Forever Second - Part Two
She had moved out of their room. In bits and pieces. Surprisingly, it hadn't taken very long. Or perhaps it wasn't so surprising after all. For when in these nine months had his room ever been hers anyway?
First, she slept in a guest room, the one furthest from his room. Next, she moved her clothes. And then her books. Last of all she moved her Ganeshji - for he would notice that first.
It had been equally easy to avoid him. She sent his precious morning coffee via Robin. She avoided eating her meals with him - not too hard with his haphazard schedule. And she adroitly moved away every time she sensed his presence nearing her.
The only difficulty had been keeping up a pretense in front of Daadi. She had managed though. She would never hurt the woman, not as long as it was in her power.
And best of all, she had started working again. Her network had never been that strong. But the ever-reliable Suresh had a thriving network of contacts. And as always, he came through. An assistant professor in her dream university. A tenured job. She was set for life.
It had been like a breath of fresh air. Walking into class after nine long months. Seeing the rows upon rows of students. Teaching, debating, even grading papers.
And all the while she had felt his eyes on her. Following her. Questioning her. Eyes that demanded answers. And so she wasn't surprised when one day on her way back home, his car stopped by her and he opened the door.
He didn't say a word as she got in. And neither did she. His hands were white on the steering wheel, his lips a thin straight line.
So, it was time for a showdown.
622