his move

Mayukh POV:

Two days, they've been hell for me. It pains me more to ignore her than it hurts her, but I needed to. I was angry at her and I was scared I'd scar her by my anger. She hurt me by hiding her truth, her feelings about her class, her financial situation and her assumption that we need rich cars wherever we go.

I chose to stay away from her till my anger dies, I needed my space to sort things out. She needed to know that it hurt, I want her to realize herself.

When we reached here, I was so happy to have a house with my wife but seeing her reminds me of her conversation with her Mom and it ticks me off. So I kept my distance.

This morning, I saw her sleeping on the couch and my heart broke. I quickly put a blanket on her and told Juma aunty to make sure she eats. I then got her prescriptions from the doctor for her muscles, and I told aunty to add it in her tea today so that she has it. She was very suspicious but I showed her the doctor's message.

When she got up, I had already left, but aunty messaged me updates. I got mad that she didn't take the car but turns out the driver had gone to refuel and she left earlier so they missed each other.

Today I sat at home, she was going to work for the first day and I didn't want to miss that. I stayed in the hall and she walked in, she looked beautiful. A formal dress coming just above her knees. Full sleeves, skin tight, cream computed. She looked amazing. Her curves were seen. She gathered her stuff and stopped in front of me.

"I... I'm leaving. She hesitated. I hated that she's even more scared now.

I nodded, "Good luck."

I saw her face light up a little, "thanks."

She went to Juma Aunty, who gave her some curd and sugar for good luck, and she walked out of the house.

Juma Aunty came, "Couldn't you tell her yourself that you made the dahi sugar for her?"

"It's okay. She'll know." I smiled to myself.

I made my way to office after making sure she got to her place and got to work. When I had a break, I recalled everything that I overheard Nikita say. Middle class. Financial situation?

"Hey. Please send Shravan in my office." I announced on the telephone. He's my PI.

Within a minute, Shravan had arrived, "Yes Sir."

"Can you find out everything about Nikita Joshi's family?"

"Sure Sir, anything wrong?"

"Don't worry about that. Just tell me everything, financial status, jobs and everything."

"Okay Sir. Give me a few hours."

"One more thing, this should be as private as possible, only person you can discuss anything with is Armaan, okay?"

"Yes Sir."

Meanwhile I went on meetings and got to work. Mr Gerard, from IBM, messaged me to talk about our ongoing project and asked if I could come down to the office. Nikita's office. I sighed and agreed, since work comes first. I got ready in my rolled up sleeves white shirt and black formal pants. I made my way to the car with Armaan and we drove to IBM.

Upon reaching, we were guided in the meeting room by Sophia, and soon we were discussing. After an hour, I stepped out to attend a call when I stumbled upon Nikita's cabin.

Nikita Joshi, Data Analyst/Scientist

It made me happy to see her get what. I peeked in and watched her sitting and working on her laptop, focused deeply. She was talking to a few other people and they were looking too caught up in work. I walked ahead, after taking a picture of her on her first day. As I was walking ahead, her door opened and she stepped outside with a cup. I turned and she looked up and saw me. Her face blanked and her eyes widened.

"M...Mayukh..." she whispered.

"Sir." I said, keeping a straight face. I didn't want things to get suspicious and so I needed her to call me Sir, for now.

"Right." She whispered. I could tell she's hurt.

I didn't mean to hurt her this much, but she needs to stay herself in the office. Being associated to me would mean that she'd be bullied, her hard work will be labeled as 'my gift'. Plus, it would not look good that I married an intern, for both of us it's better to take it slow.

I checked my phone and saw Shravan's message: I have the details Sir. Sent them. Getting bank details in a few minutes.

I smiled to my phone and texted back:

I'm coming to the office with Armaan. Thanks.

I looked at her, who was just looking at me and looking down, and gave her a custom nod and then walked away quickly to see the information.

~•~•~•~

It was currently 2pm, when I was sitting with Armaan and Shravan, with the file in front of us.

"What did you find?" Armaan asked Shravan.

"Sir, she's 25 years. She studied in DHS and then attended UoH in Dubai. Then she came here for an internship with IBM where she's working.

"Yes yes, skip this!" I asked impatiently.

"Sorry Sir, so she has a brother who is in University of Bath. Her Dad has a job in a IT firm and her mom is an astrologer. Their money state isn't the best. Her dad earns 30,000 rupees and Mom earns around 15,000 monthly through consulting."

"Any debts?"

"Rahul's living and tuition comes to around 23,000 pounds monthly so they've taken a student loan which they're slowly repaying. The house they live in is also due for EMI, which they're doing very slowly. Nikita used her internship money to pay off her student loan."

"I see."

This is why she was so against that pooja. She's drowning in debts and we opted to organize a big one, rather than a small one, but why didn't they just tell us that they wanted it to be small?

"What else did you find?"

"Her university life wasn't the best. Her grades dropped in 2nd year due to some emotional stress, possibly her friends, as her friend Esha had mentioned. She has worked in part time jobs every year to gather some money."

"Show me her recent transactions." I asked.

"Sir, she spent Rs25,000 on a car rental agency in Indore, then she spent around £2,000 on a home deposit."

"A what?!"

"Home deposit Sir, in Garden Brooks. 10 minutes away from here."

"When did she make this deposit?"

"Sir, 1 hour ago, while you were reaching office."

I fumed. What does this mean? She's moving?!

"Do one thing. Talk to Garden Brooks, make them give her deposit back and tell them to tell her that the property is undergoing issues and she can't rent there currently. Likewise, whoever she calls, regarding house renting, give them some excuse."

"O...Okay Sir." He said, looking confused.

"I can't tell you everything right now Shravan, but don't worry."

"Sir..."

"You want to say something?"

"She... this girl, she had come to the office."

"What? When?"

"Yesterday, around afternoon."

"What did she say?"

"She didn't say anything. She came inside saying she wanted to meet someone, but then she walked away after a few minutes. She looked like she saw something and then left."

"Saw something and left?" Strange, "Okay don't worry about it. She's family so this is all out of concern, don't worry. Thank you Shravan. Take the rest of the day off now."

"Thank you Sir." He said and left.

I turned to Armaan, "She's dealt with a lot."

"Yep, and you're here ignoring her for God knows what reason." He replied.

"What?" How does he know?

"I saw you meet her and then completely ignore her in her office. You guys are married, officially, you know that, right?"

"I didn't want the office to know yet. They'll label her wrongly and it'll look bad for our deal."

"I understand that, but why were you ignoring her?"

"We had a fight." I said, half the story.

"Okay! Just letting you know, newly weds should not be fighting, don't increase the distance." He said.

"Why isn't she sharing her financial issues with me? I'd help her."

"Mayukh, it's easy for you to say, she's been dealing with it alone. She got married to you, yes, but there's already some poison that I'm 100% sure Riya has filled in her mind - which we need to get down to, so get Shravan here tommorow again - and her trust is already damaged. It's not easy for others, especially those who are way well off to them, to share their money issues. Many fear being mocked. I've had it too when we were young. You know that? I barely used to share stuff with you. It takes time, but maybe more with her because she's already broken in a lot of ways." He said.

He was making so much sense. Why didn't I see it this way? I just got mad at her... but what about the fact that she thought I'm just wanting a rich lifestyle always.

"Whatever you're feeling or thinking, whatever you might be assuming, ask her, because trust me, she cares a heck lot about you and hurting those around you." Armaan explained.

He was referring to the conversation I overheard, about Nikita saying she doesn't want to work because she felt she's breaking the family. This girl.

"Okay! I gotta head out! I'm meeting my girl!"

"Oh yes! I remember, see you, take care!" I gave him a side hug and watched him leave.

I sighed. She was so caught up in her finances. Why can't she just ask me? I'm right here! Ugh! I got mad at her but didn't think from her side, how difficult it must be for her to manage everything and have your life changed within a few weeks. I quickly got on a call.

"Hello. I'm here to talk about the EMI for the Joshi house. Alok and Yamini Joshi."

"Yes Sir."

"I'd like to cover the EMI remainder cost. How much is it?"

"Sir, it's 3Lakhs."

"Okay. Send me the bank details. You'll have it."

"Sir, who should I say is covering it?"

"Don't say anything. If they ask, tell them that Mayukh did it. Just Mayukh."

"Okay Sir. I have sent the bank details."

"Okay. Thank you. Hold on for a second."

I quickly transferred the remaining 3Lakhs and got back on the call, "Is it done?"

"Yes Sir. Thank you."

I cut the call and got into the next call.

"Hi. Is this Student Loan Bank?"

"Yes Sir. You are?"

"Mayukh. I'm here to ask about a student in the student of Bath. Rahul Joshi."

"Yes Sir he's here."

"How much loan is on his name currently?"

"Sir, around 10,000 pounds, he is graduating next year."

"So has this year's tuition been paid?"

"Sir, in total, only 1 year's tuition has been paid, the rest is coming in installments."

"Okay, so in total, assuming you've added the upcoming and the previous amount and the interest, how much is due?"

"Sir, that'll be 23,000 + 9000 living for his last year. That's 31,000, then 10,000 from last year, so that's 42,000 and adding the 5% interest total, the entire amount would be £50,000 due.

"Okay. Send me your bank account details."

"Will you be paying Sir?"

"Yes. The money should clear his account."

"We've sent it Sir."

"Okay stay on call." I transferred £50,000 and got back, "Is it done?"

"Yes Sir, we've received it. Thank you."

"Okay, thank you!"

I cut the call, happy with everything. Then, I decided to go home. While driving back, I thought of picking up chocolates for her. I smiled and got back home.

I reached to find the house empty, "Hello?"

I was greeted with barking, "Coco?" I asked.

Coco had moved with us since Aai Baba wouldn't always prefer having him around. I knelt down and played with him, "hey my boy, where is your Mamma?"

Coco wagged his tail, running around. I walked around to the kitchen where Coco indicated he wanted his food. I gave it and my eyes fell on a note on the fridge.

'Hi. I'll be at Esha's, Take care. Food is in the fridge.'

Esha's! "Chalo Coco, we're going for a drive!"

I picked him up and changed into cargos and a sweatshirt and started driving to Esha's. Within 10 minutes, we were outside her house.

I rang the bell and it was opened by Sid.

"Mayukh!!! bro! Heck of a long time!!" He said, hugging me. I hugged him back, "Come in, your wife is also with us!"

"I'm here for her only!" I teased.

We walked in and Coco ran to everyone. I reached the hall and found Esha and Nikita in conversation.

"Mayukh!!" Esha said and Nikita turned around. Her face becoming pale, "stay away from your wife thoda at least yaar!"

I chuckled and sat next to Nikita, she looked at me with confusion and fear, "Hey babe!" I said hugging her.

She stared at me confused, but then smiled and hugged me back, "Hey."

"We're watching a movie! Chalo!" Sid said.

We reached the cinema room and started watching. I sat next to Nikita, who was cuddled in a blanket on one of the couches. I sat next to her, "Will you share?" She looked at me in shock, and then gave me her blanket. I chuckled and took a bit and let her have the rest.

We watched the movie, but half the time I was only interested in seeing her. Her clipped up hair, her mangalsutra, her nose ring. She looked beautiful.

I checked my phone where I got constant missed calls from my in laws. I guess they found out.

"Hey guys! Work call, you carry on!" I said and excused myself. They nodded and continued.

I stepped outside and went into the balcony and called Aai back, "Hello!"

"Mayukh! What is this?" She said through the screen, "What's the money thing?"

"What do you mean Aai?" I replied innocently.

"Arrey, aapne kyu paise bhar diye? Why did you pay our loans, Mayukh?" She asked.

"Because I'm your son?" I said causally. When she didn't reply, I continued, "Come on Aai, I married your daughter 2 years ago, since then her troubles are mine and mine are hers. She doesn't share anything doesn't mean that they don't exist na? I'm sorry but I overheard Nikita getting irritated that day after the pooja, and I understood. I'm angry at her too, but I understand that it's difficult for you, and even her, to suddenly share all your financial issues with me. If anything, you not telling me says a lot about your character. You didn't run after money, but Aai... I'm here for you. All 4 of you, that's what we do. We live for each other."

"Beta...." She said through tears, "You're an angel in our lives. How do I thank you?"

"By not feeling guilty that I did this for you. If Nikita or Rahul did it, would you be guilty? No na?"

She shook her head.

"Because you expect them to, they're your kids. Am I not your kid too?" I asked.

She nodded in tears, "Yes you are."

"So then! Enough now. Live comfortably, without worrying about money. Tell kiddo also to stop working on the side and enjoy his last year of university. I'll call him anyway, but aap bhi bol do, it's his time to study."

She smiled through her tears, "Thank you beta."

"Aai, I don't want thank you. Tell Baba the same as well, okay?"

"Okay. He's here." She gave him the phone.

"Beta! Thank you so much. I don't know how to thank you."

"Don't thank me. Bas live happily." I said.

"Beta..." Aai said, "I need to confess something, and... we're not asking for money... I... I just wanted to tell you that Pooja day, Nikita... she hired that driver... we don't... we don't own it." She looked visibly embarrassed, "I'm sorry. I told her that day. She got angry, I haven't spoken to her since she got back. We don't... we don't want more money don't think that.... It's already paid f—"

"Aai." I stopped her, "Relax. First of all, your daughter earns a good amount now, she can easily give you anything whenever you want. Secondly, your first son is going to soon, if he'd like, join MRC industries and earn very well... and lastly, your second son earns A LOT, so please ask without thinking twice. There is no point of earning this much if I can't help my family and make their lives better, right?"

She smiled and nodded.

"I know about the car. I found out, and don't worry."

"One last request beta."

"Tell Aai."

"Please don't be angry at her. She's been stuck up and grumpy since years now because she was trying to clear out dues. She forgot how to live life after her second year of university. I know she sometimes doesn't know how to talk, she can get rude and repulsive,but, trust me... she's a good person. She needs you. She needs love."

How much did she go through?

"Aai. I will. I just got angry at her because she did that car stunt. Aai, we can manage in a cab. We're rich but we don't keep our money on our heads. We use public transport and cars, I felt bad that she thought this about us."

"No beta. She didn't. She just thought that Reyansh is there and it's your first time in Indore and that you should have comfort. She was also worried about OUR relatives. They're very judgy and she didn't want your image's to be judged because she felt like it's her duty as your wife to uphold your image. She got the car for your image in front of our relatives and to keep your parents and Reyansh comfortable."

I felt like shit hearing this. I gave her so much trouble and pain, put her in guilt and all she was doing was thinking about me. About Reyu.

"I'm... I'm sorry Aai. I was rude to her and I... I didn't talk to her for 2 days because of..."

"It's okay. She is annoying too sometimes!" Aai teased around, "It's okay! I was just telling you."

"I'll make it up to her. I promise you."

"Is she there with you?"

"She's watching a movie with Esha and Sid."

"Oh. Okay."

"Can I ask for a favour, Aai?"

"Please, anything."

"Don't be angry at her anymore. Let it go. You explained to me where she was coming from, you also think the same way and forgive her?"

Aai chuckled through tears, "I will. I'll call her."

"Thank you." I said, "I'll go now. They're waiting for me."

"Okay beta! Thank you again."

"Aai..." I said, making a stern face."

"Sorry sorry!" She chuckled and I smiled, "Take care, God bless you."

I cut the call and went back to everyone.

"Yo, you good?" Sid asked, "that took forever."

"Yep...." I looked from Sid to Nikita, "everything is perfect!"

She looked at me and then looked away, in fear.

Ugh. I have so much to make up for. I misjudged her. She's terrified of me now, even more.

I'll fix everything, wife.