It was not the first time that he had strayed. The seven-year-itch would rear its head every now and then during their 35 years of marriage. Affairs of varying length and intensity with one thing in common — her pretence of being ignorant every time.
A couple of years ago, Abhishek was again in the throes of a grand passion. Rashmi knew all the signs — the sudden increase in work pressure, the frequent tours, the mood swings. Pain and hurt
Immersing herself in her job, she tried to hide her pain and hurt. Fortunately both her married daughters were settled abroad. Hiding the truth from them would have been difficult otherwise. The realisation that it was different this time came as a shock to Rashmi. Sixty-plus and less than a year to go for retirement, Abhishek wanted to live separately with immediate effect. Divorce would follow in due course. Completely shattered, Rashmi broke down mentally. The support of relatives and common friends could not assuage her humiliation. The fact that the ‘other woman’ — a young married woman with two small children — was a little older than her own daughters made it even more unbearable. When the young woman decided to break off with Abhishek and go back to her husband, he too returned, all contrite and full of remorse. Maybe not with open arms, but Rashmi accepted him back in her life. Living alone
"I may have been financially independent. But living alone for the rest of my life was terrifying," she explains when questioned about her decision. Still attractive at 55, the fact that she could've probably found a more faithful partner didn’t occur to her. Settling down again was also not an option that Seema considered when her 10-year marriage came to an abrupt end. Saurav filed for divorce when his paramour — a divorcee with grown up children — indicated her reluctance to continue a relationship with a married man. With inherited wealth and financial security in his favour, it was no issue for Saurav to give a generous alimony. The least he could do for the girl he had ardently wooed and married a decade ago. In her mid-30s, Seema devoted herself completely to her career and tried to obliterate her pain. Since they had no children, slipping back into the role of a single woman was comparatively easy. She continued to move in her old circle of friends — not a difficult thing to do as Saurav assiduously avoided their old group. Going back
Despite slowly carving out a new life, Seema did not hesitate to go back to Saurav. When his affair collapsed after a couple of years, he wanted her back in his life and she willingly obliged. "Though he had broken my heart, I never stopped loving him," Seema says defensively, when friends insist Saurav is taking advantage of her. They've been back together for almost three years now, yet remain legally divorced. Saurav has made no bones to disguise the fact that he prefers to keep it that way. Being once married to him exonerates her from the ‘living with a man’ tag. A situation that is acceptable socially but takes an immense emotional toll on Seema. (Names have been changed to protect identities)
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