AFTER A MONTH:-
I completed all the orders and the next thing I had to do was talk to Carsten about the matter but when I reached his flat, his door was slightly opened revealing a small section of his flat's interior structure. I could see a person laying on a couch. I knocked at the door but the sound of the TV was way too high so I had to ring the calling bell.
As soon as I pressed the switch, it felt like the whole floor echoed with its noise. And to be honest, it was horrendous. I stood there waiting for the horrible noise to fade away when the door swung opened. Carsten stood in front of me, holding the doorknob. His expressions spoke enough that I wasn't the kind of guest he was expecting. He stared at me with a confused look, sweat drops on his forehead. His eyes fixed on my face as if he was thinking something.
me: Hey!! May I come in? ( I waved in front of his face)
Carsten: Oh-oh, y-yeah, sure. You may. ( He was pulled back from his deep thoughts)
me: Thank you.
I carefully sat on the couch and kept my handbag on my lap.
me: So? How are you doing?
Carsten: Hmm... everything is totally great...
me: Oh nice to hear that. I actually wanted to ask you- ( I wasn't allowed to complete my sentence, again.)
Carsten: Hmm I think, I should bring a cup of tea for you. Just give me a minute.
me: But-
Carsten: Just a minute ( And he went to his kitchen, totally ignoring my words)
After ten minutes or so, he came back with two cups of tea.
Carsten: Here it is... ( He handed me one of the two cups)
me: Thank you very much. ( I smiled)
Carsten: How are you doing these days?
me: Of course, I am totally fine. But listen to me...
Carsten: Yeah...?
me: I wanted to ask you something.
Carsten: Uhh actually, not now... I am kinda- ( this time he was interrupted)
me: No, you have to listen to me. Everyone just keeps changing the topics. I have been marking that you are too ignoring me whenever I am trying to ask you something. Just listen to me.
Carsten: I- actually- I mean- okay. ( he gave up) What do you want to ask me?
me: Actually-
I was about to ask him but then the flat door opened with a bang and the bang was accompanied by a shrill voice.
" Baby!!!! I am back. You know what, the market- " she stopped mid-sentence as her eyes travelled towards me.
me: Anna!!! ( I gasped)
I stood up from the couch keeping the cup on the table I was filled with astonishment and tears rolled down my cheeks as my heart shattered into pieces. I was trying hard to stand on my shivering legs.
Anna: Oh Asteria... Hey! What's up?
me: Anna... Why did you call him " Baby" and what happened to your stomach? ( I managed to control myself and totally ignored her question)
Anna: Oh, Didn't Carsten tell you? ( She turned her gazed at him)
When I turned around, he was already in tears, with his head hung downwards.
me: W-what he didn't tell me. Anna.. you tell me.. will you? ( the tears went out of my control)
Anna: Asteria, I am pregnant with Carsten's baby. ( She replied casually and winked at Carsten)
me: What!!!!? ( everything felt surreal)
It felt like my whole world broke down into millions of pieces. I couldn't believe my ears. Everything seemed black. I could no longer stand on my legs. I fell on my knees, trying to hide my pain. I somehow wiped my tears and stood up facing both of them.
me: Congratulations. Tell me if you need anything. Well, when did this happen? ( I smiled)
Anna: Okay, so after dropping you at your home- ( Carsten kicked in)
Carsten: Anna, you should go and rest.
me: Yes, Anna, you should or it might affect your "baby". ( I glared at Carsten)
Anna: Oh!! you're totally right. Bye, good night. Enjoy your time. ( I could tell she left as the sound of her footsteps faded completely)
me: Umm...
Carsten: Listen, it is not what it looks like. Let me explain it to you.
me: No thanks, I don't wanna know how to make babies. I have had enough with biology in my school years.
Carsten: Please, Asteria. Try to understand.
me: What do I have to understand? It is crystal clear. Anna is pregnant with your child. You are the father of the baby living in her womb. That's it. ( My sorrow had taken a 360 degrees turn towards anger)
Carsten: I didn't do it of my own will. I am trying to explain it to you.
me: What? Oh just stop it, okay. Don't try, it is embarrassing, Carsten.
Carsten: Will you please just listen to me?
me: No I-
Carsten: Without saying anything? ( he pleaded)
me: Okay, go on. ( I didn't dispute because I wanted to know what happened. No, not about what happened between them, about my ripped designed clothes)
Carsten:-
That night after dropping you...