‘Sadly for us,’ he resumed with a tinge of sadness, ‘our ineptitude at work tells upon our standard of living that is appalling in comparison. But the culture here enables us to take the vagaries of life in their stride. A novice of a friend would double up for a psychiatrist to bring solace to the jilted. Here even a man in the thick of adversity comes unscathed to look forward with hope.’
‘The fundamental features of the two cultures, as I see them are - while the Western thought probes the nature of man, Indian philosophy delves deep into his soul,’ he said in conclusion. ‘It’s the tragedy of our society that an evolved culture coexists with the worst of prejudice, hindering the outlook of our people. If only we could temper our social rigidity with the western individualism, it would do us a world of good. On the other hand, in the Western ethos, over time, individualism insensibly degenerated into rank selfishness.’
Shortly thereafter, to the delight of all, as Sandhya found herself in the family way, to her amusement, Raja Rao got into the habit of fussing about her diet and all. When they were in the seventh heaven of married bliss, as he was required to go to Hyderabad, disturbing his equanimity, his dormant desire for Roopa came to the fore.
‘I’ll also come with you,’ said Sandhya excitedly as he broke the news. ‘Oh, how I’m longing to see Roopa.’
‘Don’t you know that it’s still the initial stages?’ he said, feeling her tummy.
‘I can understand, but still,’ she couldn’t hide her disappointment.
‘Well, on your way for delivery,’ he said to cheer her up, ‘you could go to her and stay till she drives you away.’
‘Why, won’t she play midwife to me if it were needed,’ she said, and added mischievously. ‘Don’t fail to see her, but see her with my eyes before you espy her.’
‘Send me blindfolded then,’ he said, amused.
‘Won’t she bare your eyes to see my reflections in them,’ she said, and thought smiling, ‘and hers as well.’
‘Should I make Roopa the captive of my eyes,’ he said, striking a chivalrous pose, ‘and bring her to you.’
‘How I wish it were possible,’ she said closing her eyes.
‘What a friendship!’ he said taking her into his arms.
‘It’s more of love,’ said Sandhya dreamily.
‘The test of love is its ability to endure the longing,’ he said, and wondered about the longevity of Roopa’s infatuation for him.
Sinking into Raja Rao’s embrace, Sandhya could sense the feeling behind his comment, and hoped that Roopa’s love for him would endure in spite of everything.