Protogue

Siddharth was leaving for his official visit to the Chennai office for a week to oversee it's operations and to address his employees . All ready in his sober grey suit, he walked into the hall to see Shanaya standing on a stool.Inching upwards, she stood precariously on her toes, trying to reach the top shelf of the decorative showcase . She was dusting the awards that he had received for his entrepreneurial skills. Though that gave him a tinge of pleasure, he was angry with their maids , Aruna and Varuna , the sisters who did the cleaning and cooking for them . Though they had their own quarters , they were normally up and active around nine in the morning.

Oblivious to everything around her , Shanaya was busy dusting her husband's precious awards. She felt a surge of pride every time she touched the trophies .

Sid's thoughts lingered in his new bride. Somehow, he had pulled off the wedding ceremony without the emotional drama,and he had to admit that Shanaya had made a beautiful bride . With her exotic looks and her MBA degree,everyone had claimed that she was the perfect match for him .The job was done . He had honoured his promise to his mother .

Even without any make-up on her face , Shanaya glowed. Draped in a yellow salwar ,her flower-patterned dupatta fluttered breezily, enhancing her feminine look. With her loose hair and golden ear hoops , she looked strikingly beautiful . Her healthy skin was flushed with the physical exertion . As any red -blooded male would,Sid enjoyed the beautiful vision his wife projected she stretched again to take out the next set of trophies. His intuition forewarned him about the forthcoming fall.

" Oh God . . . " With those words, she fell.

" Watch out , Shanaya! " Did run towards her . with outstretched hands , he caught hold of her as she fell and they toppled together. He made sure that he took the brunt of the fall . Her body caressed him like a feather. Their eyes met. His grip tightened across her shoulder involuntary. Her eyes widened questioningly , startled. He inhaled her fragrance, and her honey-brown eyes attached him. He moved towards her reflexively and was lost for a moment.

" Siddharth , " she stammered in embarrassment. The arch-shaped pendant in her mangalsutra ( *holy, auspicious) dug into his shoulders.

The snapped him out of the reverie . No , I can't . . . I shouldn't , he thought. He pushed her out of his hold vehemently.

Siddharth cursed himself. What had just happened ? How did he left the situation go beyond his control ? How could he have given in to this momentary temptation ? And most of all , how could he do this to Mishti ?

A wave of guilt overtook him. His hand went cold and clammy

I am sorry , Mishti . . . I will not . . . I will always stay true to you. I love you .

An outsider to all his thoughts, Shanaya stood up , dusting her hands , and avoided his eyes . Sid knew that he had hurt her somehow. Going forward, he promised himself that he would not let this happen again. Her face clouded with confusion, and she was about to leave the hall when guilt prompted him to ask , " Are you all right, Shanaya? "

Perplexed, she nodded and walked away. The hall suddenly seemed empty without her presence . Siddharth dropped to his knees and covering his face with his hand , he whispered sorrowfully, " Oh God , I have created a mess ! " His eyes were glazed with tears.

To Be Continued.......

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