‘Now I realize it’s my fault really,’ said Roopa reflectively. ‘I can’t blame him for calling me a frigid flirt in the end.’
‘He should’ve known,’ said Sandhya winking at Roopa, ‘that my darling is not for everyone’s having.’
‘It feels nice,’ said Roopa winking back at Sandhya, ‘that you have a lover in your mind for me.’
‘It’s up to you to woo him,’ said Sandhya pushing Roopa in the right direction, ‘as I stand performance guarantee.’
‘Oh, how sexy,’ said Roopa, ‘to have an idea, let me see him pampering Saroja.’
‘If you don’t mind being a voyeur,’ said Sandhya heartily, ‘I can let you have the true picture.’
‘Anyway, it’s some way away,’ said Roopa, winking at Sandhya, ‘But isn’t the way he derived Saroja’s name thrilling?’
‘Don’t you think he’s creative?’
‘Of course,’ said Roopa reminiscently, ‘hope Saroja imbibes some of his creativity.’
‘Hope she shapes up well,’ said Sandhya, as they went back to Saroja
‘Why not,’ said Roopa in admiration, ‘she having the craftsman of a man for her father.’
‘Is it about me?’ said Raja Rao, who overheard them, as they reached him by then.
‘Of course,’ smiled Roopa.
‘I feel flattered,’ he said with a smile, ‘that you both find me interesting to talk about.’
‘I better leave before you wish I had left,’ said Roopa in jest to him. ‘But isn’t it too early to wish you good night.’
‘Oh, you naughty!’ said Sandhya smacking Roopa’s bottom.
Feeling elated, Roopa came out of the sprawling compound, and got into a rickshaw.
‘Hasn’t she showed me the green light, the dear thing,’ she thought in excitement. ‘But won’t she be hurt if she comes to know that we jumped the signal? Oh, why didn’t I wait a little longer? But then, didn’t we make it rather providentially. All said and done, can I conceive a better way to bring about our union? What an exceptional time we have had! But, if I were in Sandhya’s shoes, would I be as generous? Not as much as much as she is.’
That night, the thought that Sandhya more than reciprocates her love seemed to please Roopa. And as she dwelled upon their love triangle, she had a sneaking feeling that her lover could be craving her more than his better half even.
What with her self-worth enhanced by her own feelings, Roopa sank into sleep, such as one which only a true fulfillment would occasion.
~~~~~~
Next morning, as Ramaiah goaded Janaki to get ready to attend the wedding of his colleague’s daughter, pretending a headache, Roopa stayed put in bed.