His Brown Bride

8

Rajiv's POV







I stepped out into the brittle morning air, the warm sunlight casting a golden glow over the lush greenery surrounding the villa.

The sweet songs of birds filled the air, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the towering trees.

My thoughts were consumed by the urgent need to find her.

Just then, I spotted her jogging around the house, her ponytail bouncing with each stride.

"Thank God!" I exclaimed, breathing a sigh of relief.

I hastened towards her, my feet crunching on the gravel path.

As I approached, she stopped, her eyes narrowing warily.

"Get out of my way," she said, her breath coming in short gasps.

"We didn't get a chance to talk yesterday. I need to tell you what your brother said to me," I said.

"I was already aware of his plans," she said, her eyes meeting mine.

"He told me he would transfer all our property to a trustworthy employee, someone who would protect me from our stepmother's schemes. I know all about them because she's used me as leverage against him many times. That's why I didn't utter a word when she was leaving yesterday."

I nodded understandingly, a small smile playing on my lips. "Well, in that case, come and have breakfast with me," I invited, gesturing towards the house.

"You go ahead; I'll join you soon," she said, her voice now steady and strong.

"I still have to finish my daily run; I do two kilometres every morning." She motioned towards the path she'd been jogging on, her eyes shining.

I'm glad she's moving on quickly from her brother's death.

I nodded, and she took off again, her feet pounding the ground.

With a smile, I turned and walked towards the car.

••••

I headed to my friend's house to fulfil the promise I made to him to visit him and meet his bride.

After we exchanged warm handshakes, he invited me to sit with him on the sofa.

However, before I could even settle in, he apologised, "I'm really sorry I couldn't make it to your wedding."

His words instantly wiped the smile off my face, replacing it with discomfort. "No worries, it's really no problem," I replied, trying to sound convincing.

"It definitely is!" he exclaimed.

"Can I see a picture of her? I'm really eager to know her." He leaned in, his face alight with enthusiasm.

"I don't have her picture," I replied curtly, leaving out the part where I don't even want to have the desire to have one.

His face fell, shock and disbelief etched on his features. "How is that possible?" he asked, incredulous.

"My wife's pictures are all over my phone!" He chuckled, shaking his head.

"Well, I'll visit you soon anyway. But before I do, tell me her name. What is it?" He pressed on, his curiosity getting the better of him.

His wife, a stunning fair lady, entered the room with a warm smile, carrying a tray with steaming cups of tea. She gracefully placed it on the oak table before us, her eyes radiating with kindness.

I couldn't help myself but feel envious.

He was indeed fortunate to have found a partner with such beauty and grace, someone he could proudly show to the world.

Meanwhile, here I am—a man stuck in a life of misery.

I forced a smile, taking a sip of the tea while she excused herself from the room.

My friend's eyes gleamed with joy as he spoke, "Married life is a fairytale, I'm telling you, my friend! Every day, I fall deeper in love with my wife. It's a dream come true."

I listened, my gaze fixed on the cup, as I drained the last drop of tea from it.

"I'm sorry, I have to leave now. Take care," I said, rising from my seat.

He stood up as well, and we shared a brief, cordial hug.

"Please extend my regards to your wife," he mentioned.

I forced a smile, my lips curling up in a strained attempt at politeness, trying to mask my true feelings. The mere mention of her makes my skin crawl in discomfort.

I bid him farewell and made my exit.

••••

As evening arrived, I wrapped up work.

Managing an industry like this isn't as easy as I thought.

I returned to the villa, expecting the usual warm glow of lights to welcome me in. However, I was met with an eerie darkness.

"Mother, I'm back," I called out, my voice echoing through the silence.

Suddenly, the lights flickered to life, one by one, and I was taken aback to see my office colleagues, whom I had left just hours ago, gathered in the room.

My eyes widened in surprise as I took in the scene before me. On the wall, a massive banner stretched out, congratulating me on my new position in the company.

I couldn't help but laugh with joy, overwhelmed by the thoughtful surprise. It was a moment I never saw coming.

"Thank you!" I exclaimed, shaking hands with each of them as they presented me with gift boxes.

"It wasn't necessary," I said with a smile, accepting the gifts and handing them over to my mother.

One of my colleagues, who had just given me his gift, spoke, "We didn't get a chance to attend your wedding, but we're all eager to meet your wife. Introduce us!" he said, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

The others nodded in agreement, their faces filled with anticipation.

I became uncomfortable and unsure of how to respond.

"What would they think of me if they were to meet her?" I thought to myself.

Every other woman in our social circle had a fair complexion, so she would undoubtedly stand out with her darker skin. Moreover, I don't want anyone to know about our marriage, especially since it will end soon.

My eyes quickly scanned the room, relieved that she was nowhere to be seen.

"She's not feeling well," I said.

"Oh, that's too bad," he sympathised.

"We wish her a speedy recovery," all of them chorused, and I nodded, heaving a sigh of relief that I had dodged their curiosity for the time being.

My gaze drifted upwards, and my eyes accidentally met hers. She was standing at the top of the stairs, her eyes brimming with tears while fixed on me. Our eyes locked for a transient moment, and then she quickly turned and disappeared from sight.

"Who organised this, Mother?" I asked.

"It was Divya's idea, his sister," she replied, a hint of a smile on her face.

I glanced at her. She was giggling, carefree, and radiant, her beauty taking my breath away. Her exquisite blue dress accentuated her features, and her cascading hair framed her face perfectly.

As I approached her, she hugged her friend goodbye, and the lady disappeared into the crowd, leaving us alone.

Divya's eyes met mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other, the noise of the party fading into the background.

"What's on your mind?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with inquisitiveness.

"Nothing," I replied, my gaze still fixed on her beautiful face, taking in every detail.

"I just wanted to thank you." I said, my voice sincere.

She smiled, her expression softening. "I didn't do it for you," she clarified, her voice gentle.

"I wanted a change, a chance to create an environment where there's only happiness after everything that's happened. So, I organised this." She justified.

I nodded, understanding in my eyes, and appreciating her efforts to bring joy back into our lives.

"You look stunning," I complimented her, my words genuine and sincere.

She smiled while her eyes shimmered with amusement. "Well, I wouldn't say you look handsome, considering those clothes," she teased, her gaze scanning me from head to toe, her expression turning disapproving.

I chuckled, because yes, I was still dressed in my office attire.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure to dress appropriately next time. I hope you'll give me advance notice."

She laughed and patted my arm. "Enjoy the party, for now!" She walked away, leaving me admiring her from afar. Throughout the evening, my gaze kept drifting back to her, captivated by her radiant beauty and angelic complexion, which glowed in the light.