Loving the Nightmare ✅

Chapter : 15

"It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages."
                           - Friedrich Nietzsche

Misha's POV:

"It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages."
                           - Friedrich Nietzsche

What am I going to do now?

This question has been consuming my thoughts since my conversation with Varun. Every word he uttered replayed in my mind throughout the night, and the impact lingers. His words were unexpectedly harsh, yet I can't place the blame entirely on him. He's wounded, coerced into this marriage, and his outburst yesterday stemmed from his anger. Once he discovers the truth, I believe things will improve, but the challenge lies in how to reveal it. I certainly won't disclose that it was his own mother who advised me not to break this marriage and that he has reconsidered!

When Varun asked to cancel our marriage, it was his mom who dissuaded me. She convinced me that he had agreed to marry again. I foolishly believed her, driven by my eagerness to marry him and fear of facing another rejection. Even on our wedding day, Varun's mom comforted me—or deceived me? As Varun suggests, maybe I was selfish not to question him. If I had, things might have taken a different turn.

"Are you okay?" Mom inquired.

"Yes. I'm fine," I replied, withholding eye contact. I harbored anger towards her for lying, though there might be reasons. I contemplated confronting her with all my queries, but that contradicts my parents' teachings. Besides, she's already upset due to her argument with Varun, and I don't want to add to her distress.

"Did Varun say something to you?" She asked with concern.

"No. He didn't," I answered.

"I will go and sit outside. I need some fresh air," I declared, not waiting for her response. I observed Varun entering the kitchen, mirroring my entrance, as if I were a contagion he wanted to rid himself of. I'm uncertain about what will unfold next, but one thing is sure—my life is truly messed up now!

"Good morning, beta," Dad greeted me as I emerged from the kitchen.

"Good morning. I'm glad you're back," I said as I approached the couch where he was sitting.

"You don't look glad," he observed, leaving me a bit confused.

"You look sad. Is everything okay?" He asked. Come on, lie once again now.

"Yeah. I couldn't get proper sleep last night. Nothing else," I replied.

"Here, take your baby," he said, handing Isha to me. It's only when someone gives her to me that I get a chance to play with her; otherwise, Varun doesn't even allow that. I thanked him and immediately took her into my arms.

"Did Varun tell you that I called?" He asked. How am I supposed to tell him that his son hates me so much he won't spare me a glance?

"No," I replied. After that, he didn't bring up anything that would make me sad. He inquired about my work and family. We were having a great talk until we heard the doorbell. I was about to get up, but Varun announced that he will, so I sat down quietly. He looked angry as he saw Isha with him. With the same anger on his face, he went and opened the door, and the moment he saw the guests, his expression changed.

It was a couple at the door, probably of my parents' age. I don't remember seeing them before, not even at my wedding, and so I was confused.

"How are you, my child?" The lady asked Varun with much affection in her eyes. My child? Who are they?