‘Well, the measure of a lover lies in his ability to envision the nuances of his woman,’ she said in all admiration, ‘and how you measure up to be a lover of lovers. I’m sure Sandhya too would love that day when you have us both.’
‘You know how to flatter your man,’ he patted her, obviously pleased with her outpouring.
‘Let me see if Lalitha is around,’ she said, as they were ready to leave. ‘At my signal, lock the door and come down.’
‘What an irony of a honeymoon it is for us,’ she said, as he joined her on the main road. ‘We’re both one in bed but can’t make a couple in the lane.’
‘Confined to its sheath the cutting edge of love remains ever so sharp’ he said taking her hand, ‘maybe that’s the charm of liaisons.’
‘Could be,’ she said pressing his hand, ‘but I’d love to be known to the world as your woman.’
‘Let’s not be too greedy,’ he said cajolingly. ‘Why uproot Sathyam’s life? Do remember your promise.’
‘Sorry, I was carried away,’ she said apologetically. ‘I shall keep my word, and love you ever more for that.’
When they sat at a table for two at Blue Fox, she said, ‘How I wish it were for the three of us. Oh, you don’t know how I love Sandhya.’
‘You can’t make me jealous on that count,’ he said in smile, ‘can you?’
‘Why should you?’ she said winking at him, ‘isn’t our love all yours?’
‘‘How she has become a part of me,’ he said reminiscently, ‘her confinement is telling upon me.’
‘Can’t I understand,’ she said taking his hand. ‘Are you going to tell her about our meeting?’
‘Let’s mention it in the passing,’ he said as he started footsie, ‘to both of them that is.’
‘I thought as much when you got into your chappals,’ she said enjoying the sensual pulsations his touch had induced in her.
‘Had you modeled Marlene Dietrich’s legs would have been cut down to size,’ he said in all admiration.
‘I’m glad I’ve got a leg man for my lover,’ she said joyously.
‘Now, I’ll give you some legwork,’ he said, as he took his leg up above her calf. ‘Find out an office space that caters to the needs of our passion and a flat that meets the taste of your friend. You know it saves the bother if you find them both near your house.
‘With pleasure,’ she winked at him.
Having had a sumptuous meal, they hired an auto-rickshaw to go to Deepak for the matinee show. However, seeing some sari shops on the way, Raja Rao asked the driver to stop nearby.