The Accidental Wife – Excerpt #5

The Accidental Wife – Excerpt #5


Pausing outside her apartment, she stared at the spot where she’d discovered him earlier that day trying to put on an act of nonchalance, and she couldn’t prevent a smile. He’d reminded her of a puppy who had lost his master—hazel eyes forlorn yet full of hope.
“Stop perseverating, Naina!” she chided herself. “Rihaan isn’t a puppy, nor are you his savior! He’s a grown man highly capable of taking care of himself!”
But am I?
Refusing to pursue the thought, she threw open the door.
It was pitch black inside, but Naina didn’t turn on the lights. Instead she chose to find her way about in the dark—an exercise she often indulged in when returning home late. An attempt to hone her instincts, to sharpen her brain…a vital skill for any woman, especially one who’d chosen to spend her life alone. Alone! What a depressing thought!
She walked into the bedroom and turned on the bedside lamp. Her head drooping like a wilted flower, she sunk down on the hand woven dhurrie on the side of the bed; a rare impetuous fling with luxury, but the bright splash of color failed to lift her spirits. The solitude of the apartment which in the past had afforded welcome solace from the hue and cry of her daily routine, now seemed to aggravate her sense of isolation and despair. What did the future hold? Would she ever find someone she’d want to share her life with every day? Or would she perish alone? Would she ever find love and have a family of her own? None of the omens appeared to portend such a likelihood.
This is terrible! I’m being made to pay dearly for my one impulsive error for which I’ve no one to blame but myself. And I’m calling the poor guy naïve? She rolled over in bed, in a desperate attempt to get comfortable…
This won’t do! I need to get a grip, find my focus, get back to my life where there’s no place for men or family! I’m a single woman and thus will I remain. “Yes!” she concluded, closing her eyes with a determined nod.
But sleep receded too far away from reach.