‘But working women come on a different platter altogether, don’t they?’ he seemed to sum up the essence of philandering. ‘Far removed from their shadowing spouses, and ensconced with their eager colleagues, aren’t they clearly cut out for liaisons? Besides, won’t the atmosphere at the workplace afford woman more emotional closeness with her doting colleagues, than with her man in the homely monotony? More than anything else, isn’t it their compulsiveness to dress well that makes women seek paramours prepared to foot the bills? How many of them undress in the private arena only to cut a figure for themselves in the public domain. Didn’t I come across many such? And the welcome thing about them is that, when the time comes to hang up the boots, there won’t be any hangovers. It’s their short-term needs that make the liaisons so lively with them, isn’t it? Oh, it’s as if all the pleasures of life are packed in female frames for the favored to savor them!’
Seeing a shapely woman get into the pavilion, he followed her instinctively. In time, sizing her up, he approached her.
‘I’m sure you’re familiar with our kitchen products,’ he said enticingly, ‘all designed keeping women like you in mind.’
‘I find your mixer-grinder quite handy,’ she said, looking flattered.
‘Part of the credit goes to you,’ he said looking mysteriously into her eyes, ‘for its intelligent use.’
‘Thank you,’ tickled by her vanity, she blushed to the roots.
‘Why not try out our air-conditioner,’ he said enticingly. ‘I mean in the guest room.’
‘I know about the launch,’ she said in embarrassment, ‘but we don’t need one, at least, for now.’
‘Nevertheless,’ he said tantalizingly, ‘I’ll get it installed free of charge.’
‘But why?’ she said, looking puzzled.
‘I’m looking for a testimonial, ‘he said suggestively, ‘from a pretty housewife like you.’
‘Let me think it over.’ she said, as she couldn’t refuse being unequal to his flattery.
‘Would you care to leave your address,’ he pushed a pad and pencil into her hand, ‘for me to remind you.’
‘Thank you,’ she said as she scribbled.
‘Why not indicate the convenient timings,’ he said having noted her contact address.
‘I’m a housewife,’ she said overwhelmed by his advances.
‘It’s a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Vanaja,’ he said extending his hand, ‘I hope you won’t disappoint me.’
‘Good night, Mr...’
Having tentatively withdrawn her hand from his, amusedly confused, she hurried home.
‘Isn’t she a pretty prospect?’ he thought pleased with himself. ‘Won’t some follow-up help? Let her in the meantime ponder over the tempting proposal besides playing a guessing game with my name. Oh, having been sourced in her anatomy itself, isn’t mystery the key to open woman’s heart to the thought of man?’