The Enemy Within

Varshini was in the seventh heaven. She had just been married to Himesh, a young entrepreneur, who had already carved a niche for himself as an architect. Both Varshini and Himesh were college mates and had been dating each other steadily for nearly two years. After graduation, Himesh started his own company. Within a period of five years, he was sought after by well-established builders as his designs were very unique. His forte was that all his plans were Vaastu-shastra compliant and despite making optimum use of space, presented an open and grand look. His parents resided in Coonoor, as they owned tea estates there and would occasionally drive down to Chennai to be with the newly wed Himesh and Varshini. 

Varshini had specialised in Interior Décor and had planned to set up her own business in that field. Her father who was a Civil Engineer also based in Chennai for several decades had promised to acquire office space in the city for her. He had booked their tickets for a week-long honeymoon in Mauritius and had planned to keep her office ready on their return.

Varshini and Himesh spent a joyous time and when they were back, her father had kept his word and made all arrangements for Varshini to start her own business. He had also identified a few clients for her and in a week’s time, she had started her work. While Himesh was busy throughout the day, Varshini had a lot of time to spare as she was yet to get substantial contracts. She was, therefore, able to spend quality time with Himesh and the young couple enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

In a couple of years, Varshini’s business started growing rapidly and she was busy till late in the night. Himesh too was busy, but he would be home early only to get irritated to find himself alone. Once home, he would constantly try calling Varshini and if she did not pick up the phone, hell would be let loose.

Varshini’s parents would spend weekends with them and Himesh always had a long list of complaints to place before them. Though they were proud of their daughter’s success, they were equally worried about her family life too. Himesh had become very short-tempered and would throw a fit whenever Varshini was delayed or had late meetings with her clients.

The initial rapport both of them shared with each other was slowly waning and in its place, Himesh started harbouring jealousy. If he had three projects on hand, Varshini had five and this was something he could not tolerate. He failed to realise that though Varshini had more projects, their value was much less as compared to his own. His earnings were at least threefold more than hers, but jealousy the green-eyed monster would not let him see reason. 

He was so blinded that he tried to divert some of her prospective clients to others in the field. Not stopping at that, he would also recover his commission from them. He had no qualms about spoiling her career. Once Varshini had saved her designs on a flash drive to show them to a client. Himesh cheekily replaced the pen drive with an identically looking one and pretended as if nothing had happened, eventually making her lose a good client.

Varshini was not too naïve and was sharp enough to find out what Himesh was up to. She was sad that Himesh had not lived up to her expectations but was exhibiting his pettiness. At the same time, she did not wish to let go of any contract that came her way. She wished to prove her merit and went all out to secure more and more business despite Himesh’s efforts to curb them. Occasionally, when Himesh had struck a high-value deal, he would be in a good mood and both of them would celebrate as they used to earlier on.

In course of time, bitterness between them grew more and more. Varshini’s parents tried to clear their misunderstandings, but both stood their ground and would not yield. Small differences of opinion cascaded and ended up in the Family Court with both of them filing for divorce.

Varshini had packed up her bags and moved in with her parents. Of late, she had realised that she lacked the stamina to follow up with her clients. She also felt lethargic almost every morning and felt nauseous. When her mother came to know of it, she immediately took her to the gynaecologist who confirmed the good news that her pregnancy was into the seventh week.

Varshini had mixed feelings. Her first reaction was to immediately call Himesh and share the good tidings, but her pride held her back. She would not allow her parents also to get in touch with him. 

One afternoon, she had to attend a meeting which could not be avoided. To her pleasant surprise, Himesh too was at that very site. While she felt inclined to forget everything and cuddle in his arms, her self-respect came in the way. Himesh too had seen her get down from the car and wished to give her a tight hug, but jealousy held him back.

Varshini’s parents had, in the meanwhile informed Himesh’s parents who came down from Coonoor to make their son see reason. Both sets of parents got together and tried to work out strategies to bring about a reunion among the estranged couple. 

Himesh’s parents pretended as if they were not aware of the differences of opinion between Himesh and Varshini and after reaching Himesh’s house, called him on the mobile. Himesh was taken by surprise, but could not disclose the true state of affairs to them. He immediately approached Varshini on the site and explained the situation to her. In her heart of hearts, she too wished to unite with him now that they will be welcoming a cute new member of their family! She had no grouse against Himesh, though he had let the enemy called ‘jealousy’ grow within him. 

She hoped that with Himesh’s parents staying with them for a few days, they would be able to iron out their differences and start a new life, at least for the sake of the child.

On the way home, Varshini shared the good news with Himesh and his joy knew no bounds. The small period of separation coupled with their parenthood was enough to bring them together. As they sought the blessings of elders, both of them decided to free the enemy within that had been the cause of their discord and start a fresh life of happy togetherness for all times to come.