The Love-addict - Chapter 17

               Tonight, she looked bewitching, he thought. Maybe, it was the dream-like setting, with gurgling fountains, green flowering shrubs all around, and those erotic cupids and guileless angels that were responsible for that romantic feeling. He forgot all his animosity towards her. Even Amisha had decided to soak in the beauty of that enchanting evening and romantically charged atmosphere. The unpleasant tasks could wait!

               

               Just when she was about to comment on the breath-taking setting, Rohan’s cell-phone rang. With trepidation, Amisha watched as Rohan answered the call, “Oh Samaira, I hope it’s nothing urgent. Please will you call later? I’m busy right now.” As he abruptly disconnected the call without waiting for her response, Amisha heaved a sigh of relief. She had been expecting a long call filled with hearty laughs and soft responses to spoil her dinner! But a small doubt niggled. Was Rohan doing it for her benefit? She’d find out later that night, when she took the bull by its horns and confronted him about her doubts.

              

                Nevertheless, her mood was spoilt slightly. Samaira’s thoughts hung like the Damocles’ Sword over her. Peevishly, she said, “Rohan, will you please shut off your cell-phone? It’s irritating!”

             

                With a small laugh, he did as she requested. “Happy? Now give me a good smile!”

             

                 She laughed and said, “Eeee….” Then both of them burst out laughing loudly, till they realized that other diners were staring at them. Both of them pored over their respective menus and ordered for soup, main courses and dessert. 

                 Rohan was playful and charming as he held out his hand to her. “May we dance till dinner arrives?” 

                 “You know that I can’t dance to save my life!” she gently chided. 

                 “Come, I’ll teach you. There’s always a first time!” he gallantly offered.

              

                 She allowed him to lead her to the dance floor where several couples were swaying to the live band’s melodious tunes. Rohan guided her steps till she got the rhythm and started tentatively dancing. Though awkward initially, she was soon dancing in step with her husband. The proximity to her handsome husband and the divine setting made her ecstatic. She felt as though she was in heaven and always wanted to be there!

                

                 Rohan too was soaking in the dream-like spell of that evening. He felt the tickle of her thick hair, her warmth and noted the softness in her beautiful eyes. He studied her features carefully, as if noticing her again. Her eyes were dark as midnight, her pupils shone like stars; her slightly twisted nose lent a certain character to her square-jawed face. And her lips? They were wide, full and moist, pink with lip-stick and parted with desire! Unable to resist the invitation, he suddenly bent and kissed her on her lips, lingering slightly, as she initially resisted and then gave in to him. She reveled in his by-now tight embrace and then as reality struck, she gently squirmed and looked at him teasingly.

               

                 “I hope that you haven’t forgotten about our dinner!” she said in a whisper. With love brimming in his eyes, he said, “No I haven’t! I had just forgotten about how beautiful you are!”

                

                 “Now stop buttering me up. I know that I’m not beautiful!” she said mockingly, but with a small giggle.

               
                   “Then you must look at yourself through my eyes, Amisha. As is rightly said by someone, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, isn’t it?” She blushed and kept quiet      

To be continued...... 

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

The Love-addict - Chapter 16

                One evening when Rohan arrived home from work, exhausted and famished, he realized that Amisha hadn’t made anything for dinner. He blew his top when he saw her lying on the bed, vacantly staring at the ceiling, lost deep in her thoughts. She looked disheveled and haggard. Previously she used to take trouble to look presentable for him, when he returned from work. Nowadays, she had just given up on everything.

                

                “So you didn’t get time to cook meals today?” he enquired irritably. She just stared vacantly at him, which incensed him further. “Amisha, I am asking you something. Please reply!”

                

                 She turned to her side and muttered, “I am not well.”

                

                 “I can’t see anything wrong with you. These days, you have become very lazy. What’s the matter?” he asked.

               

                 “You should know better,” she said caustically.

               

                  He sat down next to her and forced her to sit up, by physically lifting her. “Come on, explain! I hate you for talking in riddles. Please be frank and let me know what’s bothering you. Maybe I could help you. But if you keep going on like this, I don’t know what could be our future!”

              

                  “Our future!” she grimaced and said, “Yours is surely bright and mine is dark as hell!”

               

                   Amazed, he looked at her, as if he was seeing her for the first time in his life. She had never talked so cryptically to him before. She had always been pleasing and well-mannered.

            

                   Gently, he asked her to get ready. “Come, I’ll take you out for dinner today. Will you wear that pink sari, which is a favorite of mine? Yes, and also your lovely smile!”

            

                   Amisha visibly brightened and started getting ready. Rohan had decided to get to the bottom of the matter that night. He couldn’t bear to see his wife so unhappy and depressed. Maybe he was at fault, as he had become a workaholic and hardly spent time with her.

            

                  He went to freshen up. Just then, Amisha heard the buzz of his cell-phone, indicating that he had received a message. It was from Samaira. “Hi dear, long time, no see?” it read. Amisha deleted it.

           

                  She scrolled through his calls received and saw 10 calls from Samaira. She was furious, but decided to confront Rohan after dinner. She didn’t want to miss the opportunity of spending some precious time with her husband.

            

                  Rohan drove her to a swanky restaurant with a Greek theme. Playful cupids and beautiful cherubic angels were carved on the marble columns of the dining hall. Soft music played through the music system as the steward politely ushered them to a corner table. Rohan looked very sauve in his smart attire of neatly pressed blue shirt and black trousers. Amisha looked presentable in her soft-pink sari with pearl accessories. She had left her hair loose, brushed to one side. The elegant nape of her neck enhanced the even features of her face. The soft lights played magic on her, and she appeared enticing and alluring to Rohan. 

     

To be continued... 

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

The Love-addict - Chapter 15

                     Meanwhile, Rohan’s business grew and he became increasingly busy. He started resenting Samaira’s calls as he thought that they distracted him from his work and interrupted his schedule. If he was in a business meeting and he received her call midway, he would be highly irritated and tell her abruptly to call later. Even at late nights, he would be too tired and sleepy after a hard day’s work; and would hence avoid taking her calls or switch off his cell-phone for the night.

                     

                     The persistent and by now desperate Samaira would phone him up in the early mornings, but would be frustrated and angry on not being answered to. Her maid would bear the brunt of all her tantrums then, patiently picking up all the broken pieces of expensive vases, artifacts and cutlery thrown around in a fit of rage; by her tempestuous mistress. She would also bear all her taunts and abuses with extreme fortitude. She took consolation in the fact that at least no was around to watch her being humiliated like that for no fault of hers. She had watched with growing concern as her mistress became increasingly dependent on Rohan’s phone calls to make her happy. It was as if all her life depended on them. She was cheerful when he responded and sorrowful when she couldn’t get through to him.

                    

                    Amisha thought that Rohan was just showing as if he didn’t encourage Samaira’s calls, for her benefit. She was sure that throughout the day, at office, he would be chatting with her merrily over the phone. Maybe he didn’t want to be questioned by her! He was astute. A hard-nosed businessman had to be astute! His skills were coming in handy, just then, she thought uneasily. What was cooking between the two? Was he secretly planning to divorce her and marry Samaira? She racked her brains endlessly to find a solution to her doubts and to her threatened marriage. Her work suffered in the bargain.

                

                    One evening, a customer who had given her a blouse to stitch, picked up a quarrel with her. “What have you stitched Amisha? Is this a blouse? It looks like a small child’s vest. Whose measurements have you referred to while sewing it?” Irritably, Amisha answered in a high-pitched voice, “Of course yours! I haven’t stitched for the first time in my life! I have been sewing since 15 years.”

               

                    That customer retorted sarcastically, “Good you informed me, though it looks as if you are a beginner!”

                  

                     After a few more heated words were exchanged, that lady said, “Kindly give me the cost of the material. I refuse to accept this ill-fitting blouse.”

                 

                    Realizing her mistake and to maintain her reputation, Amisha quietly gave her the requisite amount with a heavy heart. If things continued in this vein, she’d have to wind up her well-established business. The tension of her married life and her husband’s ‘affair’ with her sister was taking a toll on not just her business, but her well-being too! She started refusing work that came her way and became listless and despondent. She was depressed and stopped dressing up properly and even combing her hair.

                  

                    Rohan observed these changes, but didn’t interfere after some initial persuasion to cheer up, as he felt that she was missing having a child of her own. He knew that the customers who came to her, invariably questioned her about it. He didn’t want to rub it in by commenting on her appearance. He continued with his routine, as usual. That incensed Amisha even more, as she expected him to be caring and sympathetic towards her plight. She felt as if she was no longer needed by Rohan.

            

To be continued.... 

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

The Love-addict - Chapter 14

                       The next few days, Samaira repeatedly contacted Rohan and spoke to him. She appeared to sound mature at some times, and then coquettish at others. Rohan too enjoyed their light-hearted banter as they exchanged notes about what was currently happening in their lives. Of course, Samaira’s life was far too colorful and his was far too humdrum. He wondered about whether his narration bored Samaira, but she was always attentive and eager. She regaled him with anecdotes from her shooting sessions and even mimicked her co-stars and directors. As their hearty laughs echoed down the lines, they felt very close. It was as if they were having a one-to-one, direct conversation, in person.

                        

                        But when these calls lasted for long hours at night, Amisha would have a vague sense of foreboding. Initially, she had been pleased that Samaira had established such excellent rapport with her husband, whom she had never even met, before he went to Mumbai. But she gradually began resenting the long-distance calls that lasted for quite some time. As it was, she herself never got a chance to interact with Rohan, till late at night, as they would both be busy with their respective schedules. She usually looked forward to those precious moments of quiet and relaxation. But these days, he had gifted away those moments, rather hours, to her sister. She often wondered whether she had committed a blunder by getting those two acquainted!

                       

                         She felt torn between the love for her younger sister and the love for her husband. Both were equally dear to her and both seemed to be oblivious to her own plight! What could she do? She knew that things could get out of hand if she let the growing affinity between them; unchecked.

                        

                         Rohan was however, unaffected by the calls, seemingly, as he continued to be as attentive as ever, to his wife, as well. He would enquire about her day, in-between Samaira’s calls, apprise her of important chores to be attended to, etc. Yet Amisha felt as if he was trying hard to keep both Samaira and herself happy. How long would this difficult situation last, she wondered. She even wondered whether she should warn her sister to keep away from her hubby. She knew that she could never do that, as she genuinely loved her sister and wanted her to be happy. She seemed to have found a friend and confidante in Rohan. Amisha wanted to maintain the status-quo as she didn’t have any complaints against her hubby, otherwise.

                       

                         He was an ideal husband. She told herself to stop being jealous and insecure and get on with her life as usual. Sometimes though, she would feel very restless and uneasy, when Rohan spoke in intimate tones to Samaira. At those times, he conveniently acted as if Amisha wasn’t there at all, in that room! It was as if Amisha was an outsider. After the call ended, when he would talk to her, full of concern about her (Amisha), she’d feel as if he was trying too hard to be the conscientious husband!

                      

                        Was he fooling her? What was brewing between Samaira and Rohan? A budding romance or something deeper…? Did Rohan and Samaira have a fling or a full-fledged affair? How could she find out? Whom could she question? If she questioned either of the two, they’d know that she was suspecting them. She didn’t want to fall in their esteem. But the only thing that truly bothered her was the fact that if Rohan ever chose the beautiful Samaira over her, her life would be finished. She had to do something and do it soon!

To be continued.... 

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

The Love-addict - Chapter 13

                     Mahesh congratulated her afterwards, saying, “You were brilliant Samaira. Must say that you are very vivacious today! What’s up? Met someone special?” Just when she was about to retort nastily, as usual, that he was interfering and nosy and must mind his business; she changed her mind and said extra-sweetly, “Hmm, maybe!” Before he could continue his inquisitive questioning, she waved at him and bounded to her van, to change. Mahesh and Samarth Babu exchanged a meaningful glance and chuckled together.

                     

                    Samarth Babu hoped that her wonderful mood lasted throughout that day’s shooting. He had lost several precious days and a chunk of his budget, after canceling shooting, on several days, due to her tantrums or late-coming, when Mahesh would walk out in protest too, after having had to cool his heels for her! Keeping both the stars in good humor was an important part of his job. After all, he was answerable to his producer!

                    

                     In the privacy of her van, Samaira didn’t change into her other costume immediately. She called up Rohan eagerly. She was dying to hear his deep voice, with a slight nasal twang. “Hello?” he answered, after 5 minutes. “Hello, this is Samaira here.” “Oh Samaira, how are you? I’m sorry that I couldn’t meet you before leaving, as you were fast asleep. I wanted to call you up after boarding the train, but decided not to disturb you, since you’d be busy with your shooting.”

                          

                     She hungrily listened to his voice, not bothering about what he was saying. She wanted to just keep on listening to him. He sounded so mature and dependable, just like the person who could be entrusted with one’s life! After he had thwarted her advances the previous night, diplomatically, she had started respecting and admiring him more than ever! He was a thorough gentleman. Refined and cultured! He had passed her test in flying colors.

                        

                      “No problem Jiju, please do come and meet me regularly. I enjoyed your company, last evening. Tell Didi that I always remember her and give her my love and regards. If you meet Pitaji and Maa, give them my love and regards and ask them to forgive me if possible,” she said. 

                      Hearing the catch in her voice, he consoled her, “Of course, I will. Please take care of yourself Samaira. I hope you stop drinking. If you respect my wishes, you’ll do that. I’ll come to visit you again only if you promise me accordingly!”

                       

                      Was giving up liquor so easy? She thought as she blurted out, “I’ll try Jiju, I’ll really try, for your sake!”

                       

                       He disconnected the call. As he settled in his berth, for a nap, he visualized her. Sparkling eyes and a beautiful body…. He soon drifted off to sleep amidst her heavenly visions.

                      
                         Samaira’s day also passed by in a dream-like trance. He did care for her! She was ecstatic. 

To be continued...   

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.