“By the way,” asked Chandra, “have you consummated your marriage?”
“Maybe that we didn't consummate our marriage symbolizes the nonentity of our relationship,” said Sathya reminiscently. “That night, though she came to me and offered herself, knowing what our marriage in the offing at Palani meant to her, I told her that I didn't want to rob her of the conjugal experience of a proper nuptial. Appreciating my sensitivity, when she said she had no right to deny me any longer, I told her as sex was neither new to her nor to me, we should start our sexual life on a spiritual note. But I did fondle her in love and felt ecstatic in my soul. I named her Sanda long ago for the sandal-like color of her skin. But the feel of her body that night made me realize how wonderfully smooth-skinned she is. When she had left me after a while, I slept thinking about the amorous times in store for us.”
“How sublime love can make one!” said Chandra emotively hugging Sathya.
“Thanks for your understanding of a loving heart,” said Sathya equally touched. “The next day, she took me to Gomathi's place and introduced me to her family as her fiancé. Seeing the joy in her face and the ease in her bearing, I thought all my trouble was worth her happiness. But the applause at the office was the crowning glory of my love. Though I did take her to the Victoria Memorial for a stroll as if to vindicate myself to the world, I didn't venture to romance with her for her heart was still in a state of flux.”
“Oh, how we think alike Sathya!” said Chandra. “Why you'll know that when I tell my tale.”
“It's clear you've a great story to tell and I'm no less eager to hear that,” said Sathya, “but to stay with mine, I had walked out of our home by then for my father would not have Kala for a daughter-in-law. But when I returned here, after a week's stay in Cal, my mother's letter gave a fillip. She wrote to me that she understood how I loved Kala for I had left all of them for her. Well, she wanted me to know that she was praying for the fruition of my love and happiness in marriage. She asked me not to worry over the home front, as my father would anyway reconcile in the end. I thought only a mother can feel that way, and felt nice for being her son.”
“Oh, what a capacity a woman and her son have to love! Remarkable!‟ said Chandra in admiration. “I've come to admire you a lot and would love to be your friend.”