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
What am I going to do? My mother always believed that I am strong, that I can navigate through any situation in life, but it seems I can't, not without her. I am nothing without her. If I don't have her guiding hand, her love, her care, I don't know where will I go, because for all these years she has been my home. She has never once treated me any different then a friend, she was not only my mother, but also my companion, my guide through life, through hardship. She provided warmth, love, affection like a mother and provided for me, protected me, shielded me from the world's harshness like a father, she was my parents, not just my mother.
Aarav takes hold of my hand squeezing it, as if reminding me of his presence, that he's still here with me. I never thought he would come, I knew he would provide me with the money I so ungratefully and selfishly asked but I never expected him to sit beside me, hold me when I am breaking down, when my world is falling apart. He hates me, he doesn't have to provide me comfort, yet he is here. What is wrong with him, I pull back my hand from his grip.
The doctor walks out of the operation theatre, he pulls his mask off, I spring up from my seat, rushing towards him, Aarav just behind me, "how's my mother doctor?" My voice trembles as I question, he sighs with exhaustion or probably a bad news, "the surgery was a success" He says, rubbing his forehead, I sense a but, "but.." There it is, and usually it doesn't follow with anything good, "but what?" Aarav intervenes, his voice urgent, "her condition has worsened. I don't know how to put this in mild words, but I will need you to ensure that she takes no stress, physically or mentally, her situation can spiral very easily and we can't keep performing surgeries on her heart, it's too delicate." He looks between us, "I would suggest keeping a 24 hour nurse. That would solve most of the issues." He suggests, with one final look, he walks away. I stand there standing at the wall where the doctor was standing moments ago. It's a good thing her surgery was successful, but now what? She needs me the most now, and I am expected to just leave her in a strangers hand, will she take care of my mamma like I would? No, it's going to be monetary for her.
"Anika." Aarav commands but I am unable to move, I seem to find myself in insolvable problems lately. His fingers drag from my hand to my shoulder slowly, I close my eyes, just the slight touch and I am so affected, I suck in a breathe, he holds my shoulder turning me around, my eyes still shut, "We'll figure something out." He says His voice sounding heavy.
"Figure something out?" I repeat, my pitch high, "Figure something out?" I yell. He wants to figure things out, tears well in my eyes, "what's there to figure it's simple, no matter what I always made my mother more sick, she stresses because of me, she loves me dearly, she cares too much about me, only if she never had me, this condition was caused because of me, because she got pregnant with me, it's all my fault, I wish I was never born-"
"ANIKA!" Aarav yells, his voice booming. "Are you even listening to yourself?" He grips my shoulder and I wince, "How dare you say that so easily. Have you thought about how your mother would feel listening to that." He shouts, "how am I feeling listening to that!" My eyes snap towards him, "my existence would not affect you Aarav, you seemed to have thrived without me, you're smart, successful, handsome, and don't forget you don't care about me, you don't like me, so stop pretending to help I hate your pity!" I remove his hand from my shoulder, his eyes dark with anger, and his nostrils flare, he steps towards me, "Anika!" I hear maa's voice first and then she appears, bhabhi and Rudraksh bhaiya behind her, "We were here for Shivani's sonography, the receptionist informed me that Aarav was here too." She explains, "oh, you must be so scared," She says hugging me, I can't control so I let these years fall, not embarrassed of weird noises coming out of me as I cry, "shh shh." She strokes my hair gently, just like mumma does. I feel bhabhi's presence next to me, she strokes my back. I pull away, wiping my tears furiously, Aarav holds my hand, "stop it." He commands.
"You guys should go home, freshen up a bit. I will call you as soon as she wakes up." Maa says, I shake my head, "sweetheart, please, you need to rest a bit." Her eyes gentle, I hesitate, "She's right Anika. You'll obviously not leave after she wakes up right?" Bhabhi says, her eyes shine with unshed tears, "Okay" I say weakly, thankful to have them here. Aarav extends his hand and I take it not to cause fuss in front of his family. And as we are out if their sight, in the elevator, I shake off my hands, pulling it away from his, I see his jaw clench and he glares at me but I don't look at him. I know I am being ungrateful, unreasonable but I suppose I have the right to be that way, he can't expect to show me one act of kindness and I will just forgive him for vanishing from my life.
As the elevator opens, he strides forward and I follow him, way behind him, no energy to deal with his mood swings, see that's what I am talking about, an hour ago probably he was being sweet and he's back at being intolerable again. He opens the passenger side for me, I take a seat, he does the same and we drive off, his speed way above the expected.
"I am going to return every penny back to you." I declare. I swallowed my pride, my ego, my anger because my mother is most important to me, but I won't ever owe him anything. "With interest." I add, I can find a job along with my freelance jobs I have. It may take forever but I will return it back. Suddenly he drives the car sidewards and I shriek in surprise and fear, the car comes to a halt, his fist clenched shut, a scowl on his face, he looks at me, "what did you say?" He says, his voice just above a whisper.
"I think you heard what I said." I yell, "and don't ever drive like that!" I add folding my hands. "Anika." He sighs, running his hand through his hair, "don't ever say that again." He says, I open my mouth to respond but he keeps his finger on my lips, "shut up. you're my wife, it's my duty-" I push his hand away, "it's not! she's my mother she's ny responsibility, I am thankful for your help, but that's all. I will pay it back to you, whether you like it or not." I say, my tone final. And I look away, not wanting to discuss anything any further.
I turn to look him, poking my finger on his chest I say, "And I am your wife only for six months. Don't forget that, you made me sign the contract."
Author's note: Hii, how was the chapter let me know in comments and please vote! I will not be updating this week so I have uploaded 3 parts today.. Love:)
