Her Second-Hand Husband! novel Chapter 26

Arjun's PoV

'Hello Mr. Arjun, this is Anika here. I would like for you to accept my heartfelt apology for our earlier encounters. I hope we start fresh. Thank you for helping us out yet again. Here is my resume for your perusal.'

I received a message from that girl when I was driving home from Preethi's home. Preethi and Praveen were so dumb with their questions. How can they possibly think that I am in love with that arrogant, annoying, rude girl? It is true that I have gone out of my way to try and help her and to make sure that she is ok. But that doesn't mean I have feelings for her. Besides, she is a little girl with zero maturity. She can't be my life partner, for the matter of fact, she can't be anybody's life partner with her long and sharp tongue!

So now she needs a fresh start? I don't know why a small smile tries to erupt out of me. I find that message very cute. Her mom asked me to help her find a job and she had no other choice but to surrender to me, putting aside her ego-self. Heartfelt apology? Does she even mean it? For some reason, I don't like her to apologize to me. I think I like her for that arrogance. No one has ever talked to me the way she spoke. That is what is making her stand unique. That is why I keep thinking of her. I am used to people pampering me, obeying me, and talking politely to me. So when she broke the stereotype, I liked her. This is not love like those two stupids anticipate.

'Hello Anika. I got your resume.' I sent this message and continued to drive home. I couldn't stop myself from smiling at her very polite message. That doesn't suit her. Why do I keep thinking of her even after my clear analysis about her? This is not love. I am not a pedophile! I kept saying to myself.

I went home and saw dad sitting in the garden. It is almost 9pm and the breeze is getting chilly at the moment. We have a variety of roses in our garden. The breeze smells of roses in the evening and I always find it therapeutic. I usually spend my leisure hours in my pool or in the garden on my floor.

"Hi, dad, why are you sitting here at this hour?"

"Hi, Arjun. Come, sit. How was the party?"

"The party was excellent!" I told him.

"Arjun, I am waiting to talk to you. Here are some photos and bio data of girls who are ready to marry you. They know all about you and us. Some of them are our relatives and some are our business friends. It's your call." He pushed a stack of envelopes on the table towards me.

"Dad, I told you I am not ready yet. I said I will decide on whom to marry."

"That is why I didn't force you with my choice. I have given you choices, you pick the best one. If you like, I can arrange for a meeting."

"Dad, please. Don't force me."

"You did not even see the pictures and yet you decided against it? Listen Arjun, your mom is worrying about you. You are not getting any younger and so are we. Your mom's health is not good and I don't like you making her worry all the time. She needs to be happy and that lies in your hands. She keeps on fasting every other day for a deity for your wellbeing. That is not good for her health and I can't make her stop it. I hope you know what to do. Don't delay your marriage, Arjun." he said with a strict tone. I never knew that mom is fasting for me.

"I will take a look into it." I gathered all the envelopes and went to see mom.

"Ma, what are you still doing in the kitchen?"