By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

Call it ironical. But the story of Shiney Ahuja's extra-marital affair with his publicist Tanuja broke out on the day of his marriage anniversary.

"What a day to choose for such a link-up. My wife Anu, who's in New York, was naturally shocked when I spoke to her about it. It was very embarrassing and painful. More so, since I was being linked with a woman who's senior to me and someone I respect for her professionalism," Shiney told IANS.

He takes a deep breath.

"I feel very bad for my publicist Tanuja with whom I'm linked. I'm used to link-ups. I can handle it. She was almost in tears."

Currently, Shiney is shooting with Soha Ali Khan in Goa for Sudhir Mishra's "Khoya Khoya Chand".

"We're here in Goa for 20 days. Soha is fun to have on the sets. She is very intelligent. I guess it's her inheritance. I've inherited the capacity to love from my parents. And I've passed it all to my wife. She's the only woman in my life. Talk about link-ups has no effect on my marriage."

Shiney has full confidence in his wife.

"Anu is marketing head of a big company. She understands how these things work."

Shiney admits that long-distance marriages such as his are more prone to speculation.

"Absolutely! If she were here with me, my fidelity would never be questioned. I'm not that kind of a guy. I don't socialise. I hardly talk to people beyond my work. I'm the last person to have affairs. A producer of mine has a believable theory on these rumours. He says, 'People dig up dirt because I am here and my wife is there. That space is filled up with imaginary romance'."

Shiney's wife is likely to find more time for him.

"Anu has now quit the job and started her own business in New York, which means she'll be able to spend more time here with me. I also visit her as often as possible. In fact, I was with her in New York last month. We went on a cruise together."

Shiney has been given an ultimatum by his wife to fix up their house in Mumbai.

"I've to get our house renovation done before she comes the next time. I had given up the task because I couldn't take all the dirt and dust in the house. Now I've no choice but to wade through the difficult process."