Page 31 of The Unwanted Husband
Aman let out a laugh. “This is genius. You, being the aunt, will always have joint custody of the kids even if the guy is raising them.”
“Yes, and I can’t take credit for it. It was all him, I just had to ask him to marry me.”
“This is good. So, you can come back as soon as the adoption process is complete.”
She nodded. “Almost true but there is a caveat. I told Ashok I would help him reconnect with his estranged family.” She told Aman everything about Ashok’s family and what she knew of the conflict and added, “Maybe things will all happen in parallel and I will be back in just a few weeks.”
“That’ll be good. I’m in Spain for a couple of weeks to work out the manufacturing unit. It’s not too far from India if you want to come hang out. I miss hanging out with you.”
“I miss you too, Aman but I can’t get myself to leave yet.” She felt a twist in her chest. “The two little ones are adorable.”
“Wow!” Aman did not hide his surprise. “That’s a first from a person who is not a kid friendly auntie.”
She rolled her eyes. “You know I love Chandini’s kid to death but never once…felt needed. These two kids, especially the little girl, she just…wants to be with me.”
“That’s kind of nice.”
“Yeah, and Ashok tells me that Vaish is a daddy’s girl and she sees…that she sees Ravi in me.” She choked.
Aman only smiled. “I can see that and I think I know why you’re finding it hard to leave.”
Isha shook her head. “I will leave, there is no doubt about that, I just want to make sure Ashok has the support system to raise these kids.”
“That’s right.”
Aman and Isha spoke a bit longer and ended the call. It was almost midnight when she went to her room. It was a hot day and she felt sticky all over.
Knowing she would not be able to sleep without a cold shower she walked straight into the bathroom. She was tired butthe moment the cool water hit her skin, she felt super relaxed. She quickly washed and got out of the shower.
Her hair was tied in a tight bun so it didn’t get wet and she reached for the toweling robe that hung to one side and in the process didn’t realize she was stepping on a tiny toy car on the bathroom floor.
Before she realized what was happening, her foot slipped and, in her attempt, to grab on to something, she reached for the towel rack twisting her body to one side. There was nothing within reach and she fell in a loud thud, hitting the marble floor.
A yelp escaped her as a shooting pain rippled through her arm and through her ankle. She was shaking all over and tears rolled down her cheeks in response to the pain. She was trying to gather herself when she heard footsteps.
“Monisha, what’s…oh fuck!”
Ashok was by her side, his hand going to her back as she lay on her side partially covered in the toweling robe.
“Monisha, talk to me. Where does it hurt?” He was not his usual calm self.
She pointed to her shoulder and then her ankle, unable to speak. She closed her eyes, unable to bear the pain.
“Look at me,” he demanded and her eyes flew open. “I need to take you to the hospital.”
She nodded as she knew it was much needed given how much her shoulder hurt.
Moments later Sarita walked in, looking worried. “Isha madame, are you okay?”
Ashok instructed the staff to bring an ice bag and informed them that they would be going to the hospital. His orders included things they had to do that day for the kids, informing his office and many others.
How long did he think they would be in the hospital?
“Monisha, I’m going to pick you up and take you to the car.” He held her gaze and added, “Is that okay or would you prefer an ambulance?”
“No.” She had a phobia for those ambulance sounds. The noises that filled the house when her parents’ lifeless forms were brought back from the hospital to the house for the last rites and visitations.
“Let’s go.” She was glad she found her voice.
