Two Timing Lover

October 2011. Rajkot, Gujarat: Haresh Zaria walked into the bedroom wearing a blindfold.

‘Are you sure the surprise is good?’ he asked as he kept his arms outstretched.

‘Of course, it is,’ Rita Dobaria said as she slowly placed the noose around Haresh’s neck.

Haresh had walked blindly towards his death… 

‘I hope you like the surprise,’ said Rita as she heaved on the rope… 

A few months ago…

‘I am going to keep you very happy,’ Vijay took off the ghunghat of his wife Rita. She shyly looked up at her new husband. They were surrounded by rose petals as they came together in an embrace on their first night together. Vijay was a well-to-do businessman who had a shop of electronic items. Rita’s middle-class family felt safe as they knew Vijay’s flourishing business would ensure that their daughter’s life would be a stable and comfortable one. 

Rita Dobaria was the quintessential, traditional housewife, playing along with the stereotypical male chauvinistic image that most Indian men have of their wives. For the first 2 years, Rita and Vijay’s marital life was wonderful. They would go out for dinners, watch movies, and make love and Vijay would bring home gifts for his wife. But over time, Rita noticed that her husband started spending less time with her. The happy moments trickled down to just a few every month. The love-making became a functional once-a-week obligation. At the end of year one Rita gave birth to their son. And this meant that the sex life between the couple diminished completely as Rita started spending sleepless nights nursing the baby, and felt too tired to do anything else.

Vijay started spending more and more time on his business. He would spend extra hours at his shop and return late at night to only have his dinner and then promptly fall asleep.    

‘Are you having an affair?’ Rita asked Vijay. Vijay scoffed at the question, ‘How can you ask me such a silly question? Of course not. I am just busy with work.’

Rita pined for him, and when she reached out to touch him, he refused to make love to her. Rita did not know what to do. ‘I look after the home, and our son through the day. And all I ask from you is a little bit of love and attention as your wife, and you give me nothing. You just ignore me and always work, work, and work! What about me? Don’t you love me anymore?’ Vijay did not want to react to her histrionics. 

Soon Rita got depressed. As time went by, the woman inside Rita pined for the physical touch of a man. She felt ignored and inferior. She felt under-confident and questioned whether a man would ever find her attractive. And so she threw caution to the wind and gave in to her physical, lustful urges.

One day, on the way back from the market Rita noticed a young guy on a bike. She could make out that he had a strapping body, as the shirt was hugging his body tightly. Rita had regained her shapely figure after delivery. The man on the bike was Dinesh. On spotting the pretty bhabhi, he slowed down his bike and lifted the visor of his helmet. Rita’s pulse raced as she saw the handsome man’s face. Both their eyes locked. It was a scene straight out of the movie. 

Dinesh knew instinctively that the woman would not initiate the conversation. And so he stepped up and introduced himself. ‘Namaste, my name is Dinesh. I could not help but notice you. You look familiar. It is as if I know you.’ Dinesh knew how to impress women with the correct lines. Rita Dobaria was not some archaic woman who did not understand modern flirtatious signals. She immediately knew that Dinesh was interested in her. Rita replied, ‘Maybe you would like to get to know more about me. Why don’t you come home?’ Saying this Rita gave Dinesh her address and walked off. In her heart, she hoped that the young man would turn up at her home. 

She waited at her home on tenterhooks. She kept watching the wall clock. She dabbed some more perfume on her wrists. And just then the bell rang. She did not want to seem too eager, although her body was screaming for attention. She slowly opened the door and Dinesh was standing there. As soon as the door closed behind him, Dinesh locked his lips with Rita’s. The world seemed to melt away for both of them. For Dinesh, it was a conquest of an older lady, while for Rita it was finding a male touch after a year. 

After they had exhausted themselves, Rita turned to Dinesh and laid down the rules.

‘I am a married woman, with a son. I do not want any emotional drama or attachments. Our relationship is only about sex with no strings attached.’ Dinesh could not have asked for a better situation. An affair with no responsibilities!

In the quiet suburban neighborhood where Vijay and Rita lived, a clandestine tale unfolded. Their cozy home, once filled with the warmth of family, became the backdrop for a drama that would leave tongues wagging in hushed whispers.

As the secret liaison between Rita and Dinesh continued, a subtle transformation took hold of Rita. Her attention, once devoted to the needs of her child and husband, began to wane. Yet, paradoxically, she seemed happier—lost in a world that was entirely her own.

Dinesh's visits, initially sporadic, gained momentum until they became a routine occurrence. Rita, it seemed, had thrown caution to the wind, oblivious to the potential consequences of her actions. The neighbors, ever watchful and quick to catch even the faintest whiff of scandal, couldn't help but notice the growing frequency of Dinesh's arrivals.

One day, as Vijay stepped out of his house, ready to face another day of work, a neighbor approached him with a curious inquiry. A question that would shatter the illusion of his peaceful life. The neighbor, with a hesitance born out of gossip's delicate dance, asked Vijay if he had a brother or a male relative living in the city

Vijay, taken aback by the unexpected question, could only manage a bewildered expression. The neighbor, sensing Vijay's confusion, proceeded to unravel the clandestine affairs transpiring within the confines of his own home. Each word carried the weight of revelation, and as the truth unfolded, Vijay's world seemed to crumble around him.

The once-tranquil neighborhood now buzzed with speculation, fueled by the juicy details of Rita's secret life. The echoes of hushed conversations and judgmental glances lingered in the air, leaving the fate of Vijay and Rita's relationship hanging in the balance. What would Vijay do with this newfound knowledge? 

Vijay’s head reeled. He could not believe that his wife was cheating on him. He confronted Rita…

In the face of Vijay's inquiry and the neighbor's revelation, Rita maintained an air of confidence that could rival the most seasoned poker player. "I have many friends from my college days that stay in the city," she insisted, her tone unwavering. "If they visit me—what is the harm? Why are you being upset about such a trivial matter? Just ignore what the neighbors are saying."

Vijay, trusting in the authenticity of her words, took solace in her confident demeanor. After all, Rita seemed to be telling the truth, and he had no reason to doubt her. Convinced that there was nothing amiss, he continued to believe in the facade of his seemingly happy marriage.

Rita, however, aware of the impending storm, took matters into her own hands. In an attempt to quell any rising suspicions, she called up Dinesh and requested him to keep his distance for a few days, a temporary sacrifice for the sake of appearances.

But as the saying goes, in a marriage, a small seed of suspicion can give birth to disaster. One day, Vijay arrived home with what he believed to be good news—a rented flat in a multi-story building, a new beginning for their family. Rita, putting on a facade of happiness, pretended to be thrilled with the prospect of moving.

As they settled into their new abode, Rita's initial horror turned into a persistent unease. The security measures in the multi-story complex were far more stringent, with registers meticulously maintained for every visitor. Suddenly, Rita felt the walls closing in on her, the newfound security becoming a suffocating cage that prevented her from freely meeting her lover, Dinesh.

Trapped in a gilded cage of her own making, Rita began to realize that the consequences of her actions were far more profound than she had anticipated. The web of deception she had woven threatened to ensnare her, and the once-confident facade began to crack under the pressure of the secrets that lurked beneath the surface.

In the intricate dance of fate and destiny, Rita found herself at a crossroads. As the door to her clandestine affair with Dinesh closed, another, unexpected one swung wide open. This time, however, the twist of destiny unfolded right within the confines of her own home, and she didn't have to search far for a new lover—he walked in with her unsuspecting husband.

Vijay had struck up an unlikely friendship with Haresh Zaria, the owner of a shop near his own. Their camaraderie blossomed over shared drinks, and soon, Haresh became a familiar presence in Vijay's home. Little did Vijay know that the very act of bringing Haresh closer would lead to the unraveling of his own domestic bliss.

When Rita's eyes met Haresh's, an immediate spark of passion ignited between them. Inwardly amused, Rita chuckled to herself, "Oh Vijay, you are such a fool! You severed my ties with Dinesh, but you yourself have provided me with a solution!" And so, Rita's second innings in infidelity began, fueled by the desire for more.

But Rita craved both her lovers, and she decided to navigate the delicate balance between them. She met Dinesh outside their usual haunts and confided in him about Haresh. Surprisingly, Dinesh had no qualms about her seeing someone else, fostering a sense of nonchalance that would soon be shattered.

In a cruel twist of fate, Haresh, by sheer coincidence, stumbled upon Rita and Dinesh sharing an intimate moment. Infuriated by the sight, he harbored suspicions and resolved to confirm his doubts. Following them to a hotel, he felt a mix of betrayal, shame, and anger. Unable to resist the compulsion to see the truth for himself, Haresh peeped into their room from the skylight.

The scene before him shattered any remaining illusions. Rita and Dinesh, oblivious to the impending storm, were in the throes of passion. Haresh couldn't contain his rage and banged on the door. When Dinesh opened it, Rita's carefully crafted worlds collided, and the fallout of her tangled web of deceit was about to unfold.

In the aftermath of the tumultuous confrontation at the hotel, Dinesh remained unfazed, displaying an open-mindedness that contrasted sharply with Haresh's jealous demeanor. Haresh, overcome with envy, trembled with a mix of emotions as the situation unfolded. To add insult to injury, Dinesh extended an invitation for Haresh to join them in the room for some shared enjoyment—a proposition that felt like a stinging slap across Haresh's face.

Feeling utterly humiliated, Haresh stormed out of the hotel, his departure accompanied by the echoing laughter of Rita and Dinesh. It was a blow to Haresh's middle-aged pride, a reminder that Rita, his lover, reveled in the company of a younger paramour.

Confronting Rita about the incident, Haresh found her nonchalant and unapologetic. 

‘Why do you need to take on another lover? You are as good as my wife… we share a relationship… How can you cheat on me?’ Rita, maintaining her composure, revealed that Dinesh was her first lover, dismissing any claims of possessiveness on Haresh's part. “You want me to be faithful in a relationship that is full of infidelity from the start? Haresh – you are married and you are cheating on your wife – do I tell you to stop being with her?” Surprisingly, Dinesh seemed comfortable with this unconventional arrangement.

The confrontation escalated, and Haresh's frustration reached a breaking point. He resorted to name-calling and physical aggression, repeatedly slapping Rita. In a final, desperate move, Haresh threatened to expose Rita's infidelity to Vijay, her unsuspecting husband. For Rita, this was a dangerous proposition—she couldn't afford to reveal her true self to Vijay.

Faced with the looming threat, Rita made a reluctant promise to stay away from Dinesh. However, as they made love that afternoon, her mind wandered, tears streaming down her cheeks. Rita felt trapped, realizing that she had to devise a plan to extricate herself from the intricate mess she had created. She knew that she was trapped, and had to fend for herself to get out of this mess. She needed a plan to get out of this tangled web of lies and deceit.

Rita found herself seeking solace in the familiar embrace of her mother's house. The air was thick with nostalgia as she wandered through the rooms that held echoes of her childhood. However, her visit took an unexpected turn when she encountered an old friend, Kiran Gohel, an Anganwadi worker from the distant Sarpdal village.

As they settled into the cozy living room, Rita couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in Kiran's presence. There was an unspoken understanding between them, an unbreakable bond forged through the years. Over cups of steaming chai, Rita poured out the tangled mess of her life to Kiran.

With a heavy heart, Rita spoke of the two lovers who had entwined her in their complex web. Dinesh, a reassuring presence in her life, offered safety and a vow of secrecy. On the other hand, Haresh, the deceptive snake in the grass, sought fidelity from Rita despite his own betrayal of his wife.

Listening intently, Kiran weighed the gravity of Rita's predicament. With a determined look, she advised Rita that Dinesh should remain a constant, a pillar of stability she could rely on. It was Haresh who needed to be eradicated from her life—a degraded man who demanded loyalty despite his own unfaithfulness.

"He's the snake in the grass," Kiran declared, her eyes reflecting a mixture of empathy and resolve. "We need to get rid of Haresh to free you from this suffocating entanglement."

A plan began to take shape as Kiran agreed to lend her assistance in the mission to rid Rita of Haresh. Together, they would navigate the intricate maze of emotions and relationships, cutting away the toxic threads that bound Rita to a man unworthy of her loyalty. The cozy living room, once a haven of nostalgia, became a war room for two women determined to reclaim Rita's peace of mind.

As the night unfolded, Rita and Kiran hatched their scheme, weaving a narrative that would cast Haresh out of Rita's life forever. The journey ahead promised challenges, but with Kiran by her side, Rita felt a renewed sense of strength and purpose. The tale of love, betrayal, and friendship had taken an unexpected turn, setting the stage for a daring venture into the realm of liberation.

Following the meticulously crafted plan, Rita took a deep breath and dialed Haresh's number. With every word she spoke, she skillfully wove a narrative of transformation, assuring him that she had undergone a profound change. The sacrifice she offered was unexpected yet enticing—she was willing to let go of Dinesh for the sake of their renewed connection.

Haresh, on the other end of the line, could hardly believe his luck. Rita's words echoed in his ears, and his pulse quickened with a mix of disbelief and elation. It was as if a weight had been lifted, and he had been granted a fresh lease of life. The once-consuming jealousy that plagued him began to drain away, replaced by a newfound hope and anticipation.

Without wasting a moment, Haresh abandoned his shop and rushed to Rita's house. His heart raced with anticipation as he approached her doorstep. With trembling hands, he pressed the doorbell, unsure of what awaited him on the other side.

When the door swung open, Haresh's jaw dropped in astonishment. Standing before him was Rita, transformed into the epitome of allure. Her choice of attire, a provocative saree, accentuated her every curve, leaving Haresh momentarily breathless. Rita's eyes held a mixture of mischief and remorse as she welcomed him inside.

In a surprising twist, Rita embraced Haresh, her hug a silent plea for forgiveness. As he basked in the warmth of her embrace, Haresh's ego swelled with pride. The realization hit him like a revelation—Rita had not only chosen him over Dinesh but had orchestrated a grand gesture of devotion, casting aside her younger lover for the sake of their connection.

At that moment, the air was thick with a complex dance of emotions—forgiveness, desire, and the triumph of ego. Rita's daring move had successfully rewritten the script of their relationship, leaving Haresh standing at the threshold of a renewed connection, his heart pounding with a mixture of gratitude and self-assuredness.

In a calculated move, Rita continued to play her part in the elaborate scheme. With a sly smile, she suggested to Haresh that she had a special surprise in store for him, one that required an extra layer of anticipation. To heighten the suspense, she insisted that his eyes needed to be blindfolded.

Haresh, still riding the waves of the apparent joyous reunion, was intrigued by the prospect of the surprise. Obliging, he allowed Rita to cover his eyes with a blindfold, his anticipation growing with each passing moment. Little did he know that this was just the beginning of a carefully orchestrated plan.

As Rita skillfully manipulated the situation, she informed Haresh that the surprise she had in store for him was unique—it couldn't be touched. To enhance the experience, she suggested that his hands needed to be tied. Haresh's mind, clouded by a mixture of excitement and curiosity, raced to interpret this twist. He wondered if it was a manifestation of some unspoken sexual fantasy, but the thrill of the unknown was enough for him to agree.

Haresh Zaria walked into the bedroom wearing a blindfold and with his hands tied.

‘Are you sure the surprise is good?’ he asked as he kept his arms outstretched.

‘Of course it is,’ Rita Dobaria said.

Guiding Haresh into the bedroom, Rita played her role to perfection. Unbeknownst to him, a noose dangled just above the bed, concealed from his view. Rita's true intentions remained veiled as she led Haresh into the room of unsuspecting doom.

Kiran, the silent architect of this intricate plan, stood in the corner, holding the end of the rope with an unwavering gaze. The room was pregnant with tension as Haresh, still blindfolded and bound, stood unaware of the perilous trap into which he had unwittingly walked.

The stage was set, the players in position, and the air thick with a sense of impending revelation. The unexpected turn of events marked a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama, as Rita and Kiran held their breath, ready to execute the next phase of their audacious plan.

In a chilling turn of events, Rita continued to weave her intricate plan, masking her true intentions behind a facade of passion. As she and Haresh shared an intimate moment, Rita skillfully slipped the noose around his neck, the sinister twist escaping Haresh's notice in the haze of desire.

In the aftermath of their intimate encounter, Rita abruptly stood up and sprinted towards Kiran, who stood prepared for the next act in their macabre performance. With a shared determination, both women seized the rope, pulling it taut with all their strength. Haresh caught off guard and bewildered, struggled to comprehend the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

A scream erupted from Haresh as the noose tightened, the sound evolving into a guttural gurgle as his air supply dwindled. The girls grappled with the rope, their grip slipping momentarily, allowing Haresh to gasp for help.

Rita, impassive and fueled by a deep-seated hatred, approached Haresh as he writhed on the bed. In a venomous tirade, she expressed her contempt, questioning how he could have ever imagined that she would forsake Dinesh for him. The air was thick with tension as Rita and Kiran, unrelenting in their dark mission, pulled the rope once more.

Haresh now lifted off the bed, hung suspended in mid-air, his struggles growing more desperate. The room echoed with Haresh's agonized screams for help, a haunting soundtrack to the grim tableau unfolding before him. As the rope tightened further, Haresh's feeble movements gradually ceased.

In a final, macabre dance, Haresh's feet twitched one last time before surrendering to the chilling stillness of death. The room, once a backdrop to a deceitful reunion, now bore witness to the aftermath of a meticulously orchestrated act of vengeance. Rita and Kiran, their faces devoid of remorse, had succeeded in executing their sinister plan, leaving Haresh's lifeless form as a grim testament to the depths of their resentment.

After the grisly act, Rita and Kiran faced the daunting task of disposing of Haresh's lifeless body. With a chilling efficiency, they packed his remains into a bag and nonchalantly placed it on the footrest of their scooty. The duo then embarked on a chilling journey, driving a distance of 10 kilometers until they reached the foreboding Nyari dam.

Under the cover of darkness, Rita and Kiran callously discarded Haresh's body into the murky waters, the ripples of their heinous act disappearing into the night.

The discovery of Haresh's lifeless form sent shockwaves through the community when it finally surfaced. As investigators delved into the grim details of the crime, an unexpected clue emerged from an unlikely source—Haresh's employee. Recounting a phone conversation he overheard before Haresh left that fateful afternoon, the employee mentioned hearing Haresh utter the name "Rita."

Call records and interrogation of Zaria’s family, especially his 10-year-old daughter Neha, revealed his involvement with Dobaria, his friend’s wife with whom he had had a relationship for the past few years. These two revelations became the pivotal lead that led investigators to unravel the sinister plot. Rita and Kiran, their faces betraying no remorse, were apprehended by law enforcement. Confronted with the evidence against them, the duo confessed to their heinous crime, exposing the dark motives that had driven them to commit such an atrocious act.

Now, Rita and Kiran find themselves confined behind the cold, unforgiving bars of justice as society grapples with the shock of their once-hidden depravity now laid bare. 

Anirban Bhattacharyya is a true crime bestselling author. He is the author of India’s Money Heist: The Chelembra Bank Robbery, The Deadly Dozen: India’s Most Notorious Serial Killers and The Hills Are Burning