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.

Anika. It’s ok.

be a more strong word for the strong emotion I feel now. I don't fit in here.

started to clean up the mess I made when Arundhadhi came in. She came in without knocking. Servants here are so mean and rude. Of Course they

it 5years ago. It was imported. Huh, how would you know it’s value? Just in a blink of luck you came here. You are a disaster.” She told me with a face that

this? Remember that you are a servant maid here and you have to respect me.” I almost shouted when aunty got

you go downstairs.

I was cut

treat them like one of us. I hope the same from you.” She said. Ok, I have got on the wrong

am just lucky to get married to Arjun. That is why I lost my cool. I will

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 away leaving me in dismay. I know I made

and it is still mendable. I got down after gathering all the pieces in one place. I am unsure of any places here and I went out to see the driver standing leaning on

buy some epoxy clay, some adhesives and a color corrector. Can you take

back door for me. Whoa,

you, Anna.”

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 new when I finished working on it and I decided to let the driver help me

stomach, hurt heart and no calls from Arjun. No one cared to come and see me, if I was alright when I refused to go down. I felt very lonely in this huge palace. Why is Arjun avoiding me? I just hope that the next

Savithri even when she was rude to me. When everyone showed up at the dining table except for Rajesh and Arjun, Uncle asked me to join

down, Anika. Are you ok?” He

uncle. Thank you.”

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 at everyone. His tone is rather strict and

I just need help to put it back up.” I broke the