Adultery A SOUTH INDIAN WIFE'S -Unspoken Flames

[thirddemodreamer]

A Looming Shadow

Vanitha woke to find Vinith preparing for his office trip—dressed in a grey suit, organizing documents in his bag. As she stirred, Vinith looked at her, speaking softly.
Vinith: "Sorry, Vanitha, didn’t want to disturb you. You were asleep."
Noticing her drawn face, he sat beside her, gently holding her hand, voice comforting.
Vinith: "What’s wrong? Why’s your face like this?"
Vanitha forced a smile, replying quietly.
Vanitha: "Nothing, just work pressure."
Vinith reassured her.
Vinith: "I get it. Don’t worry, rest all Sunday. I’ll be back Monday noon."
He kissed her forehead, grabbed his bag, and left. Vanitha lay still, feeling the quiet of his departure—but dread of Sunday’s meeting with Mani weighed on her heart.
She rose, took a long shower in cold water, her mind tangled in turmoil. Refreshed, she chose a pale blue saree—its soft fabric hugged her, but her mind was caught in a storm. In the hall, Maithili was on the phone with her husband.
Maithili: "Yes, arrange it. The kids and I will come Saturday evening."
Maithili gestured to Vanitha to grab food from the table—absorbed in her call, she missed Vanitha’s weary expression. Vanitha nodded, took the food but didn’t eat, grabbed her bag, and drove to the office. On the road, her hands gripped the steering wheel—her heart raced with fear of Sunday, eyes on the road, mind in darkness.
At the quarters, Mani and Sumithra greeted her. Ignoring Mani, Vanitha asked Sumithra politely.
Vanitha: "Sumithra, how’s your son?"
Sumithra smiled hopefully.
Sumithra: "Much better, madam. The doctor says no worries now."
To Mani, Vanitha said dryly.
Vanitha: "Good morning."
She entered, sat at her desk, and began routine work—organizing files, replying to emails, trying to lose herself in tasks. At lunch, to avoid Mani, she sent him to the office with documents.
Vanitha: "Mani, submit this file at the office."
Mani left with a nod, and Vanitha felt fleeting relief. During lunch with Sumithra, Sumithra spoke of her son’s progress, but Vanitha’s mind drifted.
By 4 PM, Sumithra stood, apologizing.
Sumithra: "Madam, I need to leave early for a hospital visit. But from Monday, things will be normal—my son’s doing well."
Vanitha forced a smile.
Vanitha: "Alright, Sumithra. Take care."
With Sumithra gone, only Vanitha and Mani remained. Fearing his presence, Vanitha continued work at her computer—her fingers moved on the keyboard, but her thoughts drowned in Sunday’s dread. Half an hour later, Mani entered with a tea cup, placing it on her desk, standing close—silent, his eyes subtly scanned her. Vanitha, eyes on the screen, sipped the tea slowly—her lips touched the cup, but her mind was trapped in darkness.
Mani, voice hoarse, asked hesitantly.
Mani: "Madam, which powder do you like?"
Guessing his intent, Vanitha, face still turned, replied dryly.
Vanitha: "L’Oréal."
Mani, unfamiliar with the brand, pressed.
Mani: "Does Cuticura powder work, madam?"
Vanitha, voice flat, said.
Vanitha: "Yes."
Mani, hesitating, continued.
Mani: "Alright, madam. My wife likes it too. I’ll use it tomorrow."
Vanitha’s heart skipped—his words sparked fear. Mani asked again.
Mani: "Madam, which flavor bubble gum do you like?"
Vanitha, pausing, answered slowly.
Vanitha: "Boomer."
Mani, with a faint sly tone, replied.
Mani: "Got it, madam."
Then, hesitantly, he asked.
Mani: "Madam, we’ll be here at the usual time, right?"
Vanitha, voice heavy, said.
Vanitha: "Yes."
Mani’s voice carried a hint of excitement.
Mani: "Alright, madam."
He took the empty cup and left. Vanitha felt dizzy—her vision darkened, unable to focus on work. Mani’s expectations, his hoarse voice, and a subtle hardness in his demeanor gnawed at her. She rose, went to the bathroom, splashed cold water on her face, adjusted her saree, and returned to her desk.
Preparing to leave, she stood by the desk as Mani entered. Handing him a file, she said emotionlessly.
Vanitha: "Submit these documents at the office."
Mani took the file, nodding slightly, and stood there.