Her Second-Hand Husband!

Anika's PoV

I came back home after a little help in cleaning up the auditorium. As I went early for the set up, HOD asked me to leave early. I felt relieved when he said I could go. The three hours on the stage was too overwhelming for me. It was so hard for me to not see him while giving him the certificate and medals. His cologne was so addicting and I hit my head hard twice for enjoying his nearness. He acted as if I was invisible to him. I don't know what I expect of him but his ignorance, anger and pity infuriates me like anything. Maybe I am overreacting for anything that comes out of him but I could not help it.

I came home frying him in my thoughts. I saw a car in front of my home and in an instance I knew whose car it was. What is he doing in my home? Why is he here after shaming me in college? My anger knew no bounds and I rushed into my home.

"Oh, I thought she would be placed in a company by now. That is ok, I can..." I saw him talking to my mom about me.

"Oh, you have come to my home to laugh at me? Yes, I didn't get the job I thought I would. Is there a problem for you? I have already told you that we don't want your charity! Why are you dis..."

"Anika!" I was interrupted by my mother with a hard slap across my face. Never once has this happened before. Even the other day when mom found out about my love, she hit me after that relative went. But now, he is still standing here tall and built! I felt ashamed of what just happened. Why can't this earth open up and eat me alive?

"Ma!" I looked at her controlling myself from crying.

"Shut up! You never know your limits. It is my fault that you are grown like this. How dare you disrespect this gentleman? He has come to Coimbatore for his work. He remembered us and came all the way here to check on us and this is how you talk to him? Remember it is because of him that your father is still alive. You must be grateful to this man for your whole life." she said.

I raised my eyes at him and saw his eyes shrunk and his corner of the lips curled upwards! He is smiling? Smiling at me? Oh, that is not a smile, that is a laugh! He is laughing at me! He is enjoying this. Of course, he will do! Why won't he? He is a stranger to me and I never miss a chance to disrespect him so far when all he did was to help us. He must have restrained himself from hitting me all this time. Now that my mom did that in his presence, he must have thought that I deserved this.

I know he saved my dad. I know he is trying to help. I know he just wants to make sure that we are well provided for. But I also have an attraction to this man! This man is my cousin sister's husband. This attraction I have for him is fatal and toxic and I knew it in my heart. The only way I can stop myself from swooning over him is hating him. Hating him for what he is. And I can't tell this to anyone, his smile is contagious, I love looking at him!

How can I tell this to someone? I know nothing of this man except that he is a billionaire and a husband of my sister. Besides, I love Arun. He is waiting for me. This intense physical attraction is far beyond the love I have for Arun. I feel so cheap to lust over a man. But I couldn't help it. I just want to feel his presence everyday. My stupid heart admires his manliness more than I have ever admired Arun. Even now I cannot stop my stupid heart from complimenting his beautiful smile and know what, he is laughing at me!

"Apologize to him, Anu." my mom said. I looked at dad and his eyes showed me that I made the greatest mistakes of my life.

sorry!" I told

my card, aunty. You can call me anytime if you need any help. Take care uncle. You will feel better soon. See you uncle. Bye aunty." he walked past me

and I had no other choice but to go apologize to him again. My two headed heart is happy and angry at the same time

me!" I

to get in the car.

I stopped him. He turned

he asked me with a raised

"um... I am sorry"

really mean it?" he

the pleasant breeze made my dupatta

told you so?" he asked, covering me with the dupatta from his face. I couldn't stop the shiver my body made when his fingers brushed my

our life. We really are fine and we don't need your help. Why do you even bother about us?" I asked him, feeling defeated. All I ever want from him is to

that you need a job

with his touch. My stomach made somersaults and I

I think this is enough for disrespecting me so far. Behave yourself when you see me next. If not, you will see my wrath!" he said, still smiling and having my face in his hand. I swatted his hand

not to see you anymore in my life ever. I know how to take care of my family. I tell you again, we don't want your charity. If you have more money, help people who are really in need."

the same smile and left the place

Advay shouted in my ears and I came back

Adu." I went in