13.12.2019 , At Chennai

Shiva's P. O. V :

I really didn't know what was going on inside me. I didn't know who to talk to.

In the past, whenever I feel disturbed, I used to clear it out with my friends and then Aparna helped at times too. But tonight, I felt like I couldn't open up to them.

I reached my home straight from the wedding venue. As I rushed in, I found Anjali in the living room.

I walked past her without looking at her.

" Had dinner? " She asked me as I was half way to the stairs.

I stopped for a moment and looked at her.

" Yes! " I said.

" Why do you look so grumpy? " She asked me.

" Look, I am really not in the mind to have chit chats with you. Call my amma and chat as much as you want! " I said.

" If not chit chats, how about true conversation? " She asked me.

I huffed out loud and sat back on the couch in the living room as I had no other means to escape from Anjali.

She sat beside me.

" I know that you are not some one to break commitments. I trust you" She said slowly and I looked down.

" I know that I am not the typical girl you wanted to marry. I forcefully pulled you into this, because I had no other go. " She said.

" At least you know what you did " I said and looked away from her.

" I was very anxious and that's what repelled you away from me. I really want to change myself. I would be the girl that you want me to be. " She said.

Suddenly a hard realization struck me. What was I doing!, In the name of dreams and desire, I have pulled Aparna into my life and I don't know if I should take responsibility for Aparna or for Anjali.

" You are shining in your career Shiva! You don't need someone else to support you! " She said.

" Do you really think that way? " I asked her.

" I do! " She said.

My parents walked into the house at the same time.

I stood up from the couch and Anjali looked at me confused.

I turned around to go back to my room.

" Shiva, wait here. " My amma said and walked back to her room.

After few minutes a family meeting was going on in the living room.

" The wedding is in two months. We should start inviting all the guests. Because of Rajiv, last time we did nothing. At least now, we can do your wedding in a large scale. " Amma said.

Soon they started discussing the shopping schedule and location for the wedding. I zoned out from the conversation.

" Shiva, is that okay with you? " My appa asked.

I shook my head and brought my mind back to the place.

" I am okay with anything " I said uninterested.

" He is always like this. I am just happy it's you Anjali. I can finally keep my head up in our community. " My amma said.

" But, Aunty, I am also planning to join a job " Anjali said silently, I looked at her surprised.

" Not necessary Anjali. We are not a family who should run the house by sending the daughter in law to work. " My amma said.

" I am planning to join in Shiva's office " Anjali said.

My jaws dropped to the floor on hearing her words. I was too shocked to respond.

" That's the worst! " My appa said laughing.

" Why uncle? " Anjali asked.

" Women are supposed to take care of the house. In business, having an equal partner is nothing but disadvantage. Though initially both of you won't feel anything, later it can become a disaster. My friend used to own a small mart in my home town. His wife worked with him in the shop.

After some years, they started facing issues with accounts. The shop was in havoc. The worst part was, all the merchants were in support of his wife. Poor man, he was too agitated that he banned his wife from entering the shop. When a husband faces issue in the shop, he seeks support from the house. If both are cut off , he can't do anything " My appa said laughing.

The pitiable part was I was sympathizing with the man who lost dominance. It was bloody his own shop and he lost the support.

I smirked and shook my head.

Anjali went to her aunt's house after an hour. I was back to my room.

I tried calling Hari, but he was not picking up my call.

I thought maybe he was with Shwetha and called her, but she wasn't picking up either.

I threw my phone aside and fell asleep.

For the next two days, I was locked inside my room. I told Hari that I was sick and decided to clear out my mind.

It was my best friend's wedding and I was here at my home, thinking through everybody's words.

A small part of my mind was hoping for Hari to urge me to come back to the wedding venue. But I didn't get any such call. It was as if I was forgotten.

Added to that irritation, on the back of my mind, i was constantly thinking about Karthik flirting with Aparna. I nearly stopped talking with him. But he doesn't seem to care.

I started doubting my own position in my office and my friend's circle.

On Sunday night, Anjali was back at my house.

I tried to avoid her as much as possible, but she was adamant and she dragged me outside. We went to a nearby restaurant.

" I didn't expect that you would be in your house " Anjali said.

" I didn't too " I said.

" Shiva, don't take me wrong. What position Aparna has in your office? Prerna's sister? " Anjali asked.

I choked on my food and coughed a bit.

" She is the architect. " I said.

" But she is not the boss right? " Anjali asked me raising her brows.

" Yes, why are asking all of a sudden! " I asked.

" I know that I don't have any work experience. But I don't think you should give this much power to her. " She said. I was suddenly intrigued by her words.

" Why do you think so? " I asked.

" Because, if you let such people do whatever they want, they will take everything. It's your office to begin with. You put your money in that. It was your sweat for years. That day , I felt an arrogance in her way of talking. I was quite worried about what she would do to you! " Anjali said.

I smiled a bit on hearing her words. I was looking everywhere for the problem  , but it was right in front my nose!

It was Aparna! All this headache I had for the past few days was because she was trying to dominate my position! Why didn't I think of that!

Aparna did everything for her own sake, even the relationship, she came after knowing everything! She then threw the blame on me.

From my friends to the client, everyone were under her control and I didn't notice anything till now! How did I let her do this?

I breathed out loud as my mind cleared up a bit.

" Hello! " Anjali smiled looking at me.

Maybe, it was better for my future partner to not get involved in my career. Maybe it was better to marry a person who will be a haven to me when the office becomes hell. Maybe it is better to not place someone on an equal pedestal by my side.

Anjali was just simple minded. She wanted a car, she wanted to live in the city. She was ready to even go to work for me. She was ready to change her character for me!

What the hell was wrong with me that I was roaming all around the city regretting my engagement!

" Are you okay? " Anjali asked again.

" Are you free tomorrow morning? " I asked her.

" Yes, even if I had commitments, I would cancel all that for you" She said.

" Good. I am going to show who is the boss. " I said to her.