Let's meet again for the first time.
Her mother shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Who will marry you now, when people get to know you were left by Vikram?" Before I could even process what I was doing, the words left my mouth.
"I wil...
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ANIKA'S POV
I am not big on jewelries but Maa and Bhabhi insisted that I need to have some jewelries. So I couldn't say no, especially to bhabhi, I guess her mood swings are too severe, she starts crying for small things. I wonder how Rudraksh bhaiya handles her. Just thinking about it makes me want to laugh.
Maa holds up a delicate gold necklace, her eyes sparkling. "What do you think, Anika? This will look lovely on you," she says, her voice warm.
"No, let's take something in diamond. It would suit her more." Bhabhi interjects. I look at the two of them, feeling a little overwhelmed. Both options look beautiful, but honestly I don't care which one I wear. I just nod, pretending to consider their suggestions.
"They both look great," I say, giving them a polite smile. "You both can decide." "It's for you, Anika. You should like it. That's what matters." Bhabhi says gently and Maa nods, a soft smile on her lips as she looks between me and Bhabhi. "You two remind me of old times, when I came in this house, Anjali didi was just like Shivani. So kind and patient." Maa says patting Bhabhi'a head gently, "and I was so like you Anika, so lost." She laughs, "you'll find your way." She says looking at me, her eyes shine with affection.
I feel a pang of emotion as Maa compares us to her and Badi maa's past selves. It warms my heart to know that she sees a connection between us. Honestly I do too, from what I have seen, I feel bhabhi and me would be good friends. I take the necklace maa's holding up and put it on, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. For a moment, I see a future where I fit into this family, where I belong. But then reality crashes down on me. What am I thinking? I am here just for six months. I mean it's fair right. Aarav hates me, I have feelings for him but I won't ever admit it and more than that I would never force myself on a man, he deserves to be with someone of his choice, it's his life. He may have taken pity on me, married me for my mother's sake but I will not take advantage of that, and anyways I am angry with him, no replies in twelve years. It feels like I shifted and he just forgot about me as if I was some imaginary friend. He moved on in his life and I was stuck there, for so many years and when I finally moved on, he came back crashing my life.
"This looks beautiful maa." I respond, she nods and asks the salesman to pack it and gives him a black card. I feel guilty for letting her pay, I feel like I am taking advantage of her kindness, she may pay for it thinking I am her daughter in law but the reality is that it's temporary, this relationship is only for six months, but I can't really do anything because I don't have money, all I have in my savings account, I will rather use it for my mother's treatment and I am jobless currently, I need to find a job too. Maybe I will find a freelancing gig till then. "Let's go!" Maa says, "Chachi, can I go home. My legs are aching." Bhabhi pouts. "Of course beta. We will come for shopping some other day." Maa replies, "no no, you guys continue please." Bhabhi says.
"No it's okay bhabhi. We should go home." I interject and maa nods her head. Bhabhi's eyes shine with tear, "I am so sorry." Maa facepalmed herself, "you idiot, we are not going back because of you. Ham bhi thak gaye hai!" She exclaims.
I can't help but smile at Maa's reaction, she's so easy to get along with. It's impossible to hate her.
Bhabhi sulks, clearly unhappy with the decision, she pouts, looking like a petulant child.
Maa rolls her eyes playfully, "Come on Anika. I am really pitying Raksh right now. Bichara." Maa laughs and Bhabhi gasps, "Haww Chachi, I am the one who's suffering." Bhabhi pouts.
They continue their lively conversation, and I feel a pang of longing. I want to fit in, to be a part of this family. But how can I, knowing that my time here is temporary? I don't want to get attached, because I have suffered once, I can't go through it again. It's painful. I'm just a temporary addition to this family, an outsider who doesn't belong here. Despite my feelings, I keep a neutral expression on my face, not wanting to show any signs of weakness.
Author's note: Sorry for no translation! I will try to update that soon. Please vote and comment. Love:)
