Chapter 1

( A short story based on a real life incident )

Meghna heaved a sigh of relief after using the washroom. It was a  very intensive review going on and she was looking for a moment when the data presentation would end so that she could get up for a moment. She washed her face , rubbed some cream on her face and enhanced her lips with the liner .

Standing back she gazed at herself and liked the woman in the mirror. The Pink half sleeved shirt and the navy blue trousers were at once formal and comfortable . She had chosen half sleeve because she was not sure if the weather in Goa would allow her to breathe easy in long sleeve . Her hair framed her face and she looked tall . She had worked hard to lose weight and she was happy with the result which she saw. Confidently she walked back into the conference room of the hotel.

Meghna smiled at her boss Vivian , and sat down next to her . Abhay was still speaking and presenting his company (IKKON’s) sales results. Vivian and Meghna were heading this new line of production for  Cheryl nightwear  and were eagerly waiting for the last slide to know the net profits. She suddenly felt uncomfortable and her gaze went around the room. Ashish Malhotra the CEO of IKKON was staring at her . It was a bold cheeky stare and it continued even as she stared back . In the end she gave up and focussed on Abhay standing next to Ashish.

She stretched to reach out for the mineral water bottle and the biscuits and found a note with her name on it – Meghna Raj. She picked the note and looked at Vivian enquiringly ? The latter shrugged and Meghna opened it to read it – “One is Intelligent and the other is both Intelligent and beautiful”- Which one are you? . She shared it with Vivian who smiled and said that she better be the second one or we will have to wrestle it out ? Meghna looked around and found Ashish staring at her . Just you wait , she said mentally and picked up the sales chart and raised her hand – Sorry Abhay can I interrupt you? Keeping in mind time constraints would  you mind telling us why we haven’t been able to achieve the sales we projected for this year ?

I will take that,  said Ashish and he stood up and said in a clear relaxed voice – We had informed you in our very first report that it took us more than 6 months to finalise our retail chain and that we would achieve the sales target but would take an additional 3 months and we are still within that timeframe, and have two months to go. Vivian nodded and Ashish sat down adjusting his glasses and staring back at her .

The meeting finished and tea was served . Meghna took her tea and went to the corner of the room to look out of the hotel window onto the streets . Would you like to go out to the beach in the evening ? Excuse me Meghna replied and turned back to look at Ashish straight into his eye’s. No thanks ! I need to catch up with my husband on the phone in the evening ? You will love the beach he said . By the way could you identify which one you are as mentioned in the note – The intelligent or the Intelligent and beautiful ? I am sorry said Meghna , I don’t appreciate your gesture of putting a note like that and I don’t owe you an answer and walked away.

The elevator opened and Vivian came out smiling with her boyfriend Mark . We are going out to the beach and then dinner , do you want to join us ? No thanks said Meghna smilingly – I need to make a long call back home , my son went for his first cricket match and I want to know how he performed?

Meghna opened her room and threw her bag on bed and lay down looking at the beautifully done ceiling of the hotel room. She had booked a car to take her to the temple on the beach.  A walk on the beach followed by a quiet dinner in the room and then a chat with her son. The phone rang and she picked up the phone . It was Ashish on the other end saying ,I have cancelled your car booking and we have the company car for you. You are our guest and I am downstairs in the reception if you want company. No I Meghna replied angrily, how dare you cancel my car ? Listen it is not safe to be alone here in this city in an unknown car . We have anyways kept two cars on the standby for your visit . Just come down and if you don’t want company I will stay back.

Angrily she changed into a skirt and blouse both of which reflected the colour of the sea waters, brushed her hair, picked her bag and went to get the elevator. At the reception she looked for Ashish but he was nowhere in site . Just at the moment a hotel staff came and handed a card saying this is you car number it is waiting outside. She moved on and was even more mad that he was not there.

The car drove around the city to arrive at the beach. She got down instructing the driver to remain at the same place as she was new to the city . She then started her solitary walk and before she completed 50 steps she heard her name “Meghna”. She turned around and saw Ashish , taking long strides towards her with his hands in his pocket . His hair was wet and the colour of his shirt reflected the colour of the moon in a pitch dark night. Leave me alone and she turned to walk away…..

Chapter 2

She knew her quick steps were followed by his slow steady ones behind her. She wanted to think about her life and decide the next course. Her head was brimming with thoughts and she wanted to think clearly drawing on the serenity of nature . She turned to look behind and saw Ashish steadily walking at a distance of around 100 metres. On an impulse she called out –“Ashish” and beckoned to him while walking back towards him. He showed no excitement and came towards her in slow measured steps. You were not so persuasive when I met you in Hyderabad last time, Meghna opened the conversation smilingly?

Meghna Raj you are most elusive, and enigmatic and probably that is what draws one towards you. When we last met at the hotel overlooking the Hussain Sagar – do you remember ? Hmm said Mehgna . In an even more softer voice he continued – you wanted to sit overlooking the lake ? Megna turned around, looked straight at him and said yes I did , so ? We kept sitting there after coffee, while you continued to be engrossed in the lake. Suddenly you realised that it was work which had brought us together and turned around saying – don’t launch the product now let us do it on 15^th the day when the final round of  Ms World was scheduled to be held . Cheryl should be launched with a bang!  Meghna laughed in response and said – spot on, and it worked well! Just then he turned around to stop her walking and looking straight into her eyes said softly –  An irresistible combination of Intelligence and beauty.

A surge of emotions crept over her and she loved what she heard. Nobody had said that to her face. In fact neither Raj her husband nor Reuben, the new man in her life had ever described her in this way . She felt both admired and appreciated but quietly stepped on to the side and continued walking. Ashish, I am a married woman with a son and all of 40. I don’t indulge in casual relationships.  He changed his tone and said in a flat voice, I am just defining you Meghna , tell me about yourself ?

The walk turned out to be a wonderful catharsis in the beginning . As if the waters were waiting for the dam to be lifted, Meghna poured out her dilemma to Ashish. It was actually good talking to a stranger (well in many ways ) and she talked about her failed marriage , new promising relationship and her son . Raj and I have been married for 10 years and we have a 9-year-old son. He once told me that he had been close with my sister when she was visiting us and that was the turning point in our life. He did apologize, but I am not able to relate to him any longer. Since then we have had no relationship. And she poured out all of it, finishing with – we don’t talk or engage with each other at all,  just live under one roof. And your sister he asked? She does not exist for me. She has never confessed to me and I did not ask her, said Meghna.

And who is Reuben, Ashish persisted?  Meghna smiled and told him , that Reuben was someone she had  met 2 years back while in New York. Vivian had introduced them and since then they have been talking and meeting. He heads a famous brand of Razors and lives there. Reuben and I are planning to be together and that is one of the things I want to discuss with Raj when I go back from here. We want to live together and I am looking forward to the companionship – she finished chokingly.  Go on said Ashish,  so why are you upset ? I am so confused Ashish and worried about the ensuing saga , when I am going to say all this to Raj. And my son? I don’t know the implications? But I need to tell Raj as I am going to the US in a months’ time.

Meghna wait ! let me get us a drink , would you like a beer ? No I don’t like beer she responded but I can do with a lemon drink. Ashish left her and came back with a beer and a lemon sprite .  Yes go on, so you are in love with Reuben – right? Well I don’t know what love is after the incident with Raj. But Reuben makes me feel good, we talk and discuss everything and we both have similar tastes – tennis , chess . You don’t do any of these with Raj? No ! she said the moment we are together I can only think of him and my sister. When did that happen he queried – 7 years back, she replied. So obviously no physical intimacy since then, he said softly? Shocked she looked at him and said – although it is not important in this conversation and because we will probably never ever talk again the answer is – No!

Chapter 3

And with Reuben, he asked as they were beginning to sit on a rock. What – intimacy ? she asked and gradually replied. Listen I am uncomfortable reeling all this out to a stranger and would not like to talk more on this subject but the answer is – Not yet.

Chuck him Meghna he is not meant for you,  Ashish declared . I think Raj loves you , but is caught in guilt. Spoken like a man she said and walked away. She suddenly stopped and said , and  what do you know about Reuben to say chuck him ? Have you ever been unfaithful to your wife ? He replied ,  No  ! I don’t know Reuben but I am a man and yes I have been with one or two women , other than my wife . And you may as a wife to someone say that I have been unfaithful?

Ashish smiled and said Meghna we are all moving in life and evolving . I have a wife whom I love and a son from her who is dear to me. I am one of those men who can say I am happily married. And still you send flirtatious notes to women like me , she turned to accuse him? I am not offering you her place in my life Meghna, he slapped back. I admire you and have said so. I am attracted to you like crazy and I like your company. When you got into a rage today and asked Ashish the question , where you were trying to put us down ? If we were alone I would have … leave it  he said and kept quiet.

Let me just say this, if there was anything between you and Reuben, you would have progressed in your relationship. It is difficult for any man to stay away from you Meghna, and I wonder if there is more to it than you can see. Oh keep quiet, I don’t want to listen to your nonsense. You did say I was intelligent – right? Stop giving me advice and let us go back.

Meghna was pensive in the car and he broke the silence to say- sorry Meghna maybe you are not ready to take on life with all its different facets. I am sorry if I was crass but I stand by what I said. Inside the hotel as they were going to get into the elevator he lightly touched her on the shoulder and said Meghna – I am going to the bar for a drink , do you want to come ? She nodded a no and he said – tomorrow morning we will go our separate ways, so goodbye and good luck with your life.

Back in the room Meghna was not in a mood to talk to her son or Reuben as she had promised him. There were 4 missed calls from the latter. Unwillingly she called him back and told him all what Ashish had said. Reuben scolded her asking why she went  out with him and without waiting for an answer continued – good that was the last that you saw of him. He is a troublemaker. It was a short call and she sent a message to Raj saying that she was too tired and that she will talk to Abhinav their son the next day.

She had a relaxing shower and changed into a long comfortable white kaftan and ordered some food . It was 10 and she had an early morning flight to catch with Vivian. Her thoughts were wandering around what Ashish said . Was she attractive and irresistible? Was it a passing remark to gain proximity?  He was good looking and she never had a man friend , who had glasses. Glasses added to his personality, but it also never really gave you an opportunity to read the eyes of a person. She felt good that even at 40 , she was attractive to men or at least he said so. She mentally made a note to keep up her exercise. An hour later she dialled room service to ask for dinner and they said – At your door mam and the doorbell rang. She quickly picked up some money to tip the waiter and opened the door to let him in.

Chapter 4

There was no food or waiter. Ashish stood at the door wearing a T shirt and shorts. Meghna both excited and nervous contained herself to ask with mock seriousness – So have you come to tell me that the Cheryl sales target has been achieved in the last few hours, since we met ? Ashish smiled and leaned against the door, removed his glasses and started cleaning it . She fell for that charming smile and the eyes without glasses. They were so expressive and shy. I would like to add on wit and humour to the earlier intelligence and beauty he drawled. Thanks! Meghna replied I will take the award during the ceremony , and now can I go and have my dinner ? And a peaceful sleep before I catch my flight in the morning .

He moved a little ahead trying to get into the room and said I want some company Meghna and I am not feeling great . Can I come in? I don’t entertain men into my room late at night. It gives me indigestion. God you are at your best self at night he replied, and I like your hair tied up and pointing to the ceiling. Meghna was not expecting anyone so she had forgotten she was in a night dress and hair tied up in a casual style As she was going to open her mouth to make another stern response the room service arrived with dinner. Please keep it inside she requested and handed over the tip to the waiter . Thank you Ashish, it was a great 5 minute chat – good night! Well all I am asking is some company and then I will move on, he insisted.

Excitement in anticipation was building up and Meghna had liked this intrusion so was reluctant to say no to him so asked him to wait till she prepares the room for his entry. What? I am a married man and I know the mess women make so don’t worry.

Well Mr Malhotra, I am not your wife and you will only get to see as much of a mess, as I would like you to see and she closed the door on him. She quickly gathered her personal belongings strewn over the bed and dumped them into the cupboard. The bathroom was clean and the bed clear. There was food on the table, so she adjusted the sitting to make two people comfortable. She then looked at herself. The idiot had caught her off-guard and now if she changes, he will know it is for him. Well why not , she thought and quickly slipped on a pretty green dress and pulled down her vague bun to comb her hair , in a way that it framed her face. It had been a long time since a man had raced her heart.

Come in Ashish , she opened the door and smiled . He looked at her and said Meghna I love your colour sense. The colours are so becoming on you. Go on she said mentally, she had not heard compliments to her feminine self for a long time, and wondered if Reuben really found her attractive?  Raj used to indulge her while they had a relationship, and now  she missed the warmth and the sense of belonging – a man’s hand over her shoulders. When she saw pictures of other couples, holding each other close she longed for the same. So, if this had to be it, let it be so.

Her mind prompted her that it is a dangerous game she was playing but on an impulse,  she decided that dangerous or not – she was going to play.

 Chapter 5

Ashish made himself comfortable on the bed and Meghna sat on the sofa nearby. Ashish you must leave in half an hour as I have to catch up on sleep. He looked at her and smiled and just then the  phone rang .  Meghna picked up and showed Ashish the name on the screen. It was Reuben ! She  picked  up the phone to hear Reuben’s frantic voice on the other end .  Why are you not picking up my phone – are you with him he asked bluntly? Yes replied Meghna even when Ashish indicated by gesture that she should not tell him. Meghna you know this is upsetting continued Reuben, I thought you will take my advice. He is leaving Reuben, just came to say bye as we are leaving tomorrow? Bye at 11pm Meghna? Reuben I can look after myself, and you don’t have to worry. We will talk tomorrow and she put the phone down. On second thoughts she switched it off.

The tension mounted with Reuben’s call and Meghna beckoned to Ashish to follow her into the small balcony of the room. As she opened the door to the balcony the cool air of the sea hit her on the face and she stood holding the railing enjoying the wind in her hair . The waves of the sea rose and fell in quiet solitude while passion mounted on the small balcony. She felt Ashish coming behind her and enveloping her in his arms. She leaned back and rested on his chest and a myriad of feelings engulfed her . Why did she deprive herself of this ? His breath was all over hair and neck and she was enjoying this unison. This went on for long and slowly he tried to turn her to face him. Fear and excitement grew as she kept resisting it and denied access.

His embrace tightened and suddenly Raj came into her mind  What would he say to this ? Numerous times he had tried approaching her but she never forgave him. Meghna, Ashish whispered in a soft voice please look at me and he turned her violently to himself pressing her on the wall of the balcony. Ashish please I am not ready for this, please go slow ! He held her face in her hands and said softly, you have been driving me crazy since the workshop. His words wove a spell around her and she reveled in the power of her womanhood, and the effect it had over this man. She was now ready to surrender to her own passion. Her life was torn apart by a storm and today yet another one was engulfing her .

Suddenly the phone rang , breaking the spell and screeching through the night. This time it was Ashish’s . He fumbled through his pockets and said sorry give me a minute and looked into the screen. His expression changed as he kept looking at the phone which was rebelliously persistant in its ringing. Why don’t you switch it off she said? I cant he said flatly, it is my wife . Meghna was shaken when she heard the word wife ?

He gestured her to give him a minute and went into the room. She gathered herself slowly and followed him. Anu he said I am resting. Is it important ? I will talk to him tomorrow before he leaves for school. Yes I am alone in my hotel room but I am working sorry, resting, he was fumbling for words.  The tone and the words hit her hard. He was telling his wife that he was alone, just as Raj had said to her when she had called from Bangkok, when actually he was embracing her own sister on their bed  .

Meghna continued to solve the puzzle in her mind . No wonder Ashish  was happily married – somewhere there was this woman who was his wife who never had any reason to mistrust him . She never got to know of her husband’s adventures.  No she will not be party to this betrayal to another woman. Thank God the phone rang. She took small measured steps and went near Ashish. He held her hand and beckoned her to sit on his lap. She went close to Ashish and said loud enough in an exaggerated tone- don’t spoil the evening. Put the phone down and let us have some tea. Phew ! she had said it . He quickly switched it off and stared at her in rage.

Why did you do it Meghna. Is that a proper thing to do to another woman?  She smiled at him and asked if it was proper to be unfaithful and lie to his wife ? . I owe this to another woman Ashish. I am not a saint but when you pretended that there was nothing going on I could only imagine myself at the other end . I am not sorry, it came to me and I did it .

I wont know how to explain this to Anu he said although I am sure she will believe whatever I say. She looked at him in disgust and said – try saying the truth? He stood up , came close to her and tried to get her into  his arms . She broke the embrace and said please leave ! I did say that I will set the ground rules for this and you had agreed.

He looked at her in surprise and said – Listen I don’t know what is wrong , I thought we were in this together . You are right said Meghna , I don’t deny it at all. I was enjoying as much as you did but now no more . I cant do this to another woman. Thank God the phone rang. Infidelity is bad enough but cheating and making a fool of your wife is belittling her . He protested and tried to explain himself and in the end said – Meghna I am leaving but what you did today was despicable.

As he was walking out she said  I don’t regret what happened between us and am equally responsible . What I did to your relationship needed a lot of courage on my part , as I had to put myself in her place and think whether I can torment her like I was tormented? But it is better to know that your man is unfaithful rather than live in blissful ignorance .

He walked away without looking back and she wept for herself and Anu – Ashish’s wife ? How would she take this? Meghna knew that it would have been terrible if she herself had never known about Raj and her sister . She simply applied the same logic on Anu, Ashish’s wife.

As she lay down on the bed she reflected on her passion and realised how much she missed a man. Not for a moment Reuben came to her thoughts , it was only Raj. So Reuben was nowhere in her conscious. In  fact he was not even skin deep.  It was only Raj, the man who had hurt her the most . Human relationships are so complex and unbridled passion destroys all sanity in it .

On the flight she told Vivian that she was finished with Reuben. I hope this doesn’t put you in a uncomfortable situation she asked Vivian? Of course, not Vivian replied, it is between you both. The last message she typed before switching her phone was to Raj – Should we take Abhinav for a weekend holiday when I am back? She did not wait for the answer as she knew what it would be.