61. Oh No, Preethi!

Anika’s PoV

After Arjun left home on a Monday morning, I called for a call-taxi and waited impatiently to go to Preethi’s husband’s house. His name is Nilesh. I don't really know what I am expecting him to tell me or reveal me. But I need to start somewhere without Arjun’s knowledge and as far as I know, Arjun hates this guy for ruining Preethi’s life. So, the chances of them meeting are zero if not negative.

Once after we had that big fight, I knew I had to do something to make it right and I also knew Harish is working with Preethi. I explained the situation to Harish and asked him to get something out of her mouth about her ex-husband so that we can find him. Harish was a huge help and the most important thing is he never judged me or Arjun and he also never pestered me with questions. I am blessed to have him in my life.

I hopped in the taxi and gave the address to the driver. Will he even let me in? I don't know. Let’s see how this goes. Harish wanted to accompany me and he insisted that he would come if I needed any help. But I defied him. I cannot risk any chance now.

“What would you do if he misbehaves with you?” Harish asked me when I told him that I am going to meet him in his home.

“I don't know, but I feel like he wouldn't do that.”

“That's bullshit. I know you are strong but you cannot risk it especially with a person who has history.”

“We don't know anything about that person, anna. We just know what Preethi had said. For starters, I will never trust Preethi in this life.”

“You won't listen. Call me if you need any assistance. Be careful.” Harish finally gave up.

I got down from the taxi and stood before a huge apartment. This place is way outside of the city commotion with a very calm and serene atmosphere very suitable for residence. I looked up at the address on my phone and it said apartment 347. I got in and saw a map at the reception desk that said 347 is on the third floor.

“Who are you?” The person who looked like a watchman asked me.

“I am here to see Mr. Nilesh at 347.”

“Oh, I saw him leave for his work at 9 o'clock. But his wife Janani will be home. You can use the elevator. Their house is seventh to the left of the elevator. Please sign in at the register.” He showed me a register book and I signed my name and time on it and went in the elevator.

I found the right door number and rang the bell. I felt so anxious. What will I tell her? He says she is his wife, did he marry her? How can I introduce myself to her?

“Who are you?” The door opened with the door chain on and she asked me, showing only her half face.

“Um… Hi, my name is Anika. If you don't mind, I want to talk to you and your husband.”

“About? I don't recognise you. Sorry.”

“Oh, don't be. You don't know me. I am Arjun’s wife. Um… Preethi’s friend’s wife.” I introduced myself with a little more detail, not sure of how she will receive it.

“Oh, come in.” She opened the door for me.

“Sit down, let me call my husband.”

“Um… it’s ok. I don't want to disturb him at work.” I told her.

“Oh it's ok. He will come home for lunch everyday. I will ask him to come a little early. May I know why you have come here?”

“I… I just want to know a little about Preethi. I thought your husband could help me.” I said hesitantly.

“You could have asked about her to your husband, He knows in and out of her. Anyways, I will tell you what I know. Preethi is a wonderful woman. She gave me her life.” She said and called her husband to get home, informing him about my arrival..

WHAT??????????

“You know her?” I asked her unbelievably.

“I know her very well. She was the one that introduced me to Nilesh. It was because of her, I am living a wonderful life.”

“I don't understand. She introduced you to Nilesh? But Preethi said that Nilesh cheated on her with you and you both have known each other since your college days.” I asked her genuinely confused about what I was hearing. I actually have a problem with my ears, it doesn't take anything good about Preethi very nicely.

“That is not true. May I know why you are digging up on her?” she asked me.

“Well, I think she is messing up my life with Arjun. I want to know what she is upto. I am not sure how you guys can help me but I thought why not give it a try.” I told her and looked at her face change from smile to frown. Ok, not a good sign. Now I wonder if this is even a good idea? She gave me a cup of water and it was an awkward silence until Nilesh came in.

“Hello. How are you?” He greeted me.

“I am good, thank you. I am Anika. Nice meeting you. How are you?”

“Yeah, I remember seeing you at the shop. May I know what this is regarding?”

“She wants to know about Preethi. She talks ill of Preethi.” Janani told him, rather harshly. I think I have to leave.

“Shhh, Janani, relax. I saw Manish and Payal waiting for you. Go, I will talk to her.” He sent her away.

“Janani teaches Cello to the kids living in the next apartment. Sit down, Mrs. Arjun. Tell me, what do you want to know?”

“Mr. Nilesh, I think Preethi is messing with my life. I don't know why I feel that but I strongly feel it. I just want to know her background history. If you don't mind me asking, why did you guys divorce? When did you marry Janani?”

“Mrs. Arjun, Preethi and I got married 7years ago. We started our life like every other married couple. Everything was good until she got pregnant with Avni. Her pregnancy took a toll on her mental health and she gradually lost interest in our life. Um… we stopped being husband and wife, you know what I mean?” He paused and I just nodded my head.

“Even when I tried, she was very less responsive and I lost interest in her too. She went to her parents place for delivery and that made a huge gap between us. Even after she came here, she started behaving very distant and she fought with my mom often. One day, my dad died in his sleep and that shook my mom and she passed away very soon. It was just me, Preethi and Avni at home and Preethi started to act like her old self. Everything was getting back to normal except for our personal life. Avni was already two years old by that time.”

“But why?”

“We went to a doctor to know the reason and the doctor after a series of evaluations told me that she has HSDD (Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder). The doctor said it may be caused by depression or other medical conditions like thyroid and diabetes. I didn't understand because there is nothing wrong in our life that could make her depressed or she doesn't have any medical condition too. But the doctor insisted that it may be because of the pregnancy. She asked me to not force Preethi into sex and also asked me to stay patient. I was ok to stay patient but after returning from the doctor, Preethi made a huge ruckus asking me to get remarried.”

“She didn't get better even two years after her pregnancy?” I was astonished.

“Yes, she wanted me to divorce her and remarry. I didn't want to do that because I loved her and Avni. I didn't think of a life without them. That is when she started bringing women to our house. I don't know about this but she said there is a site online where you can get contacts of women who are deprived of sex from their households, like me. Even though I stopped her, she would not stop bringing women to our house. These women, they are not prostitutes but they are not loyal to their relationships either. One day she brought Janani to our home. When I asked her to go out, Preethi said she is not married. After a long argument, Janani asked me if she could talk to me in private and I agreed.”

“So eventually you gave in?” I asked him. I mean, I don't blame him. I understand that sex is a part of life without which there will be no life on earth.

“Yes, Janani was an orphan who was working as a servant maid in a house where that landlord continuously misbehaved with her. She hated that completely but she couldn't get out of there as he threatened to share a video of them together. She was devastated and used. She told me that she wanted to have sex atleast once with a man of her choice and wanted to understand the pleasures in it. I am a man after all.”

He stopped. I don't know what I feel now. Is this right or wrong? Right and wrong is not a universal thing. Right and wrong is decided from every individual's perspective. Something may be right for me which may be wrong for others. He had an extra marital affair with his wife’s consent. According to him, it is not wrong.

“Preethi asked Janani to stay in our home. I went to the man to whom Janani was working for and threatened him that I would go to the police if he ever came after her. I married Janani in a temple in the presence of Preethi and Avni. Janani started to live in our home with us as my wife. Preethi took care of Avni and Janani took care of the household. Just like that, one day Preethi snapped at us in the middle of the night. Preethi usually slept in Avni’s room and we slept in our bedroom. She made a huge fuss about Janani and me sleeping together and fainted. We rushed her to the hospital and the doctor said she had high blood pressure. We were worried and took her to the psychiatric doctor that we consulted before and the doctor said that she is too depressed. Preethi had told the doctor that she wanted to take her own life. She had told the doctor that she never knew Janani and I am cheating on her. The doctor asked me to bring her for counselling but Preethi refused. She demanded me divorce, which I was ready to give if it would make her better. But she changed the story altogether at the court. Considering her mental health, I stayed calm and gave her the divorce. Janani and my reputation was spoiled in the area we lived before, so we vacated our house and came here to start our life. Preethi is still mad at me for no reason and she is denying me to see Avni. The doctor said any external influence may trigger her and she is in need of medical help.”

“Then why didn't you let her parents know about this? She must be treated, or else she might turn dangerous for herself more than others.”

“She had threatened me to kill herself and Avni if I talk to any of her family members or Arjun.” He said.

“But…”

“Please, Mrs. Arjun. I want to steer clear of her path. We are finally getting over the past and started our life with happiness. I loved Preethi but it eventually faded away and now I love Janani. Preethi is a closed chapter in our lives though Janani still thinks of her as her fairy godmother. I have told you all this because you said she is messing with your life. There is a fair chance for it because Preethi’s little world is completely filled with Arjun. She would always talk about him and his life. She even spoke to his mom to apply for a divorce for him after spending long hours on the internet researching if it was possible without his wife. She rejoiced that day he got divorce. She is rather obsessed with him. If she knows that he is unhappy because of you, she may do anything to keep you apart from him. So be careful and don't bother us anymore, please. My life has been a chaos all these years and it is settling just now. Hope you understand.” He said standing up from the sofa.

“Thank you for the information. Have a happy life, Mr. Nilesh. Convey my regards to your wife. Take care.” I left his home with a heavy heart. So Preethi has a mental illness! She is depressed? But she doesn't look like it. Maybe depression is not showy. That sudden outburst at Nitvik’s party may be a sign. I never expected such a heavy flashback in her life. What should I do now?