Of all the places, why would Gautham choose Bangalore! I was scared about the 'what ifs?' what if we meet Kabir? What if he says something about the past? What if he makes up some story about me and him?
I woke up, stretched my arms and to my shock the bed was empty again. Where had he gone at six in the morning?
My phone beeped. It was Gautham's message and it read. 'I've gone out! Catch you at office!'
He had gone out? But, what came up so early? I really hoped that I wouldn’t see 'no Gautham' episodes again!
Chapter 25-My Bipolar Husband
Shakthi's pov
I was highly strung as I set foot in my cabin. Thinking about the Bangalore trip made me a nervous wreck!
My mom laughed her ass off when I told her that we chose Bangalore. Bangalore was not a place for honeymoon!! But, that was the nearest place that Gautham could think of and I just couldn't come up with anyhting near and better.
To divert myself, I drowned myself in work!
***
Just when I decided to join Ankitha at her cabin for lunch, she came to mine. "I was just coming to your cabin!" I exclaimed
She laughed. "looks like I beat you to it!" she said as she took the duo seat which was meant for informal meets, that was at the corner of my cabin.
"You sure did!" I replied as I joined her.
"How is your Dad?" she asked.
"Good for now, I guess," I said and she hugged me, almost crushing my bones.
We started eating when the thought hit me! Was Gautham back? Or was he stuck somewhere else?! I just hoped I wasn’t going home to an empty house tonight.
"Are things good between you and Gautham??" She loved getting straight to the point.
"Uh..yea!" I said doubtfully.
" Tell me!" she asked, knowing I was hiding something.
"Gautham left before I could wake up and this is scaring me! I don't want to have a repeat of those dreadful three weeks of my life!"
" Relax, babe!!” She rubbed my shoulders, trying to ease the tension.
"You have no idea Ankitha! It felt like a mental institution to me! It was so tough to live like that!" I said, trying to make her understand.
"Did he say that he will return?" she asked to which I nodded.
"So go and check in his cabin!" she suggested.
"Easy for you to say! But it would seem like spying!"
"So, are you going to stay worked up until you reach home?"
"This would actually be nothing compared to what will be coming up next week!" I said, thinking of Bangalore.
"Anything special?" she asked curiously.
"My mom wants me and Gautham to go on a honeymoon and I can't avoid it due to my father's health!" I mused.
"Wow!!” she said happily.
"I know! But, there is nothing to be happy about!" I said glumly.
"Shakthi, it is your honeymoon! You have a great chance to know more about him! After all what he has done for you, I think he is one hell of a guy!"
I would totally agree with the last part, but definitely not the first! But, getting to know him more wasn't a bad idea. "You are right!" I sighed.
"And don't just stop with that! Make babies!!!" she winked.
I would love to have babies! But for now, with Gautham was a big NO -NO!
"You know it won't happen!"
"Let's see!!" she smirked.
"So, where are you going??" she asked.
"Bangalore!" I said, annoyed at our choice of place.
She laughed.
"That's enough." I said, trying to be angry.
"Have you applied for your leave??" she raised.
"I haven't."
" Ask Gautham to do it and use this as a reason to check if he has come back."
"Wow! You really do have brains!"
"You are talking to a Chartered Accountant." she boasted.
"I thought I was one as well," I said.
"Okay! You are talking to a Chartered Accountant and wife for three years." She chuckled.
"That, I can accept!" I said.
***
I stood outside Gautham's cabin.
Stop overthinking it. It is nothing. You can do it!
I cracked the door a little open. It wasn't locked! So, he was there.
I heard Gautham's voice. "Yea, I just met Natasha this morning and-" I guess he sensed someone opening the door because he stopped talking.
So he had gone to meet a woman!
When I opened the door fully, I saw another man sitting opposite to Gautham. He turned to look. It was Karan.
"Hey, Shakthi!" Karan smiled. But, I sensed something wrong with Gautham. He was distressed. Frustration and anxiety was written all over his face.
"Err... Guess I came at the wrong time! "I said, turning on my heels to leave.
"Sure, you did!" Gautham lashed out.
Ouch! That hurt!
He needn't do this in front of Karan!
I silently opened the door to leave and just then I heard Karan. "Shakthi! Where are you going?"
"My cabin," I answered.
"It's not you who should leave!" he said and silently walked out of the room.
"So tell me! What are you here for?" Gautham asked rudely.
"Learn some manners on the first place!" I said.
"Well, in that case, you should learn a few as well!" he said. "You should've knocked on the door!" he said.
"Do you charge for your lecture?" I taunted.
"Oh! Stop it! Tell me! What brought you here?" he asked, sitting in front of his laptop. I felt like a piece of trash!
"You know what? Coming here was a terrible idea, like marrying you!" I said, banging the table with my hand.
I didn't give him a single second to reply. I left, slamming his cabin door shut.
I sauntered to my cabin.
Forget about going on a honeymoon, I was not even going home today! I didn't deserve this! Why should he humiliate me in front of a third person? Why should he be mad at me without any reason? Why should I go to a house where I am not respected?
But, where else would I go? I could go to meet my parents. I could just make up some excuse. But, I would not be able to stay there for more than a day, especially with my mom trying to chase me away.
I couldn't disturb Ankitha! She had a family, unlike me!
Why did my situation become like this? I was a burden to everyone around me!
I tried to focus on my work when I was interrupted by my phone ringing. It was Ankitha.
"You've got to tell me!! How did it go? Is he back?" she asked, excited.
"Ankitha! You won't believe what happened! He met some woman called Natasha this morning! I heard that when I opened the door! His best friend was there along with him and Gautham had to snap at me right in front of him! That guy decently walked away! And God knows for what he was reacting this way! It was starting to creep me out! I felt like a piece of shit!" My voice started to break.
"I am coming!" she said and the next moment the door to my cabin flew open.
"Shakthi! I am so sorry! I shouldn't have suggested that idea! It is my fault entirely!" she said, feeling guilty.
"You were just trying to help me out! It was Gautham's." I pulled her into a hug.
"Why is he treating you this way?" she probed.
"If I knew the reason, I wouldn't be standing in front of you, right now!"
"You have a point! I feel like punching him in his gut, right now!!!" she ranted.
I giggled " Thank you for being there!" I felt really grateful for what she did.
***
I crossed the threshold of my home!
After refreshing myself, I sat in front of the television, hoping that it would help me relax. Even television started to lack excitement. I decided to cook something to fill up my hungry stomach.
While cooking, I heard the front door unlock. It seemed like Gautham was back.
"Shakthi!" I heard him bellow.
He stil
l sounded angry. But, I was not going to put up with this.
I decided not to answer him.
"Shakthi!! Where the hell are you?" he yelled at the top of his voice.
I remained oblivious to him and continued with my work!
"There you are!!" he said, sighing a breath of relief.
I chopped my onions.
"Get dressed! We have somewhere to go!" he ordered.
"I am not going anywhere, with you!" I said, looking up at him.
"Stop being tough and get dressed!" he ordered again.
"You are the one who wants a favor! So behave!!" I snarled.
"Shakthi!! Now you are starting to annoy me!" he said.
"Oh yea?? Then why bear with me?? Divorce is always an option."
Chapter 26-Twisting the Knife
"Oh yea?? Then why bear with me?? Divorce is always an option." He was the one who was raising my hackles.
I sensed his jaw tightening! To hell with his anger!
I felt his strong arms pull me by my hand. He twisted it behind my back which made me yelp. "Gautham! It hurts!! Let go of me!"
"You should've thought of that before you opened your mouth!"
"Please!!" I begged.
"Agree to come with me, then I will let go of you!"
"Fine! I accept! Now leave me!"
He let go. "I want you to wear this!" He handed me the cover.
I took it and stomped across the kitchen to my room. This time, it was the room upstairs!
"Get prepared for the night of your life, Gautham." I said to myself and went to get changed.
The dress that he had bought was a red off shoulder dress which stopped an inch below my knee. It clung on to my body like my second skin. It enhanced my curves at the right places. It revealed much, but didn't reveal anything. He really had made a careful choice in selecting this dress.
Was he taking me to some party?
If he was, I really want to make myself look a little presentable, not for his sake, but for myself!
I side braided a part of my hair and let the hair fall open on my shoulders.
I did my makeup, and used a smoky red lipstick to match my dress.
I had a final look at myself in the mirror!! For the first time my makeup and the dress really bore fruits! I do look sexy! No harm in appreciating myself when I know that this happens only once in a blue moon.
I finally chose a pair of red stilettos and marched to the hall, expecting to see Gautham dressed up as well.
Oh my God!!! What was I seeing?? I was spell bound.
Gautham was in a black tuxedo and he looked like a Greek god. I was drooling at the sight in front of me! He looked tall and dangerously handsome with his hair all gelled up and it gave a perfect bedroom look. He looked smoking hot.
Shakthi, did you forget? He humiliated you and you are drooling over him? Shut it up.
He was busy working on his phone. The hall was silent apart from my stilettos clattering against the floor.
He lifted his head from his phone and his eyes roamed over my body, making me mindful of what I was wearing!
I tried to even out my breathing and I choked when his piercing grey eyes caught mine. I quickly took my phone and pretended to type away to avoid his intense gaze.
"Shall we leave??" he asked when I approached.
"Like I have a choice," I scoffed.
After a silent drive, we arrived to The Taj Sheraton! Why am I here??
Gautham handed over his key to the valet and we walked into the lobby.
"Hey, buddy!!" a man in a green tux said, pulling Gautham into a hug.
"Hi Sam!!" Gautham said, hugging him back.
"So, who is this beautiful lady you have here?" he said, giving me a flirty smirk.
Gautham put his arm around my waist and pulled me closer. "She's my wife!" he said.
"Hello gorgeous!" he said. His eyes roamed over my body.
Gautham's grip tightened.
I was going to make him jealous for humiliating me.
"Uh..Hi!" I greeted him.
"I am Sam! Gautham's friend from high school!" he said.
"Oh. I am Shakthi!" I said, shaking his hand.
"Nice name! I really like it!"
"Thanks!" I smiled back.
"Hey, Gautham!!" A woman approached, in a full black gown with a sweetheart neckline clinging to her body and a slit at the side of her gown revealing her legs.
"Hey, Sonia!" Gautham said, removing his hand from my waist.
Sonia hugged him. Did his friends even know that Gautham was married and I was his wife??
"Happy Wedding Anniversary" Gautham wished her.
"Thank you!!" she said, pulling out of the hug. "And thank you so much for making it to my party."
"That's no problem!" Gautham glared at me. Why was he glaring at me?
"Excuse me?? Do I know you??" she asked me.
"She is Gautham's wife!!" Sam said.
"Oh! Wow! Really?" She shrieked and hugged me.
"I am Sonia!" she introduced herself.
"I am Shakthi!" I said with a broad smile plastered on my face.
"Gautham, why didn't you tell me that you were married?"
"Shakthi, why don't you get a drink or something?" Gautham said and before I could even reply, he walked away with Sonia.
I angrily walked to the mocktail section and ordered myself an orange squash and sipped on it. I wondered why he wouldn’t tell his friends he was married.
I was starting to feel uncomfortable. I could feel someone staring at me. I looked around and I saw a man in a black tux, dressed the exact same way as Gautham. He looked smart and his eyes were stuck on me. A devilish smirk appeared on his face when he realized that I was checking him out.
I averted my gaze and searched for Gautham. He was surrounded by a group of women. He was openly flirting with them.
***
Soon Sonia and her husband started to give ' I can't live without you' talks. The air was filled with all the alcohol and love. Even Gautham took a swig of champagne.
The music filled the room and everybody started to dance.
Suddenly, I felt someone pulling me by my arms. I looked up and it was the man who kept staring at me. "Want to dance?" he asked and his hands were still on my arms.
I looked around for Gautham. He was talking with another woman who was again flirting with him and her hands were constantly touching him.
"Yea! Sure!"
He pulled me by my waist to the dance floor. The dance was first slow and soothing. He had his hands tightly enveloping my waist and I held him by his shoulders.
"You look beautiful!" he said.
I felt myself blush at that comment "Thanks!"
He pulled me closer to him. His chest lightly brushed mine and it felt disgusting. His hands were all over me.
I tried to pull away but he didn’t let me. I was waiting for the song to get over so that I could leave. To hell with making Gautham jealous, I wanted to get out of this disgusting man's arms.
Suddenly, I felt another pair of strong arms pulling me. It was Gautham. I silently thanked God, but I wasn't going to let my face show that.
"What the-" I cried out
"We are leaving!" His eyes were red with anger.
***
Just when Gautham was about to enter his room, I stopped him "What was that??"
"I should ask you that!" he snarled
"What!! What did I do??"
He took fast and quick strides towards me and held me tightly by my arms "Looks like you really enjoyed his touch."
His grip hurt. "Gautham!" I pulled out of his grip.
"You don't like my touch?" he ridiculed.
"You weren't touching me! You were hurting me!" I rubbed my arm.
"Cut the crap!" he finished, walking away.
"Crap! Oh yes! I am!"
"Glad you realize it!" he said, shutting the bedroom door in my face.
Chapter 27-The Silent Treatment
/> Gautham's POV
How dare she? She was in another man's arms in front of my eyes! It was killing me! Doesn't she expect me to even react?
I locked the door, not wanting her to come and join me on the bed. But the moment I locked it, I unlocked it. A part of me had a hope that she would eventually come and sleep with me.
I removed the coat, loosened my tie and crashed on the bed. I was too tired to change. Starting with the meet up with Natasha, till the party, had me completely exhausted.
Natasha was already giving me a rough time! She was hell bent on making me divorce Shakthi and I stood there helpless, accepting her conditions!
Shakthi didn't make it any easier! It was not like I loved her! But, I definitely care for her! She had already become a major part of my life and I just can't bear the thought of hurting her.
Separating would be a major blow, and considering her father's health, Shakthi would never forgive me!
I was a mess, a total mess! First it was Natasha and now Shakthi won't stop annoying me! The image of Shakthi and that creepy man dancing, made my anger shoot up! He was all over her! She was mine, just mine!
***
The images of the night of the accident kept replaying in my head! Guilt consumed me! Natasha was suffering because of me! How could I do such a thing??
Suddenly the images were replaced by Shakthi dancing with another man and she was demanding a divorce. Betrayal after betrayal.
It was just five in the morning, but I'd rather stay awake than have such nightmares!
I went to the kitchen to make myself a cup of coffee.
I saw Shakthi making her cup of Milo.I adore the way she enjoys every sip of it! She hated caffeine, but her coffees are super tasty!
"Good morning!" I muttered. I really wanted to forget what happened yesterday and start afresh! I really did. But the thought of another man touching her made me angry!
She didn't reply.
"Good morning!!" I said a bit louder.
She looked up and her eyes met mine. She was hurt and I was the reason! Gautham, you screwed up big time!
She silently took her cup of Milo and walked upstairs.
I sighed and went to make my cup of coffee. But, it was already there near the coffee machine. She had made it for me. How would I live without her?
***
I was ready to leave for work .I came to the dining and it was set with all the dishes.
I'm All Yours Page 10
