Venus was playing hide and seek with mango tree leaves. Anitha turned her chair square to face me directly. I continued.
"He robs your freedom. You take it as sacrifice. He makes you dependent. And then you rob his freedom. He takes it as nuisance."
"And?"
"He searches for one who won't rob his freedom."
Anitha sat silent. Her eyes were growing moist. But she quickly reined herself in.
"Go ahead, uncle. I'm ready."
"He gets one."
"Now, I know. I burst out. And I'm here."
I was silent.
"And what next, uncle?"
"Let me guess. He tries to rob her freedom..."
Anitha laughed out heartily. It took a few minutes for her to settle down.
She finished her laughter with a remark on him. "Crazy guy. He never knew how much I loved him."
"Guess, what happens next."
"I'll unblock his number," Anitha took her mobile from her handbag.
Venus was cruising downwards. Now it has cleared the leaves of mango tree and shined brightly.
Anitha left for her home.