Her Second-Hand Husband! novel Chapter 48

Arjun’s PoV

Preethi is completely upset and so is Avni. Avni never stopped crying saying that she didn't do anything wrong to upset mommy. Poor her! I can totally understand the turmoil Preethi is in. I remember very well when I lost my cool whenever I heard her name during those horrible times of my life. I never wanted to talk about it or acknowledge my hurt. She was not worthy of my feelings. All I wanted was to pretend that Anamika was never a part of my life but people just don't disappear from your lives. There are friends and relatives to bring her up all the time and once I burst out in anger that stopped them from bringing her up.

I can now understand that Preethi is in the same boat as I was once. But I can also understand Avni. Avni is a blessed kid with immense knowledge and maturity for her age. She is a very considerate kid given the situation. There is nothing wrong if Avni wants to meet up with her dad. The court order says that Nilesh can visit Avni once every month in the presence of Preethi. Since Preethi is not yet ready to face Nilesh, she has been blocking all the ways that Nilesh tries to contact her.

Preethi closed her eyes and leaned on the window of the front seat and Avni cried to sleep in the back seat. I wanted to give her some time to realize her mistake before I talk her out of it. She never spoke a word but held my hand on the gearbox and stayed quiet all the time in the car.

“Preeth, I don't think what you did was fair. Avni is a beautiful child and it was so wrong of you to scold her in a place where there are people aside from family. Imagine what she must have felt. Try to withhold yourself better. Whatever the disputes are, it is between you and your husband. It is not between Avni and her dad. Try and get it in your thick skull. You have been dodging all the requests he has been making to see Avni. She is a child and you know well that she is longing to see him. If you are not comfortable with meeting up with him, I can take Avni to meet him.” I told her as soon as we entered her room.

“I know. I am feeling terrible already and don't make it worse, Ajju. I will make it up to her and it is my fault so I have to make it right. I will take her to meet her dad. Thank you for being there for me, for us.” She said.

“Don't be so formal, Preeth. You know I will be there for you no matter what.” I reassured her.

“I know that but I also know that your wife doesn't like me very much. She displayed her hatred for me already and I don't want to aggravate it further. It will only make your life more complicated. I am actually happy about your life. I am seeing that easy, fun, charming Arjun in her presence too. So far, that side of you is exhibited only to your mom, me and Praveen. Now that she is in, I could say, you are finally happy in your life. I wish it stays that way. So I think it is time for us to give a little break.” She said, I know she is a brilliant woman and a very practical person.

“Huh, nothing escapes your eyes. Preeth, I am sorry she made you feel that way. I'm not going to lie, she does feel intimidated around you and that is because she is possessive of me. It doesn't mean she hates you. She needs time to understand our friendship. Give her that time. I am not going to give up on you for her. So don't talk about this again. Now, I know you are not yet ready to see Nilesh. You just leave it to me.”

“No, no, no. It is absolutely fine. I should face my own demons. I cannot rely on you for everything.”

“If you think you can do it, then I am fine with it. But don't just pretend to avoid me.”