Her Second-Hand Husband! novel Chapter 43

Arjun’s PoV

I couldn't wrap my mind around the things that I'm supposed to do. My mind was constantly adrift over her. How could she do this to me? She lied to me when I gave her a chance to admit her love to me. I knew something was off then, but I made the decision to marry her because of the blind feeling I had on her. I love her and that doesn't change now. She will be mine now and forever. But she lost the chance of enjoying being mine. Now she will be mine paying for her deeds.

When I landed in Kolhapur airport, I got a call from my detective. He said that Anika was in love with her senior boy Arun since her second year in college. It was no secret and almost all of her batch mates knew it. So Arun was right. They were indeed lovers at college. Everything sits so well. I remember the email she sent me about doing something wrong and the very next day I saw her in Tirupur, she was blaming herself for her father’s condition. Arun said it was when her parents knew about their love affair. So there is a huge possibility that Anika talked to him about taking a break until they settle themselves.

How dare she? She said her parents did not force this wedding upon her even when I asked her. Maybe that is true, her parents are not to be blamed. It is her, she lied to me about falling in love with me. She talked like she was in love with me. She deceived me by acting genuinely happy for marrying me. Her smiles, her blush, her longingness all fake? How can I be deceived like this? Am I that dumb that I cannot tell apart truth and lies? I knew she was lying when she refused to look me in the eye that day.

Above all, she used a huge lie on our first night to stop me from further questioning her. How clever is she and how dumb am I!? I melted at her words because that is what I wanted to hear. I was deprived of love and when I got that from the girl I love, I was flattered. Sure she behaves like a good wife who is in love with her husband so far. She even yearns for intimacy. She is a natural at acting.

She used me to settle her family’s monetary needs and ditched her boyfriend even without informing him. How cheap she is! Ever since I saw her, she was constantly pestering my mind, in good ways before our wedding but in a terrible way now. She messed with the wrong person and she will reap what she sowed. I got another call from an unknown number when I was travelling to our factory.

“Hello, Arjun here. Who is this?”

“Arjun mama, Advay here. How are you?” I heard that innocent little boy’s voice over the phone. I still remember how he carried himself like a man to compensate for the absence of his father in the wedding. Such a nice kid.

“Hi, Advay. I'm good. How are you? How is your mom and dad?”

“We are all good, mama. Dad is getting better day by day. We all miss Anika. I'm missing her more as I dont have anyone else to fight with. I called her number but she didn't pick up the call. It’s been two days since we spoke to her.” He said.

“Oh, she is sad too, Advay, about Arun.” I told him. I must know if the whole family is behind this or just her.

“She told you about Arun?” He asked in shock.

“Yes, she did. Don't let your parents know that she told me. They might get scared.” I told him.

“Are you cool with it? I won't let my parents know. But why is she still sad?” He asked me back.

“Well, I don't know. Maybe she is missing him.”

“No, mama. My mom and dad didn't want to marry her to you as it was your second marriage. Mom told her that she doesn't have to say yes considering the benefits Sivaprakasam uncle said but only if she likes you. Anu said she really likes you. Only after that my parents said ok to the wedding.” He said. Ok, so her family is not part of anything that she had pulled. Just like me, they all think that she agreed to this wedding because she liked me.

“Do you know what happened between Arun and Anika? I can console her better if I know what exactly happened.” I asked him. I felt guilty to use this boy for my understanding but I am left with no choice to get to know the situation better.

“Mom and dad didn't approve of their love and asked them to stay apart. Anika told Arun that she needs a break until they are settled. But she did that only after dad got a stroke. When Sivaprakasam uncle brought your proposal, mom and dad wanted to give Arun a chance before they proceed with anything else. But after a week, Anu said Arun won't come to meet them and they broke up.” He said. Ok, no one knows what happened between them. Arun looks like he is genuinely sorry that she got married to me.

“Did she break up before she knew that I am her groom-to-be?” I asked him to be more clear.