At home, at times we do not speak to each other for weeks together, (the very same couple who thought, that they can't even live a second without each other, but, seven years ago) grumbling, finding fault with each other. Are we drifting apart? Gradually? I don't know.The transition from yesterday to the present was really fast, really fast. The good old memories are lurking in the inner conscience vividly and funnily enough we never bothered to synchronise and bring back the melodies of love.There has to be a change It is inevitable; yes. I do crave for it. The routine monotony in the bedroom emphasises the need for it. Added to the toll, high B.P and persistent stress gifted by the 'metro' life. At thirty five, I feel all spent and old, but why? I feel, a change should bring back the colours of life!
"You don't love me anymore, you have cheated me". She used to howl at me, often, which do irritate me the more! Cheating! Did I? The initial address "Honey", "Love" have been displaced by a meagre "you" and she still feels that I should have the same concern for her. How selfish?
After all what is 'love'? Love at this age is nothing but "sex". If it is denied, delayed, the animal in you starts murmuring, then grumbling, and at last, it shouts and shuns you, the other animal! It is just like the craving for a drop of water by the hot desert sands.Well, it was one of these days, I found 'Admag'. A weekly meant only for Ad's. You can put an ad for anything under the sun, and you find them there too!Why not place an ad in Admag. "A young energetic man seeks friendship/company from like minded women."Yes. I did, the next week pop came the ad came and I then kept my fingers crossed for response.The first call I received was from a lady aged 50, and I bluntly but politely turned down her 'offer'. She must have thought me as a gigolo, or what?After two three days thereafter, my hopes were cherished by a lovely voice on the mobile. She must be young and cute! (Did I hear this voice before!!). I dreamt. Indeed she was hardly 28. We introduced ourselves (Bet, both did not disclose their true identities!) and the telephone romance bloomed. I used to speak with her almost everyday, as if I was avenging my wife Annie.
But Annie, unaware of these (hopefully) never cared. The frownings and making faces at each other, continued as a matter of routine at home.Finally, the rendezvous was fixed. Both of us were longing to meet each other. Near Marine Lines, a secluded spot (Not so! it is Bombay!!) was identified for the grand meeting!She was to wear read salwar and me, light blue trousers and white full sleeve shirt. That was our identity to recognize each other.It was a Friday and I left the Office slightly early. My heart was pounding, (already I suffer from tachycardia!). It was to be sweet; the first meeting.I saw her, watching creeping little crabs on the wet sand, her face down and she was looking gorgeous!"Smitha is it not you?"
"Yes". She turned her face to me.Astounded, benumbed I stood there, it was she, my Annie, with her red salwar!"
Ajay Menon.
