Her Second-Hand Husband! novel Chapter 10

Arjun's PoV

I am relieved of the stress I had for Preethi. Though she said she felt better because she spoke to me, I have a strong doubt that her sudden change of mood is because she met Harish. It is human tendency to compare them with someone that has a similar problem only worse than theirs. I think she felt better when she saw him with that heartfelt smile. I knew very well that she doesn't have any love back in school or college but what if they both can find solace in one another's company? He is a widower and she is a soon to be single mom. He has a son and she has a daughter! They will together make a perfect family. This may not happen overnight but if they are moved in the right direction, this will happen soon. I decided to make their meeting more often to make them spend time together.

I finished my work and closed the laptop. I looked at the time and it said it's 7.30pm. I walked out of my room and took the elevator. The watchman ran to bring my car from the parking upon seeing me coming out. While waiting, I got a call from Preethi.

"Hello Preeth. What's up?"

"Ajju, I am on the way to your home to pick up Avni. Where are you?" she asked me.

"I am just starting from my office. She just came here today. Let her stay with Tarun for a week, Preeth. Take this time for yourself. I will make sure she is well taken care of."

"I know Ajju. But I am alright. I miss her."

"If you want her back at your house, you could have just called me."

"It's ok, Ajju. I didn't want to disturb you. Besides, I feel like I wanted some fresh air. It's been a long time since I met aunty and uncle. So I thought of seeing them too."

"If that is the case, then it's fine. Stay there until I come."

"Ok Ajju. Bye."

I got off the phone and hopped in the car. On the way home, I was thinking about my married life. A year full of disappointments that followed by two years of hawk eyes and harsh comments. Finally people forget about that part of my life and I am breathing normally but my mom is not ready to let me stay sane. She wants to pull that hell back onto me. My luck is very bad in finding the right life partner for me. I don't want to be judged again. I don't want to be disappointed again. I don't want to serve my heart in a glass platter again to be shattered. I don't want to relive that terrible year all over again.

I parked the car in front of the house and got down. I saw an auto standing outside.

"Waiting, sir." the auto driver said.

"Here, you can go." I gave him some money and sent him off. I can drop Preeth and Avni.

"Hey Ajju mama came." Avni and Tarun came running to me at the doorstep.

"Whoa whoa, Hold on. Let me go clean myself and come. You guys go play." I ran to the elevator to get refreshed.

When I came back, I saw mom and Preethi talking in the sitting area. I could see the traces of tears on their faces. Expected! But the doctor said it is good for her to cry and melt those hard feelings away instead of keeping it to herself. Talking out the feelings is the best remedy to come out of depression.

"Alumoonji (Cry baby)! What's up?" I sat on the arm rest of my mom's sofa and asked Preeth.

"Look at him, aunty!" she whined to my mom.

"Don't pull her leg, Ajju. We were talking about our Tirupur plan. I called Preethi too. It will be a nice change to her. She will feel new. Avni was also not ready to leave Tarun." mom said.

"That is a good idea. Then stay here tonight, Preeth. Anyways mom and dad will start early in the morning."

"No, Ajju. Aunty said it is a two days stay. I need to go grab some clothes for me and Avni. Aunty said Tarun is also coming with us. So Avni will be fine here for the night."

"Oh, Ok then. And I sent that auto. I will drop you after dinner." I told her.