Waves

‘What the hell is going on between my husband and that bitch?’ Maya’s patience was at its lowest ebb and she was ready to burst.

Sanjay knew that she was serious. ‘Look, Maya. There is nothing going on between the two of them. Just a little bit of healthy flirting, I’d say.’

‘Flirting? Healthy flirting? Really Sanjay…’she rolled her eyes in disgust. ‘That’s what you men call it? There is nothing healthy about flirting, Sanjay, not for a married man.

Healthy flirting is a term introduced by perverted men who want to lend legitimacy to their extramarital dalliances. Flirting invariably has a sexual connotation to it.’ She got up from her seat and walked around the room gesticulating and muttering something to her. Suddenly she stopped, turned back, looked at Sanjay and asked, ‘Did my husband sleep with her? You are his friend. Did he ever tell you anything about it?’

Sanjay holds Maya hand tightly and draw her nearer to him and asked- Does that really matter to you?’

While looking into Sanjay’s eyes, Maya replied - No. Now it does not matter me at all after so many years have passed. It has become a routine matter. But still, I cannot accept it easily whenever I came across his adultery.

‘Just forget about it. I am with you and will always be by your side.’-Sanjay. He lifted Maya in his arms and went to his bedroom. They spent a good time together.

Maya was heading towards her home. She was lying in the back seat of the car. She was deeply absolved in her thoughts. She has drastically transformed. There was a time when she used to hate people who used to deceive their partners. But now she herself is sleeping with Sanjay. Just because her husband Manan is not faithful to her. She did every bit to help Manan in order to make his stand on his own. She married him against the wish of her parents. She used to work for odd hours just to support Manan financially. But what Manan did, he was flirting, making love with other girls. She was almost dead when she came across the news for the very first time. It was Sanjay, Manan’s best friend who actually helped her fight the situation. She became so close to Sanjay that there was nothing left to happen between them.

She decided to take divorce initially but that time her parents were going through time. Her brother was having affair out of his wedlock. Her sister-in-law, Rakhi, attempted suicide. Rakhi’s parents even lodged a police complaint and demanded legal separation. But it was Rakhi who decided to continue with this relationship. Social stigma or whatever, she continued. And she got all the support.

Maya was also going through the same phase. The only difference she could make out that hers was a love marriage. She chose Manan so she has every right to deject him. But Sanjay made her understand that she would not find peace and solace after divorce. Manan could easily get hooked but for her life will become a never-ending tiresome journey. Though Manan has cheated her he had never turned his back to his family responsibilities and if this episode of cheating is kept aside, he was a wonderful husband. He tried to make Maya understand that Manan is in such a business where he has to be on his foot all the time. She cannot keep a track of him. The best way is to shift her attention from him and start looking for self-satisfaction. Keep this relationship alive if not possible as a couple then better is as friends. Just make sure Manan is available when you need. If this happens then you are in the best place. Just accept him as a friend. Whether she has not accepted her own brother who was cheating on his wife. Whether she has not accepted Sanjay? Sanjay himself has declared him as a Casanova. Even though she finds answers and peace in his arms. Why ….. because he gives time to her.

Manan is a bluff master, a cheater……… Yes, I know about this. Then why I feel losing my temper whenever I heard his name with any female. What a big deal if he sleeps with her. When I bore this the very first time then I can accept it any time. Yes, I have to concentrate on me only…….. I will accept this but should not suffer this.

Maya reached home. Manan was already there. He handed over some papers to her.

‘Your membership card for the gymnasium. Sanjay told you to want to join a gym. So I have booked your membership. I was always telling you to start going to the gym. Finally, you did. Good. But one issue we can’t go together as we have different timings. But don’t worry I have asked Sanjay to take you with him. He has the same timings. Oye tomorrow is Karva Chauth. I know you do not celebrate but still, I have bought one designer suit for you. Just wear it’- Manan.

Maya was thinking what would happen when Manan come to know about her relationship with Sanjay. Divorce… what else? The evening she went to market. Entire market wore a look of a bride on occasion of Karva Chauth. Female were getting their hands decorated with Mehandi. It was more than five years when she stopped getting ready for karva chauth. But his time her inner self was compelling her to get ready. She also raised her hand to the person applying Mehandi.

Her mother in law visited that night. She was extremely happy to see Maya getting ready for Karva Chauth. She told Manan to be with Maya for the occasion. Manan was also surprised. Early morning he offered tea for Maya but she did not react. Manan told that why she is observing fast. There is no need. Maya told that he never knew what actually her need is.

Manan said that he did not deserve this gesture but will come early if she wants to break the fast with him. Maya did not utter a single word. Manan left. After that Maya had a heavy breakfast. She went to the parlour. Got herself treated well. When she returned home, she had lunch. As nobody was at home, she pretends that she was observing fast. In the evening she dressed like a new bride. That evening she danced like anything on loud music. When she got tired she looked at her mobile. So many missed calls. Manan…Manan… Manan… Hmm, stupid must be thinking that I will still observe fast for his well being. Then she saw so many missed calls from her mother. She tried to call her mother but she was not getting connected. Then suddenly she recalled that morning her mother called and informed about the bad health of her father. She was worried now. She tried to call Sanjay, but he was not picking. She drove the car in hurry. Though she was not a good driver it was an emergency. She was constantly thinking about her father. She closed her eyes for a while but she stopped with a bang. Accidentally she hit her car with a stationary car parked at the roadside. It was a secluded place. A couple came out other. The girl who was scantily dressed screamed at Maya. Maya looked at the man with that girl.

She could not believe her eyes. She never expected that this day she would witness this. He was none other than Sanjay. The person in whom Maya found solace. It was clear from their condition that they were having fun.

‘Hey, Maya.. what a surprise. Wow, you are looking like a bride. Meet my friend Tanya. And why are you driving? Where is the driver.’- Sanjay.

Sanjay spoke in such a manner as if nothing has happened to him. But Maya was frozen. Tanya shook her.

‘Are you okay.. as Sanjay knows you. Can we drop you somewhere.’- Tanya.

‘No I am okay. Actually, I was going to meet my parents. You guys carry on.’- Maya left.

I should not feel bad. When Manan is not faithful, how could I expect it from Sanjay? And Sanjay never spoke about commitment. So it is okay. He has promised that he will be by my side whenever I need him. I shall not expect more than this promise. She drove softly. Sanjay called on her mobile and asked if she required any help.

When she reached her parent's house she was told by neighbours that her father had suffered an attack and was rushed to the hospital. She immediately left for the hospital. She tried to calling Manan but he was not answering. She decided that there is no use of continuing with this relationship. Manan is not at all bothered for her. She reached the hospital. She found her mother sitting alone outside operation theatre and weeping. She holds her mother hand. Her mother could not speak anything.

‘Everything is fine. Dad is out of danger. Do not worry.’- Maya felt someone touch on her shoulder. She turned. It was Manan.

‘I received a call from your mother that Dad has suffered an attack and you are not answering phone calls. I also tried calling you on your mobile continuously but no answer. Are you okay.” – Manan.

“Had Manan not been in time, we might have lost your father Maya. I am indebted to him.’- Maya’s mother.

‘Please don’t make me feel ashamed mummy. It's my duty.”-Manan.

The operation was over. Father was out of danger. Mother went inside to see him.

Manan and Maya were sitting outside. Manan asked Maya if she has broken her fast of Karva Chauth. Maya started coughing. Manan got a glass of water for her. He took the glass to her lips and whispered- Happy Karva Chauth. Now break your fast. See your husband is here.’

Maya smiled and took the water. She thought what’s wrong in living like this. People are there to help her when she needs them. Either this help comes from relations or out of relations. It is all about feelings, and now she knows how to feel good.