The old man

“Dada, you remember Suhas?” Ratri asked her, Madhav could see she was visibly disturbed.

 

A pang shot through his heart, “Of course, why not?”

 

“Why are you talking about her after so many years?” he asked.

 

“You remember how ruthlessly dad rejected her when you wanted to marry her? Even though every one wanted it?

 

“I think I have discovered the truth behind it and its disgusting, absolutely repulsive.”

 

Madhav and Ratri were siblings, their father Mr. Jaiswal was a man of easy morale. His wife has separated from him because of that and lived in a separate house. Ratri lived with her and Madhav with his father till they both attained their maturity. Mrs. Jaiswal has passed away a few years ago. Ratri is married with one kid and Madhav lives in USA, he has snapped all terms with his father since the episode of Suhas.

 

Madhav has seen Suhas for the first time in his cousin’s marriage. She was his cousin’s sister in law. It was love at first sight and there was no problem in marriage. His father went to see her and refused any further talks.

 

Madhav tried for a few years to make his father change his mind then he discovered from his father’s mails and phones that he was having an affair with Suhas. He left the country without telling the truth to anyone. His heart was filled with disgust for Suhas and his father.

 

“Anubhav works with Suhas. He told me every thing, and believe me, I felt like killing myself.” Ratri said with utter disgust.

 

“It seems dad had his eyes on her from the day he went to fix your marriage with her. He was even planning to marry her. So he befriended her pretending as you.”

 

“All these years she has been refusing every amorous advances thinking that you love her and will marry her.”

 

“He even calls her up and smses her using your name.”

 

“When mom passed away he befriended her as himself and packed up your identity, that is, he pretended that you are done with her and want it over.”

 

“In one hand he kept on insulting her as you, on the other hand he applied balms on those wounds as himself, hoping she will fall for him.”

 

“He is still keeping her hanging on to you so she does not marries any one else. May be he is waiting for her to grow old so he could again propose to her.”

 

“Very frankly speaking I don’t know what’s in his dirty mind and why he is playing this game but he is ruining my life.” She almost sobbed.

 

“Just wait for a while. Will you?” was Madhav’s only answer.

 

A month later he entered his sister’s flat with Suhas. “Can we have some tea sweetie? Meet your future sister in law.” He said smiling hugely at her.