Healthy Flirtation

An unhealthy nation?

- Kumud Bhatnagar

It could not be called a sudden happening. It was brewing – rather simmering – for the last few months. Maya had observed a few peculiar changes in her husband Manish’s behaviour. He had become quite particular about his appearance, clothes, shoes, hair style and even after-shave lotions. He had accumulated quite a few brands of perfumes. Not that Manish was listless or lousy earlier. He was always well groomed and wore trendy stuff. After her marriage, with many other responsibilities Maya had started taking care of Manish’s wardrobe and toiletries etc, as well and he seemed to be quite complascent with the arrangement and her selection. Even when Maya asked for his choice he would tell her to pick up whatever she liked herself. He never found fault with her selection or bothered over the price either.

Being a sales executive he used to go on outstation tours quite often. Once in while he would pick up some speciality of a particular place either for Maya or the house and rarely anything for himself. But for the last few months, he had started buying shirts, suits, ties and shoes etc. Nothing exclusive but those popular brands which could be bought anywhere. Without Maya’s asking he himself told her for the need of anything else to do in the evenings, I go out for window shopping and pick his if anything catches the eyes.

He did not ask her how she liked his choice. Not even hair styled in the new trendy mushroom cut. When she herself commented on it, he casually replied, “On barber’s suggestion. I too opted to sail with the tide.”