‘How can I help when he doesn’t inspire love in my heart,’ she wailed at her plight. ‘After all, was it not said that love is but a part of man’s life while it is a woman’s whole existence? Oh, it’s every bit true! Sathyam is merry in marriage, enjoying all that goes with it, while I’m miserable, despairing for love. I can’t be happy without Raja, that’s clear by now, isn’t it? After all, I owe something to my life, don’t I? What’s the contradiction, if while leading my love life with Raja, I look after Sathyam’s marital needs as well? It seems to be the only sensible way to go about life than feel deprived all my life.’

Having resolved to have Raja Rao for her lover, she was at peace with herself, ‘Of course, it would be unfair for woman to let the paramour father her child. Why, perhaps it’s the only thing unethical about adultery, isn’t it? A woman ought to take care that things don’t be mixed up at that end. I would need Raja for my fulfillment and Sathyam can have his child if he could.’ Having resolved on a liaison with her lover, Roopa slumbered in expectation.