Her Second-Hand Husband! novel Chapter 44

Anika’s PoV

I woke up on a bed. Am I dreaming? Am I dead? Is this heaven? Or is this hell? I died from drowning in a swimming pool. My husband whom I love dearly pushed me in the water though he knew that I didn't know how to swim. He tried to kill me precisely. But why? He is angry at me, why? Angry that he would even kill me? What did I do?

“Shhh, relax, Anika. Don’t strain yourself.” I heard a lady sitting beside me.

“Am I dead?” I asked her.

“Haha, you are pretty alive. I have told Arjun not to teach you swimming anymore. How are you feeling?” she asked me.

“Feeling numb, I guess.” I told her unsure of what I actually feel. “Who are you?” I asked her.

“You don't remember me? I am Preethi, Arjun’s closest friend. I came to visit him as he didn’t go to the office today. Guess what, he is taking care of his sick wife.” She said, winking at me. I remember her, she came to our engagement too. She has this uncanny resemblance to someone I know. Who?

“Also, I am Praveen’s twin sister.” She said that answered my unasked question.

“Oh I was just thinking, who do you resemble?”

“I could read that on your face. Arjun has gone down to bring some hot tea for you.” She said.

“Oh, you are awake?” I heard my man’s voice from the door. He is ever so handsome in his grey t-shirt and a black shorts. God, why am I feeling scared and aroused all at the same time? Yes, he tried to kill me.

“Here, have some tea. How are you feeling?” He sat near me on the bed and felt my cheeks and forehead with the back of his hand. I couldn't stop but to lean into his touch.

“I am feeling better.” I took the tea from his hands.

“Arjun, I want to get some party supplies for the upcoming party in my office. Will you take me shopping?” Preethi asked him.

“Why not? I can take you this weekend.”

“No, not this weekend. I have to be ready by this weekend. So I want you to take me today.” She whined and I don't like how she is clinging on to my husband.

“Anika needs someone to take care of her. Maybe we can go tomorrow in the evening?” He asked her.

“Now, Arjun. Please. See you changed your priority.”

“Of course, his priorities have changed. You can always take up your brother’s help.” I told her. Arjun is mine to flirt or whine or love or get angry!

“Oh, looks like you took it in a different sense. Sorry, Anika. He is my friend. My only friend. It’s ok Arjun, I will take care of the shopping on my own.” She started with me and ended with Arjun. Arjun’s face changed to a harder look and I know that it is not good.

“I will take you now, Preeth. You don't have to apologise to her. You go and wait downstairs. I will be down in a minute.” He told her.

“Oh, you don't have to...” She was cut off in the middle by my husband.

“I told you to go and wait down.” He told her in a passive aggressive state. Now I know I should brace myself for the impact. She went out without a word. He is used to people obeying him without a word and I am not exactly that type.

“How many times do I have to tell you to control your tongue? Don't you dare hurt Preethi. She is very important.” He said gripping my elbow hard.

“Aww, you are hurting me. Let me go. Let me go.” I struggled to get out of his grip but soon I realized it is not easy to escape his grip.

“Come sit here, Anika. You met Preethi? She is the one that broke Arjun’s little shell and got to him. She is his childhood friend. Only because of her, Praveen became his friend. Arjun is very protective of her.” Aunty said.

“Yeah, I met her, aunty. So Preethi, I am feeling better now. Would you mind me joining your party purchase? I am all idle here for today.” I asked her.

“Of course you can come. The more the merrier.” She told me. Aunty got a call on her phone and excused herself from us.

“I am sorry to have talked like that. I got a little possessive over my husband. Please don't mind me. I am a girl with a loose mouth.” I told her.

“It’s ok, Anika. I know what you feel, I have experienced the same when Anamika came into his life. I am his only girlfriend.” she said.

“What?” I asked her, confused of what she actually meant. Actually, it all sounds too bad and weird to me but everyone has a different meaning to what they say here.

“I mean, Anamika said she felt possessive over her husband and hated me at first. But we got along so well when she got to know that I am his only friend who is a girl.” She clarified. See, it completely sounds different than what I thought. His only friend that is a girl oddly made me remember Arun. His only friend who was a girl was me.

Arjun came down the stairs in his light blue jean and white v-neck t-shirt. All my anger and confusion flew away through the window at his sight. All I want to do now is make love to him. He is delicious!

We went to his car and Arjun threw me a look when Preethi said that I am joining their shopping but said nothing. I sat in the front seat and Preethi sat in the back seat. He drove us out to the shops and all the while I saw a very different, friendly, easy to talk Arjun. Praveen and Preethi sure hold a sweet spot in his heart.

“Ajju, we will go to a different shop.” Preethi told Arjun when we walked into a shop.

“I will trash him.” Arjun fisted his hand.

“No, let's go, Ajju.” She pulled him back out of the shop. I saw a man with pity eyes with another woman looking at us.