Spaces in Togetherness

He repeated, a shade louder, “Are you listening?” She looked at him, rather irritated and said, “No.” “Oh! I see. You must be reading something interesting then.” “I am,” she replied curtly. Silence prevailed and the reading continued. But the man got impatient. “It must be one of those damn women’s lib articles.” She shut the magazine, sat up, looked at him straight in the eye and said, “If you must know, the article is all about what the modern man looks for in a woman.” He feigned enthusiasm all over. “Let’s hear some of it,” he said. “Must be intriguing?” “Hardly,” she said sarcastically. “Besides, I know what you look for in a woman.” Back to the magazine she went. He slid back on his pillow and tried to concentrate on reading again. Bed lights burned. Time was past eleven. The only noise that punctuated the silence was the ruffle of magazine pages occasionally. He became impatient. Took a chance again. “You know, it’s just a thought. Nothing more than an exchange of ideas. I mean, it would be interesting to know . . .” “I am listening, go on,” she said quietly without lifting her eyes. “Good. How would you feel if I were to tell you that I was having an affair?” he blurted out. “Having an affair?” she said in a curious voice. “Yes, an affair.” He nodded his head and looked at her. A faint mischievous smile played on his lips. “Why do you want to know?” she enquired. “No reason in particular, you know. People do have affairs, don’t they?” He went all coy. “Trying to see your reaction to a hypothetical situation. Sort of psychology test, you may say.” She appeared amused. “I see,” she said thoughtfully. “Is it because you are interested to know my attitude towards marital fidelity?” “No,” he said, like a quiz master; as if the two were playing a game where more than one answer was allowed. “Is it that you are about to write the first story of your life or something?” This time there was sarcasm in her voice. His looks were enough to confirm the negative. “Perhaps you have the usual itch, you know, men get naughty at. . . ” she was almost laughing. “Ha ha! nothing of the sort. Try again. I just want to know.” He was enjoying the game. “Are you having an affair?” She became suddenly serious. “Yes.” It came out inadvertently.