Estranged lovers

Chapter 17

SIDDHARTH

I couldn't get much sleep last night. Annika's crying face kept showing whenever I tried to close my eyes.

Did I go overboard?

I make my way downstairs. I hear noises from the kitchen.

When I look into the kitchen I see Pammi aunty (the cook) and Annika laughing together. I should've known they would get along well. It doesn't take much time to warm up to her.

"You're here." I say

"Siddharth." Pammi aunty says

"You didn't tell me you have such a lovely wife." She says

I smile and walk to Annika. I place my hand on her waist and pull her to my side.

She turns rigid. Like a frightened puppy, she looks up at me.

"Not yet aunty. 4 more days to go." I say as I kiss the top of Annika's forehead.

She sucks in a deep breath. Slowly she places her hand on my chest.... I don't miss the tremble in them.

"Like I always told you. You would find someone someday." Pammi aunty says smiling warmly at us

"Go on take your seats. I'll bring you your breakfast." aunty says

"I'll ... I'll help you." Annika tries to walk away from me

I hold her in a warning. 

"Its okay sweetheart. Aunty will get it. Come on I have something to tell you." I say as I drag her with me

When we are seated I begin to speak as Annika holds up her hand silencing me.

"I......I have something to tell you." she says

I nod for her to keep talking.

"Ummmm...... Purabh.... he was my ex-boyfriend. We only dated for a few months before we broke up. Its been 4 years since then. And we have always maintained a friendly relationship with one another. I.. I don't know why he sent all those messages but I am telling the truth. There is nothing else." she says

"So you are telling me what I saw was a lie?" I ask

"N..no that's not what I meant. Ye...yesterday he was drunk and he had called. I didn't know he had meant it. I..I'm telling the truth." she says looking down at her hands

I sigh as I lift her face so that I could see those eyes.

"I hate people who cheat. I am letting it go this time but remember, if whatever you just said has even an ounce of lie then I will never want to see your face again." I say looking into her eyes so that she sees that I mean it

She nods slowly.

I don't know If I can actually trust her but I'll give her just this one chance.

*Ahem*

I look up to find Pammi aunty holding two trays of breakfast. Annika quickly turns away. Blushing in what has now become my favourite colour.

"I will leave now sir." Pammi aunty says as she places our trays of food in front of us.

I nod at her.

First bite into the food and I instantly compare it to Annika's cooking. Everything seems bland and boring comparing to Annika's food.

I can feel her staring at me.

"Is there anything you want to say?" I ask keeping my eyes on my phone

"My Aunt was asking if come could come here two days before the wedding to help me for it." she says