For a fair minded husband the sky is the limit
Aditya:
It was my wife Suja calling from Mumbai. She was attending a conference of social workers, and as usual in conferences she was enjoying herself.
"Darling, today the President of the Association sent me mail inviting me to the sub-committee meeting to be held in Simla immediately after this. Could I go?"
"Of course you should. Why that question?"
"I have been away for six days and this would mean four days more."
"I can manage. Have a nice time. But what is this seminar about?"
"The same thing we discussed in the conference. The sub-committee has to translate the decisions into definite projects."
"So you are in the select group."
"Yes."
"An honour?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes."
"Congratulations. Must be recognition of your work in that field."
"Possibly."
"How many are so honoured?"
"Only one. The only other person from the Mumbai conference who would be at the seminar is Raul. He of course is one of the organisers."
I have been hearing a lot about this Raul. He is from Spain and is a leading worker in the particular field Suja specialises in. She has heard about him of course, and has read several of his books, but this is the first time she is meeting him face to face; and he has made a tremendous hit with Suja. Her letters are full of Raul did this, Raul said that, and vivid accounts of how handsome he looks, and how well he speaks. 'If he had chosen to be in politics he would surely be a cabinet minister by now,' was her estimation of him.
"We would be travelling together," she said. "We'll stay in separate rooms of course."
"Separate room, of course. It goes without saying. Why did have to mention that. You will be together most of time."
"We have to be."
"I have something to tell you Suja. I don't want to beat about the bush. I'll come to the point straightaway. You like Raul. To judge from your letters you like him very much. He seems to have taken to you too, and you two are going to be in the same hotel but in side by side rooms. Please listen to me, and please do not feel hurt. If the relationship develops towards greater intimacy my advice is follow your desires. Hold hand, kiss, fondle and if you feel comfortable go all the way. You have my full encouragement for that. This will not affect our relationship. On the other hand it will make the bonds stronger. But you should not allow feelings of guilt to filter in. That would be bad. Be open and free and enjoy yourself to the hilt. No need to call me for the next four days. Just email the flight you would be returning by." I rang off.
Suja:
I managed to replace the phone before it could fall off my limp hands. I was unable to say what my feelings were when he spoke those words. I was not hurt definitely. Not annoyed either. Pleased that he had waved the green flag? No, definitely not. Embarrassed? Yes, and stunned. I got over the shock soon enough and called him.
"Aditya what has happened to you?"
"Nothing."
"You are blabbering."
"No I am talking sense. If you pause and think for awhile you will know. You have taken my many little and medium sized escapades in your stride. That is the right attitude. Now it's your turn. Do as your mood takes you. You have my support."
"But I am a woman."
"Precisely. It makes no difference. There is nothing to discuss. Marriage does not mean that the man and woman should be fantasising about others all the time. An occasional true live adventure is proper and necessary. I have had it many, many times. You knew but there was not even a whiff of protest. I like that attitude. I have been waiting and waiting all these years to return the compliment. Enjoy yourself. I am taking my phone off the rest and am also switching off my cell phone. Email your return flight." He rang off. I tried to call but his phone was off the rack.
Aditya has had escapades. They were not secret. I have never questioned him on those. No, I did not like them in the least, but I accepted the way my mother had done. The parting advice of my mother when I left home is still green in my memory. 'Your father had other women from time to time. I never questioned him. Man needs variety. Let him have it. Do not confront him. You will only drive him away from you and you will make your children miserable." I have seen that happen. But now I find this policy extended to women. 'I have had it, now if you want you can too'. I was confused. Did he mean what he said? He sounded very sincere. I did not have time to ponder his words. The next meeting was due in a few minutes. The next two hours I was absorbed in the proceedings in which I took an active part. The principle speaker was Raul.
Sunder was spot-on when he said that I was a fan of Raul. I was his ardent fan. I would not also deny that he was the object of my fantasies. When he suggested that if I was willing he would arrange for my inclusion in the sub-committee I was thrilled. It was an honour. More than that it was a chance to be with Raul for three more days. Then gradually a suspicion arose; was he was trying to have an affair. Was the invitation not an honour after all? I disposed off that doubt summarily. What did it matter why I was invited? I was in the sub-committee and that was that. My thoughts were confused, but when Aditya spoke to me I was calm again.