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
"How's everything beta?" Mummy asks, her face etched with concern. I don't know how to answer that question, externally everything is alright, it could be worse but it's better than I imagined. Everyone at the Malhotra house has accepted me, what else can I ask for, given the situation me and Aarav got married. But internally, I feel suffocated. Living with Aarav, seeing his face everyday, is a battle, between my mind and heart. I want to protect my heart, from him. But at the same time, I want to surrender I want to forgive him, and I want to run into his arms, I don't think he will accept me because he seems to hate me, but then there's another side of him too, where he cares for me, where he still remembers small details about us, about me that makes my heart flutter.
"Everything is fine mumma. Everyone was a little upset because they didn't witness our wedding, we got married without their permission or blessings. But after we apologized, they've forgiven us." I respond, and my mother sighs in relief.
"Thank god." She murmurs, "Tell Naina, I will come to meet her soon." Mummy says. They were close friends, we were neighbors and me and Aarav were inseparable, there was barely any boundaries for us, anyone who had to find us, would know there are only two houses we could be found at. My father never liked Aarav, but it never stopped me. Our mothers were not very orthodox otherwise a guy and a girl, friends, it wasn't common in those days, wow I sound so old, I am 28 years, obviously I am old. I shake ny head in disappointment, gosh I am aging so fast. "And also thank Aarav for me, for shifting me here and giving me such a lovely house." She smiles. Thank my foot. The only thank he will get from me is in the form of my middle finger, that's all her deserves. Huh.
"Yeah whatever." I mutter. She chuckles, "how's Aarav?" She questions, her eyes shine with curiousity. I fidget in my seat, it's not easy to lie to mummy, she always catches me, like all these years back she caught that I had feelings for him. I am thankful she didn't blurt it out to him, don't take me wrong but my mother talks a lot. "He is fine." I respond curtly not wanting to give out details, she stares at me for a second, her eyes hold expression that I can't describe, she seems guilty, sad, I reach out and hold her hand, "I will be fine mumma." I whisper, hugging her tight, she pats my head and hugs me back.
"I know you will be. You're my strong girl." She says. "Come on let me show you around and then we will have dinner okay?" She exclaims, she seems excited otherwise I am not interested in this house, it's like I can hear it from the walls that this place belongs to Aarav and that I owe him. I don't want anything from him, that too for free. The house is spacious and luxurious, with high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The walls are painted a soft cream color, and the floors are made of polished hardwood. The furniture is modern and minimalist, with clean lines and neutral colors. The layout is open and airy, with a large living area leading into a dining area and kitchen. The house has multiple bedrooms, each with its own attached bathroom. Overall, it's a stunning property that exudes wealth and sophistication. Of course, it's his choice after all.
"Come on now, let's eat." Maa says disappearing into the kitchen, I sit on the dining table. "I have made your favorite pav bhaji." She announces, and my mouth waters. It's been a while I have had it, and no matter who says what, my mother makes the best pav bhaji. I smile, feeling a pang of nostalgia at the sight of my favorite dish. I inhale the delicious aroma that wafts through the air, my stomach rumbling in anticipation. "Mmm, thank you, Maa," I say, feeling my mouth water. We dig into the steaming hot pav bhaji, the flavors bursting on my tongue. I close my eyes, savoring the taste of the masala and buttery pav, feeling my stress melt away with each bite.
Maa laughs at me, "you're eating as if this is your first time tasting pav bhaji." She shakes her head in amusement and I give her a wide grin. "Maa why are you sweating?" I ask, my voice laced with concern.
"It's nothing. I am just feeling a little hot, don't worry about me." Maa says, eating her roti. She can't have anything oily because of her heart condition, I used to feel guilty before when I ate something in front of her, so I used to hide and eat anything oily or spicy, but then she told me she feels good watching me eat so I eat in front of her now.
"No, it's not nothing. Let me go get you some water and then you'll rest, okay?" I command, my voice sharp. "Okay okay." Maa raises her hand in surrender. And I shake my head, she's so careless sometimes, the doctor has told her not to overwork herself, if she feels tired, she needs to stop, but she must have gotten excited, hearing I am coming, so she had to make pav bhaji. I get up walking into the kitchen to fetch water for her, I enter the kitchen, opening the drawer for taking the glass, "Anika" My mother shrieked from outside, her voice panicked, I ran out panicking myself, only to find her collapsed on the ground, her eyes dropping close. I feel a wave of panic wash over me as I see my mother lying motionless on the ground. I quickly run to her side, dropping to my knees and gently shaking her. "Maa! Wake up! What happened?!" I cry, desperately trying to rouse her.
My heart is pounding in my chest, my mind racing as I try to figure out what is going on. I can't lose her, not now. I shake her again, more urgently this time. "Please wake up, Maa, please."
OH NO.
Author's note: Oh no, what do you think will happen next? Double update time! Don't forget to vote and comment Love:)
