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.