Adultery A SOUTH INDIAN WIFE'S -Unspoken Flames

[thirddemodreamer]

A Glimmer of Renewal

The next morning, Vanitha arrived at the quarters in a deep red cotton saree, neatly tucked above her navel, paired elegantly with a black blouse. Stepping out of the car, she walked toward the entrance, spotting Sumithra and Mani outside—both looked subdued, faces tinged with fatigue. Sumithra, in a faded green saree, held a small basket; Mani, in a yellow shirt, stood with his head bowed. Though weary herself, Vanitha greeted them softly.
Vanitha: "Hello, akka. Mani."
Sumithra and Mani replied in low tones.
Sumithra: "Come, madam," she murmured.
Mani: "Madam," he said quietly.
Noticing Sumithra’s somber expression, Vanitha asked with concern.
Vanitha: "Akka, how’s your son?"
Sumithra sighed deeply.
Sumithra: "He’s better, madam, but the doctor says treatment continues for another week."
Vanitha nodded, thinking, Alright, don’t worry, akka, as the trio entered. The day passed in a quiet, subdued rhythm—Vanitha sat at her desk, flipping through files, immersing in work; Mani silently brought needed items, retreating to the kitchen; Sumithra assisted quietly, keeping to herself.
At lunch, Vanitha and Sumithra sat at the dining table, sharing sambar rice from a hotel. Conversation started slowly—Vanitha comforted Sumithra.
Vanitha: "Akka, your son will recover quickly. Don’t stress. Follow the doctor’s medicine properly."
Sumithra managed a faint smile.
Sumithra: "Thanks, madam. You’re right."
Her face eased slightly—she noticed Vanitha’s subdued demeanor and asked.
Sumithra: "Madam, why do you seem so down?"
Vanitha, hiding yesterday’s events, lied.
Vanitha: "Work pressure, akka. Just tired."
But her mind lingered on her encounter with Angith, guilt gnawing at her. Sumithra offered solace.
Sumithra: "Madam, you’ll handle bigger tasks easily. Everyone has problems—some solve quickly, others take time. But no problem lacks a solution."
Vanitha felt a flicker of relief, curiosity sparking.
Vanitha: "So, what’s the solution for my problem, akka?"
Sumithra grinned mischievously.
Sumithra: "Everyone’s saying after your promotion, they’re transferring you to the Delhi office. You’ll get new energy there, and work will feel easier."
Vanitha laughed, surprised.
Vanitha: "How do you know this, akka? I haven’t even gotten confirmation!"
Though she’d heard whispers of a Delhi transfer, Sumithra’s words ignited fresh excitement. Sumithra chuckled.
Sumithra: "People like us hear things, madam. You see us as just office staff, but we know everyone’s type, what they do, who’s fit for what."
Vanitha laughed again, teasing.
Vanitha: "Oh, really!"
Sumithra’s words brought calm—the Delhi transfer felt like a fresh start, a chance to forget Angith and focus on work, Vanitha realized. Their talk continued—Sumithra glanced at the table.
Sumithra: "Look at Mani. He’s down today too. Wonder what’s wrong?"
Vanitha, in a playful tone, smirked.
Vanitha: "Maybe some affair of his fell apart?"
Sumithra’s face shifted, serious.
Sumithra: "No, madam, he’s not like that. Mani’s a good man. In two years, he had one affair, and that girl seduced him—he didn’t make the first move. She’d had her eyes on him for ages. Otherwise, he’s solid. His wife’s had health issues since their child was born, but he cares for his mother and kid with so much love. He even does housework. Let’s hope his troubles clear soon."
Sumithra’s words painted Mani in a new light—Vanitha felt a pang of regret for misjudging him. They finished eating, feeling lighter, and resumed work. Vanitha organized files, shared small talk with Sumithra, and wrapped up the day.
In the evening, Vanitha left the office, her mind in a fresh calm. She smiled at Sumithra.
Vanitha: "Bye, akka."
Then, softly to Mani.
Vanitha: "Bye, Mani."
Her words sparked a flicker of brightness on Mani’s face—his expression lifted, and Vanitha didn’t miss it. She climbed into her car, driving home—the breeze grazed her face, infusing new energy.
At home, she slipped into a blue nightie and sat with the kids, helping with homework.
Vanitha: "Solve this sum like this," she explained to her son, sending them to bed.
Later, sitting on the bed with Vinith, they shared a brief chat. He smiled.
Vinith: "Do well tomorrow."
Vanitha leaned on his shoulder, nodding with a faint smile—closing her eyes, she sank into peaceful sleep, hope for a Delhi transfer blooming as a new beginning in her mind.