Dhanalakshmi and Govind were exchanging romantic glances, after what has been a wonderful day for them. They were hardly thinking about Usha, Govind's mother who was still waiting with Sabari, her brother at the advocate's office.
"We still have some time left," Sabari began talking to Usha with a tempting prelude. "I don't mind apologizing to the advocate if you don't want to meet him."
"It isn't necessary," Usha retorted instantly. "I am serious about it. I need divorce."
Sabari sighed out of desperation and decided to let his sister have her way. He was more anxious to know about her reasons for seeking divorce after almost two decades of married life. He always knew that Mohanraj was an unkind husband and hence he couldn't see anything beyond. However, it never sounded like a wise decision as his sister had two grown up children at home. Honestly, Sabari was more curious about the sudden rift in his sister's family life as he was led inside the advocate's room, after a good hour or so.
Ravi, the advocate looked surprisingly young for all the goodwill he had earned in the family courts. The young professional immediately grasped the surprise glowing in Usha's eyes as she sat on the chair with a strange look. Both Sabari and Usha were in for a shock as the charming advocate shot his first question.
"How are you Mrs.Mohanraj?"
Sabari and Usha glanced at each other unable to believe what they had just heard.
"Do you know me?" Usha sounded extremely surprised.
"Of course I do," Ravi quipped with a flashy smile. "I am afraid you haven't recognized me yet."
"I am sorry," Usha stammered with embarrassment. "You look rather familiar to me although."
"I am sure you know my Dad," Ravi said with a gentle chuckle. "Dhanpal."
"Oh Yes!" Usha exclaimed. "Is it you? Ravi!"
"Thank God," Ravi smiled at once. "I thought you forgot your erstwhile neighbor."
Sabari looked at his sister who was smiling broad for the first time ever since she landed up at his place. He soon became a mute spectator as both Usha and Ravi began exchanging some of their past memories and querying about their family members. It took a while and a couple of teas before Ravi eventually started asking about the purpose of their visit.
"I know that people don't come to my office in a happy frame of mind," Ravi said and paused for a while before continuing. "What made you look out for an advocate like me?"
Usha glanced at Sabari who looked very keen and anxious to hear his sister's problems. It was another moment of thorough embarrassment for Usha. She wasn't yet willing to discuss the matter in the presence of her brother. Sabari had been showing keen interest in getting Mithali, his daughter to Govind, her son. She feared that her brother would surely have second thoughts about the proposal once he knows the clandestine relationship between her husband and daughter.
"Do you want me to stay outside?" Sabari suggested although he was actually keen to be around with his sister during the discussion. He wished his sister would reply in the negative so that he could stay and hear her exact problem.
"Yes, if you don't mind," Usha replied pleadingly. Sabari smiled in an attempt to confide his disappointment and nodded his head in agreement. As he walked out of the chambers, he feared that his sister might be having some extraordinary reasons for seeking divorce. He decided to move around the busy shopping area for an hour or so before returning to the advocate's office, thereby giving his sister ample time to discuss her problems. His favorite coffee shop was just at the end of the road and he couldn't resist the temptation as his feet began moving involuntarily. He was lucky to find his most preferred table vacant at the extreme end of the restaurant and swiftly settled down to order some south Indian coffee.
As he began sipping the coffee, he thought of Usha and wondered what would be she doing in the advocate's office. He was convinced that she was damn serious about the divorce although she never seemed to have the courage to disclose the reasons. Divorces have not been heard in their family although he knew that all was not well with some of his close relatives. He wished his sister was willing for some compromise rather than breaking with her husband at such a crucial phase of her children's lives.
"Good Morning Sabari."
Sabari looked up hearing a voice which sounded very familiar. His face stiffened seeing Girija, his sister-in-law.
"Hello Girija," Sabari greeted her with no real enthusiasm. Her face shrunk at once seeing the unfriendly expression on his face. She braved to force a smile on her face.
"Can I sit?" Girija queried pleadingly.
"Yes, of course," Sabari quipped. "I don't own the shop."
Girija sat right opposite to Sabari and began glaring at him who pretended as though he was more interested in his coffee.
"I know you don't like to talk to me," Girija murmured. "But, I don't deserve to be treated so rudely."
"I am not your sister to treat you gently," Sabari retorted with fire in his voice.
Girija's head bowed in humiliation realizing what Sabari actually meant. She was married at the age of 19 and her married life didn't last long enough. Her husband was convicted in a murder case soon after her marriage and his life imprisonment brought her life into shambles. Although, she could find a decent job to lead a dignified life, she really had nothing worthwhile in her life. She wasn't the sort of an adventurous woman who would look out for sex from strangers. Strangely, her frequent visits to Dhanalakshmi began igniting her passion for sex, more so after watching her younger sister's fulfilled life. Finally, when her emotions cut loose, Sabari became the sufferer.
"Even after so many years, I can't forget what you did," Sabari fumed. "It is disgusting even now! I can't believe that a woman could become so desperate to entice her own sister into lesbian sex."
