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A short story...

After packing off her 5-year-old son, Akul to school, Ria sat down with her morning cuppa and a writing pad. She started off with "Dear Adi" and paused, her eyes brimmed with tears, drops which fell on the paper. Last week, again the argument had gone out of bounds, she looked at her arm, the marks were still there as proof of the violent fight that ensued between them. Yesterday was her 8th anniversary, Aditya was obviously reeling under the guilt of having hit her, his rough, dry hands left marks on her face and arm. She covered up saying, that it was an allergy caused by a new cream. She covered her arms with tops with long sleeves.

She had had enough of this marriage. She wanted to part ways, go away, start a new life. Being financially independent helped. Thank God, she didn't quit her job after Akul was born, her company gave her the flexibility to work from home, a reward for her loyalty for sticking around in the organization. There was a flurry of emotions, she closed her eyes, and saw hazy pictures of her affair with Aditya, her wedding day, the birth of their son, she smiled. Then she saw clear pictures of the violent fights, a scared little Akul, the brief after fight making up, which lasted barely 10 days. Then another fight. It had become a routine. Who would believe that this well-educated and well-placed in their careers couple would have a stormy personal life?

She started her letter again, this time she finished it. She looked at the watch, decided to make herself a cup of green tea, surf channels for some time, and then take a shower, after which, she would go to pick up Akul from his school. As she turned on the news channel, she saw, "Deccan Airlines flight IT 312 to Mumbai had crashed, due to faulty engine. All passengers dead", she dropped the cup of tea, the shattered remains on the floor. She kept staring at the screen for some time, and immediately her mobile rang, it was her mother, she didn't answer.

She picked up the shattered remains of the bone china cup, threw it in the dustbin. She walked up to the dining table, picked up the letter, saw the last words, "let's get separated". She quietly tore the letter. Showered, she had to fetch her son, before the relatives started dropping in.

"We have now separated Adi, Rest in peace. Hope you find your salvation". She closed her eyes for a minute, before starting her car.  

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