Whose baby is Neeraja carrying? (236 words)

“Vinitha, are you aware that Neeraja eloped with her lover last evening?” asked Mohana, eyes wide with excitement. Both were in their early thirties, living in the same apartment complex.

“What? How come?” Vinitha gasped. “She seemed like such a decent girl. Barely married a year! And her husband looked like a nice guy, too.”

“How would I know?” Mohana shrugged. “Maybe she was forced into the marriage. Parents push these things.”

Vinitha frowned. “Still, once you’re married, shouldn’t you cut ties with your past, especially an old lover?”

Mohana sighed. “Who cares about all that now? I’ve seen him visiting her a few times. Old values are turning completely upside down.”

Vinitha leaned closer and whispered, “Between us, I must admit—her lover was incredibly handsome. Like a desi Tom Cruise! Her husband, on the other hand… ugh, he looked awfully ugly. If I were in her place, I might’ve run too!”

Mohana burst out laughing. “Wait till you hear this. Neeraja, I heard  she is pregnant!”

“What?” Vinitha almost dropped her teacup. “Whose child could it be?”

Just then, the sound of a car horn blared outside.

“Oh my god, that’s my husband,” Vinitha said, jumping up. “I’ve got to make his coffee, otherwise he would get upset. I’m dying to hear the rest, though! Ever since that financial scam arose, I’ve missed my serials. He’s always glued to the only TV we have!”