‘Oh how sweet,’ said Sandhya, in all eagerness, ‘But it all depends on how you make me want to come to you.’

‘Come,’ said Roopa pressing closer to Sandhya, ‘I’ll make you feel doubly wanting by the time your man comes mounting.’

Soon, Sandhya realized to her gratification that Roopa’s love meant business.

The next day, after seeing off the newly weds on their honeymoon trail, Roopa set out on the homeward stretch with Sathyam towards the evening.

‘While Sandhya’s love would find fulfillment in Raja’s passion, am I not left to pine for his possession,’ she felt as she struggled to find solace in sleep in that sleeper coach of the Godavari Express.