crying. I felt too low to beg for his love. Love is to be earned, not to be gained as alms.
“Anika” He called me ever so softly. It almost felt like being caressed with a peacock feather. I don’t understand how he manages to take control of my heart and body with just whispers.
“Don’t cry, Anika. I have happy news for you. I have bought that corner building near your house in coimbatore. I already made arrangements to set up a bouquet shop for your mom. Also, your dad is admitted in the Nivas Hospital that specializes in curing stroke affected patients. He is well taken care of.” He said, gently taking my face in his hands. He wiped my tears with his thumbs. I felt content.
“They didn't tell me any of this. Only Advay said that you got him his seat in your college.” I told him. This news is a complete shock to me in a very good way.
“Maybe they wanted to surprise you. Your family doesn't need your support anymore.” He said, pulling his hands away from me and I felt so disappointed.
“Maybe they won't. But I need to work for you to thank you for all you have done for my family. A mere thank you will never suffice.” I told him from the bottom of my heart.
“Oh, you don't have to, Anika. When are you going home?” He asked me, out of nowhere. Something in his demeanor changed and it twisted my stomach.
“Why should I go home?” I asked him when he parked the car in our home. I know it is not good.
“Because you got everything that you married me for.” He said coldly.