The idiot

You love her, don't you?

CHAPTER 30

Navaratre were around the corner. Every year my brother used to take my mother to our village to visit the temple during Navaratre. This year as my brother was in US my mother insisted me to take off from work to take her to our ancestral temple for Navaratra pooja in Uttarakhand. I liked the idea as needed a break as the breakup had taken its toll on me. Also, I hadn't been to my village in five years.

During our trip my mother persuaded me to meet Maya aunty's niece Palak. I said 'yes' just to get her off my back. Anyway it wouldn't hurt to meet her and later reject her.

Two weeks flew in no time and I was back from my village. I haven't spoken to Ruma for last two weeks as there was no reception for phones in my village.

***

Palak definitely looked better than her pictures and she had an air of innocence about her. May be I would have liked her more if I was not busy looking over her shoulder at my boss, Raj Awasti, and Malvika Agarwal sitting few table away. I was surprised to see them together.

What are they doing here?

Are they actually having an affair?

My mind was busy contemplating about them and I voluntarily nodded my head once in a while and slipped a few smiles every now and then in pretence to show Palak that I was listening to her talks.

"So what do you think?" She asked me, excitedly.

"What do I think?" I said to myself, not sure about the context of her question.

"I think ...." I said and coughed at the same time.

"Sorry. Come again?"

"I think ..." I said and coughed again. I fake coughed a few times and stole a glace to check if she was buying it or not.

I got up as soon as I saw Raj Awasti and Malvika leaving. "I think I need to see a doctor right now."

She couldn't believe me. Her expression was more of disappointment than that of surprise.

I knew I am going to regret it but I bailed on her to follow them.

***

I didn't tell Ruma I was back and wanted to surprise her in office. I reached office in time and checked my emails for last 2 weeks. I replied to all the necessary emails and checked the status of the project.

I bumped into Mahesh on my way to fourth floor. He told me he was looking for me for last couple for days as he has got news for me. I wanted to go and see Ruma but I rather preferred to hear from him first.

"Rahul Sir and Malvika Madam have separated," he said stressing on Malvika.

"I see," I said. May be that's why she is back with Raj Awasti.

"Yes sir. There is more important news," he said with his devious smile

"And what is it?" I asked in anticipation.

"I think there is something cooking in between Rahul Sir and Ruma Madam," he said grinning.

"What are you talking about??" I snapped in disbelief.

"Yes Sir. I have seen them together many a times in past few days."

"Are you sure? I hope you are not making this up," I said.

"Why would I lie to you? You are my client."

I couldn't believe my ears. I wanted to believe he was wrong but at the same time I knew his information is always correct.