A suitable Man

Chapter 22

The game of love

Dinner was being readied and all of them were sitting in the hall chatting when Mahendra came back. He was in a foul mood, first because of the bad traffic he was stuck in and secondly his better half was ignoring him royally. He just flopped himself on the sofa surfing channels on the TV. To add to his discomfort, Smriti was having the time of her life chatting with Dodda and his mother. Vasundhara noticed his temperament and asked, " Where had you been? Why in  such a bad mood? What happened?

Mahendra eyed Smriti and replied, " nothing Amma, had gone to meet Roopa... not met her since long" and sneered at her. Smriti, for the first time in her life felt a rowelling jealousy towards whoever that Roopa was. She narrowed her eyes and looked at him. This was one up for Mahendra now. He smiled leisurely and said, " Oh she was very excited to meet me, she almost jumped at me when she saw me after so long".
This was not going down well with Smriti now, her fists clenched, " Jumped at me... I will strangle that girl with my bare hands" Smriti's thoughts went violent. Mahendra knew he had hit the bulls eye, he continued his mischief further. Smriti had a churning feeling in her stomach.
Just that time, Dinner was announced. Smriti stood up to help Dodda walk to the table. Mahendra swiftly came behind her and pinched her saree exposed belly . " Ouch" she shrieked. " What happened? Vasundhara asked. " Nothing My leg faltered a bit" Smriti said glaring at Mahendra. He was sniggering as he walked towards the table. They all sat together and were having dinner. Mahendra was all smiling now again stealing glances in between. Smriti was concentrating totally on the food in her plate.

Vasundhara was noticing this carefully now, she understood there was something brewing between these two. She laughed inwardly, she knew the ways of love and banter. She knew whatever they were up to it would end in loving each other more. She let them have their play deliberately overlooking it.

Post dinner they all went to the garden outside their bungalow and sat playing game of cards. Smriti seemed to be a bit forlorn as the thoughts of jealousy were still clouding her mind. Nevertheless she put up a face and played her cards well. She beat Mahendra fair and square almost four times. Karunakar was already tired and he was sent to bed by Vasundhara. Later Dodda too announced that she would retire for the day as it was very late. Vasundhara helped her walk back, " I will settle her and come back, ok " She said. For the first time since they came home, Mahendra and Smriti were alone.

Mahendra stretched his legs on the table and rested lazily on the chair, never leaving his gaze fixed on his wife, and a mischievous smile playing on his lips. Smriti was looking everywhere else but Mahendra, waiting for Vasundhara to come.

Mahendra broke the silence, " Teacher... teacher, you upset?... about something"and smiled again.
Smriti glared at him and asked in an icy tone, " Who is this Roopa?
Mahendra laughed out aloud and said, " You ignore me big time and when I seek some good company, you get angry....you forbid me to even touch you... So what should a man do ? He was still smiling. Smriti sprang up from the chair and started going towards the house blinded with rage and jealousy. Mahendra caught her hand and pulled her to him, he cupped her face to look at her. Her tears were threatening to spill, all mirth died on his lips as he hugged her saying soothing words, " I am sorry dear, so sorry... no Roopa nothing... I was just teasing you.. pls don't cry... I didn't want to make you sad... I just..

" you just wanted to see if I am jealous " Smriti said crying... Mahendra gave a sheepish smile and " I am sorry darling....please forgive me".

Smriti wiped her tears and in between sobs asked again, " Who is Roopa anyway?

Mahendra restrained a laugh and said, " Roopa is the name of my mare, we have a few horses kept in the Bangalore turf club."... happy???

Smriti punched him lightly " You are one big rogue"...