Married To My Ex-Boyfriend

Chapter 9

"... Don’t give me the excuses okay. You have to do the work if you want to keep your job or else I can find another freelancer for it" I said slamming the phone down.

Ashwini, my junior c*m assistant c*m intern c*m only-employee-of-mine was staring at me from the corner of her eye cautiously while still typing on her laptop vigorously.

"What?" I snapped at her in irritation.

"Nothing" she shook her head pushing her glasses to her eyes.

I rolled my eyes and she sighed. "I thought" she cleared her throat, "after getting married you will be busier and involved in your personal life than in your profession. So..."

"My marriage is not filled with love and happiness. It was just a compromise" I replied looking into a resume on my laptop,

"Are you not happy?" She asked in concern

"No" the answer was instantaneous. But what ‘no’ was it? Was it a 'no I am happy' or 'no I am not happy'? But Ashwini took the later as the answer because her 'oh' was full of concern and disappointment.

I felt bad for Ashwini. Or was I feeling bad about someone else? Shiva, a voice whispered in my brain.

Am I in a bad mood because of him? If yes then why? Is it because I decided not to attend his party or is it because he suggested that I'd be checking out other men? Either case does he hold that much of importance in my life?

No. I gave my head a mental shake. It was Ashwini that I was feeling bad about. She is a hard worker and never complains about anything. She deserves a break. Suddenly a noble thought struck my brain. When there's a party with eligible bachelors then you don't hide your single friend in the office. You take her there and introduce her to the young cream of society.

"Hey!" I called out enthusiastically. She turned towards me with a smile, "there's a party at my house today. Why don't you join me now? We can go to your P.G and you can get dressed. Later we can head to the party" I said.

"Oh!" She said looking self consciously. "Should I come? I mean, you just said you are not happy with your husband and now this party...."

I shook my head, "he is throwing a party for his employees and I don't know anyone of them so.... ",

"Okay. I will be there if you want me to", she smiled and I smiled back with the intention of ensuring she has a good time.

*****

After she had a change of clothes and something to eat, we both moved towards my home.

My heart was beating violently as I took steps closer to the door.

Get a grip Maithili. Don't be a chicken! So what if you told him that you won't show up for his party. It's your home too. You can go in and out as you wish.

I rang the doorbell and a shirtless Shiva opened the door. As soon as he saw me, his eyes widened and he grinned. I glared at him in reply and pushed him out of the way.

"Hello sir," Ashwini said in a small voice. She must have guessed that she can't expect an introduction from me so she went ahead herself.

Thank Lord he was at least wearing his gym tracks. Or else.... am I jealous?

No. I shook my head. Ashwini can stare at his body as much as she wants. It's not like as if he has a great body or something..... Liar!

"When is the party starting?" I asked interrupting their conversation while I pulled out drink glasses from various boxes which came as wedding presents for us.

"People should start coming in, in another 45 minutes," he said. "I will go take a shower and come. Food will arrive soon. The money is on the refrigerator so get it", he left into his room

"Mits!" Ashwini whisper-yelled, "he is so nice. You know what he told me? He said that he was your boyfriend in college, is that true?"

"Yeah" I replied disinterested but my heart did skip a beat

"Oh, that's so sweet. Why didn't you tell me? And why did you say that you're not happy with him?" She asked genuinely surprised. Can I tell her? I haven't confided in anyone for a long time? Should I share the details of my past with her? Probably the only person whom I can call a friend?