Evolved..

As she entered the beauty parlour “ Evolve”, she felt as if it was a different, fancier place! Not that she was visiting the place for the first time.  

In fact, Sushma frequently visited this beauty parlour for more than five years. 

Just before three months, the owner had announced of renovating the place, and hence it had remained closed for several weeks.

The owner was a young boy, Yuvraj. He was so handsome and stylish that girls of all ages visited the place only to see him and get acquainted. Many of Sushma’s friends had hinted to her about Yuvraj’s good looks and suggested that it was “nothing wrong” in making friends with him.

But such ideas had never impressed Sushma. She was happily married to Anish for last three years, who was a charming and considerate husband who allowed Sushma to continue working at her own travel agency.

 Recently, Sushma had received an invitation announcing the opening of “Evolve” with a gala celebration. Unfortunately, she could not attend this function, as it was Diwali time and a hectic season for her travel agency.

However, she had mentioned to Anish about it. “We will go later if you insist.” He had promised to her.

Today finally finding some free time amidst a busy schedule, she had managed to reach the “Evolve” beauty parlour.

Sushma was a kind woman, and she liked to converse with the staff there as well as tip them well, who in turn happily chatted with her and gave her the best services.

When Sushma reached “Evolve”, she was warmly welcomed and was given VIP treatment with a lot of personal care. Each staff member came to greet her, and she was offered juice and chocolates. She was much impressed by this. “Surely, the standard of Evolve has evolved !” Sushma smiled happily.

In the evening as Anish returned from the office, Sushma hugged him, and in turn, Anish kissed her warmly. This was their daily ritual. Their love had not faded at all.

“ Dear, Finally I managed to visit my favourite beauty parlour Evolve today.” Sushma was all praises for her visit today. Anish looked at her sharply and then smiled.

“That is great dear, you wanted to visit the place for long !”

“Yes, Anu, and imagine the fabulous treatment they gave me! It was worth every penny of five thousand rupees that I spent there. I enjoyed the body massage especially – I suggest that you should visit it sometime.”

Anish did not reply but got busy with relaxing with some Whisky.

This was Anish’s favourite pass time. Once he was more successful in business, alcohol had become inseparable from him. And after taking several drinks, he would often lay unconscious till the next morning.

The same story was repeated today. After consuming several pegs of Whisky, Anish was in no position to have dinner.

Sushma was too elated with her experience at the "Evolve" with various beauty treatments. She ignored or did not mind Anish enjoying himself with ‘ some’ drink.

Next morning Sushma realized that she had not paid the full amount due at the parlour. Soon after Anish left for the office, she reached at the newly renovated "Evolve".

“Welcome, Madam! You could have paid the money later” Chirruped a technician there.

“Not at all! Here are the remaining thousand rupees.” Sushma gave the money at the counter. As she turned, a door to the massage room opened for fraction of a second. Sushma caught glimpse of a familiar face, but try as she would, could not place that person.

Ignoring her own curiosity, Sushma was about to step out, when a staff girl came out of that room and started talking to the receptionist sitting there.

“Sir wants a double massage today. After all, he has paid ten lakhs to his boyfriend for renovation.”

Sushma came down the stairs hurriedly. While getting into the car, she noticed their own BMW, waiting outside and CharanSingh the driver standing next to it. She could not resist getting down from the car and reached where CharanSingh was standing. “ Why are you here? Have you not gone to the office with Sir ?”

CharanSingh was a truthful, vocal employee. “ Madam, We will leave soon. This is a weekly visit of Sahib here.”

Sushma could not believe her ears and sank in the car broken-hearted, tears rolling down her cheeks.

After reaching home, she kept on thinking for hours about the morning incident, but could not decide what action should she take. Finally, she opened the bottle of whisky and filled a glass for herself.

 

Somebody had rightly said, “ Adjustment is the key to happiness.”