♡Roshni's POV♡

People say sharing of happiness, increases the joy and sharing of sorrow, reduces the pain.

They are right.

It does make a good difference and you feel better.

Actually you feel like dancing with the pillow, singing with a hair brush and jumping on the bed or couch.

This is how I am feeling from the past week.

After the emotional moment between us a week back, I have started talking to him more. Usually he initiates the conversation, but now even I do. We have talked about everything good or bad past, present and even future.

He listens to me, never judges and always consoles me. Something which only my three Musketeers gave me in my whole life.

My three Musketeers. He invited them the other night with Harry, Naveena's husband to give the gifts we got from Goa. We girls enjoyed soft drinks and snacks in our bedroom in privacy. While he and Harry had beer in the living room before we had dinner together. The boys kind of clicked instantly as they both loved football.

Typical boys.

Then during the weekend, we had a dinner with his family on Saturday night to give the gifts. Plus, he wanted me to mingle with his family for their happiness, which he said, they are expecting from me.

And I didn't mind as his family is an ideal family. They accepted me into the family without an ounce of hesitation.

Sourav and Alia teamed up with me to tease Gaurav, so he fake cried over Mahek's shoulder, who was alone defending him, while their parents literally enjoyed the show with popcorn.

And Ayaan was a complete different level of enjoyment. The kid didn't leave my lap the whole time and giggled whenever I talked or played with him.

Though it gave us playful suggestions to give Ayaan a cousin, preferably girl and enter into the beautiful journey of parenthood. We dodged the suggestion and informed that we wish to give ourselves some time before taking the next step.

But I know, it will not happen. So, here came the future planning of adopting a child by lying to everyone that I can't conceive. Yet, it a worry of the future, so the discussion was left in the midway.

And I won't lie that I didn't want the family dinner to end. I was thoroughly enjoying the time and his parents hugged me before we left. He observed my happiness and promised to arrange a dinner at our home soon.

Then on Sunday, Jay and Durga planned to go for a movie, where I teased Gaurav with sexual jokes for the first time.

Yes, I have become that comfortable with him now.

Actually, my naughty cousin got some "sexy" dresses as wedding gift when she got to know that Gaurav lives alone and we will have complete "privacy" in the home.

So, I wore the off-shoulder knee length dress and because he has always seen me covered from neck to ankle, it was shocking for him. 

His eyes remained for a good minute when he saw me first, but not in an uncomfortable way. He was just surprised. Still, I teased him by asking if he needs a cold shower or should I carry Jerry's pepper spray for my safety.

He played along and wrapped his arm around my waist to pull me closer before suggesting to ditch his friends and take me to the bedroom.

We laughed, teased and enjoyed the time together. However, I got some nasty stares from some boys in the movie theatre and restaurant, so he glared at them and held my hand to give them a silent warning.

But he never said a word that I shouldn't have worn something, which could attract such attention. My ex always fought on my clothing style, even though I never wore something too short or revealing. But he forced to wear full length and loose clothes, so it doesn't outline my body structure. Even sleeveless tops infuriated Danish.

When I shared the same with Gaurav later after returning home, he asked me to wear what I am comfortable with and not think of other's opinion.

I wish, Danish had even 5% of Gaurav's maturity.

But if he had then I would have missed the opportunity to befriend Gaurav and that is something, I hate to think now.

His talks, company, dramatic greeting with "Your Majesty" and soothing words are a part of my daily routine now. I feel, my day hasn't come to an end till I don't get a dose of each thing.

But I haven't been selfish. I cook variety of dishes for him in every meal and ask for his whereabouts after he returns from office. Thanks to my knowledge of foreign exchange because of joining Papa's business, I help him with the paperwork, so he can sleep early.

I make him share his bad memories and offer comfort with words or hug. I got to know, the first love making with Tanushree was a drunken mistake. He wanted to wait till the marriage and decided to not repeat. But she insisted as they already had done it.

He was seriously blind in love to not see that she was using him and never reciprocated his feelings.

But I didn't comment much in fear to hurt him. Seeing him vulnerable and disheartened was the worst sight on the God's green, but slowly polluting planet earth.

And we played pranks on each other.

Once he was teasing me with sexual jokes as I entered the bedroom when he exited the bathroom in a towel.

So, I added dry mango powder to his vanilla pancakes and salt to his glass of water.

In revenge, he stole the house keys from my purse and I stood 3 hours at the staircase, waiting and cursing him under my breath.

Since then, pranks and teasing are a daily routine.

Today, we have decided to go out for a romantic candle light dinner.

Yes, a romantic candle light dinner.

I never went to one in my life, which I shared with him as my ex had more excuses than time for me. So, he offered to satisfy my hidden cravings and I agreed. It was an innocent wish and we were willing to make the other happy.

Plus, today I get to withdraw my pocket money, which Papa gives me each month. So, I will pay for the dinner tonight, after all we had promised to put equal efforts then why not contribute with money as well.

As I am making my way to Papa's office in the bus, I get Navu's call and I greet her after pressing the answer button, "Morning Navu."

She yells in excitement, "Baby coo, Harry got promotion yesterday."

I smile at the information, while congratulating her, but then realise, what she exactly said and I tease her, "He got promotion yesterday and you are informing me now. What were you doing last night? Was someone being naughty?"

I can imagine her cheeks turning red and giggle as she stammers, "No...we were having family dinner....that's it."

I laugh louder because I know, last night they didn't just had a family dinner. So, I open my mouth to tease her further, but she cuts me off, "Leave that and listen to me, tomorrow come with Gaurav to my place for dinner."

I decide to tease her tomorrow in person and inform, "I will ask him and confirm to you by late evening." 

Then she comments in a shocked tone, "You will ask? Now that's a miracle."

I frown at her words and voice my doubt, "What are you saying?"

She replies as I stand to get down on my stop, "The girl, who had taken an oath after her break-up that she will not ask for permission or become an obedient robot for a man. She was determined to never be ruled by anyone. Today, she is going to ask a 'man' for just a dinner at friend's place. Isn't it a miracle?"

I roll my eyes as I start walking towards the office building and explain, "Sweetheart, I am not asking permission for the dinner. I am just going to ask if he can come or not because he returns home after 9 pm."

Then she questions, "You think, I can't understand your intentions just because I can't see you? I can read your mind and heart even with a message, Baby Coo."

I roll my eyes again in annoyance before clarifying, "You are overthinking, Navu. I will never allow him to control my life or decisions."

She explains after a sigh, "It is not controlling your life or decisions. Maybe my words were not spoken properly, but what I meant was-"

I interrupt her, "I have reached office, so I will talk to you later and confirm whether he is coming or not. But I am coming and that's final."

She again tries to explain, "Don't be so hard on yourself for including him in your life. He has proven to be a perfect guy and it's good that you are moving on."

I states with a sigh, "We are only trying to be friends so we can live under the same roof without awkwardness. There is nothing else."

She justifies, "So, asking or taking suggestion from a friend shouldn't be an issue, right? You do the same with me, Jinal and Surithi as well."

I sigh again and agree to dismiss the topic, "Ok fine, now I am going to office. Bye."

I disconnect the call before she can say anything and continue to walk towards the elevator with her earlier words.

It can't happen, I will never allow him to control my life even if he has never hurt me.

I will not be ruled by anyone. Never.

#

After completing the given work for the day, I move towards the cabinet where the ATM cards, cheque book, passbook and all bank related stuffs are kept.

But I find the cabinet locked?

Papa never locks it because I am always here to avoid any outsider to steal anything. Only when I don't come or go out for work, he locks it.

I turn around and find Papa making his way towards his desk to sit. So, I walk closer to ask, "Papa, why is the cabinet locked?"

Then he faces me with a death glare as if I asked him to plan a nuclear attack on Sujay.

I raise my eyebrows and he demands, "What do you want from that cabinet?"

I answer him after a sigh, "It's 10th today, so I want to withdraw my pocket money."

He demands with a frown, "Why? Gaurav doesn't give you money?"

I open my mouth to answer, but immediately shut back as a realisation hits me.

No ways. He won't do that.

I clear my throat and answer his earlier question, "Gaurav does give me money, but-"

He interrupts harshly, "Then why do you want more money?"

I reason in a small voice, "I don't need more money, I am just withdrawing the same amount of pocket money as I am doing since 3 years for the work, I perform for you."

He reasons in a stern tone, "Work? A handful of tasks doesn't count under work, Roshni. That's your responsibility and I gave you money earlier because you didn't do a job. Now you have your husband to take care of your expenses. You are his responsibility."

I am his responsibility? No, I am not.

I take a deep breath and explain, "Papa, I will withdraw only INR 10,000 for my personal expenses and the work I am doing here is not just a handful of tasks, it takes my entire day sometimes."

He stands before raising his voice at me, "If I have given you more work some days then I have given you facilities as well. I didn't just take care of your basic needs since childhood, I have bought so many things for you. Do I need to remind you, the first ever touch screen phone in the family was owned by you? You liked the auto transmission car, so I purchased that instead of manual one?"

Of course, he got the MATERIALISTIC THING I wanted.

The car was his status symbol for showing off to the clients, the first touch screen and other electronics to make me technologically advanced enough to help in his work.

Damn! I am so greedy, he has got me so many THINGS.

So, what if he didn't pat my head on that night after breakup and didn't utter consoling words instead of offering money with flat. It's fine for not receiving emotional and happy moments, not having a shoulder to cry and a ear to listen what my heart feels, to stay alone in your room and finding solace in writing by expressing my feelings in words rather than voice.

My parents has given me so many things like a baby is given toy to forget about his/her parents, so they can work. I am their baby after all.

Before I can think more, his next words shook me to the core, "Thank God, I changed the ATM and mobile banking pin with net banking password. Otherwise you would have transferred the money to your new account."

Yes, I have a new bank account after marriage with the new surname because the previous one was connected to his business. So, he denied to change my surname there by submitting an affidavit, which can allow me to use my old surname for transactions.

I didn't think the reason was his trust issue, so signed the papers without a word of objection, which he gave during the pagphere lunch.

Then he continues, breaking my heart further, "If Gaurav came to know, you still have complete access to our bank accounts then he might take advantage of the situation. It is better if Ruchi takes over the finance related work and safeguard my hard earned money."

I have actually nothing to say or rather I don't want to say.

One, he raised his voice and two, he accused me. These two things are most hurtful for me and I have always failed to fight back or argue.

My father claims to understand people because of his working experience of 32 years, where he meets new people every other day. He claims to read the person's mind with a handshake and small introduction. Yet he fails to understand his own daughter.

I will join hands with Gaurav and steal his money? My father's?

I can't stay here anymore. After years of dedication and loyalty, following commands and accepting every duty if I am still accused for something so cheap then I better don't waste my energy in defending myself.

Yes, the husband has to take wife's responsibility after marriage and my parents don't know about our arrangement. Plus, I don't mind working without money.

But changing the password and locking the cabinet, so I don't steal their money? Am I really their daughter?

I bite my lip to not cry and force the words from my mouth in a normal tone, "You are right, Gaurav needs to take care of my expenses and Ruchi can take care of your finance related work. I am done with my work for today. I will see you tomorrow."

I grab my bag hurriedly, wanting to leave the place as soon as possible. I feel suffocated here. 

I have barely reached the door, when Papa calls my name and I turn around to find him, removing his cheque book and signing a cheque.

Did he change his mind?

He comes closer with the cheque and instructs, while giving to me, "Go to Arun's shop and give him the cheque. Sujay wants the new Samsung phone, but can't find there, so take the phone and courier to him now."

Of course!

I take the cheque, while holding the urge to laugh hard on my fate.

Sujay lives at Gujarat and whenever he can't get anything there, he asks Papa to courier him. Papa always fulfils his wish and pays from his pocket because that's HIS responsibility.

My father can take his nephew's responsibility, who's parents are alive, healthy and still working. But not mine, who has nobody.

He doesn't trust Gaurav with his money, but he trusted him with me, his daughter, his blood?

God must have be angry the day, he wrote my life story. Or as the superstitious people say, sins of the past life comes to settle scores in the present one.

But now the problem is how will I manage my personal expenses?

#

I sit on the bed and glance at the money, I own.

INR 15000. My savings and the cash envelopes I have received, during the marriage functions as gift.

How long will I manage my personal expenses with the limited finds?

I can't even do a job with Papa's work still in my hands and depending on Gaurav is out of the question. He is already taking care of entire household and kitchen expenses, which makes me guilty sometimes to not contribute.

I sigh as I glance at the electronic safe, placed inside the wardrobe and chuckle bitterly. The safe has property papers of Gaurav's home and office, his savings bank account's cheque and pass book, investment documents and a heavy amount of cash.

Yet he didn't hesitate or fear to share the password. He allowed me to keep my jewellery and savings here, plus asked to use the money in case of need or emergency.

But Papa....I don't even want to talk about it.

How can Papa treat me in this way? Was I ever disloyal to him?

I am pulled out of my thoughts when I hear the doorbell. Keeping the money back inside the safe, I lock it and straighten the bed-sheet before rushing to open the door.

He greets me dramatically with a bow, which is a daily routine now, "Your Majesty."

I force a smile and turn to walk inside as I hear the door closing sound, followed by his footsteps. Then he informs, "I have booked a table in the Chinese restaurant for our candle light dinner."

My steps halt at his words as I forgot about our dinner plans and turn around to apologise, "I am sorry, but can you please cancel the reservation. I had a tiring day at office and made dinner, so I can sleep early."

He raises his eyebrows before asking, "You have made dinner? What did you make?"

I answer, "Cucumber sandwiches and tomato soup."

He chuckles before commenting, "Wow! What a delicious alternative to the restaurant's Chinese food, Your Majesty. I am sure, even the patients would feel envious of us."

I don't reply to his teasing words and turn to make my way towards the kitchen for serving our dinner. I just want to finish the dinner and sleep or else my emotions will take a control over my heart then I will end up doing something regretful.

When I am upset plus anger, then I am most unpredictable person on the God's......green.....slowly.....God's.....

I am just unpredictable.

I hear him, cancelling the reservation over the phone as I serve soup in two bowls. Then he enters the kitchen and snatches the bowls from my hands to place aside. He holds my right hand and start dragging me to the living room.

Making me sit on the couch, he falls to his knees and asks, "What happened?"

I shake my head and avoid his piercing gaze, while answering, "Nothing."

He holds my chin, forcing me to face him and states, "Nothing? Roshni, you were smiling and giggling in the morning when I left. But now you are upset and I can sense that. You neither giggled after my greeting nor teased me back on my comment."

He stares into my eyes for a brief moment and asks politely, "What did your father say?"

I shake my head and move my hand to remove his from my chin. I am not sharing my problems with him.

Navu's words have made me realise that I am allowing him to control my life, which will only cause problems for me in the future. I don't want to repeat my mistakes and hurt myself again.

So, I am not allowing it henceforth.

I am pulled out of my thoughts by his words, "Why are you crying? What happened, Roshni?"

I frown, moving my hand to feel my left cheek is wet. Great, I am again crying in his presence.

How much I want to run away from here, from him!

I push him away and stand, while announcing, "I am just tired and going to sleep. Your dinner is placed on the kitchen island, so have it."

Before I can even take a step towards the bedroom, his hand grabs mine and I am pulled back to sit on the couch. I glare at him for forcing me and struggle to release my wrist from his grip.

But he tightens his hold and informs, "I am not leaving your hand until you share, what has happened?"

I continue to glare at him and feel my patience is reducing before I snap, "What the hell is your problem? Can't you just eat the dinner and go to sleep on your damn bed?"

He repeats, "My bed?"

I don't reply and he leans closer before asking, "I thought, we have passed the phase of you and me?"

I succeed in releasing my wrist and retort, "Why? Why do we need to pass this 'you and me' phase? Are we a couple? No, we are just roommates and agreed to be friends, so that we can tolerate each other under the same roof. This is nothing, but an adjustment, so stop trying to control my life. And now stop irritating me with your questions, so I can sleep."

Pushing him aside, I stand to storm inside the room when he asks, "So, whatever we have developed over the last two weeks after living together is just a way to tolerate each other, an adjustment?"

His voice is dripping with pain and making me guilty to voice out such harsh words to him. It isn't his fault, it's mine and I need to find a solution.

He has already helped me in many ways without even asking and how I am returning the favour? I am misbehaving with him when he doesn't even know what has happened today. He doesn't deserve to be mistreated.

See, I want to keep my distance and not allow him to rule me, yet he manages to control me and my thoughts.

I feel his hands, grabbing my arms to pull me back and pressing my back to his front. His hands move to my shoulders and gives a gentle squeeze, making me close my eyes in response.

He whispers, "I know, something is hurting you and you are purposely pushing me away. But isolating yourself will never solve any problem. I am here to listen and help you, Roshni. Tell me, what has happened?"

I open my eyes, only for the tears to escape from them unintentionally before turning around to wrap my arms around his neck. I cry in his arm after I feel his one arm goes to encircle around my waist and his other hand, stroking my hairs gently.

I stammer in-between my sobs, "Papa...papa thinks I will....will...."

I fail to voice the words further, but he doesn't pressurize and allows to cry in his arms. His fingers dive into my hair and massages my scalp in a soothing manner.

I subconsciously clench his shirt in my fists and he provides the silent comfort till I let go of each tear that I was holding back since evening.

#

I share each and every word of my father as we sit on the couch with his arm around my shoulder. We fell into complete silence and I play with my fingers as different negative thoughts cloud my mind.

My day has turned from happy to sad in just a few hours.

Then he breaks the silence, "I will not comment on your father's words because I am still unaware of many facts, concerning your relation with your family. But you don't have to worry about anything, I will take care of your expenses."

I stare at him in bewilderment. Did he just say that?

I shift away, causing him to release my shoulder and demand, "Why will you take care of my expenses? I am not your wife in real sense, this is an arrangement and we are only roommates."

He sighs before taking my hand in his and explains, "Yes, this is an arrangement. But you are my legally wedded wife and that makes you, my responsibility."

I snatch my hand back from his hold before standing to clarify the situation, "Just because we are legally married, I don't become your responsibility. I can take care of myself, so don't consider me as a charity case and show sympathy."

He stands to demand, while losing his patience, "Charity case? Sympathy? Roshni, do you even realise how you are presenting yourself? I have always treated you with respect and I am taking your responsibility because if today, you are facing this situation than it's fault. I proposed you for the marriage with an explanation, which convinced you. I snatched the opportunity from your hands to find a right guy and settle with him."

I don't reply and he grabs my arm before adding, "If you had to give up on the real marriage for this arrangement then it's my fault. So, you are my responsibility."

I take a step back and release my arm from his hold before denying, "No, I am here in the arrangement because I agreed, so I am not your responsibility."

He moves closer to grab my arm again, but I take another step back and he requests, "Let's talk over this situation tomorrow morning. You are exhausted with the day's events. Ok?"

I again deny with raised voice, "No, we are not having this discussion tomorrow. This is just an arrangement and I am not allowing you to control my life. So, stay out of it."

Without giving him a chance to reply, I turn around and run towards the guest room. I lock the door after entering and fall on the bed over my stomach.

Fresh tears escape from my eyes and I cry, while hugging the pillow tight to my chest.

I will not allow him to control my life.

I will not be ruled by anyone.

I am not HIS RESPONSIBILITY.

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

That's all for now.....will update next part as soon as possible.....hope you liked this part, do give your reviews...till then Keep Smiling and Take Care

My contact details:

Wattpad Profile - @WriterAnisha_2307
Email- [email protected]
Hangout- [email protected]
Facebook - Anisha (Link - https://www.facebook.com/worldofanisha)
Twitter - worldofanisha
Instagram- Anisha_23_07