Chasing Her Shadow - Chapter Eighteen

S. Meera

6 October 2008, 11:28

Continued From Chapter Seventeen

“You will be late, is it? Why?” Shyamala asked Ravi, petulantly. “You have stopped coming home on time these days.”

He smiled. “You know how work is these days. And…I am going over to Latha’s place in the evening.” Seeing Shyamala purse her lips, he added, “An old friend of ours is coming down.”

She was not impressed. “Why not bring him over, if he is a good friend?”

“Not a very great friend, but know him well. He is closer to Latha. And, you hate having people over, so I seldom call them over or take you,” adding his share of complaints to the kitty. She thought it best not to respond. He had stopped complaining about her preference to keep away from his friends. In fact, these days she volunteered to join his parties mostly. His elaborate explanation roused her suspicion. But she was too busy to pay much attention. She also realised that his frequent visits to Latha’s place was making her uncomfortable. It seemed to be on the rise, alarmingly.

She noted him confirming the time as 7.30 pm. Dinner? No, he will have it at home. That was normal.

*

On an impulse, she thought of calling up Joy. Since their changing jobs, she had never kept in touch with him. She just didn’t know what she should do. Honestly, she didn’t worry about Latha, but she also guessed that Ravi was more open to her about his feelings than to any of his other friends. Maybe Joy wouldn’t know much – typical of him to keep away from anything he thought wasn’t meant for him. She may achieve very little by talking to him…but short of approaching Latha directly, there was no other way. And she was not ready for that. Or should she…?

The phone rang. A voice not heard for several months was on the line. Her heart jumped. “Satish?”

“Recognise me still?” he laughed.

“How are you?”

“Great. Hey listen, why don’t you meet me for lunch. And, no, don’t worry about Jenny.”

She feared the worst. “Is everything OK?”

“Top form, ma’am. You just wait for me to pick you up.”

She sank back in her chair, putting the receiver down. She felt a nervousness, uncharacteristically. Had he broken up? His voice and language gave no clue as to what he meant by “Don’t worry about Jenny?”

When he came to pick her up, she still had no clues and questions abounded. Of course, it was too embarrassing to ask anything.

“What will you have?” when they had settled down.

“Something light.”

After they placed their order, he turned to her. “So, how have you been?”

“Good. How about you?”

“Like I said, in top shape.”

“Good. So, what’s this lunch for?”

“Dying to know, aren’t you?” She inclined her head to a side, looking at him.

“I have news for you,” he said, solemnly. Seeing a hint of panic in her eyes, he started laughing. “Now you figure out what it is.”

She glared at him. “Stop playing games. What’s up? You seem mighty thrilled.”

“Thrilled! Oh yes, thrilled I am.” Before he could respond, the waiter came with the plates. “These guys are big cheats. They keep the plates first to make you think food is coming and then vanish for hours.”

“You don’t change the topic,” she admonished.

He cackled. “I am hungry and I want food.”

She frowned, thoroughly irritated, and settled back with a pout, refusing to be drawn into any conversation. She didn’t even try pretending to be not curious, knowing fully well that the news that Satish withheld would be something major.

“I am shifting back to Bangalore,” he said, suddenly.

She went still. She looked at him blankly. For a change, he seemed earnest.

“Good,” she said softly. “Got a better offer?”

“Not me. Jenny did. Both of us felt it would be good for her to take it up.”

“And you?”

“I don’t have anything in hand and was hanging around. She went this month beginning. I have tried in a few places and some seem promising. But, rather than waiting here alone, I thought it would be better to go there.” He added, after a pause, “At least, no distractions.”

She ignored his remark. “Isn’t the market too bad for you to take that risk?”

“Yes, maybe.” He didn’t expand further. Food came and they both busied themselves with serving themselves.

Topics jumped from job market to publications to what not. But nothing registered. She could feel her heart pulsating, thrown into confusion.

“How are things with you?” he asked suddenly, after a lull in the conversation.

She smiled dryly. “Good.” She fidgeted with her ring. And looked up and smiled. “Why did you both decide to leave Chennai?” she asked.

Her heart flipped as he looked into her eyes. She quickly looked down, avoiding his gaze. Her throat parched. The silence was unbearable.

Taking courage, she looked up again. “Satish. I know what Jenny must be feeling. Don’t make me understand what Mary is going through. I will have nobody left to blame for the mess in my life.”

He smiled ironically. “Let’s celebrate with some dessert. Maybe the last time we meet.”

Continued In Chapter Nineteen

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