This is the continuation of the story, Born An Orphan… Will He Marry Me?

Story Continues….

Aman soon got a job in Mumbai and we both moved to the city in couple of months. It took me only few days to get adjusted to my married life, with me at home every day and Aman too occupied with his new job as a Sr. Account Coordinator in one of the leading fashion company.

One late night when he was back, at dinner I said, “Aman, I want to work.”

“Why? I am earning good. Why you want to work?”

“I get bored at home. My embroidery is at a complete halt.”

“Maya, If you have time it’s good right? Utilize it in household chores, make friends in apartment, hang out with them, watch television and enjoy.”

“I am least interested in these. Can you please ask your boss, if he is interested in my embroidery and craft? I will design few for them…”

Before I could finish, Aman laughed out loud, “What do you think fashion industry is? This is Mumbai. It’s not your cup of tea.”

I was insulted, “But.. at least…”

Again interrupted by Aman and this time, he walked out saying “Do not ask me this next time. Haha”

Accepting to what Aman had said the other night, I agreed to his point. I had a new friend Ananya from apartment, her husband Sanjay, worked in the same company as Aman’s. Life was not so good but not that bad either. Aman once took me to his party only to come back in mid as he was embarrassed that I had no knowledge on how to greet models. I felt sorry, to which he asked me to learn.

It’s more than a year now, my life is monotonous. Sunday’s, he attended parties and since months he refused to take me along saying it would be just work. All due credit to Aman’s hectic lifestyle, I became close with Ananya. I also invited Sanjay and Ananya to the party we were organizing one sunday.

I was happy to see Aman enjoying at party. He was very much compatible with his friends unlike with me. I was lost in my thoughts and I heard Aman calling out my name, “Maya.. Maya..”

He wanted to introduce me to one of their successful model. She was very beautiful so perfect in curves but was bursting with attitude. I quite did not like her.

I folded my hands, “Namaste.” To this everyone sitting there laughed out louder. Including the new model, Kiara and my husband.

Aman did not feel sorry for that night and I never asked for it. He was late as usual, at times he even refused to have dinner. He hardly spoke with me and on questioning all I heard is “I am too tired.” I missed Aangan and Aman, the one I met.

One Sunday evening when Aman was working, I was with Ananya and sanjay for tea. I was upset and angry with Aman, he had totally forgotten his married life and was least bothered about my existence. Sanjay broke my thoughts, “When is Aman coming back from Bangalore?”

I was shocked and confused. Post few seconds of silence, “When did he leave for Bangalore?” My tears ditched me.

“Oh god, Maya, don’t tell me you are not aware of this office event in Bangalore. Kiara and Aman left 3 days back. I thought as you are his wife you must be aware. I don’t know what is going on, he is not coming to office since 3 days and…”

Maya couldn’t take it..she was suffering from pain and cheat, ‘‘What the hell is going on between my husband and that bitch?’’ Maya’s patience was at its lowest ebb and she was ready to burst.

Sanjay knew that she was serious. ‘’Look, Maya. There is nothing going on between the two of them. Just a little bit of healthy flirting, I’d say.’’

‘’Flirting? Healthy flirting? Really Sanjay . . .’’ she rolled her eyes in disgust. ‘’That’s what you men call it? There is nothing healthy about flirting, Sanjay, not for a married man.

‘’Healthy flirting is a term introduced by perverted men who want to lend legitimacy to their extramarital dalliances. Flirting invariably has a sexual connotation to it.’’ She got up from her seat and walked around the room gesticulating and muttering something to herself. Suddenly she stopped, turned back, looked at Sanjay and asked, ‘’Did my husband sleep with her? You are his friend. Did he ever tell you anything about it?’’

Ananya freaked out but Sanjay managed, ‘Maya, relax. First, for him I am more a colleague, less a friend. Second, there is nothing what you are thinking. They have gone for an official work.”

I stood still and blank, “He is in Mumbai, we had breakfast together this morning.”

Sanjay dialled his best friend in office and inquired about Aman  “Aman? Oh man, he is that one lucky man in office. He is off to Bangalore for the office but in reality has booked a posh resort in Mumbai for Kiara and has been enjoying all the way he could.”

“Maya, I am sorry. I was not aware…”

I was not in my senses. I just walked out of the door and locked myself in the house until Aman came back post 2 days. I did not ask anything, just permission to visit Aangan to which he said, “Wow Maya, great idea, anyways I was very busy with office things. I will book your tickets for tomorrow morning.”

Aman was so excited that he ignored my unhappy face. I left Mumbai only to send him divorce papers to which he said, “I understand we both are poles apart, but does that take us to divorce?” I told Aman that, I wasn’t a good fit in Mumbai and neither in his lifestyle. Aman agreed to this and consoled me saying, “I know, but do not worry I will pay a huge alimony so that there’s no financial problem.” I was surprised, he did not argue to my statement instead he signed the papers and I was single again but this time silence and pain booked a permanent room in me.

Since then, I never looked back neither Aman looked for me. I embedded all my emotions in my art. It became so popular that I received orders from huge retail stores. Soon I had my own boutique, I hired tailors and stitched designer clothes. I had enough money to move to Mumbai where fashion thrives and there I bought a boutique for myself. I became popular and my designs were in trends. From boutique to multiple franchisee and a huge multi dollar generating firm this is it!

Aarti was not able to swallow the truth, “Oh God, Aman Shah, the CFO at Liva Fashion was your ex-husband? And your name is Maya Rindani. Does that mean you are re-married? and Why Aman never spoke about his ex-wife or disclose the famous Maya Rindani is his ex-wife?

“Yes, When I sent him the divorce papers, he flew to Vadodara. He tried to convince me first but then agreed to my explanations. He was ready to sign the papers, because that’s what he wanted but then I put forward a deal with him. The document lines says, “Once divorced, you will not have any claims on Maya’s name, property and even on her existence. You both will be complete stranger, take no interest in her personal/professional life nor disclosing anyone about her past with you. Ruling out any of these may lead you in legal terms” He agreed and signed the papers.

Rindani is Sharda ma’s surname!

Aarti clapped and stood from the seat, “That means, Liva Fashion stores have Maya Rindani as its most celebrated and popular fashion icon?” Maya Rindani, the unshaken fashion tycoon of the world, has struggled so much?

Maya took a deep sigh of relief.

OMG, “Now that you have told us all about your background. It’s going to be breaking news worldwide. Won’t it over rule your deal with Mr. Aman?

Which deal? There was never a deal.. For Me!
Maya roared like there were no fashion industry existing alongside. She never got married and after two decades she spent all her time raising kids in her chain of orphanages named as Mamta Ka Aangan!