The Ogre's Proposal (COMPLETED)

Chapter 4

ANIKA
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'I have had a word with the officer and they are already looking out for that bastard!!! As per his neighbours, he and his wife have been absconding since yesterday. The kids have no idea about anything. They are safely escorted to their grandparents home. But there's no clue where they both have disappeared.' Arthur said and I closed my eyes and leaned my head back squeezing myself more into the couch of Linda's living room.

'Heyyyyy...You don't need to worry Anika...Those...excuse me for my language Linda!!! Those assholes are not going to have any place to go. NY laws are really strict. I'm sure they will get caught and punished. You please have something!!!' Miranda said as she offered me a cup of coffee when I shook my head but Linda again insisted on it and I held the cup in my hand.

'Mom...I think you and dad must stay here with us for a few days. Anika likes your and Miranda's company. I think either one of you must be with her for some-' but I immediately interrupted Arthur saying

'No no please Arthur. Thank you so much for all that you folks have done to me but I think I must start looking out for myself. I need to find myself a home and-'

'You can stay with us child!!! Right Richard?' Linda immediately asked her husband and Richard nodded saying

'Absolutely!!! We are going to miss our daughter Amy thoroughly this Christmas as she can't make up for it. We'll think God gave us a spare one!!!' Richard tried to lighten everyone's mood and I smiled. Although these people were extremely down to earth and helpful...I couldn't take advantage of the situation.

'Thank you Richard...Linda...but I'm sorry I can't stay here. I...I don't know what I'm going to do henceforth. I don't have a place to go, a source to earn and I don't want to be a burden on you both!!!'

To which Linda held my hand saying 'You are not!!! You are just going through tough times!!! We all go through it and we are just trying to help you. And our home has so many rooms. Richard and I rarely use the other bedrooms. You can take one and... maybe you can call your grandfather and tell him about-' but before she continued I spoke up

'I can't call Daarji. He won't be able to take it. In fact I can't inform anyone. I know my family. We aren't bound by blood but we are bound by emotions and relationships. I'm scared the news will reach Daarji and I know he'll punish himself for whatever happened. And this baby...nope!!! I can't inform Daarji!!!' I said shaking my head when Miranda held my hand saying

'Hey Heyyyyy sip sip!!! Relax!!!' she said rubbing my back and trying to calm me down. I nodded when Miranda said

'I have been in foster care for years and lived with a family who gave me all the love and support making me the woman I am today. I know where you come from Anika!!! And you know what...you are going to be a strong, bold and confident single mother. Trust me!!!' she said softly and I smiled although I was dreading from within.

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All of us were sitting at the dining table. We were at Linda-Richard's home. Arthur and Miranda stayed back for dinner. Linda was serving us some fresh salad when I cleared my throat and everyone looked at me. I took a deep breath and said

'Thank you so much for all that you have done to a stranger like me. I don't know what would have been my situation if I didn't have you all here... Linda... especially you!!! Thank you!!!

But!!! I have decided. I need to do something for my living. Especially because I have a huge responsibility now. My baby!!! So I have decided...I'm going to look out for a job!' I announced and everyone looked at me silently. No one said anything when suddenly I heard Arthur say