I reluctantly put down my book. "Sure...we can...but aren't you a little rusty after all these years of inactivity?" Prashant let out an exasperated sigh, "I might be rusty, but at least I am trying to plan a fun weekend." I thought a moment about retaliation, then deciding against it, let out a smile. "True, let me plan the menu for dinner".
Prashant started calling Dheeraj; I went back to my book. I did not like Arundhati Roy's writings, but didn't want to be the only person around who hadn't read the book.
Dheeraj and Sindhu came sharp at 3.00 pm. I had never met them separately, other than in Prashant's monthly office parties. Of course, those were formal events and there was no scope of regular conversation once I was introduced as the Vice President's wife. So mostly I hung around Mrs. Khanna, the CEO's wife, who always wanted to share anecdotes about her kids with me.
Halfway through the game, I realised that I was actually enjoying myself. Dheeraj had a great sense of humor and came up with the most hilarious comments at the most opportune moments. Sindhu, however looked a little pale. After sometime, she announced she was not feeling well and did not want to play in the sun anymore. I offered her lemonade and suggested that she rest in our bedroom. Sindhu wanted to leave instead and asked Dheeraj whether he wanted to go with her. Dheeraj looked visibly irritated, and soon both were having a heated discussion. Sindhu finally left in a huff. "Well, then...here ends all the fun. Just when I was finally enjoying myself", I thought to myself but said nothing. Instead, I smiled graciously and suggested that we could all head inside, and maybe watch a movie or something. Prashant immediately agreed and Dheeraj suggested we watch Roman Holiday. I looked at Prashant, who had an inexplicable expression on his face. Prashant hated classics. What kind of person could hate classics ! I made up my mind and smiled sweetly at Dheeraj, "That's a wonderful idea".
Almost halfway through the movie Prashant got a call from work. It was inevitable. This was the first Saturday he was home in three months. I was not terribly surprised. He moved away to the couch, took out his macbook and started working. The person on the other end apparently had a lot of questions, and finally he let an exasperated sigh. "Ok, ok...I have guests at home. I can come for only a couple of hours." He told us he would be back soon, but I knew better. Work was his first love and I would consider myself lucky to see him at dinner.
I was secretly happy. After ages, I was enjoying myself in another man's company and Dheeraj knew how to be charming. He looked at me mischeviously, "Ready for another game?". My mind was racing,"Was he flirting with me?" But I was guilty too, I was actually enjoying the attention.
We played another game, and it felt wonderful. I was a sportsperson and Prashant hated tennis too. I had no clue how we had ended up together. We seemed to have nothing in common anymore.
After the game we decided to finish the movie. One thing led to the other, and soon we were in each other's arms. Fearful that Prashant would be back, but obviously wanting more of this clandestinity, I suggested we move outside to our summerhouse.
We rarely used our summerhouse, and the door was covered with a ring of ivy. I yanked it open but it opened smoothly. I went in and stared right into the faces of my husband, Prashant and the woman I had seen with him in the new Italian restaurant at downtown. I knew now why Sindhu had looked so familiar.
Almost halfway through the movie Prashant got a call from work. It was inevitable. This was the first Saturday he was home in three months. I was not terribly surprised. He moved away to the couch, took out his macbook and started working. The person on the other end apparently had a lot of questions, and finally he let an exasperated sigh. "Ok, ok...I have guests at home. I can come for only a couple of hours." He told us he would be back soon, but I knew better. Work was his first love and I would consider myself lucky to see him at dinner.
I was secretly happy. After ages, I was enjoying myself in another man's company and Dheeraj knew how to be charming. He looked at me mischeviously, "Ready for another game?". My mind was racing,"Was he flirting with me?" But I was guilty too, I was actually enjoying the attention.
We played another game, and it felt wonderful. I was a sportsperson and Prashant hated tennis too. I had no clue how we had ended up together. We seemed to have nothing in common anymore.
After the game we decided to finish the movie. One thing led to the other, and soon we were in each other's arms. Fearful that Prashant would be back, but obviously wanting more of this clandestinity, I suggested we move outside to our summerhouse.
We rarely used our summerhouse, and the door was covered with a ring of ivy. I yanked it open but it opened smoothly. I went in and stared right into the faces of my husband, Prashant and the woman I had seen with him in the new Italian restaurant at downtown. I knew now why Sindhu had looked so familiar.
