A Whiff Of Fresh Air

How Ajit came into the scene is a long story. But Ajit was like water to the parched land. He brought in a whiff of fresh air to the otherwise monotonous life that Juanita was living. And with Ajit, there was no effort; Juanita was simply drawn effortlessly. Though there was initial hesitation and guilt, Juanita did not stop herself. She met him everyday–every SINGLE day. it wasn’t easy, because by now she was a mother to a 6-year-old son too. So, on introspection, she realized that if the mother and wife were to be kept alive mentally, then Ajit was necessary because it was he who watered her wilted existence. He made her believe in herself, he completed her, he pampered her, he loved her, and above all, he was amazing in bed. Yes, physical intimacy was unavoidable. The moment they met each other each day, the floodgates simply opened. So much lay buried deep within. Yet, the beauty of this relationship lay in the fact that they understood their boundaries and vowed that they would never ever rock the ‘family’ boat. No matter what, family came first and will always do. Karthik was oblivious to any of this because Juanita was his wife and the mother of their son, and he did care for her, yet, there was no other expression of proximity, physical or mental. Gradually, there came an unseen wall between them. Communication was restricted to bare minimum. For all practical and social purposes, they were a couple, but behind closed doors, they were like two good friends sharing an apartment, each in his/her own room, his/her own space.

Juanita often wondered and wanted to ask her friends if their matrimonial life was similar, but she did not have the courage to open up. Chennai was not an easy place to live. Neighbours were family; they almost lived in your house. They can ask you the most intimate question and want to know who visited you, and you are supposed to respond, not get shocked! So, inhabiting her newfound world was filled with risks each day, but Ajit was her weakness. She went to every extreme to be with him and please him. Within her heart, she often wondered if Ajit would abandon her someday! By now, she had lost enough in love to completely trust anyone. Yet, in the middle of such insecurities, she managed to thrive. Months passed, and both became comfortable with the other. Ajit now had complete control over Juanita. She could not take even a single step without informing Ajit, and if she did, Ajit would yell and create a ruckus. Ajit had recently lost his job and was looking for one, hence he had the time to spend with Juanita. Little did she know that when he would eventually find a job, he would become selfish and completely withdraw. For now, she was basking in his love. Was it love, really? Or was it just a need that was being fulfilled? Only time will tell. But why bother about that now and spoil what is in hand? Juanita was neck-deep into Ajit. At this point, nothing else mattered to her. No amount of warning would help her. She was not even listening, until….