Arjun’s PoV
The moment I heard her say his name, I lost it all. It slipped out of her tongue with ease. I saw her face change through the rear-view mirror in a split second. She felt at ease as soon as she realized that no one noticed her mistake, that nerve of this girl. We made love just the night before and she could still think of her ex-boyfriend? What kind of girl is she? She still has him in her heart? What was she thinking when she made love to me? Thinking of him? I felt like being slippered naked. I could not take this. Not anymore. I love her and she will spend her life with me. But she will never receive any love from me.
Enough of guessing games, enough of trying to understand her or consider her age. I decided to tell her on her face that I know about her love life and also tell her that her life is doomed. Afterall my patience was hanging on the last string which she just pulled apart. How can she do this to me? I was considering her immaturity and age and tried being a man whom I am not but still she stabbed my heart? Now I wonder what must have bothered Anamika when she was with me? Was she in love too? What else would be the problem for her? I purposely avoided going into the details and reasons for her sudden disappearance until now. But all the past comes slapping on my face in this instance.
What is wrong with these people? Why can't they just be strong and marry a man whom they love instead of spoiling another man’s life? I couldn't forgive Anamika even after all these years. I don't know if she is alive or dead, I will never forgive her in this life. Same goes for Anika. She doesn’t deserve my love or forgiveness. She will rot in hell specially tailored for her by me.
I avoided her completely in my granny’s house and never missed an opportunity to humiliate her. I refused to address her as my wife more than once. I enjoyed her shrunk face. How can she act like she is genuinely hurt when she still has her boyfriend in her heart and mind? She wants to ride two horses at the same time? Disgusting! I deliberately insulted her by ignoring her and avoiding her nearness in the presence of Priya and Rajesh. I know dad and mom must have noticed my indifference and I no longer care.
Once home, I rushed to my room to give a miss to my dad’s questioning eyes. I neither want to answer nor get advice on how to treat my wife for she is no good girl. I rehearsed my lines that I have to tell her in my head when I heard the patio door open and in came Anika.
“Arjun, what’s wrong?” She asked me. She had that courage to face me after she said her boyfriend’s name in place of mine. Oh, yes, she doesn't know that I know about her love yet! How dare she think that I am such a fool to not even notice her say a different name?
“You are just a roommate for me, now on. You will do as I say and you will never talk about this to anyone, for if you do, I will erase your family off of the face of earth. I gave you enough time to confess your crimes to me but you chose not to, taking me for a fool. You cannot share my bed still thinking about your ex-boyfriend. I tried hard to let go of your past but it looks like you are not yet ready. Now, even if you are ready to move forward, I am done forgiving you. Get out.” I told her, as calm as I could.
Every cell of my body averts her presence. This deception from her gives me twice as much pain as I felt when Anamika left me. I was denied love for the second time and this time it hurts so much that I love this idiot. This is a huge mistake. I should have not married again. I should have not given in to my feelings expecting it to be reciprocated in the same way. Atleast, Anamika was distant to me for the whole year we have been together. But this girl, she walked all over me and is sitting fat in my heart. I cannot love her anymore. She doesn't deserve any kind of love.
As expected, she didn't even try to compromise me or try to explain herself or reason her behavior. She just left the room just like that. That infuriated me more. What did I want her to do? Tell me that the feelings she had on Arun was just an infatuation and this thing that we have now is real and this is love, maybe? But would I believe it if she said that? Fuck it, she didn’t even care to look back again before leaving the room.
It was a night without a blink of sleep for me. Every time I close my eyes, I see her laugh and blush. It was hell and I am to endure it along with her just because I loved the wrong person. That night showed me that it is impossible for me to hate her but nevertheless, I am going to show her what a grudge is.
The next morning, Dad gave me an envelope during breakfast. I know what it is. Everytime I see her, I try hard to suppress the urge to kill her and it is impossible for us to spend a week away. But with the stern look from dad, I know I cannot argue over this. Since our consummation, mom is very happy and does not have a clue that Anika and I have a dispute between us. On the other hand, dad is quite a sharp man. Nothing escapes his eyes ever.
“Thanks, dad.”
“The tickets are for Maldives and for a week and your flight is tonight.” He said looking at both of us.
“Thank you, uncle.” Anika said timidly.
“You are welcome, dear. Know that I am always here to make things right.” He told her. I looked at her and she immediately diverted her gaze to her feet.
“Sure, uncle.”
“Have a safe trip, Arjun. Take good care of her.”
“Sure,dad.”
“Congratulations, Arjun and Anika. Have a safe flight.” Rajesh told us and left and so did Priya. Priya looked genuinely happy for us. I wonder how she managed to win Priya’s love.
“Arjun, come home soon. Don't be late. Anika, go start packing your stuff. I will take care of things in the house until you return.” Mom told her.
“Sorry, aunty. Actually, I feel like I am not doing much in this house. I promise to take up responsibilities as soon as we get home.” Anika told mom for which mom caressed her head lovingly.
“Arjun, tell her what are the things you need. I am sure you will come home late and will make last minute hurry-burry packing. Let her keep things ready for you when you come.”
“I will pack my stuff, ma. I will be home soon. Happy?” I hugged mom while going out.
“Now I am happy.” She kissed me on my forehead. I cannot punish her in this home with mom and dad constantly watching over us.
After going to my office, I called the airlines and made changes to the plan. She doesn't deserve a honeymoon nor do I. I changed my plans according to the new schedule. I purposely went home just in time for the flight to avoid that time alone with her. I packed up my stuff, ignoring all her attempts to talk to me and went down for dinner. She came behind me like an obedient wife and all I wanted to do was to choke her to death.
I deliberately was oblivious to her all through the car-ride to Airport. She came running behind me earning the looks of the people around us. I cared less for her and went on to grab my boarding pass. She followed me and got hers. I wanted to change seats when she came and sat near me in the sitting area but just then I noticed her looking at everything in dismay.
For a split second, I felt pity for her. She is new to all this and I am supposed to guide her and explain her things, which I would have done with love if the situation was different. But now, I compelled those soft corners for her away from my heart and tried to enjoy her suffering, which I failed. I purposely chose our seats far away from each other, which helped me to have a peaceful sleep in the flight. I saw her getting help from the air hostess to find her seat. Again, that feeling of responsibility for her is something I could not just wipe away. That is not who I am.
I left her in the room and went out to my production unit and spent my time there. All the time I was away from her, her thoughts were constantly pestering my mind. When it was time for lunch, I decided to go back to the hotel at least to have lunch with her. I asked the company driver to drive me to the hotel and just about then, my car broke down near a shop. It was so hot outside and the driver asked me to wait in that shop and so I did. I, never in my wild dreams have imagined, to see her, Anamika, there.
“Arjun?” She whispered my name when our eyes met. I was so unsure if it was her or not with her short hair and attire but when her eyes grew so big, I made sure it was her.
Why is this happening to me? What should I do now? Rush out ignoring her or confront her? I chose the latter but to my surprise she came forward to talk to me.
“Arjun, how are you?” she asked me, embracing her for the impact. For some reasons, I didn't get that anger I thought I would, instead I looked at her closely and understood she is in poverty.
“What are you doing here?”
“I am working as a sales person here. How is everyone back at home? Um… how are my parents?” She asked me, looking down. I noticed her bare neck, there is no evidence that she is married or luxurious.
“How do you think they are? If you are not comfortable with our life, you could have asked me for a divorce which I would have given you without a word. Why are you hurting your parents?”
“It was not you. It was me from the start. I just wish my parents would move on from me, thinking that I am dead for good. I don't want to see them endure pain looking at my sufferings. That is why I refused to contact them in any form. I am so sorry to have spoiled your life. Have you married again?” She asked me and all I could do was to nod my head.
After a little talk, I got to know that she is struggling to make ends meet and needs help. When I got to know that she needs medical attention, I decided to pull her out of her misery. She is counting her days and I am going to make her last days as comfortable as possible.