Adultery Who Watches The Watchmen (continued)

[samgreenvalley]

Meanwhile, in the quarter, Dara sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his phone.
 
Menaka watched him from the kitchen doorway, her hands still wet from washing the dinner dishes. He had been quiet all evening—quieter than usual, even for the new, softer Dara. His brow was furrowed, his lips pressed together in a thin line.
 
"What's wrong?" she asked.
 
He looked up, startled, as if he'd forgotten she was there. "The RWA. They need me to work overtime on Holika Dahan."
 
Menaka's heart skipped. She kept her face neutral. "Oh?"
 
"They want me to accompany the night watchman from Tower C to the main gate. Some issue with the security system. They're upgrading the cameras." He set down his phone. "It'll take all night. Maybe longer."
 
"That's... inconvenient." Menaka walked to the bed and sat beside him. "I thought we were going to celebrate together. Our first Holi in Delhi."
 
"I know." Dara reached for her hand. "I'm sorry, Menaka. I tried to get out of it. But the secretary insisted. He said it was important. Said I was the only one qualified."
 
Sharma. Of course it was Sharma. The man was nothing if not thorough.
 
"It's fine," Menaka said, squeezing his hand. "Duty calls. I understand."
 
Dara looked at her, his dark eyes searching her face. "You're not upset?"
 
"Why would I be upset? It's just one night. We'll celebrate when you're back."
 
He nodded slowly, but something in his expression suggested he didn't quite believe her. Menaka leaned in and kissed him—soft, tender, the kind of kiss she used to give him in Mumbai, before everything changed.
 
"I love you," she said.
 
"I love you too." His voice was rough. "You're sure everything is okay?"
 
"Everything is perfect." She kissed him again, then stood. "Now come to bed. You have a long day tomorrow, and I have... plans."
 
"What plans?"
 
She smiled over her shoulder as she walked to the bathroom. "Shopping. I need a new saree for Holi. Something special."