STORY-BUTTERFLY

SHORT STORY-BUTTERFLY I was watching Mohiniyattam at Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy, near Shoranur. I have never seen a dance, more beautiful and I instantly fell in love with her. I requested for an audience with her, which was gladly accepted. “I am a clerk in Collector’s office at Trichur. I like to marry you.” “I have to talk to my parents.” “Where do you live?” “At Arattupuzha.” “I know the place. Shall we go right now?” So it started. The same day we met my parents at Cheruthuruthy and they too agreed, as I was already thirty and unmarried. We fixed up a date for deciding the date of marriage. for which purpose both families have to meet. As they were poor people,I took her to a jewelry shop and she selected a necklace and some bangles. Then we bought some saris for herself and her mother. I gave her money for travel expenses and my address and phone number. As Sunday she was free, we agreed to meet next Sunday. My parents liked the girl. I suggested register marriage. After some hesitation, her father agreed; a simple feast was given, after the garlanding ceremony and I became excited at the thought of our first night. She embraced me enthusiastically, as soon as I entered the nuptial chamber and we fell into the bed immediately, without wasting time. It was my first experience and I was thrilled. We repeated after some time; this time, I played fondling her breasts, which were plump and full! Next morning she did not wake up even after eight. I went to my mother and brought two cups of tea. She said,”I am sorry. you could have woken me up.” After tea, she said,”I want it once more! So the days passed, the whole world compressed into one word-SEX! After a few days they were giving Kathakali performance for the benefit of inmates of Tihar Central Jail and will remain there for ten days and she requested my permission. I agreed. But she did not return; they went to diferent locations in India and the Gulf countries, as they were all eager to see Kathakali performance and Mohiniyattam by my wife, which received praise by the media. In the end, they returned after whole one year! I lost all patience. I had not seen enough of her and was eager to have a glimpse of her…. At last, I received a phone call from Kalamandalam. It was attended by Gracy, my colleague and friend for the last ten years. She looked at me and said in a very sad tone:”Your wife has applied for maternity leave.” I was shocked and said:”Let us go to the canteen.” She ordered tea and I sat in a daze. “Do you love her?” “I do love her.” “Then think cool-ly. Such things are common among film and drama artistes. They live in such an environment. Do not blame her. Let us go and see her. She needs sympathy and support at this juncture.” I agreed.