The Other Woman

His heartbeat quickened as he took in her slender form through the glass door. She crossed the space leading to his office with confident strides. She had the look of a woman who knew what she wanted.

It was difficult not to like her. He couldn’t put his finger on it but in an odd kind of way, she’d stirred strange feelings in his heart within minutes of their first meeting at his office, a month ago.

She was also a ‘weighty’ client and, though intelligent and articulate enough otherwise, supported an awful business sense that required his advice and intervention often.

‘As the Bank Manager, it was his job to help out every client,’ he tried to reason with himself, suppressing a chuckle, ‘especially damsels in distress!’ Then, he expelled his breath slowly and deliberately, ‘What am I getting myself into?’


“Good day, Ms Sharmeen.� He got up as she entered. She smiled and extended her hand, “Mr. Raza.�



*****



Soha rested her head contentedly against Amir’s shoulder. The room was dark and quiet. She ran a gentle hand through his hair. He whispered something incoherent in his sleep.

She closed her eyes and lazily reflected upon the past ten years of marital bliss – two wonderful children and a doting husband.

‘I wonder what I did to deserve all this?’ she smiled to herself, before drifting off to a light fanciful sleep. ‘I must be the luckiest woman on the face of this earth...’



*****



Sherry felt sad sitting there listening to her. She watched quietly as Rozina’s face displayed an amalgam of conflicting emotions, and her voice rose and fell, re-living her traumas.

Sherry felt overwhelmed – it was not always easy to achieve that professional distance so necessary in her line of work.

Even though she had listened to countless such tales, as one would in her line of work, she sometimes felt she could never get used to, or completely apathetic to, the pain of others. Well, empathy was part of her job, really, for how else could she help them heal their wounds...and perhaps herself?

Her thoughts drifted to a time she’d much rather forget...

She was herself a survivor of abuse by a violent father, who was also a lying, cheating, abusive husband to her mother. It had been a real blessing in disguise when he’d died suddenly in a road accident, for her mother could never have gathered enough courage to leave him.

Unfortunately, her mother had survived only two years after that... ‘Perhaps, she couldn’t handle boundless freedom...one could get used to captivity.’

Sherry had been her mother’s only confidante and support-provider in coping with her tumultuous marriage of twenty long years – first-hand experience, that came in rather handy when she became a psychologist later on.

Sherry blinked and forced herself to come back to the present.

She smiled reassuringly at Rozina. A well-paid teacher by profession, she had been coming for in-person counseling for many months now.

‘Whoever said abuse was a problem of the lower socio-economic class really needed an eye-opener like this one!’ She grimaced.

Sitting there with acid-burnt face and distorted features, evidence of years of torture inflicted upon her body and soul by a sick, though rich, husband Rozina was a picture of hope and despair, of pride and pain, of life and death - all rolled into one.

Sherry admired her resilience. She was a woman determined to survive.

“Thank you, Sherry…it’s such a pleasure to come and talk to you...I always leave here ready to take on the world...don’t know what I would’ve done without you!� Rozina managed a grin through scarred features.

“No, Rozina...your strength was always there, I just helped you see it. You’re a survivor. I don’t think anything can keep you down for long.� Sherry replied with a smile.

She watched Rozina leave with her head high, and had a heady sense of achievement. It all seemed worth it whenever she saw a broken spirit rise again and stare back at the world unflinchingly.

The phone rang. It was Raza. Her eyes lit up.



*****



“Come on, Amir, don’t be such a spoilsport!� Soha pouted prettily.

“Daddy, you promised!� The kids, Ammar and Anoushay, joined in chanting in unison, “We’re going on a picnic, we’re going on a picnic!�

“Really love to, Sweetheart, but I’ve got a load to tackle at the office…it’s the last weekend of the month, remember?� Amir touched Soha’s cheek lightly...lovingly. She made a face and Amir burst out laughing.

“Next weekend, okay?� he turned to the kids, hugging them both. They let out disappointed grunts and ran off to find something interesting to do.

“If you finish early, Amir, we could still...�

“Nope...you know I can’t rush through my work...and I don’t mix business with pleasure either.� He cut her short.

“Fine…have it your way!� Soha spun on her heels and made to leave the room.

“Now where are you going, Beautiful?� Amir pulled her back to himself, circling her slim waist with one arm.

“Amir!� Soha protested half-heartedly.

He laughed aloud and, stretching the other arm, closed the door.



*****



“Great...eight-thirty, then.� Raza put the phone down and took a deep breath.

He was there at eight-fifteen. It was exciting to think about a quiet, relaxed dinner with Sharmeen. She had everything any man could ask for...beauty, charm, sharp intellect and a fiercely independent streak that he found most appealing. He couldn’t understand why a woman like her should not be married, or at least have a man in her life.

They had become quite close during the last two months...even though she had been very slow to soften her detached demeanor. Well, quite frankly, he had made no deliberate effort to make her more comfortable than usual either. Initially, he felt he was just doing his job of being pleasant and forthcoming with a client, but it had happened imperceptibly, the change, and before he knew it a purely professional relationship had blossomed into a warm friendship.

He knew she was as eager for his company as he was for hers...she wanted to be with him – that beautiful, talented woman who could have any man she put her dainty finger on, wanted him? Lately, he’d had to remind himself repeatedly that she was a friend who just happened to be a woman. But he wasn’t sure anymore...






*****



Soha and Sherry laughed out loud and drew appreciative glances from other diners. Well...men, mostly - two beautiful women, apparently oblivious to the cares of the world...

“You always had a lovely sense of humour, Soha!� laughed Sherry. “It’s so good to find you again...I sure missed our rapport after your parents moved away…why, you didn’t even invite me to your wedding! What’s your husband like?�

“We sure lost touch, Sherry...hmmm...we must get together soon and you can meet my Mr. Right!� she chuckled. “Isn’t it amazing how we met again by chance at the kids’ school?�

“Yeah…imagine…after all these years! You have beautiful kids, Soha…and intelligent too.

“Thanks!� she replied. “Now, tell me about your life.� Soha changed the subject.

“Oh, it’s nothing grand...just a bit of social work...helping out wherever I can!� Sherry shrugged and replied matter-of-factly.

“And?� Soha prompted.

“And, what?� She arched her eye brows.

“Ever the secretive one, aren’t you? Why, Sherry, surely there’s a man in your life?� Soha was not ready to give up so easily.

“Yes and no,� Sherry was non-committal.

“Okay, stop playing games…come right out with it, now!�

Sherry sighed. “You haven’t changed a bit, Soha! Okay...he’s this great guy I met a few months ago... seems like just my kinda man…haven’t felt that close to anyone in a long, long time...don’t know much about him...never asked him any questions…he never asked me any...� She spread her hands helplessly.

“Sherry? I should think men would be falling over each other to catch your attention…and you settle for one who doesn’t seem to want any serious commitment? I don’t get it, girl!�

“Well...you know me…don’t just want any man…this one seems right somehow!� she tilted her head sideways.

“I hope he’s not married!�

“No idea.�

“Sherry?�

“I don’t know, okay? Don’t care either...I don’t want to give him up, Soha...even if he is married!�

Soha stared disbelievingly. That was not the practical, sensible Sherry she knew.

Sherry sat unmoving for a few seconds...shocked at what she had blurted out. Did she really want him that bad..not caring whether he had a wife, kids? How did she manage to come to that point?

“Don’t get yourself into this, Sherry, for God’s sake! Have you forgotten your own mother’s ordeal?� Soha could’ve bitten her tongue the moment she said it, for Sherry had turned ghastly pale.

“I’m so sorry...I shouldn’t have said that...�

“I’ll see you later...� Abruptly, she got up. Her face depicted a turmoil that Soha was loathe to recognize as her doing.

She stared after Sherry’s receding frame for a few seconds. Then, taking a deep breath, signaled for the waiter.



*****



“Amir?� Soha called out softly as she saw him stretched out lazily on his favourite couch. ‘Was he asleep?’ She touched his shoulder lightly when he didn’t stir. She wanted to ask him about the picnic but he seemed distant...she had a feeling the kids would be disappointed yet again this weekend. She decided not to say anything about it to him...but Sherry?

“Mmm... ?� He opened his eyes and looked at her questioningly.

“Um...let me give you a good massage...sure to cure the worst of ills!!� She spoke with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, as she sat down beside him and ran her hands lightly through his hair. He smiled.

“I was hoping to invite an old friend over tomorrow...we’ve caught up with each other after a good fifteen years!� Soha spoke softly, “She’s dying to meet my Mr. Right...but if you’d rather, we can postpone that to next weekend.�

“No, no...call her. I’d like to meet this friend of yours.�

“She’s a real gem of a person.� Soha smiled, “You’ll like her.�



*****



The past week had been so hectic - physically as well as emotionally.

Raza looked around his office…glad the commotion was over.
The audit, the visit of the Bank President to his small branch, the review of last year’s policies … really a tough time for him and his staff. But everything had gone smoothly because he was a perfectionist anyway – ‘Slave-driver’, he was affectionately labeled by the more spirited members on his team!

Emotionally...it had been a killer. He’d had to put all his personal dilemmas on hold, and now they were rushing in to choke him! But he had to be sensible...think it through objectively.

Sharmeen hadn’t called back. ’Was she going to call him at all?’ He wondered. ‘Had it all been a mistake?’

He felt ashamed to think he would’ve given up everything he cherished that very moment... if Sharmeen had asked him to.

But she hadn’t, he recalled.

The dinner, that day, had been going just fine, when suddenly Sharmeen had popped the question he had been dreading.

“Are you married?�

He had been taken aback by the suddenness of the question. ‘Should he tell her the truth, and risk losing her?’

“Yes.� He couldn’t lie.

“Oh, God.� She had closed her eyes, and he’d panicked.

“I want you, Sharmeen!� he had blurted out before he could stop himself.

“Huh?� Hope or despair?

“I’d do anything for you!� Desperation had clouded his vision. Raw desire had won.

“Anything? You’d do anything to have me?�

“Yes.� ‘Live in the moment’, a voice in his head had screamed.

“I...� A haze seemed to blind her vision. ‘Damn! Was she on the verge of tears?’

Running a rough hand across her eyes...she’d looked up - looking through him – and whispered as if to herself, ‘How could I have...married man...can’t do this...’

Then, clearly and deliberately, she’d spoken in a tone booking no argument, “I need to be alone.�

He had forced himself to get up and leave. He hadn’t heard from her since.

Coming back to the present, he expelled his breath heavily and leaned back against the cushioned office chair. ‘Why didn’t he see it coming?’

‘Could they be just friends again? He’d hate to sever all ties...’ like a drowning man clutching at straws, he questioned himself. But he knew the answer...

‘His life was complete without Sharmeen. Surely, he owed something to his wife - the woman who’d given herself to him completely, stood by him unconditionally...and loved him despite all his shortcomings.’

“What choice would she have made, had she been so tempted?� He wondered aloud, picturing his wife’s sweet smile and shuddered.




*****



Soha hugged her. “Come inside.�

As they sat down, Ammar and Anoushay came running into the drawing room. “Hello, Auntie!� they greeted her cheerfully, and ran off before she could respond.

Sharmeen laughed, as an embarrassed Soha joined in. “Can’t get them to slow down, really!�

“Oh, its okay...they’re energetic young things...let them be!� Sharmeen replied smiling.

Amir walked in.

Soha got up. “Meet my husband, Sherry,� proudly, she linked her hand through his arm, “Amir Raza, my soul-mate!� Then she turned to Amir, mockingly, “I present to you, my best friend - the one and only, Sherry!�

Sharmeen stared dumbstruck. Then, she extended her hand. “I’m Sharmeen, Mr. Raza..but you can call me Sherry. I believe we have met...at your bank.�

“Yes...� Amir Raza managed through stiff lips, pulling himself together with difficulty.

“Really?� Soha expressed surprise...then added in a conspiratorial tone, “Hmmm...Sherry, you can tell me if you have any complaints, you know!�

“He’s the best.� Sherry meant it.

Amir spoke very quietly, “Thank you.�

“You have a beautiful family, Mr. Raza. You’re a very lucky man.� Sherry commented truthfully.

Amir managed another polite, strained smile. Then he got up and excused himself, abruptly.

As he reached the door, suddenly, he turned to face Sherry.

“Are you committed, Ms Sharmeen?�

“Amir!� Soha glared, embarrassed.

“No.� Sherry replied without batting an eyelid.

He stared back for a few seconds. “Shame...� he muttered, and stepped out.



*****



Sharmeen sat in her new office, flipping through a magazine, as she waited for the next client – one that was making waves among the human rights groups. She had moved from Islamabad back to Karachi again last week amid Soha’s protests...

“But we found each other after ages...�

“Oh, we’ll stay in touch, Soha...Karachi is not that far? I need to follow up on the work I’ve done there.�



Her assistant peeked through the half-open door and whispered, “Sherry, she’s here!�

She nodded, and motioned for her to send her in. As she put the magazine down, a sigh escaped her lips...

She was a loner, she knew, and would always be one.