Her Second-Hand Husband!

Anika’s PoV

After getting out of the shop, Preethi told me secretly that the man we saw in the shop was her ex-husband with his mistress. She told her flashback, that she is a divorcee, a single mother, working in a shipping unit, a friend of Arjun, and her husband cheated her big time. I pity her but I also hate her for the place she holds in Arjun’s life. He is ready to indulge in a fist fight in a public place for her. I also hate her for that control she has on Arjun. Something inside me finds it unsettling for a friend. But I dare not to tell it out loud. I may be over possessive of my husband and also I should not disrespect their lifetime friendship even after his warning.

“Anu, what are you doing here?” I heard a very familiar voice behind me when we were shopping for some biodegradable disposable plates and cups.

“Hey, Harish Anna(brother)? How are you?” I jumped in joy. Harish Anna was my neighbor in Coimbatore. His family moved to Chennai after he got a job here. He was the one that used to teach me until I got to my high school. It’s been like 4 years since I last saw him at his wedding. Heard from mom that his wife passed away.

“I am good. Next week-end is my son Nitvik’s birthday. I came here to buy some party stuff. When did you come here? You got a job here? How is aunty and uncle? Advay must have finished his school now, right? What is he going to choose for college?” He bombarded me with lots of questions.

“Whoa whoa, relax, anna, Everyone back home is fine. Advay has opted for Electronics and communication Engineering. I am here because I got married.” I told him.

“Whoa, what? You got married?”

“Yup, I am. My husband’s friend needed to do some shopping. So here we are.” I showed him Arjun and Preethi who were standing in the queue for billing.

“Arjun? You married Arjun?” He asked me in shock.

“Yes, You know my husband?” I asked him.

“I know. Preethi, there is my college mate, now she is working along with me. I have met Arjun with Preethi. I even saw them last month and he said nothing about his wedding. He was so keen to set me up with Preethi.” He said.

“Wait, what? He tried to set you up with Preethi? But she just got divorce from her husband.”

I told him that I already

wedding so he married another girl. But Shivani akka refused to

anyone but some friends of Nitvik from his play school. Now I would like to invite you, Shivani

come.” I told him

Hi, Harish. How are

inviting her for my son’s birthday next weekend. I am good, Arjun.”

Anika? How?”

to meet her and got to know that she is Arjun’s wife. So

of.” Arjun answered him

by her silly behavior. You are so lucky to have her, Arjun. Anyways, I will

surely be there.”

number?” Harish

her house. The friendly Arjun just disappeared in thin air and the grumpy old Arjun replaced him. I hate this uncomfortable silence in the car and I switched the music system on. He turned to look at me and switched it off. He won’t talk and he won’t let me listen to the music too? I switched it back

sometime?” He yelled at me, switching

barked back at him and switched it on

stop it again?” I asked him when he

turn it on again. I am not a 5 year old to fight with you.”

are a grooooown up who will only try to murder your wife.” I

to see you suffer.”

sick person. I'm sure there is a great chance that you killed Anamika and buried her somewhere and tricked the world to believe that she has gone

learn to shut up your bloody mouth. You are not good with words.” He told me, turning to

He is right. I should have

a small kid anymore where people let you go easily for your mistakes. I won't be talking to you like this again if you don't control your damn tongue.” He said calm and clear that made my stomach fall into a pit. His words bear more promise that he would not think