‘It’s true that I’m not experienced in life,’ said Roopa as though to bring that to an end. ‘Just the same, I guess his offer won’t further my idea of life. I’m sure, we can find many meeting points to keep meeting.’
‘I respect your feelings,’ said Tara resignedly, ‘and would love to keep holding your hand of friendship. You can count me as a well-wisher.’
Then the conversation then turned general, and Tara left after quite a while, leaving Roopa to ponder over her double life. At length, pleased with herself for having resisted the seducer as well as the seductress, Roopa felt vindicated. But she was unmindful of the fact that in overcoming the temptation, she allowed her resolve for fidelity to get dented.
~~~~~~~
Feeling lazy that spring day, Sathyam bunked office, and as was her wont, Roopa went out to pick up some book from the library to the refrain of the librarian that ‘Madam does justice to her subscription’.
When she came back, she found Sathyam reading a letter that she thought was from her in-laws.
‘How’s everyone?’ enquired Roopa.
‘It’s from Chandrika,’ he said, having read it by then.
As he gave it to her, she went through that expectantly.
My dear Roopa,
I hope this letter finds you and my brother-in-law in fine spirits.
We got married this morning at the Registrar’s Office. Only our parents as well as his were present as witnesses. We both missed you to say the least. As you know, if not for your accommodation, we would not have made it at all. However, I did not insist on your presence, as it would be embarrassing to you in your in-laws’ house.
The first thing I am doing after reaching home is to pen down my gratitude to you. Whatever happiness life affords me from now on, I know that I owe it to you.
We will be leaving for Madras next week as he got a job there. After going there, I will try to find a placement for me.
Meanwhile with love,
Yours Affectionately,
Chandrika.
PS: Sandhya called on us yesterday and says she misses you as ever.
‘I think,’ said Roopa softly, as she folded the letter, ‘you should’ve left it unread for me.’
‘I thought,’ he said, taking offence to her statement, ‘there may not be any secrets between spouses,’ which she took it as a taunt, given the nature of the news the letter contained.
‘It’s not about secrets but about courtesies,’ she said coolly. ‘Moreover, it’s not my secret either. Just the same, you shouldn’t have read my letter.’