‘Sandhya here,’ she said nervously, having lifted the receiver on the third ring.
‘Raogaru is safe,’ said Ranga Reddy, ‘but he’s injured.’
‘Where is he now?’ said Sandhya with relief, as Roopa rushed to her in delight. And as Roopa shoved her ear to the receiver, symbolizing the harmony of their love for their man, Sandhya shared it with her.
‘He’s at the OGH,’ Ranga Reddy ‘I’ll pick you up around six after arranging curfew passes for you.’
‘Didn’t I tell you that he would be fine?’ Roopa hugged Sandhya poignantly as Ranga Reddy hung up his phone.
‘Why did you worry then?’ said a smiling Sandhya in relief.
Roopa rested her relieved head on Sandhya’s heaving bosom for an answer.
‘So,’ Sandhya patted Roopa’s head.
‘Can’t you forgive me,’ said Roopa, wetting Sandhya’s blouse.
‘Don’t try to be smart,’ said Sandhya teasing Roopa, while fondling her lovingly. ‘Tell me the whole story, and then I’ll see.’
‘I’m sorry,’ said Roopa, almost inaudibly. ‘I just couldn’t help it. I was fascinated the moment I saw him, and tried my best to restrain myself. But the more I tried to suppress my desire for him, the more I was drawn to him. I felt so miserable loving him that I wished I were dead. I became so insane in my longing for him that I lost all my sense of belonging to you. Blinded by my love, my conscience too failed me, and I didn’t feel guilty, though you’ve trusted me.’
‘Oh, lovey, why didn’t you tell me before?’ said Sandhya, moved herself.
‘I just couldn’t bring myself to it,’ said Roopa, hugging Sandhya endearingly. ‘Tell me; how am I to tell you that I was coveting your man? I always knew he too was attracted by me, but then, love is a different thing, isn’t it? Just the same, I was living in the hope of being loved by him. Then came a time, when I felt that I was doomed by my unrequited love for him. But then, destiny seemingly dragged him into my longing arms. As you know, triggered by your letter of concern for me, himself concerned, he came to me this August. Then, as Sathyam too was away, I could hold no more, and overwhelmed him with all my love and longing. Being his very own woman, you would understand what he could have given me in return for my overriding passion for him. Oh, how nice it feels that I too have some place in his heart, occupied for the most part by you. But, if at any time, should my presence in our love triangle irk you, I would withdraw from it without a word. Even then, I can live on, masticating the memories of his love and passion for me. Oh, won’t all that last for a life time and more.’