Voices

           He had led a charmed life. Immensely successful in his career, and lucky in love too as he reminded himself, married to his childhood sweetheart and blessed with the most adorable child ever. A perfect family, some said. Yet for some time the sun had not been shining quite so brightly. Making his way through each day was becoming more of an effort, the smiles forced, the pauses in conversation awkward. She had noticed it too, the puzzlement slowly turning into hurt. Lately a few bitter words had been exchanged, as the boy looked on in bewilderment. His thoughts veered in another direction, as he remembered the chance encounter a few months back. On a business trip, as he waited in the near deserted airport lounge for a late night flight, he had looked up and into the most compelling pair of eyes ever. A quick introduction and some moments spent in conversation had been followed by an exchange of phone numbers. They had met again soon after and had continued to do so. Each meeting had been exquisite torture, a grappling with unfamiliar sensations, fighting against a primeval urge. The attraction between them was undeniable. Had he never known before? Or had he simply suppressed his true self? He believed he loved his wife and his family was his world. The pangs of guilt were overwhelming. Yet as the phone rang and the familiar number flashed on the screen, he could not get himself to disconnect his call. His voice was the only lifeline in a world where the dynamics were slowly changing.                                                                                                                                                                      
                                        
         She had thought she was one of the lucky ones, who led a happily ever after life. Married to the one she loved, a beautiful boy, a wonderful job. She had often touched wood, a childhood superstition, as she thought of her blessings. But recently the tendrils of worry had begun to weave themselves around her. It was not anything she could put her finger on, just a vague feeling that all was not right. A silence had crept over them, a drawing apart where there had been closeness. Some misunderstandings, some ugly scenes had happened. She could not forget that day in the coffee shop when she had spotted him talking to a man and was about to call out. But something had held her back, the intensity between them precluding anyone else. She had turned back and left. Yet the most horrible suspicions had been plaguing her since then. And the phone calls which he left the room to attend. He,who had never had any secrets from her. In her sanguine moments she thought that there would be a simple explanation and she would be able to laugh away her apprehensions. Yet what if it were true?The very foundation of her life seemed to be wavering.

          He counted the days till his sixth birthday again, the third time today. He remembered his last birthday party, presents, cake, friends, balloons and above all, his parents laughing and singing aloud. They hardly seemed to laugh anymore, an eerie silence between them enveloping the house in gloom. And sometimes they fought, the angry words reaching his room where he sat with fingers clapped across his ears. He missed their Sunday outings, the visits to the zoo, the long drives and the gifts his parents sometimes surprised him with. Now they snapped at each other for the smallest reasons and at him too. He pulled the covers over his head to shut out all thoughts. Yet a lone tear crept down his cheek. Would there even be a party for him?