3

I am the CEO of a very important company and the most eligible man in the country, but I am engaged to Ria and she is pregnant. She has been with me since our college days. We love each other deeply—that's why we are marrying."

"But you're having an affair with another woman?"

"No, I am not having an affair. You know how these things get blown out of proportion. It was just some harmless flirting at a party. The girl is married too, so it wasn't as if I was breaking any vows or anything like that."

"So, what happened after the party? Did you meet her again?"

"Yes, we met again. Her husband died last year and she needed someone to talk to. So, I took care of her emotionally and sexually for about a month."

"Then you started meeting her regularly?"

"Once every ten days. But now we don't have time to meet all the time because my wife is pregnant and I want everything to be perfect when she comes home from hospital."

"Did you two ever make plans to meet somewhere else?"

He shook his head vigorously. "Never! Nothing like that!" He said emphatically.

"Did she try to persuade you to leave your wife and marry her?"

"No way! I never even thought of leaving my wife for anyone. Not before and certainly not now. My marriage with Ria is sacred."

"You say your wife knows nothing about this affair, right?"

"Yeah, we confided in each other. After all, there were no secrets between us."

"Did she express any displeasure over your affair with this woman?"

"She did not complain about it; but then she didn't need to. Why should she? We had our own secret language and we knew what we both wanted and what we were doing."

"So, you're sure she knows nothing about this affair?"

"Absolutely."

"Why did you come here today?"

"I came to ask you about the case you handled. I'm being accused of harassment by my ex-lover and I would really appreciate it if you could help me prove my innocence."

***

The next morning, he called up to let her know that they would meet at noon. When she arrived at the cafe, he told her that he had already made up his mind.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"I am going to go through with it. I have decided to marry her. I was only trying to find out more about the situation and whether I can trust you enough to tell you what was really happening before I take such a big step."

"I see," she said, a little confused.

"I also wanted to thank you for helping me in the past." He added.

"Oh, you're welcome. Was there anything else?"

"Well, I don't think you realize how much you helped me in the last few months. I was angry, furious really, when you first came to talk to me. But after talking with you, I began to understand. I realized how much I loved Ria and how I should have trusted her completely."

"Thanks for telling me that," she said.

"Now, do you still want to press charges against me?"

"No, I don't. And you don't have to worry anymore about the divorce proceedings either. Now that you've decided to move on, I won't file anything against you. All I will do is sign off on the papers."

"Thank you."

They shook hands and he walked out of the office. As soon as she saw him go, she ran out to the parking lot where he was waiting. She hugged him tightly and kissed him passionately. Then she took her phone out and called her husband.

"Honey, I'm sorry, but I have to leave now. I have something I need to discuss with Bala."

"Okay.

Ria and I went to a company event, she was beautiful as always, and I got drunk. I started making advances towards her and she told me she doesn't date married men. I apologized and left. That's all."

"That's not all, you bastard! You cheated on me, and now you're trying to cover up your sins by lying and saying you didn't cheat on me. I hope you rot in hell."

It was another hour before she got back home.

***

Three days later, Ria gave birth to a baby boy. Three weeks later, she went home from the hospital and Bala moved into a separate bedroom.

***

A week later, Ria and Bala met the lawyer to finalize their divorce. After taking care of all the formalities, Bala got up and looked at her.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine." She replied. "Just glad it's finally over."

"And you're sure you don't want to press charges against me?"

"Yes, I'm sure. I don't want to drag this out. You were wrong, but I forgive you. I don't want to fight with you and neither do I want to hurt your family. This is best for everyone."

Bala nodded slowly. "Thanks, Ria."

"Let's be friends, okay?"

"Sure."

He walked out and Ria turned to the lawyer. "When can I expect the settlement money?"

"In a couple of days. The court will give you the details."

"Thanks, I'll call you once I receive it."

***

Two weeks later, Ria received a large cheque in the mail along with a letter that read:

Dear Mrs. Patel,

I am not the person who sent you those roses and gifts. I am sorry for misleading you. I did it all because I wanted to impress a girl whom I liked. To my sorrow, I did not realize that she was married. I am truly sorry for hurting you and I hope you will forgive me one day. If you ever decide to get over this heartbreak, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Bala Singh

P.

When I looked at my newborn baby I felt something on my chest, I am the father of a beautiful child. I am ready to devote myself to my son. You may wish to seek revenge on me, but don't forget my baby is innocent and I am the only parent he has. Please think twice before you take any action.

Love,

Bala

***

A year later, Ria was walking down the street when she saw a familiar face. It was Bala, standing at a bus stop, watching the traffic. He looked worn out and tired. She walked up to him and stopped.

"Hi, Bala."

"Mrs. Patel?" He asked, surprised.

"Yes, I'm afraid you remember me. I'm the girl you met at the party."

"Oh yeah, I remember."

"How are you?"

"Terrible, I'm exhausted."

She laughed. "You look terrible too. What happened?"

"My wife filed for divorce."

"Ouch!" She said, sympathetically. "How long have you been separated?"

"Seven months."

"Wow! That's fast. You must be worried about the custody of the baby. Can he stay with you?"

"Not sure. I haven't seen him in so many months. I hope the judge gives him to me, but I doubt he will. I've been thinking about getting a job so that I can raise him on my own."

"I'll introduce you to a friend of mine. He runs a business and he might be able to get you a good position."

"Really? Thank you. Where is he?"

"He works in the same building where I work. Come with me."

As they walked towards the entrance, a group of people approached them. Ria recognized the guy in the middle. It was Arjun.

"Hey, Ria. How are you doing?"

"Fine, thanks. I guess I'm looking for Bala."

"Right behind me."

They walked towards a corner and Arjun introduced Bala to someone. Bala shook hands with him.

"Hello, Mr. Singh. I'm glad you could meet me."

Arjun smiled. "I didn't know you worked here too."

"Mr. Purohit gave me an opportunity when his business was expanding and I jumped at it. He's a great man."

"Nice meeting you. I'll catch up with you later."

The three of them walked out together. As soon as they were out of earshot, Bala turned to Ria.

"Who was that man?"

"He's the owner of the company and the one who hired me. He's also the one who set you up with a job."

"Great, I'm glad you're working again."

"Do you want to grab lunch sometime? My treat."

"Okay, but maybe after the weekend."

"Sure. Saturday afternoon?"

"Sounds good."

They parted ways and Ria headed home. As soon as she got inside, she called up Arjun to make arrangements.

"I'll pick you up at 12:30 on Saturday. See you then."

"See you then."

***

On Saturday afternoon, Ria sat at a table in a restaurant waiting for Arjun. She noticed Bala sitting alone at an adjacent table. He caught her staring at him and looked away. Just then, Arjun came and sat across from her.

"Sorry I'm late."

"It's okay, I've got some work to do anyway."

"So, how's the little boy?"

Ria smiled. "He's wonderful. His name is Vishal."

"Congratulations."

After finishing their meal, they walked to the parking lot and drove to Bala's house.

"I'm so sorry about the divorce." She said to Bala.

"Me too."

Arjun arrived home fifteen minutes later and greeted Bala warmly. "Hi, Mr. Singh."

"Arjun. Have you eaten?"

"No, I had to rush from work.