Her Second-Hand Husband! novel Chapter 40

Anika’s PoV

I waited so long that night for his arrival but I didn't know when I fell asleep. When I woke up the next day, it was already 7.30A.M and I felt a wave of guilt surge through my veins. I ran to the restroom and finished my morning routine and searched for him everywhere on our floor. He was nowhere to be found. I ran downstairs on the steps and looked for him in the dining room and drawing hall and there was no trace of him anywhere. I felt so disappointed and went to the kitchen to see if I could help there.

“Good morning, Anika. Here is your coffee.” Yashodha aunty was there in the kitchen.

“Good morning, Aunty. Sorry, I slept a little too much.” I said timidly.

“No problem, dear. You are free to do anything you please.”

“Um… Shall I cook today, aunty? I am good at making Biryani.” I told her.

“But Arjun is out of town, Anika. He will be here on thursday. You can make Biryani when he gets back home.” She said that took me by surprise. My husband is out of town? He didn't care to let me know?

“Oh, where did he go, aunty?” I asked her.

“He didn't tell you? He has gone to Maharashtra to supervise our production unit there. He will be back in two days.” She said. Looks like it is his usual trip. Maybe I was asleep when he came home last night. It must be past 1.30A.M. He must have taken off early today. Maybe he will call me.

I went back to our room and waited for his call but I got none. I grew impatient and called him over and over again all in vain. He didn't pick any of my calls so I decided to text him. Maybe he is too busy to take up my call.

‘Hi Arjun, sorry, I slept yesterday night. I called you so many times. Call me back when you are free. I miss you already.’ I sent this message and waited for him to call.

I started walking around the garden on his balcony. It is so boring here. There is nothing I can do and killing time literally kills me. I leaned on the rocky fountain which had a beautiful lady on top. I never knew that this would happen but the lady fell down as the rock that I leaned collapsed. It was carved in marble and with the force it hit the ground, the lady broke into pieces. It knocked off a pot too. God, what should I do?

“Aunty, I accidentally knocked off the fountain in the garden upstairs.” I ran to Yashodha Aunty.

“Oh no. That one was from Belgium. Arjun’s favorite. Don't panic, Anika. It’s ok. I will send Arundhadhi to clean up the mess.” She said worried.

“I am so sorry, aunty. It was an accident.” I told her. Guilty is not the right word for what I feel. There should be a more strong word for the strong emotion I feel now. I don't fit in here. Though she says it’s ok, I can see that she is completely disappointed. That might be very costly. God, I just wish that the land opens up and eats me alive.

I went back up and started to clean up the mess I made when Arundhadhi came in. She came in without knocking. Servants here are so mean and rude. Of Course they would be, for they don't like me at all.

“Oh my god, you broke this? You know how much this was? It was fifteen lakhs when Arjun sir bought it 5years ago. It was imported. Huh, how would you know it’s value? Just in a blink of luck you came here. You are a disaster.” She told me with a face that exhibits disgust. How dare she?

“How dare you talk to me like this? Remember that you are a servant maid here and you have to respect me.” I almost shouted when aunty got in. God, everything at the wrong time!

“Anika, it is not right to talk like this to the maids here. Arundhadhi, you go downstairs. Come a little later to clean this up.” She sent her down and stared at me.

“Aunty, she was…” I was cut off by her.

“Whatever it was, you were so wrong in talking to her like that. People here have been working for us for years and I always treat them like one of us. I hope the same from you.” She said. Ok, I have got on the wrong side of my mother-in-law.

“Sorry, aunty. She said that I broke it without knowing the value of it and she said that I am just lucky to get married to Arjun. That is why I lost my cool. I will be more careful next time, aunty.” I told her in the plight to at least let her know what actually happened.

“If she had spoken like that, then it is wrong of her. I will talk to her. But she was right in onething. You clearly didn't know the value of it. It was a much valued possession of Arjun. He won't be happy when he gets to know about it. Please be cautious when handling things around you.” She said and went away leaving me in dismay. I know I made a mistake. It could happen to anyone and it was an accident. Besides, I am not used to being around costly things.

Nothing is right here and I decided to make it right. The pieces were not crushed and it is still mendable. I got down after gathering all the pieces in one place. I am unsure of any places here and I went out to see the driver standing leaning on the car.