Adultery The Old Toothbrush by Trambak

[Ramesh_Rocky]

I don't know whether I could convince Keya or not but she looked better. I was not worried about Shobha because she had a temperament to deal with such 'moral stumbling' appropriately, though trifle differently.

Karan joined us and held Keya's hand and looked deeply at her and nodded imperceptibly. She silently nuzzled her face on Karan's shoulder and hurriedly withdrew looking absolutely embarrassed.

Shobha turned to Keya and said, "Keya madam, do you think that Karan sir is going to cheat? No chance. I always give your example to Avni madam and Nandan. Karan sir is always hooked by your looks. God knows why?"

Keya at once gave Shobha a scorching look. Shobha was least bothered. I was relieved. Our Keya was back.

Ahana finally found her voice, "So, that was the problem? So, everything is hunky-dory now? It's been a concrete experience. By the way, why don't you, Keya; and you, Karan; give some finishing touch to your relationship? I mean, you two are 'so made for each other'."

Avni answered the question, "Actually they can't; on their own. Keya is a prisoner in Trambak's mind. It is he who must do it. Unite them or separate them. Until this is done, they will be forever courting."

I was shocked, to say the least.

It was a fulfilling moment for me. I rubbed my hands vigorously and prepared myself for the parting speech since the answers had been provided.

Shobha continued to swing heartily.

Keya nudged Karan who coughed and said, "Err.... Actually, though this discussion was quite necessary and Keya was actually becoming quite unbearable and whimsical, we did digress from our actual query! Can I ask it now?"

"Sure, sure; shoot," I said with all the benevolence at my command.

Karan dropped the bombshell.

"What happened to Aditya?"

Twists in the tail-4

Aditya

"Yes, what happened to Aditya in your story?" Karan repeated.

"Nothing," I said, "he is simply not relevant. I have explained that a number of times. As far as I am concerned, he took advantage of a situation. He is a scumbag."

Probal was listening to me carefully and he asked, "Dada, what does that mean? Who took advantage of whom?"

I was getting irritated and it showed on my face. I scowled and said, "Look, Aditya was a youngster around 30 years and he was attracted to Suhasini. She was staying alone, away from her husband. These two developed a relationship due to the close proximity in a workplace. Aditya helped Suhasini in different ways and I think she also developed a fondness towards him. He was fully aware of her vulnerability and knowing that she was the wife of his senior friend, should have exercised control and restraint. He didn't do that and allowed himself to take advantage of the situation fully knowing the complexities of the relationship."

Probal again asked, "Dada, if Aditya is not relevant, who is?"

I sighed, "Probal! It's the man, his wife, and the family who got caught in the quagmire that they didn't deserve. Aditya simply walked away. One may get the impression that he was dumped but he himself wouldn't have been looking at any long-term solution. If he got hurt, it was his own creation."