Married To A Stranger

Karthik Pov:

“Son, can I see her today?” Uncle asked, making me frown.

“Uncle, how many times do I’ve to tell you that you’re always welcome here? Sreesha would be more than delighted to meet you as you were the one who gave Tej an opportunity to achieve his dreams. Actually, she asked me many times to invite you for dinner. I didn’t mention it to you because I thought you were not ready yet. So, how about you come over for dinner today and get to know my lovely wife?” I said lightning the conversation.

“Really? She wanted to meet me and you’re telling me now? ” he yelled on the phone.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

“Sorry uncle, we’re just busy with the marriage arrangements and taking care of security at the same time. You do know the threats increased after we moved in, here right? I just want to make sure Sreesha would be safe when I was not around. And she kind of turned into a rebel these days” I said thinking about her antics these days. A smile spread on my lips unknowingly just by thinking about her.

How I wish I was with her right now?

“Stop daydreaming and talk to me Karthik” He tried to be stern, but it came out little amused with a hint of teasing.

“I’m not?” It came out more like a question.

“Next time you try to deny the fact, make sure you believe yourself and then try to answer others but not like questioning yourself. It’s not good for a businessman like you” he teased me further. What is it with everyone and teasing me? Yesterday the whole gang ruined our moments together. I just wanted to kick them out of the house or abduct my own wife from all those creepy people. So, I could spend some alone time with her. After shifting here, we’d to face lots of interruptions during our special bonding.

“I’m not, uncle. Don’t forget about dinner today night. I got to go inform about dinner to mom” and Sree I added inwardly.

“Okay son, I’m bored here. Tej was doing all my work just because my doctor suggested me to stay away from things that make me stress, unfortunately, he was there with me listening to all the instructions doctor was giving to me. I thought he would forget them, but he started taking care of me like my own son” he said a bit emotionally.

“That is the reason I suggested Tej, uncle. He’s not some irresponsible guy and he acts more than his age sometimes. There is a reason why I allow him… no more like taking suggestions from him about this whole stalker issue” I said feeling proud of him. It’s not his work to take care of my uncle but it’s Tej we’re talking about. I was very proud of him after learning from my dad that how hard he tried to support Sreesha in every step of her life from the beginning. I admire and envy him at the same time. When I was his age, I was winning hiding behind my mom as I don’t want to leave with my uncle to the US so he could train me.

Yes. He’s the one who trained me to be the best businessman. It is because of him; I learned to control my emotions and became a cold businessman. That was just the exterior mask but inside I’m still the same Karthik who used to be a nerd, a loner and a one-side lover who can’t express his feelings towards his love of life.

“Sir, I requested you to not attend office for a few days but still you’re here? Do you think I can’t handle this meeting without you?” I snapped out of my thoughts hearing Tej’s voice on the other line and uncle’s frustrated sigh.

“I was bored in that empty house, kid. It’s not like you would be there with me every day.” Uncle said.

“If you don’t mind, I can stay with you for a few days so that you won’t feel lonely” its Tej. Where the hell did, he get the guts to talk to Jayanth Thakur that way?

“Really? You want to stay with me?” no words exchanged for a few seconds “then I’m ready to take rest and will work from home if it is needed” my uncle added making me frown.

From when did he begin to take-offs from work? From when he started to listen to his employees? From when he gave in to someone’s requests or orders? Damn! This boy must have done a great job winning his heart.

“Uncle, I’m still online,” I said trying not to sound awkward. There is a throat-clearing on the other line.

“Ah… yes son. I’ll see you in the evening. Do you mind if I bring Tej with me?” He said awkwardly.

“Not at all, uncle. Sree would be delighted to meet you and Tej” I told him honestly. With that, I ended the call and informed mom about the dinner and asked her Sree’s whereabouts. As usual, she was out with Anju to finalize decorations for the engagement ceremony.

I left the office a little earlier so I could spend some time helping Sree in cooking. I miss the way we used to spend time in the kitchen helping each other… okay maybe teasing each other. But I miss the way we used to kiss in the middle of the house without caring about the world. But here, every time I tried to talk to her, someone would snatch her like a hawk.

When I entered the house the sight in front of me was… I just don’t know how to explain it. But this is what I wanted with her.

Sree is sitting on a couch with a baby in her hands. She was smiling at the baby like it is her own. Her features were more relaxed and radiant at the same time. Her smile was infectious, and happiness was evident on her face.

If it is the way she looks when we’d a kid for our self, I don’t mind having loads and loads of kids.

Hmm… Maybe we should try to create a mini cricket team for India.