Her Second-Hand Husband!

Anika’s PoV

I waited so long that night for his arrival but I didn't know when I fell asleep. When I woke up the next day, it was already 7.30A.M and I felt a wave of guilt surge through my veins. I ran to the restroom and finished my morning routine and searched for him everywhere on our floor. He was nowhere to be found. I ran downstairs on the steps and looked for him in the dining room and drawing hall and there was no trace of him anywhere. I felt so disappointed and went to the kitchen to see if I could help there.

“Good morning, Anika. Here is your coffee.” Yashodha aunty was there in the kitchen.

“Good morning, Aunty. Sorry, I slept a little too much.” I said timidly.

“No problem, dear. You are free to do anything you please.”

“Um… Shall I cook today, aunty? I am good at making Biryani.” I told her.

“But Arjun is out of town, Anika. He will be here on thursday. You can make Biryani when he gets back home.” She said that took me by surprise. My husband is out of town? He didn't care to let me know?

“Oh, where did he go, aunty?” I asked her.

“He didn't tell you? He has gone to Maharashtra to supervise our production unit there. He will be back in two days.” She said. Looks like it is his usual trip. Maybe I was asleep when he came home last night. It must be past 1.30A.M. He must have taken off early today. Maybe he will call me.

I went back to our room and waited for his call but I got none. I grew impatient and called him over and over again all in vain. He didn't pick any of my calls so I decided to text him. Maybe he is too busy to take up my call.

‘Hi Arjun, sorry, I slept yesterday night. I called you so many times. Call me back when you are free. I miss you already.’ I sent this message and waited for him to call.

I started walking around the garden on his balcony. It is so boring here. There is nothing I can do and killing time literally kills me. I leaned on the rocky fountain which had a beautiful lady on top. I never knew that this would happen but the lady fell down as the rock that I leaned collapsed. It was carved in marble and with the force it hit the ground, the lady broke into pieces. It knocked off a pot too. God, what should I do?

“Aunty, I accidentally knocked off the fountain in the garden upstairs.” I ran to Yashodha Aunty.

one was from Belgium. Arjun’s favorite. Don't panic, Anika. It’s ok. I will

more strong word for the strong emotion I feel now. I don't fit in here. Though she says it’s ok, I can see that she is completely disappointed. That might be very costly. God, I just wish that

I made when Arundhadhi came in. She came in without knocking. Servants here are so mean and rude. Of

much this was? It was fifteen lakhs when Arjun sir bought it 5years ago. It was imported. Huh, how would you know it’s value? Just in a

dare you talk to me like this? Remember that you are a servant maid here and you have to respect me.” I almost shouted

here. Arundhadhi, you go downstairs. Come a little later to clean this up.” She sent her down and stared at

was…” I was cut off by

wrong in talking to her like that. People here have been working for us for years and I always treat them like one of us. I hope the same from you.”

Arjun. That is why I lost my cool. I will be more careful next time, aunty.” I told her in the plight

then it is wrong of her. I will talk to her. But she was right in onething. You clearly didn't know the value of it. It was a much valued possession of Arjun. He won't be happy when he gets to know about it. Please be cautious when handling things around you.” She said and went

and it is still mendable. I got down after gathering all the pieces in one place. I am unsure

epoxy clay, some adhesives and a color corrector. Can you take me to a shop where I will

for me. Whoa, the first time

Anna.”

stone adhesive to put the pieces together. It took me about 4hours to complete that and Then I started correcting the colors of the clay to merge it with the statue. It took forever for me to finish, so I refused to go down for tea or dinner.

alright when I refused to go down. I felt very lonely in this huge palace. Why is Arjun avoiding

she was rude to me. When everyone showed up at the

down, Anika. Are you ok?” He

good, uncle. Thank

fountain. It is no big deal. I can replace it with the same piece. Don't feel guilty for it. I value people more than things. I guess everyone in this house is the same.” He said while looking

help to put it