Chapter 35 Reasoning

Arjun’s PoV

The 15 days went by in a blink. I went on a shopping spree to buy anything and everything I thought would look good on her. I filled up a whole cupboard with her clothes. I was happy to marry her and thought that she was the one that I have been waiting for, for my whole life. When I saw her in the morning, in her beautiful maroon and golden saree that I chose specially for her, I was spellbound. She was stunning in that saree and it complimented her fair skin very beautifully. Our wedding happened with only 100 people and all the time, she stood beside me brushing her shoulders with mine. She was doing indescribable things to me. She was waking up a sleeping monster that was inside of me and that monster craved for her. I just wanted to devour her completely and relish every part of her body. I could not stop my evil mind from thinking about all the dirty stuff on her rather I enjoyed everything it pictured.

We came by car to Chennai after lunch from her home. She was weeping all the way and I tried to console her but her aunt was sitting beside her and I restrained myself from the attempts to make her feel better. Once home, mom took her to complete the rituals and I was left alone to sit in the hall. Sivaprakasam uncle didn’t come to Chennai but Dhanam aunt came along with us. I saw her talking to Preethi and I started listening to them when I heard them say Anika.

“Anika is a brilliant girl. She knew that marrying Arjun would uplift her family. Anandhi and Saravanan first opposed the idea of marrying her to Arjun as a second wife. But after my husband explained to them the benefits of this marriage, Anika compromised her parents for this arrangement.” Dhanam aunty said.

“It doesn't matter why she married him, aunty. It only matters if she could make Arjun happy. Arjun deserves happiness and if he thinks that she is the one that could give it to him, then I would say you don't go on and talk about her like this to anyone else.” Preethi told her.

I didn't stay there to listen any further. I went to my floor and locked myself in. There is a huge possibility for that to be true. I thought that her parents must have forced her for this marriage but I failed to think of it’s vice versa. She knew I was rich. She hated me and despised me every time we met and all of a sudden agreed to marry me. She took advantage of the situation and as the opportunist she is, she used me to satisfy her family’s needs. But she doesn't have to do this for that. I was ready to help her family out even when she disrespected me. I was deeply hurt and felt like an idiot to have fallen into this trap all over again. I guess I am not destined to have a love life.

I waited for the night to confront her and I rejected all the calls from my mom and dad who were trying to get me out. I told them that I was tired and I needed some alone time.They left me alone after some attempts. I could not stay sane when I saw her in my room with a beautiful pink silk saree. She was like a sculpture with the right amount of flesh in all the right places. I fought with my mind to stay angry for what she had done but the feeling of lust was overtaking my anger. I tried to keep my cool as the urge to feel her under my fingers was growing as much as the anger that shot up thinking how much of an opportunist she is to marry me. I am not ready to be in a loveless marriage again. But I love her, she made my heart flutter with happiness. I asked her consent for this marriage and she gave her full consent. Argh, I could not determine if she is good or bad.

Once she came outside changing into her pajamas, she turned into a little girl. She looked nothing like that beautiful lady in saree but she was damn cute. Her pink pajamas had floral prints on it and it didn't stand a chance against her pink cheeks. She looked troubled and I started the conversation to break the awkward silence. Once she gained her confidence back, I told her what I have been practicing to tell her on her face. But the reply she gave took me by surprise. I never expected her to tell me that she is in love with me. But she did.

“Shhh, relax. We can start fresh!” I said, stepping towards her when she asked me if we can start fresh. I still remember every single time she wanted to erase those memories of her rude behavior. From what she said, I can understand the reason behind why she tried to push me away. When she knew that was impossible, she started to give in to the feelings. But then, she felt bad for all her actions before. That was why she kept on telling me to start fresh. It all made sense.

“Arjun…” I could just hear her whisper my name as I closed in on her. I could see her closing her eyes letting the tears roll down on her cheeks.

“I am ready to start fresh with you!” I said cupping her cheeks with my hands wiping away her tears.

“Thank you” she said, holding my hands with her tender fingers. She looked down and when I tried to see her face she dug herself into my chest and I felt content. She just fits perfectly in my hands. I could feel her shiver on me and that oddly satisfied my male-self. I could not wait any longer to claim her for myself.

I took my hand to her bare waist beneath her pajama top and heard her gasp out loud. I could see her shiver under my touch, goosebumps all over her very sensitive skin. She hugged me even more tighter and dug her head more into my chest refusing to look up at me. The more she put herself on to me, the more I wanted to see her face.

“Anika!” I called her ever so gently, squeezing her waist for which she scrunched my shirt on my chest.

“Look up at me.” I told her.

“Mhum.” she shook her head in a No still hugging me.

“This is not the girl I knew. Are you really Anika?” I asked her, inhaling her scent, resting my head on her head.

“Then you never knew me well.” she said. I like this witty side of her.

“Hmmm maybe. But are you ready to show me the real Anika? I just wish to know more about you.” I told her, curling her shirt up.

“You are bad, Arjun.” she playfully hit me on my chest.

“No, I am not. You want to see the bad me?” I asked her while making her sit on the bed.

“Arjun, I am really sorry to have insulted you. Please forget everything that has happened and promise me that you will never bring that up in future.” she asked me, sticking her hand out for me to promise.

“I have already told you that I am ready to start fresh. We shall erase everything that has happened.” I told her.

“Thank you!” she said, looking me in the eye and rested her head on my shoulder. I felt more content with her behavior. She was a natural and all these touches never felt awkward unlike it was with Anamika.

“And besides, when the reason behind your arrogance was my charm, how can I stay angry at you?” I asked her. I was amazed at myself because I am not a person who goes easy with talks.

“Ha, don’t over think yourself as some handsome hunk. You are very average and I happened to like average.” she said with a smirk. I love this side of her. She is witty, funny, bold and beautiful. No one has ever talked to me like this. She will always be an exception in my life. All I want to do now is to listen to her talk all day.

“Arjun!” She called me.

“Yes” I brushed my finger on her cheek.

“Are you going to sit and look at me all night?” she asked me, enjoying my touches. That nerve of this girl!

“What else do you want me to do?” I asked her, smiling.

“Asking me!? I don't know. You have prior experience. I am new, you know?” she said. She just spoke casually but she hurt my heart unknowingly.

What does she mean by I have had experience? She doesn't know anything about my past life and I did not wish to tell all about it on this day or any day for that matter. I think that part of my life is a disgrace for me. Besides, I am yet to know her completely and I do not wish to open up to her on the very first day. But she had already spoiled this day for us unknowingly.

“I know. It has been a long day and you should be tired. Get some sleep as we have many formalities to finish tomorrow. We have to go to Tirupur for ‘Maruveedu’ (a formality where the new bride and groom go to the bride’s place for a night stay).” I told her with a straight face not wanting to let her know that I am hurt.

“Oh, ok. Good Night, then?” she told me, more like asked me unsure. I can see that she is disappointed. I am too. And the reason is her tongue.

“Good Night!” I told her and we shared the bed on each end just like it happened some years ago.

She is an amatuer! She doesn't know what her words can do to people. She is still young to learn about the consequences of her words but I don't have enough patience to handle her naive side. I dozed off to sleep thinking of all the ways I should practice to keep my cool.