Her Second-Hand Husband!

Anika’s PoV

I dared not to look up at anyone as I am the new one here and my husband himself thinks that I am not a polite girl. So the chances are, everyone here must think the same. I don't know if she had already told her lies to Aunty or she has yet to tell.

“Anika, you sit too. Savithri will serve for all of us.” Aunty told me. I dragged the chair as silently as I could and sat on it.

“If you are free after breakfast, I can give you a tour of our home, Anika. Feel free to ask for anything from me or any of us. It is your home.” She added.

“Sure, Aunty.” I said.

“Uncle, I have to go to Goa for this month’s visit to our unit. I will leave tonight and will be back by wednesday.” Arjun’s Sister Priya’s husband said to Uncle.

“Ok, Maapillai. Safe travels.” Uncle replied.

“Arjun, Why don't you take off for another week and take your wife on a honeymoon?” Uncle asked Arjun.

“I will, pa. But the new ‘Tinite’ is ready for the launch. I have planned for the advertisement next week. I have to make sure all the retailers have it before the ad goes on TV. I will take a break after I pull this off.” Arjun said. I love his talks. He doesn't do it often but the little time he does, I love to hear his voice.

“Ok, I am really happy about your marriage, Arjun. I can see your smiles.” He said.

“Pa, I am just as usual. Don't be so dramatic.” Arjun dodged his dad’s comment. Aunty and Uncle had little smiles of content, Priya just stared at me, Rajesh tried to smile at me. Ok, Aunty and uncle are genuinely happy, Priya is not happy with me and Rajesh tries to fit in.

We all had breakfast and Arjun, Rajesh and Uncle left home. I didn't get alone time with him to bid him an intimate bye as he went just after breakfast with Uncle. I miss him already. But I have other important work here. I must get along with Aunty and Priya. I must find out why that servant maid lied to Arjun. I also must take a tour of this home. It is like a palace and I will for sure get lost if I am left at some place in this home.

“Aunty, is there anything I can help you with?” I asked her.

“Oh, nothing, dear. We have maids for everything. The only help you can do to me is keeping Arjun happy. That smile he had today was totally because of you. It was long lost, dear. Just make him happy and give us a grandkid to spend our old age with.” She said.

“I will keep him happy, Aunty.”

“Good, about Savithri, she is a very good lady, Anika. She was very hurt because you denied her help and talked rudely to her.” She said and I truly don't know how to defend myself against a servant maid. Aunty sounded a little worried and Arjun is not going to be happy if I make his mom sad. This is not good for me.

“I didn't start it, aunty. She was the one that behaved rudely to me. I will be careful next time.” I told her.

“She was rude to you? What did she do?” She asked me. Thank god, at least she asked me this.

“Her way of talking was so rude. She pushed the coffee jar towards me. She…” I stopped. When I said it out loud I felt like it was not a big deal. It all seems like bickering between two kids. Argh, I am a grown up and a married girl. I should be mature.

will see to it

floors and she stopped

she knocked

can be a little short tempered at times. But she is a very nice girl if you get to know her.” Aunty

here. I realize how hard it is for every girl in our country to get married and mingle

Anni(way to call a brother’s wife/ husband’s sister)” I greeted her

me, Priya. Come in.” She greeted me back in her own

ok, Where is Tarun?” I asked

It is summer break

he playing alone?”

see him.” She walked out and we followed behind her. We went into the room next door and I was awestruck again. It was painted blue and had almost all kinds of cars, trucks, robots, dinosaurs and godzilla. Tarun was

jumped

join you in your game?” I asked him, sitting down to meet his

getting bored. Shall we go to the swimming pool?”

how to swim. Do you have floaties? I can

jumped up and ran to get

to my room anytime you feel bored or need something.” Aunty

him to the pool?” I asked

Bring me when he starts to trouble you. Take care, Anika.”

will. Bye Priya.” I told her and picked Tarun up to go to the pool on the third

pool. Besides, it is

I don't know where the pool is. Will you take me there?” I let him

have many rose plants and hibiscus of different colors. We walked through the rose garden and

is where the nanny, Savithri, gardener, cook and driver stays with family.” Tarun said, pointing to

I see the swimming pool.” I told him as I saw the huge

started walking faster to catch him but stopped in

she can never come close to Anamika

is too short and not a perfect match for our Arjun

poorer than us and some relatives said that

she doesn't like me on my face. I

is going to miss Anamika more than

as good as Anamika? Huh, my mom had said the same thing many times growing up. That didn't

happiness Arjun sir has got. But they

stuck in the conversation of the maids. I have to excel Anamika to find my place in this house. The servant maids said that out loud but uncle, aunty, Priya and Arjun may not say it out loud but they will compare me to her. My heart felt tired of this thought. Being judged as compared to another girl for a whole life?