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.

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

for the strong emotion I feel now. I don't fit in here. Though she says it’s ok, I can see

the mess I made when Arundhadhi came in. She came in without knocking.

how would

that you are a servant maid here and you have to respect me.” I almost shouted when aunty got in. God,

it is not right to talk like this to the maids here. Arundhadhi, you go downstairs. Come a little later

was cut

for years and I always treat them like one of us. I hope the same from you.” She said.

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

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 away leaving me in dismay. I know I made a mistake.

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

a color corrector. Can you take me to a shop where I

He said, opening the back door for me. Whoa, the first time a person that works here talks to me politely.

you, Anna.”

I used the mix of clay and 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. It was good as

refused to go down. I felt very lonely in this huge palace. Why is Arjun avoiding me? I just hope that the next day will

to help with breakfast. I helped Savithri even when she was rude to me. When everyone showed up at the dining table except for

down, Anika. Are you

am good, uncle. Thank

I value people more than things. I guess everyone in this house is the same.” He said while looking at everyone. His tone is

fixed it already. I just need help to put it