Secret Relationship for 20 years
By Lokanath Mishra
Sunita’s world was turned upside down when she discovered that her husband had been carrying on an affair with her children’s former teacher for nearly 20 years. The revelation shook her to her core, leaving her reeling from the weight of lies, deception, and betrayal that had been festering in their marriage for decades.
As she grappled with the truth, Sunita’s mind was flooded with questions and doubts. How could she have been so blind to the signs? How could her husband have led a double life, hiding his infidelity behind a mask of normalcy? The affair partner, once a familiar presence in their lives, now loomed as a constant reminder of her husband’s deceit.
The words her husband had spoken just days ago – “I only love you and want it to work out” – now rang hollow. Love, respect, and trust, the very foundation of their relationship, had been shattered. Sunita couldn’t help but wonder if everything had been a facade, a convenient arrangement to suit her husband’s needs.
The harsh reality was that their marriage was built on lies, and Sunita knew that it couldn’t be salvaged overnight. The emotional and physical connection her husband had developed with his affair partner was real, tangible, and undeniable. In contrast, Sunita felt like a mere convenience, a partner in name only.
As she navigated the wreckage of her marriage, Sunita knew that divorce loomed as the only viable option. Therapy might help her heal from the wounds, but it wouldn’t change the facts. The facts were clear: her husband’s actions had consequences, and Sunita was no longer willing to settle for a life of distrust and heartache.
It was time for Sunita to move on, to rediscover herself, and to find someone who valued honesty, trust, and love. The journey ahead would be difficult, but Sunita was determined to rebuild her life and find happiness on her own terms.
Sunita’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions as she thought about the future of her two daughters, both studying in high school. The prospect of divorce loomed large, but she couldn’t shake off the concern about how it would affect her children. Would they be torn between their parents? Would they blame her for the breakdown of their family?
Torn between her desire for a divorce and her responsibility towards her daughters, Sunita found herself in a dilemma. After much deliberation, she made a shocking decision – she would invite the teacher, her husband’s affair partner, to their home. Sunita wanted to confront her, to understand the dynamics of their relationship, and perhaps, to find a way to move forward.
As she extended the invitation, Sunita’s heart pounded with anxiety. What would the teacher’s reaction be? Would she be defiant or apologetic? Sunita’s daughters were oblivious to the tension brewing in their home, and she wasn’t sure if she should inform them about the impending confrontation. With a mix of trepidation and determination, Sunita waited for the teacher’s response, bracing herself for what was to come.
The teacher was taken aback by Sunita’s bold move, but as she reflected on her actions, she realized the pain and hurt she had caused. Feeling a deep sense of remorse, she made a drastic decision – she would cut ties with Sunita’s husband and move on with her life. In a surprising turn of events, she married an older man who worked in a government office, someone who valued stability and commitment.
With her new marriage, the teacher made a conscious effort to leave her past mistakes behind. She distanced herself from Sunita’s husband, refusing to continue their affair. Sunita, though still grappling with the aftermath of her husband’s infidelity, was relieved that the teacher had taken responsibility for her actions and was moving on.
As Sunita navigated the complexities of her own marriage, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of respect for the teacher’s decision to change her ways. Though the wounds of the past still lingered, Sunita hoped that this development would bring some closure, allowing her to focus on her own future and the well-being of her daughters.
