‘Life without romance is like food that is stale,’ she thought, as she got on to Sathyam’s Lambretta. ‘What is left of life shorn of romance?’
That evening, a week later, the Sathyams were at the much-awaited wedding of Ramu and Meera that was well attended too. As Roopa looked gorgeous in her grey maroon Kanchi silk sari, finding her cut a figure in the gathering, Sathyam couldn’t help but gloat over his fortune. When in the end, after bidding adieu to the newlyweds, as they reached the parking space, Sathyam thought that it’s an irony that Roopa who should’ve adorned a palanquin had to ride the pillion instead. As her supposed deprivation made him feel guilty, he realized how much he loved his wife, and thought that he should acquire a four-wheeler one day.
When they reached home, Roopa could discern a change in his demeanor and attributed it to the satisfaction he might have derived from Ramu’s wedding. While she hit the pillow straight, for long he lay by her side looking at her as it dawned on him that they hover around different emotional planes in spite of their physical proximity.
Seems it is the weird fate of the unrequited love that even the physical possession of the loved one, wouldn’t lead to an emotional union.
~~~~~~~
Time was on its languid course in Roopa’s life until that winter afternoon, when Tara entered into it. Book-marking the Madame Bovary that she was engrossed in, an irritated Roopa opened the door to the sound of the buzzer, to be pleasantly surprised at finding a smart and beautiful woman across the threshold.
‘I’m Tara,’ said the visitor extending her hand to Roopa.
‘Oh,’ said Roopa taking Tara’s hand with a strange sense of excitement.
‘Hope I’m not disturbing you,’ said Tara, glancing at the book in Roopa’s hand.
‘I was just browsing through it,’ said Roopa placing Madame Bovary on the teapoy.
‘I’ve heard it’s a classic of infidelity,’ said Tara picking up the book.
‘It all depends,’ said Roopa without taking a stance, ‘how one looks at it.’
‘I wanted to see you for long,’ said Tara with a smile. ‘But I’ve got an excuse only now. Yadamma went to her native place and won’t turn up till the weekend.’
‘She’s a great fan of yours,’ said Roopa smiling.
‘I think,’ Tara said with her characteristic ease, ‘it’s the other way round. She says you’re the most charming woman ever. Now I realize she doesn’t exaggerate.’
‘You’ve a rare grace,’ said Roopa earnestly.