Her Second-Hand Husband! novel Chapter 45

Anika’s PoV

After getting out of the shop, Preethi told me secretly that the man we saw in the shop was her ex-husband with his mistress. She told her flashback, that she is a divorcee, a single mother, working in a shipping unit, a friend of Arjun, and her husband cheated her big time. I pity her but I also hate her for the place she holds in Arjun’s life. He is ready to indulge in a fist fight in a public place for her. I also hate her for that control she has on Arjun. Something inside me finds it unsettling for a friend. But I dare not to tell it out loud. I may be over possessive of my husband and also I should not disrespect their lifetime friendship even after his warning.

“Anu, what are you doing here?” I heard a very familiar voice behind me when we were shopping for some biodegradable disposable plates and cups.

“Hey, Harish Anna(brother)? How are you?” I jumped in joy. Harish Anna was my neighbor in Coimbatore. His family moved to Chennai after he got a job here. He was the one that used to teach me until I got to my high school. It’s been like 4 years since I last saw him at his wedding. Heard from mom that his wife passed away.

“I am good. Next week-end is my son Nitvik’s birthday. I came here to buy some party stuff. When did you come here? You got a job here? How is aunty and uncle? Advay must have finished his school now, right? What is he going to choose for college?” He bombarded me with lots of questions.

“Whoa whoa, relax, anna, Everyone back home is fine. Advay has opted for Electronics and communication Engineering. I am here because I got married.” I told him.

“Whoa, what? You got married?”

“Yup, I am. My husband’s friend needed to do some shopping. So here we are.” I showed him Arjun and Preethi who were standing in the queue for billing.

“Arjun? You married Arjun?” He asked me in shock.

“Yes, You know my husband?” I asked him.

“I know. Preethi, there is my college mate, now she is working along with me. I have met Arjun with Preethi. I even saw them last month and he said nothing about his wedding. He was so keen to set me up with Preethi.” He said.

“Wait, what? He tried to set you up with Preethi? But she just got divorce from her husband.”

“Yeah, he tried to play cupid between us but I told him that I already have a girl whom I would like to remarry.”

“Wow, you finally agreed to marry Shivani akka(sister)?” I asked him with unbound happiness. Shivani akka was Harish anna’s uncle’s daughter who loved him dearly. But their parents didn't accept the wedding so he married another girl. But Shivani akka refused to marry anyone. Now that his wife has passed away, Shivani akka must have compromised her parents for this wedding. I am so happy for them.

“Yes, Shivani will come to Nitvik’s party. I didn't plan on inviting anyone but some friends of Nitvik from his play school. Now I would like to invite you, Shivani will be happy to see you.” He said.

“I would love to come.” I told him while Preethi and Arjun came near us.

“Love to go where? Hi, Harish. How are you?” Arjun asked me and greeted him.

“I was inviting her for my son’s birthday next weekend. I am good, Arjun.” He told him.

“Wow, you know Anika? How?” Preethi asked him.

“Anika was my neighbor when I was in Coimbatore. I have known her since her childhood. I just happened to meet her and got to know that she is Arjun’s wife. So found your soulmate huh, Arjun?” He asked him.

“Sort of.” Arjun answered him unwillingly.

“She is a very good girl with a witty character. She will make you laugh by her silly behavior. You are so lucky to have her, Arjun. Anyways, I will text you my address. I hope to meet you all at my son’s birthday party next week. I will expect you for sure, Anu.” Harish told us.

“We will surely be there.” Preethi said.

“Do you have the same number?” Harish asked me and I nodded yes.