The Frigid Bride

Chapter 2

Avni's POV

"  Do you have a child?? " He asked.

" No !! No !! " I denied sharply... Crimson colour straining my usually pale cheeks. I turned my head away from him.

" No, I am not. " I said but this time my voice was more like a whisper.

Oh, how I had wished, that I was pregnant. But I was not...  A lone tear escaped my eyes.

" Forgive me please, I am sorry, I ask that. Please, don't be distressed. "  He didn't appear shocked but was embarrassed that he asked that question from me and made me upset.

" No, it's ok... Anyone might have assumed that.  It was natural... I suppose. "

"   You like kids, don't you?? "  He asked with a smile.

"  Yes, I do...  They are so sweet and pure at heart. " I smiled back.

" I guessed as much, that's why you are working here. Isn't it?? " He asked and I nodded.

It was really easy to talk to him.  I kind of liked talking to him. His eyes shone up a bit.  But why??

" I wonder ... and I hope you won't mind my asking...  if you could help me ?? "  He asked in a relaxed and unhurriedly.

" Help you ??  But how? "

" Actually...Ummm, you must be knowing about my sister Samantha?"

" Yeah !!! "

" She has two kids,  Bill and Lara. I want you to help me in raising those kids. " He said.

" What?? But why?? "

" Sam had a bad marriage and she could not take it easy and went into depression and when I came to know, I intervened. She is getting separated from her husband. They are going through a rough and bitter divorce. It was having a bad influence on the children. So with the court's special permission, I became the legal guardian of the kids, till the final verdict comes. "  He told me.

" Ok, I understand... "

" I own a big farmhouse in Ranikhet near the golf course. The kids are staying there. I want you to go and live with them. "

" You don't live with your parents in Nainital?? " I was wondering so I asked.

" No, I am 28 years old. I can't live with my parents. I wanted a place of my own. What is so surprising??  "

" Oh, sorry... I was just a bit surprised."

" So,  what do you think about it?? " He enquired.

" But, I can't go to Ranikhet... " I told him.

" Oh !! Is it too remote for you?? "

" No !! That is not a problem. In fact, I like places which are a bit remote. Such places have a calming and soothing effect on the mind. "

" So, that is great ! What is the problem?? "

" I don't know... you could have any other woman there as their governess... "

" I don't want any other woman as their governess, I want you... " He said looking directly into my eyes. I almost shivered by the way he looked at me.

"  But why me?? " I asked.

" Why not you?? You are professionally qualified to take care of children. As far as I remember, you did your Master's in child development and care. I also want them to learn to converse in Hindi . If we are living in India, it would be good for them to learn Hindi. "