Holy Matrimony: Chapter One

Simran sat staring at the black and white picture hanging on the wall across from her. Parth had his arms around her and they were both looking straight at the camera lens. Their hair was wind blown and she could distinctly see the dash of white in his. He had always had grey hair. For as long as she had known him. They looked happy... so content in just being together. Their eyes sparkling with joy.

They now had two extremely bright and talented children. He was a proud father and an attentive one too. Sakshi, the 12 yr old was a whiz at math. She also played the synthesizer like a dream. She had already given more than a dozen solo performances at school. She had taken after Parth. He was creative too. Mani was 8 now. He had Simi's eyes. He was good at language and sports. Parth took so much pride in everything Sakshi and Mani did that it seemed as if they were the fruit of his efforts alone. She didn't mind it one bit. It gave her a chance to take a back seat and just look at him and the kids fondly.

He hated travelling and leaving the kids behind even for a day. But his Advertising and Marketing firm expected him to travel all over the globe to generate more business. He enjoyed his work, it was challenging. However, he did struggle to keep a balance between his work and family. Simran had gladly given up her career to be a full time mom. She was happy rearing their kids and looking after Parth. Time would fly just making sure the house chores were done, food served, kids forcefully fed (they were bad eaters!) and packing or unpacking Parth's suitcase. He was practically living out of them anyway...
"I miss you and the kids. I can't bear to travel anymore. I think I'll quit. Get something here in Delhi. What do you think?"...Parth said one day.
Simran replied casually; "Hmmm...I think it's a good idea. I could work too then. We'll get a full time maid. It would be nice to have you around for a change" . He had a hurt look in his eyes. Just grumbled and went back to his laptop. He always seemed to be working.
Even at Home...

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"Congratulations!" Mimi's deep and booming voice was oddly comforting.
"Thanks. I am so excited about the whole thing. Although I am worried how Parth would take it..." Simran's voice trailed off.
M: "Don't worry. I am sure he'll be as happy for you as we are. Mum especially. She is thrilled you have decided to go back to work. Now she'll have an excuse to spend more time spoiling Sakshi and Mani. So, when are you planning to break the big news to Parth? You could always leave the kids with us and go out for a quiet dinner."
S: "Hmmm... I could. Let me check with him and see how he is placed tonight. Even though he has stopped travelling, we still don't see much of him. He leaves early in the morning and doesn't get back before midnight".
M: "How is your marriage?"
S: "Aren't you direct!...well...its OK. We live under the same roof, share the same bed, bathroom and soap. Have sex on Sunday's...if that's what you mean?"
M: "Get out of the city, just you and him. You need to spice up your life. "

Simran reflected on her conversation with Mimi long after she had put the phone down.

(To be continued...)