‘Oh, get up,’ Roopa said confusedly, ‘Tara would come.’
‘I don’t care,’ he said, and buried his head back into her crotch.
‘Don’t be mad,’ she pushed him with all her strength while pulling herself in consternation.
While he landed on all fours, Tara came out of the toilet.
‘I’m sorry,’ said an embarrassed Prasad repairing from his awkward posture.
‘I better leave,’ said Tara, herself overwhelmed at the development.
‘Oh, no,’ Roopa clasped Tara’s hand in desperation, ‘don’t leave me now.’
‘Why should I be the odd man out here,’ he grinned, having meanwhile composed himself, and left.
‘I hope,’ said Roopa, still in shock, ‘you haven’t got it wrong.’
‘It’s your private affair, anyway.’
‘Believe me,’ said Roopa pleading for Tara’s understanding, ‘there’s nothing of that sort between us.’
‘I believe you,’ said Tara smiling mysteriously, ‘but what comes later.’
‘What do you mean?’ said Roopa in all nervousness.
‘Don’t try to tell me that he just walked in and took you by your seat,’ said Tara in all concern for Roopa. ‘I’m sure he came for a fling on an invitation drafted by your flirting mind. Though he retreated for now, in time, he would be back to do your bidding. Take my word for that.’
‘Oh, God,’ Roopa nearly swooned into Tara’s arms.
‘It’s time you know some home truths about us women,’ said Tara making Roopa sit in the sofa. ‘The radars of male eyes are sure to pick up the unmistakable signals emanating from unhappy women. In her married life, a woman is either satisfied or dissatisfied, that’s all there is to it, and if someone persists with a married woman for some time, it’s a sure sign of her own vacillation.’
‘Maybe,’ Roopa said, in spite of herself, ‘you’re right.’
‘But every situation portends an opportunity as well,’ said Tara with seeming conviction. ‘The art of living lies in capping opportunities and not whining over problems. It’s only a matter of time before you find yourself in the arms of a paramour, be it Prasad or some other. Either way, you better be prepared to be trapped in a man’s seductive web sooner than later. Realize that the novelty of male sexuality manifests itself in the conquest of women. And it would ensure that someone is not going to rest until he beds with you. But when the novelty wears off, he’s prone to cross over to fresher pastures, leaving you languishing for sexual love. Do you know what’s going to be your likely response then? As if to prove to yourself that your sex appeal hasn’t lost its gloss, you’ll take on another lover to sing the same praises of you.’