A New Battle

              Ananya looked balefully at her husband.  Gautam was talking animatedly on his cell-phone with some business associate.  The plate of food – his dinner, lay untouched in front of him.  Ananya was agitated by the thought that she had slogged since 6 in the evening to prepare that delicious meal of alu parathas, raita, biryani and cheese rolls for her family which comprised of her husband, two boisterous sons aged 10 and 12; and herself. 

              
              She had reminded him about the food, thrice, till then.  Obviously her words had fallen on deaf ears.  ‘Admitted, he was a busy businessman, but surely even businessmen needed to eat!  How could they go about their business otherwise?’  Ananya fumed inwardly.  She felt like an unwanted fly, interrupting his telephonic conversation, every now and then.  The casual and impatient wave of his hand, definitely added to that impression. 

              
              At last, tired of waiting for his call to end, she had her dinner at 10 p.m. She left him at the dining table, still talking loudly; and went to their bedroom.  

The copyright of this story is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.