twisted tales

PART I

I’m tired. My work wasn’t exactly pleasing my boss, the presentation for which I had worked my ass off didn’t exactly create the stir I had prepared it to create, my eyes were droopy, I couldn’t catch up on enough sleep due to the horrid, pot filled roads heading out of the airport, my sister’s marriage was falling apart; the only thought that brought a smile to my gloomy face was that of returning to the comfort of you. I wanted to surprise you. It was our wedding anniversary after all. Marriage counselling seemed to be working but you still seemed aloof. Maybe you were still getting used to the idea of seeking help.

I try not to make any sound as I turn in the key to the front door and tip toe my way down the hall. I peek into our bedroom but you’re not there. You’re not in the bathroom or the kitchen or the study. You’re phone is switched off. I wonder where you are.

It’s way past midnight when you walk in. I see the look of shock and then surprise before a smile curves your lips. You kiss me and drown all my queries. They say that you only value what you have when it’s gone. Love making was never this sweet. I was happy being close to you. The jigsaw of our marriage was finally falling in place.


PART II
It’s been months since you’ve touched me. It feels like a lifetime. You don’t want me anymore. I’m alone yet again. It’s that time of the day, when all I want to do is burst out and cry. I feel defeated. But I’m not letting go this time. I need to know what’s happening. Tonight we’re gonna talk. If this marriage is not going to work out , we might as well give up and live freely. No more tears, no more pain.
I walk into our apartment to a familiar song. Wait, that’s my favourite song and it's coming from our bedroom. I move towards the music and in my head I brace myself for what I have come here to do. My mind’s made up and there’s no turning back. I want to avenge the months of loneliness. I push through our bedroom door and I black out…


PART III

I’ve moved out of that apartment. Well, heck I’ve moved out of the city now. Each place, each road, each landmark had a memory of the two of you. I’m happier and more content with my work and life. Jai has been my anchor throughout, unquestioning and uncomplaining of my tantrums and demands.
I come back home each day to the faces of my bratty nephews and a paranoid sister who thinks that I may just kill myself someday.
The kids are asleep and the dishes done. We sit down in the verandah, catching up on our occasional cigarette. She gives me that look again. Like always I try and avoid her gaze. But there’s something about that look today which gives me a feeling that there’s no escape. The time had come to let her in where only Jai had been before.

“…I blacked out. I had walked into Tarun having sex my best friend in my bed.”

“Who Malini?”

“No. Rishi”