‘But, how do I go about it?’ he tried to analyze his moves to checkmate Roopa in her own bed. ‘What could be the path of least resistance to her favors? Won’t the first few steps decide the outcome of this ticklish tangle? While cultivating his confidence, I must undermine her defenses as well. But with a stunning wife like that, any man would be on guard to see through the motives of the callers. Why not vouch brotherly feeling for her to keep him off guard? Won’t that cut both ways in the triangle? That way, I can get closer to her and then worm my way into her affections. Besides, won’t that enable me to appraise her weaknesses for later day exploitation? Why, that’s a great idea, which can be implemented without alerting Sathyam!’

Carried by his brainwave, a hearty Prasad came out of the cabin with great expectations.

‘I’m at your service now,’ said Prasad to the Sathyams, as he came out.

‘Let’s go to our place,’ said Sathyam.

‘I don’t know about your means of transport,’ said Prasad, ‘but I will have to hire an auto-rickshaw.’

‘I thought you must be moving in limousines,’ said Sathyam unable to hide his surprise.

‘I use the office Ambassador,’ said Prasad, who by then had instructed his chauffeur to report for duty the next day, ‘which is in the garage now.’

‘You haven’t changed really,’ said Sathyam all excited. ‘Roopa, you know, he’s always an adjusting type.’

‘If it doesn’t bother my sister, I would like stay on for dinner,’ said Prasad as they walked towards the exit. ‘Ever since Rani went to Delhi, I’ve been eating junk, and it’s been a week now.’

‘You’re welcome,’ Roopa smiled her invitation.

‘Thank you,’ said Prasad heartily.

As they got into an auto, Sathyam told Prasad, ‘Now tell me.’

‘As I spotted you,’ said Prasad in jest, ‘I’ve the first lien.’

‘After graduation,’ said Sathyam, all the while eager to hear his friend’s story, ‘I joined the State Government, and am working ever since at the secretariat. Now I’m a Senior Assistant, waiting to be promoted as Section Officer. In a nutshell, that’s all there is to my life.’

‘Why, you’ve missed the essence,’ said Prasad. ‘When did you get married?’

‘Well,’ said Sathyam smilingly, ‘we’re two years old.’

‘What a wit,’ said Prasad. ‘Love marriage, I suppose.’

‘It was love at first sight,’ said Sathyam for a shocking effect, ‘during our pellichupulu. But I heard yours is a love match.’




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