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
Something is definitely off. I stare at the blank canvas. Why is he being so smiley, so touchy, it gives me creep. Something is going on his very handsome head, and I am not going to fall for whatever game he's playing with me. I exhale. What am I supposed to do? I haven't picked up my brush in years, I have obviously lost all the practice. And I can't possibly think of anything at the moment, he gave me no instructions, nor did he tell me any requirements, I am no professional obviously but it helps if I know what he needs because he definitely doesn't want my thoughts in this painting. But since he left me free, I am going to give him the shock of his life. I laugh evilly, I am about to blow your mind Mr. Aarav Malhotra.
I pick up my brush, dipping it into the paint carefully, I put a stroke on the canvas, first one in years. A small smile forms on my face as my hands move automatically, I am sure, this wouldn't be a masterpiece, but at least I am putting my imagination, something personal into it. I was surprised when Aarav brought all these art supplies today, in the morning, because I thought when he said he would make me do anything for a week, he would use that opportunity to torture me somehow, but he very well knows I love painting, it's my own way of relieving stress, like people write journals to express their emotions, I used to paint. It feels so wonderful to do it again. But I would never admit it to him.
Seems like he forgot this was my heaven, my safe place, It's his loss, I get to do what I always wanted to, that too for free, art supplies are too costly. I could never afford to spend on them, but he gave it to me for free, I shrug, whatever he's trying to do, it won't affect me. I will just enjoy this for now. I am too immersed in the painting when the door to my room is thrown open, I jump in my place, looking at my mother's angry face, "I have been advised not to shout. I have been calling you since five minutes! Here take your phone, Aarav was calling you, I have picked up the call." Her eyes narrow as she closely scans around my messy room, I give her a uncertain grin, she just shakes her head and leaves. Why did she have to pick up my phone, now I will have to talk to this Mr. Perfect. "I know you're on the other side Anika, you can speak now." His voice fills the room, I didn't realize the call was on speaker.
"What do you want?" I say, irritated. I don't have time for his calls, not when I'm engrossed in my painting. "I don't think, I received a selfie, but Aunty says you've started painting. Is that right? Firecracker?" I can hear the smirk through his voice, wish I could punch him sometime. I forgot, it wasn't intentional, but the thought of sending him a selfie, that too with a smile, is embarrassing.
"Now I am taking this very seriously Mrs Anika Aarav Malhotra." He says, he used his surname with my name, I shudder at the sound of it, "I am Anika Kapoor, please refrain from calling me that." I state, my voice sharp.
"But that is your name firecracker." He taunts, I exhale sharply in an attempt to not loose my temper. "What do you want Aarav?" I question, struggling to keep my voice emotionless.
"Have you completed the painting?" He asks, "It's not as easy as ordering people, it actually takes efforts." I huff out. He chuckles. "Now now, no need to get so fired up, my firecracker." He laughs, a sound so enchanting that for a moment a small smile form on my face too, but then I shake myself out of it.
"Take your time Anika. There's no pressure." He says coolly, "For now, get ready and come outside." He commands. "What-" He cuts me off in between, "no questions asked, my wife." I furrow my brows and cut the call. I suppose I will have to do it after all. I don't know what ready means, how ready, I don't know where he's taking me, so I have no idea what to wear. I don a simple t-shirt that has 'caution: I have no filter' written on it, perfectly describes me unfortunately. I want to be able to hide my emotions but sadly my face has subtitles, everything that's going on in my head is visible on my face. I pull up my pants and tie my hair in a tight high pony, once I am convinced with my look, I step out of my room, pocketing my phone and taking my handbag.
"Maa, I am going out with Aarav." I peep into her room, she nods, as she's chanting krishna ji's name. "Call me if you need something, i will be back soon." I inform. Aarav is waiting outside, patiently leaning against his car. His sleeves rolled over, his veiny hand almost drool worthy, he looks too handsome for someone who also looks tired. When he sees me walking out, a satisfied smirk appears on his face as he eyes me up and down. How dare he. I open my mouth but he intervenes "You look beautiful my wife." He says, his smile soft. My mouth shuts immediately, okay I forgot what I was saying.
"Let's go." He says. I don't argue, I want to get over this as soon as possible. We get into the car. The ride is silent, my curiosity at its peak, but no matter how many times I ask he won't tell me, so I just look outside trying to figure out where we're, but the city has changed so much. Ughh why can't he just tell him, what's with so much suspense.
Author's note: Sorry for the delay, will try to be regular now! Also happy diwali to all my hindu readers 🤗✨ Love:)
