Chapter 208 - Who told you to keep this vicious animal here? (1/2)

|Innaya|

Lunch was a silent affair. Ayesha's face had fallen the moment Eshan decided to stay after I said one word to him. She thought she could get some moments to sow discord in our relationship, but because of Eshan's presence, her plans failed.

It looked like she wanted to leave hurriedly after eating her fill. Her gaze told how she was yearning to converse with Eshan. However, for some reason, she stayed silent allowing me to observe Eshan.

He would occasionally put food on my plate perhaps he was doing it for Ayesha's sake. I did not mind though. His actions provided me some relief that he was not ignoring me completely. Even if he was putting a show before Ayesha, I felt good.

”So, Ayesha, did you return to Mumbai for some work?” I randomly asked, picking the glass of water. I could not bear this silence and her secretive gaze at Eshan. Hence, I put her in the spotlight. This way, Eshan could also know what was happening.

Ayesha smiled little bashfully once she met Eshan's gaze. ”Mom wants me to settle down.” She played with her spoon, tucking few strands of her brown hair behind her ear.

”Oh! You're here to find a life partner? That's good.” I sat straight in my chair. Eshan looked at me a little inquisitively. Maybe, he did not expect me to take an interest in his friend's life. He failed to see the interest his childhood friend was taking in our life.

”Did you not like guys there? You've grown up in the US. I thought you would prefer a love marriage. Surprisingly, you're into arranged marriages.” I smiled innocently. She wanted to make me comfortable with her words. Two could play the game.

Did she not say that Eshan and I looked like we had an arranged marriage? She had the nerve to say that she did not see the love between us. It was clear from her words that she came here for Eshan. She did not say it directly, but anyone could notice it. Just my husband did not.

Ayesha's smile faltered at my words. Take that! She opened her mouth to say something in her defense, but just then a voice called out for Eshan.

”Eshan.”

My hand trembled, and I dropped the spoon in the plate at the voice. It came from the living room. How? Wasn't she coming tomorrow? How did she appear today?

That voice was way too familiar. It had been the reason of my nightmares for numerous nights.

”Mom!” Eshan called out before he jumped from his seat and ran out, followed by Ayesha.

My heart dropped in my chest. Eshan's excitement broke whatever hope I had of settling our issue. This was the fear that had held me back from telling Eshan about what had happened.

Though I had never seen what kind of bond Eshan shared with his mother, but just looking at this one brief moment, I realized how much he loves and values her. How could I tell Eshan everything and destroy the beautiful relationship they have?

I could not.

What was I supposed to do? Over the past month, I had realized that his mother would not say anything in front of Eshan. Because if she wanted, she could have asked for a divorce when Eshan was at home. She would not have done something shady behind his back. How did she get to grasp about Eshan's schedule or what had happened between us? I did not understand that either.

I had not found any solution to deal with this matter yet. I thought hiding this matter from Eshan would give me time to find a way to persuade his mother. I did not perceive that things would come to this point already.

Could I run away and hide until she left?

Would Eshan not suspect me then?

”Woof, woof.”

I looked down when I heard Fortune's barking. Moisture had pooled in my eyes at some point. Through the blurry vision, I found Fortune's eyes gazing at me tenderly. It was as if he was saying everything would be fine.

Though it was me deluding myself, I found some strength returning to my helpless heart. Fortune rubbed his head against my leg. I reached out to pet his head.

I had someone by my side. I was not alone.

”Is there a dog?” Eshan's mother asked sharply.

I recalled her dissatisfaction with Fortune from our early encounter. I could not help but want to hide Fortune away from her gaze. I did not know what was going out there as my mind was wandering elsewhere.