The Love-addict - Chapter 18

               After that dance ended, they went and had dinner, chatting about a variety of topics. She told him about her botched-up blouse and he told her about his plans to diversify and expand his business. They talked about their families. When the conversation veered towards Samaira, Amisha knew that it was now or never! “Rohan, will you be frank and tell me whether you have any romantic feelings for Samaira?” 

              He looked shell-shocked, as he tried to find words. Carefully he asked, “Why are you asking this question now, Amisha? Don’t you trust me?”

               

              Seeing his hurt expression, Amisha almost felt sorry that she had broached that unpleasant topic and spoilt their wonderful evening of togetherness. But she was determined to get back her peace of mind. This was just a small sacrifice to be made, if she had to live happily thereafter, with Rohan. 

              “I do trust you Rohan. But I want your assurance too! I have been feeling very insecure, of late, as you seem to be getting too close to her. If you want me out of your way, I will gladly step aside. But you are too good a person to give up, just like that! I love you and want to be sure that you are only mine. I can’t share your affection with anyone else, not even my dear sister.”

                

               Her expression was resolute, but she seemed tense to the point of breaking down under the stress of talking so boldly to her husband. She had always been quite reserved and conservative in her approach towards their relationship, partly due to the rigid upbringing of her traditional parents. Maybe it was that same rigidity that had made Samaira so rebellious and had eventually led her to flee from her ‘prison’, thought Amisha.

              

              As she thought warmly about her impulsive, but lovable sister; she had to firmly remind herself that that same sister had become the bane of her existence, right then! Wasn’t she trying to steal her husband’s affection? Wasn’t she downright ungrateful, as it was Amisha who had asked Rohan to keep tabs on her and ensure her well-being in a big city?

               

             Through a haze, she felt that she heard Rohan saying, “Amisha, Samaira is lonely and needs company. I am just trying to give her solace. I am also trying to help her kick her habit of boozing.”

               

             With a shock, Amisha jolted back to reality. “Did I hear you right? You never mentioned this before!”

To be continued....

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