Married To A Stranger

Sreesha Pov:

I’ve had a great time talking to him. He is sweet, gentle, caring and most importantly not like my father.

Do you think it is weird to start trusting him in this short span of time?

I sighed. I don’t have any work to do and no one to talk.

So, I started cleaning the already spotless house while listening to music. I love soft music. I started dancing along with the beat and didn’t sense that someone was watching me dance.

“Woah! I don’t know that you could dance this gracefully” A familiar voice startled me. Standing at the entrance with hands folding across her was my mom-in-law. Oops sorry, mom.

“I.. I’m sorry aun- Er.. mom ” I apologized looking down.

“Yes. You should be sorry” oh no! She’s mad at me now. Stupid Sreesha who told you to dance like you own this place? Just because he said the house is ours doesn’t mean your mother-in-law agrees with him. It is her son’s house and you don’t have a right to rule it.

“How dare you to dance all alone? You could’ve at least invited me to join the party” she said, winking.

“What?” I think I didn’t hear properly.

Surely, I’d some problem! I was hearing things.

Maybe I need to consult ENT specialist.

“You could’ve called me you know. How could you enjoy all alone? How could you forget me? Me? Your mom!” she exclaimed exasperated, feigning an angry look.

Is she even my mother-in-law? Aren’t all mother in laws supposed to be rude and cunning? Did she want to dance with me? Her Daughter-in-law?

I wonder if she’s from Planet Mars!

She’s weird… No that would be an understatement.

“Umm I’ll prepare some coffee for you, m- mom,” I said trying to escape from her. It takes some time to get used to calling her mom without stuttering or getting confused.

“No dear. Come we’ll dance first and then I’ll prepare lunch for us” she said changing the song to rock music and turned up the volume to maximum. And then she started swaying her hip like a pro, for a 50 years old lady her moves were perfect. She dragged me along with her. In no time we started dancing like crazy teenagers. Laughing and singing along with songs. Our concert ended when my mobile showed low battery sign. We’re still giggling like teenage girls who gossip about hot guys.

“I’ll go and prepare lunch for us; you take rest mom. You look tired” I said after a while.

“No Sreesha, I’ll cook for us today, your husband will be here soon anyway,” she said with a knowing look and started preparing food while I prepared dessert. Kheer. Yummy. I hope he will like it.

“Kheer smells yummy dear; I wish I could finish it without sharing with others. But sadly, you made it for your husband, not for me” she said pouting. Pouting? Weird… She’s acting like a kid now.

Okay… now I’m going insane!

My mother-in-law who was supposed to give me a hard time was asking me to call her mom, then danced with me like a crazy teenage girl and now she’s pouting?

What is it, a daily soap?

What is wrong with this family?

Please tell me at least my FIL is sane!

“Mom, I prepared it for you too. Umm, wait I’ll serve you some” I said searching for a bowl.

“Ha-ha Sreesha, I was just teasing you. Don’t take everything serious dear” she said in a soft voice which I never heard from my mother all my life. This is the care I was craving for; this was the way I wish my mother would talk to me.

“Oh dear, don’t cry now. I told you, I was just kidding” she said hugging me.

“No mom, I’m fine. I just find out what I was looking for all my life and got carried away” I said still hugging her back.

“Umm Am I disturbing something?” I heard a familiar voice said behind me and I stilled.

“Yes. You just spoiled our mother-daughter bonding. Who told you to come early from office” she said, feigning a stern look, making me giggle.

“I thought she was all alone here and finished my meeting as soon as possible. I don’t know you were here to steal my place” he said rolling his eyes at her.

I gave him a small smile while taking his briefcase from him, so he could relax. I noticed a bunch of red roses in his other hand. Before I could ask him, anything mom beat me to it.

“Karthik Shekhar, are those roses in your hand? Please god, please tell me I’m not dreaming. I did not know my son could be this romantic” she said joining her palms together, looking at the sky dramatically.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

And then suddenly she started searching every room for something.

“Umm mom, what are you searching for?” he asked using his irritated voice.

“I am searching for my son. I’m sure you’re not my son! Surely, there must be some mistake. He should be somewhere here. You know him right, he’s always moody, brooding, workaholic and not to mention his mood swings were worse than a pregnant woman” she said and continued searching.

“Mom, drop it already!” he sighed rubbing his forehead frustrated. I burst into fits of laughter seeing him suffer.

Sounds evil, I know. But can you blame me? His mother was teasing him like hell.

“My son, Karthik, do not like buying flowers or to even go near a flower shop. But you bought flowers with your own hands, that too, red roses. Who would’ve thought the infamous cold-hearted busi… umm I mean Karthik Sekhar will go to a mere flower shop to please his wife?” quoting mere flower shop, she started teasing him while his face turned red.

Aww he’s blushing. He is so cute when he blushes.

“Mom, stop embarrassing me. I bought these for Sreesha. So, drop the act and serve me food. I’m starving” he said handing me red roses whispered, ‘for you’ and went to our room to fresh up.

“Now, Stop blushing and set the table dear, I’m starving too,” she said in the same tone which she used on her son a few moments ago. I almost roll my eyes at her. Almost!

I arranged my favorite flowers in the vase, a soft smile playing on my lips.

He enjoyed the food and dessert too.

“Mom, Kheer is so good. Why is it too tasty today?” he asked mom innocently not knowing the fact that he was throwing himself in front a hungry lioness.

“I knew it! I so knew it! You’re like all those sons who forget his mother’s cooking when his wife cooks for them. It’s not me, your wife prepared it for you” she faked annoyance “See, you already forgot my cooking and the next time I visit you, you will ask who I was to you” she added pouting.

He muttered drama queen under his breath.

I have couldn’t help but to agree with him.

She indeed is a drama queen. But I know she’s trying to make me comfortable in her presence and I appreciate it.

I wonder how my FIL has been dealing with her till now!

After doing dishes we spent some time watching ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Diwani’. She’s literally fangirling over Ranbir Kapoor.

“Okay children, there is a party at our home next weekend, and I want to show off my daughter-in-law to the world” she said and turned to Karthik and whispered something in his ear

“I want her in our home next Sunday at sharp 6” she added more like a warning than a request and left.

He began glaring at her retreating figure and released a frustrated sigh while cursing under his breath. I placed a hand on his shoulder giving him a questioning look.

“It’s nothing Sree, I’ll explain to you later. Now, how about a movie and dinner tonight?” is he asking me out? Oh, shut it, drama queen! You’re his wife; he doesn’t have to ask you out. “Like a date.” he added later.

“Oh-okay” I stuttered dropping my gaze to the floor. I am feeling too shy to look at him. I’m his wife, he can always order me what he wants and can even force me to obey him. But he’s not like others.

He’s different, a good kind of different I thought smiling to myself.

“Penny for your thoughts madam,” he said in a teasing voice which I was getting used to from both him and mom. It feels so good to call someone mom. I just wish Tej experience this feeling too.

“Thanks for the roses,” I said fidgeting with my fingers. He nodded smiling. “You don’t have to bring me flowers if you don’t like them” I added.

“You like them, right? I’ve to impress my wife you know?” he said with a slight smirk on his face.

And ladies and gentlemen he’s back to his cocky self. I shook my head and left to get ready as it is already evening.

After I got ready for our date, I was about to head out of our room suddenly Karthik entered our room. He looked at me from head to toe with an unreadable expression. I thought he would give me a compliment or at least an approving nod but he sighed heavily and went towards washroom slightly brushing past me.

I was disappointed, I made an extra effort to look good for him, but he didn’t even acknowledge what I wore. I was about to go downstairs but stilled when I felt a presence behind me and was about to turn back, but his voice stopped me to do so.

“Are you trying to seduce me Mrs. Sreesha Karthik?” he said in a thick husky voice which sent shivers down to my spine “Believe me Sree, You don’t even have to try,” he said dashing towards washroom leaving me, confused.

What the hell just happened?

Me? Seducing him?

Isn’t it the other way around?

I’ve got millions of butterflies in my stomach when I heard his husky voice. God, that voice… He’s going to be the death of me.

I went downstairs and waited for him there. When he was descending the stairs, I couldn’t help but drool over his every move. It’s not like I admit to him that he’s the epitome of hotness.

A snap of fingers dragged me into the real world. There stood my husband with a cocky grin on his handsome face. I rolled my eyes at him bravely.

“Shall we go Mrs. Karthik Shekhar?” I really started liking my new name more now. I smiled at him and nodded.

We roamed all around the city for a while and went to a movie Dilwale and then to the small cozy restaurant to have our dinner. All the evening he didn’t leave my side. The tiny sweet gestures made my heart warm. I know I can’t let my guards down that easily but there is something in his eyes reassuring me to let it go.

We reached our home before midnight. We went straight to our room and changed into comfortable clothes and went to bed. He took his place beside me.

“Thanks for today, I had fun,” I said looking into his gorgeous black orbs which colored more in the faint light of moonlight.

“I’m glad you had fun,” he said taking me into his arms. I didn’t protest because I felt safe in his arms, like a home. I slept with a smile on my face.

************

It has been a week since our first date.

He was still the same sweet husband who respects my wishes and didn’t force me into something I don’t want to. He was being patient with me.

I know if it is someone else, they would have done something to damage me more than I already have.

I smiled looking at his sleeping form. He is still asleep as it is Saturday. I untangled myself from his iron grip and made my way towards the kitchen to make him coffee. I’m comfortable being around him now. I’m getting used to waking up next to him. There was no awkwardness between us even while we’re sleeping on the same bed and he’s too comfy to cuddle.

Like my personal teddy bear, I thought to smile.

I started trusting him more now. I’m afraid of a lot of what if’s now. If we don’t trust someone, there would be less painful when they betray us because you already know they would do it one day or the other.

The real problem starts when you start trusting a person. If the person you trust betrays you the pain will be intense, it almost feels like death. I don’t know why, but there is this nagging feeling like something bad was going to happen.

Happiness is just a passing cloud in my life and I’m really happy now. What if this happiness is also a passing cloud?

What if a tornado appears out of nowhere and ruins this happiness?

No Sree, think positive. Nothing will ruin your happiness I started chanting the same sentence as a mantra.

Who Am I kidding? Karthik will leave me once he got to know about my past.

And the worst part is, I started liking him already. Who does that in just ten days of married life?

The stupid I did!

I like him.

I was startled by my mobile ring. It was none other than one of my best friends Niya.

“Hello Niya,” I said calmly. I know she was planning to murder me at this moment.

Play cool, Sree!

“You… You… how dare you to marry without inviting me or anyone in our group” she started yelling on the phone.

“It all happened in a rush and I didn’t get to invite you guys because my father ordered me not to. I’ll explain to you everything when we meet okay?” I said trying to calm her.

“What? Are you going to explain to me now? The whole group is waiting for your explanation dimwit, you get your lazy ass here right now” she said, and I was about to deny “Don’t even dare to cancel on us Mrs. Sreesha whatever your last name is now. I’m going to text you the address of this god damn restaurant and you’re coming here and explaining your stupid reasons to us. And yeah, a small heads up for you, Anju is pissed at you” she added, and I gulped audibly.

Let me tell you, the combination of the words Anju and pissed in the same sentence is not good at all.

“Just give me sometime Niya, let me ask my husband’s permission,” I said sighing.

“What? Why should you ask his permission to go out with your goddamn friends? Is he treating you like your father did? Do you want me… us to deal with him? I’m sure Anju can scare him like hell” she started yelling again.

“No. Actually, he’s so sweet and caring. I just have to inform him about my plans today. I’m sure he’ll let me spend some time with you guys” I explained to her.

“Sweet and Caring huh!?” she said in a teasing voice and added ” Girl you have got a lot of explanation to do. Don’t bother coming here alone, I’m sending Veni to fetch you. Message me your address ASAP” she ordered and disconnected the call.

I sent her my new address immediately as I don’t want to face their wrath even more than I already had to.

Now, how am I going to ask him to cancel my plans with my husband for today? I was so lost in my thoughts and didn’t saw him coming near me. He shook me a little.

“Sree, are you okay?” I nodded positively “Actually, I’m so sorry. I’d to cancel our plans for today. It’s actually an emergency.” he said apologizing for the sudden change in our plans while I sighed in relief.

“Err… My friend’s kind of invited me for a girls day out, Is it okay if I go?” I asked him, looking down at my feet.

“You should go and enjoy your day out with your friends. But come back soon in the evening, I… I need to discuss the party tomorrow” he said with a hint of nervousness in his voice.

What is there to feel nervous about attending a party? I know it’s a big deal for me as I’m not a

Social butterfly but why did he feel nervous? I was told that he’s working as a manager in some MNC. He might have attended a lot of parties like this. Maybe he is just looking out for me.

He’s so sweet I thought smiling a little.

“Don’t worry I’ll be fine” I reassured him smiling. He nodded but there is still some nervousness, Uncertainty, guilt, and fear in his eyes. Guilt? But why? He placed a long lingering kiss on my forehead before leaving. There is something odd in his behavior today. I brushed off the thoughts and got ready in less than 15min changing into a comfortable churidar. I don’t like to wear makeup unnecessarily. In my view, makeup is only for parties and functions.

As if on a cue, the doorbell rang. I opened the door only to reveal my very pissed off best friend

Veni, wearing her infamous scowl on her face. Before she could say anything, I hugged her and said sorry.

She is not like Anju and Niya. She’s way more sensible than us. She sighed before speaking.

“I know there must be a strong reason why you didn’t invite us to your marriage. I forgave you the moment you said sorry but don’t expect the same reaction from the evil duo (Niya and Anju)” she said sighing. I was relieved; at least one of my best friends understood me without any explanations.

“Thanks” I mumbled hugging her tightly.

We reached the destination in 30min and I gulped audibly looking at the expensive restaurant which looks like no less than Lion’s den for me. I felt underdressed, but who cares?

“They will understand, don’t worry,” Veni said comforting me. I nodded and entered the restaurant only to get attacked by their hugs.

“I missed you so much Sree,” they both said at a time making me frown.

Aren’t they planning my death a while ago? I thought to myself.

“Don’t be surprised by our behavior, just a few minutes ago Tej called me and explained the reason why you didn’t contact us. We’re so sorry for misunderstanding you.”Niya said and hugged me soon it turned into a group hug.

I don’t want to know what reason Tej told to calm down them because it saved me from an awkward conversation.

How did he know that I’m meeting my friends?

Karthik!

Thanks, Karthik and Tej I thought with a smile. Tej saves me all the time from troubles,

Sometimes even from my father’s wrath. But why didn’t he help me to run away from my marriage? I’m not regretting this marriage, but I need answers.

Think I need to pay a visit to my parent’s house soon.

“So, tell us about this husband of yours. What is his name?” they started bombarding me with lots of questions.

“Is he hot?” Anju added smirking.

“Yes,” I told them shyly.

They awed and asked me to continue.

“His name is Karthik” I mumbled shyly.

“Oh my god! Sree, you’re blushing! Someone is having a tiny winy crush on their husband huh?!?” Anju started teasing me just to add more color to my already red cheeks.

“Okay, Karthik what?” this time it is Niya.

“Umm, its Karthik sh-” I was cut off by overexcited Anju’s voice.

“Oh my god! Girls look at the entrance it’s Karthik Shekhar” she said in her overexcited tone.

My heart skipped a beat listening to my husband’s complete name. I turned my gaze to the entrance and my eyes bulged like saucers while my heart broke into million pieces making me numb.

There stood my husband with a beautiful woman no less than a model, who is clinging to his left arm and whispering something in his ears.