26-01-2026, 04:54 PM
The black Volkswagen Jetta glided to a halt before the Blanche Salle D’événements, its sleek frame gleaming under the amber glow of the estate. It was a grand French mansion that seemed to breathe the history of Quebec, illuminated by lamps that cast a warm, 18th-century radiance over the arriving guests.
When the car stopped, the back door swung open. Geetha stepped out first, her fingers delicately bunching the silk of her saree to keep the hem from brushing the pavement. From the opposite side, Bharath emerged, his eyes narrowing as he instinctively scanned the perimeter of the sprawling grounds.
A valet appeared as Gautam climbed out from the driver’s seat. Handing over the keys, Gautam retrieved a lush bouquet of pink tulips from the passenger side. Geetha, wide-eyed and navigating the unfamiliar air of a foreign high society, reached out and tucked her hand into the crook of her husband’s arm. Gautam responded by drawing her closer, his left arm settling firmly around her waist.
Their path was marked by a hand-painted sign: “Bienvenue à la célébration de l’anniversaire d’Karla.”
Bharath stopped dead in his tracks, leaning in to squint at the script. "What is this, sir?" he muttered, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I can’t understand the English."
"That’s because it’s French," Gautam replied with a faint smile. "It means, ‘Welcome to Karla’s birthday celebration.’"
Before they could proceed, a tall, dark-complexioned man detached himself from a nearby group. He approached with an easy elegance, extending a hand to Gautam. "Bonsoir," he greeted.
"Merci aussi," Gautam replied smoothly, shaking the man's hand.
Beside him, Geetha and Bharath stood like statues of polite confusion. They offered stiff, rehearsed smiles, their silence heavy with the realization that they were effectively deaf to the world around them. The man turned his gaze toward Geetha, his expression softening into one of genuine appreciation.
"C’est ta femme? Elle est très belle," he remarked to Gautam.
Unsure of the words but sensing the attention, Geetha gave a small, tentative wave and a bright smile.
"Merci... Merci..." Gautam nodded, acknowledging the compliment before the man bowed slightly and moved on toward the entrance.
"He was looking at me and saying something," Geetha whispered the moment he was out of earshot. "I didn't know how to respond."
"He asked if you were my wife and said you are beautiful," Gautam translated, looking down at her. "I told him thank you."
Bharath let out a heavy sigh, adjusting his collar. "What’s with the French in Canada, sir?"
"Quebec was once a French colony, Bharath. It’s the primary language here."
"I barely manage with 'Yeah' and 'Okay' in English," Bharath grumbled, shaking his head. "But this 'Merci Aussi' is going to be tough."
Geetha’s anxiety broke into a sudden peal of laughter. Gautam joined her, patting Bharath on the shoulder. "We’ll manage somehow. Half of my staff speaks English anyway."
"Hmm..." Bharath didn't look entirely convinced, but he followed them as they crossed the threshold.
As they stepped into the old Quebec estate, they weren't met with the typical noise of a party, but rather a soul-stirring fragrance. It was a magnificent blend of fresh Balsam Fir and sweet maple sugar. The air in the hall reflected a distinct Canadian style along with generations of inherited wealth.
Geetha paused, looking at the "Chateau Chic" decor in awe. The lighting wasn't just providing brightness; it was creating magic. Overhead, thousands of tiny lights were encased in handcrafted glass spheres. Hanging at different heights, they created the illusion of snowflakes frozen mid-air. There were no gaudy colors or typical birthday fuss. Instead, the room was filled with a "Midnight in the Forest" theme. Tables were covered in deep blue fabrics, adorned with silver-painted pine cones and white decorations that looked like real snow.
In the center of the hall, a life-sized caribou statue carved from a single block of ice caught everyone's attention. It was a masterpiece. Its majestic antlers were used as stands to hold glasses of elderflower mocktails.
The social atmosphere was as noble as the decor. The low-toned conversations of Quebec City’s elite mingled with the clinking of expensive crystal glasses to create a strange rhythm. In a corner stone hearth, a cellist played music that added a calm and highly respectful ambiance to the room.
The AI gave such a grand description when I asked for a Canadian party. In reality, there aren't even a hundred people here. It's a small party with only key guests invited.
The gala was a tapestry of floral arrangements and soft violin strings, but for those seated at the corner table, the air was thick with a different kind of tension.
Evelyn stood at the center of the decorated section, flanked by her husband, Alfredo Hedge, and their young daughter, Karla. At twenty-two, Evelyn possessed a radiant, youthful glow that seemed at odds with the mature poise of a hostess.
![[Image: bkEIy.jpg]](https://s12.gifyu.com/images/bkEIy.jpg)
As she spotted Gautam and Geetha, she broke away from her family and glided toward them. From a few paces back, Bharath watched her every movement with predatory intensity. To his eyes, she was a forty-year-old Western beauty—a masterpiece of grace that commanded his absolute attention.
"Oh my god... you're so beautiful, Geetha!" Evelyn exclaimed, her smile enthusiastic as she pulled Geetha into a warm embrace. She leaned in, pressing a light peck onto Geetha’s cheek.
Unaccustomed to such forward Western greetings, Geetha stiffened slightly, her face flushing. "Thank you," she managed, her voice small.
Bharath, watching from the sidelines, felt a surge of heat. The sight of Geetha’s saree pressed against the fine fabric of Evelyn’s dress as they hugged was an image that fueled his hidden, wandering desires.
Evelyn released her and turned to Gautam, wrapping him in a hug as well. "Merci d’être venus," she said softly.
"It’s better we stick to English," Gautam replied with a knowing smirk.
Evelyn let out a melodic laugh. "Okay, sure." Her gaze then shifted to the young man standing awkwardly nearby. Bharath met her eyes, his usual bravado faltering into a slight hesitation. Pointing a slender finger, she tilted her head. "Bhaarath, right?"
Both Geetha and Bharath were caught off guard. "Bharath, madam... it’s Bharath," he stuttered, his face warming.
"Yeah, Gautam told me about you," Evelyn said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Such a handsome boy."
The compliment left Bharath uncharacteristically shy, while Geetha shot him a playful, teasing look. Evelyn didn't linger; she gestured toward the decorations. "Come, I will introduce my family."
The introductions were polite and brief. They wished young Karla well and presented the bouquet, the formalities a stark contrast to the simmering subtext of the evening.
As the trio settled at their dining table, the atmosphere shifted. The eyes of men from several surrounding tables began to drift toward Geetha, drawn by the elegance of her saree and her natural poise. Gautam felt the weight of their stares, a familiar possessiveness tightening in his chest.
Noticing the unwanted attention, Geetha uncomfortably adjusted her pallu over her chest. She looked at Gautam, seeking an escape, but found him wearing a small, provocative smirk. She reached under the table, pinching his arm with a pout that only made him chuckle.
To her right, Bharath was oblivious to the other men. His focus remained fixed on the "other" beauty across the room—Evelyn, who was still busy greeting guests.
"What are you looking at?" Geetha whispered sharply.
"The mother is sexier than the daughter, isn't she?" Bharath replied without blinking.
Geetha’s brow furrowed. "Don't you have any other thoughts?"
"It’s not wrong to have desires, is it, Miss?"
"That’s not desire," Geetha corrected him, her voice dropping to a hiss. "That’s lust."
Bharath leaned in closer. "Miss, can I tell you something? Look at Evelyn and then look at her husband. There’s no match at all. He looks like an old man, but she is a sexy milf."
"So what?" Geetha snapped, though her curiosity was piqued despite herself. "And have you no shame talking to me like this?"
"Who else would I talk to if not you?"
Gautam leaned in, interrupting their private exchange. "What are you two whispering about?"
"He says your Evelyn Madam is like a sexy milf," Geetha said bluntly.
Bharath fumbled, his face turning crimson. "No, no, sir..."
"It’s okay," Gautam said, his voice dropping an octave as he smiled naughtily. "Talk in Telugu; no one here understands it. Tell me."
"She is very sexy, sir," Bharath admitted, emboldened by the elder man's tone.
"Right?" Gautam agreed, his eyes wandering toward the hostess. "When I'm at the office, I pass the time just looking at her."
"Oh, so you look at her because our Geetha Miss isn't there?"
Geetha’s eyes narrowed. She remembered the rumors of Gautam’s past involvement with Evelyn, and the comment stung.
"What can I do?" Gautam shrugged playfully. "That's how men are born."
"Chi, stop it," Geetha groaned. "I never thought you both were like this. You lustful men."
"But Miss," Bharath added, his voice dropping into a smooth compliment, "they are nothing compared to your beauty."
"That’s true, my sweety," Gautam added, catching her hand. Geetha turned away, blushing despite her annoyance.
"But your sister Sindhu, Miss..." Bharath sighed. "Uff."
Gautam burst out laughing. "Hahaha... true."
Geetha pinched Gautam again, harder this time. "Then you should have married her when the proposal came. Why did you marry me?"
Gautam leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "Because I like you... that's why I left Sindhu for Shiva."
"Ugh... not in public," she whispered, pushing him away by his chin, though a small smile played on her lips.
The arrival of an attendant broke the moment. "Monsieur Gautam... whiskey or rum?"
"Don't," Geetha whispered, a warning in her eyes.
"Whiskey... with ice," Gautam said, pointedly ignoring the plea.
"For you, Madam?" the attendant asked.
"No... thanks for asking."
When the waiter turned to Bharath, the boy shook his head frantically.
As the gold liquid was poured over ice, the attendant bowed. "Passez une excellente soirée, Monsieur Gautam."
Gautam took a slow, deliberate sip.
"You know I don't like it when you drink while I'm around," Geetha complained.
"It’s a matter of prestige here sweety. Look, even the women are having wine and vodka."
"I don't want anything," she insisted.
Bharath chimed in with a smirk. "Oh please... then why did you come home drunk that day, Miss?"
Gautam’s glass paused halfway to his lips. "Really? Which day?"
"That day I went with Sindhu Akka," Geetha muttered, shooting Bharath a look that promised murder.
"She came to our house that night," Bharath continued, ignoring the warning. "My parents weren't home. She came in drunk and threw me on the bed..."
Geetha’s hand flew out, covering Bharath’s mouth. "Is this necessary now?"
"Hey, what happened?" Gautam asked, leaning forward, clearly enjoying his wife's discomfort. "Let him speak."
"Nothing happened!"
Bharath chuckled behind her palm. She eventually removed her hand, and he didn't miss a beat. "She threw me on the bed and said she wanted to have sex, and that it would be better if Gautam sir was there."
Gautam laughed, a deep, relaxed sound. "Oh, is that all? I was afraid you had done something to the boy."
"Chi, stop!"
"Her breath smelled like vodka when she kissed me," Bharath added, delighting in the chaos.
"You little thief... you didn't tell me this," Gautam teased his wife.
"I did, you probably forgot," Geetha retorted, her face a deep shade of crimson.
Across the room, Evelyn glanced their way. Seeing Bharath’s eyes on her, she playfully raised her eyebrows. Bharath immediately looked down at the tablecloth, the picture of innocence.
"He’s checking out your boss," Geetha noted.
"Hey, don't start any trouble," Gautam warned, though he didn't look truly concerned. He stood up and moved to sit closer to Bharath.
"Will you have anything to drink?"
"No sir, I haven't made it a habit."
"Why don't you taste it once? The wine here is good."
"Darling... don't spoil him," Geetha interjected.
"I'll order wine, just taste it. Geetha, how about you?"
"If you have one more peg," Geetha said, her voice sharp as glass, "I won't even care that you're my husband, I’m warning you."
Gautam just laughed, pouring himself a second glass.
"Sir," Bharath whispered, his curiosity finally winning out. "Did anything close ever happen between you and Evelyn Madam?"
The table went quiet. Gautam swirled the ice in his glass, his mind racing. Had Geetha told the boy about his affair? Or was this just a lucky guess?
"What do you mean?" Gautam asked slowly. "You suspect I got very close to her?"
"No, no... I just asked casually, sir."
Gautam took a sip, his eyes locking onto Bharath's. "You mean, just like you got close to Geetha when I wasn't there, I got close to her because Geetha wasn't with me?"
Geetha bit her nail, her heart hammering against her ribs. She watched Gautam, wondering if he was about to blow the lid off all their secrets.
"Forgive me sir," Bharath said, sensing the shift in the air. "I just asked for fun."
Gautam let out a sudden, booming laugh, the tension breaking like a snapped string. "Haha, okay. Leaving that aside, tell me what you think of her."
"Oh sir," Bharath quipped, "so you do have a desire for that madam. Did you hear that, Miss? Gautam sir is hiding something."
"Stop it," Geetha pleaded, looking around nervously. "Do you even realize the age difference between you two? Is this the kind of stuff to discuss with a boy, darling? Where are we and what are you talking about? What if someone hears?"
"The boy is curious; this is the age to learn," Gautam replied, his eyes dancing with mischief. "And after what you've done with him, how can you call him a boy? Tell me Bharath, what do you feel?"
Bharath looked at Gautam, then at the stunning Western woman across the room. "Not in front of you, sir..."
"Come on. There are no secrets between us."
Bharath grinned, his excitement bubbled over. "Local is local, foreign is foreign, sir!"
The two men erupted into hearty laughter, their voices carrying over the violin music. Geetha, finally having had enough of their "men's talk," swung her handbag, hitting them both in exasperation.
"Chi, dirty fellows!" she cried, though a smile threatened to break through her anger. "Men are all the same."
As their laughter echoed, a few heads turned from the neighboring tables, but the three of them didn't seem to notice at all.
Then atmosphere in the grand hall shifted as if by a physical tide. Conversations died mid-sentence, and heads turned in a synchronized wave toward the entrance. Alfredo Hedge moved forward with uncharacteristic haste, his professional composure replaced by the eager gait of a host receiving royalty.
Geetha and Bharath followed the crowd’s gaze. A family was processing down the center of the hall: a man of quiet dignity in a sharp black suit, his mane of white hair lending him an air of silver-screen authority. Beside him, a woman held his arm with practiced grace, and following closely was their son, a young man in his mid-twenties who carried himself with the easy confidence of the well-born.
“Who is he, sir?” Bharath whispered, leaning toward Gautam. “Everyone is looking at him.”
“That is the City Mayor,” Gautam replied, his voice low and respectful. “Chevore Lund Arthur.”
Geetha nodded, impressed. “Oh...”
“Chevore Land?” Bharath repeated, a spark of mischief lighting his eyes.
“No,” Gautam corrected firmly. “Lund.”
A choked sound escaped Bharath’s throat. He ducked behind Geetha, his shoulders shaking as he tried to stifle a giggle.
“Hey, don’t laugh. Stop it,” Gautam hissed, shooting a warning glare.
Bharath clamped a hand over his mouth, his face turning a shade of crimson. “The name ‘Lund’ made me laugh, sorry,” he managed to wheeze.
(Note: 'Lund' is a slang term for penis in Hindi/some Indian languages).
As Arthur Lund passed by, nodding to the guests, Gautam stepped forward to offer a deferential greeting.
“And that’s his son next to him,” Gautam added as they moved past, “Chevore Lund John.”
This was the breaking point. Bharath bit his lip so hard it turned white, his body trembling with the effort of holding back a roar of laughter.
“Bharath, be decent,” Gautam snapped, his voice dropping into a threatening register. “Don’t laugh like a kid at silly jokes.”
“Why on earth are you laughing?” Geetha asked, genuinely confused by the boy's hysterics.
Bharath leaned in, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered “In Hindi, 'Lund' means 'Sulli'."
"What's a 'Sulli'?" Geetha asked innocently.
"The thing you were sucking last night."
Geetha’s eyes widened, her face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and scandalized realization. “Chi stupid,” she scolded, though her own heart raced. “It’s wrong to think of other languages' words like that. Don't laugh.”
Gautam’s patience had evaporated. “If you laugh one more time, I’m going to go lock you in the car.”
The threat worked. Bharath stiffened, sitting as still as a marble statue, though his eyes remained dancing with repressed mirth.
The evening progressed into the formal ceremonies. The airy notes of a violin ensemble filled the hall with "Happy Birthday," and the cake was cut amidst a flurry of applause. Evelyn Hedge stepped to the podium, her French fluid and melodic.
“The Mayor’s son and Karla were dating,” Gautam translated softly for Geetha. “I think this is the official announcement.”
Evelyn beamed at the crowd. “Our City Mayor Chevore Lund Arthur’s son, Chevore Lund John, and our cutie Karla Hedge will soon be engaged.”
The room erupted. Cheers and the clinking of crystal glasses echoed through the hall. As the crowd transitioned to dinner, Evelyn navigated through the guests and took Geetha’s hand, her touch warm and welcoming. She led Geetha to the dining area, introducing her to the elite circle of women who formed the backbone of the city’s social ladder. Geetha, though lost in the sea of French, maintained a poised smile, her natural grace earning her admiring glances.
Eventually, Evelyn, Karla, and Geetha settled at a private table.
“That boy Bharath,” Evelyn began, switching to English as she glanced toward the buffet. “How is he related to you?”
“He’s not a relative,” Geetha replied. “He’s a student at the college where I work. He’s very friendly.”
“I was so excited when Gautam said you were coming,” Evelyn said, her eyes scanning Geetha’s face with intense curiosity. “Really, Geetha, you are so beautiful.”
“Thank you, Madam.”
Evelyn chuckled. “No, you don’t need to call me Madam. Just be casual.”
As they ate, Evelyn spoke glowingly of Gautam’s impact on the company, labeling him a marketing genius who had catapulted their team to the top. Geetha listened, her pride in her husband warring with a growing sense of unease. “Since Gautam came here, there has been so much development, especially in our team. He’s a marketing strategy specialist. The ideas he provides have brought our team to number one. You are very lucky, Geetha; Gautam is a true gentleman.”
“He told me about you too,” Geetha said. “He said you like Indian movies, songs, and food?”
“Oh, yes,” Evelyn’s eyes lit up. “Since my college days. I’ve always wanted to visit, but life... career, kids... it gets in the way.”
Across the room, Gautam was eating with his team members. He couldn't help but overhear the whispers about his wife's beauty floating through the air. Bharath, having no acquaintances, sat alone, focused intensely on eating whatever he liked to his heart's content.
Geetha kept an eye on Bharath from five tables away to see if he was eating. Feeling her gaze like a needle on his back, Bharath turned around once. Geetha and Evelyn both shared a small smile.
Karla remained silent, her gaze distant, eventually excusing herself to join another table. The atmosphere between the two women shifted, becoming more intimate—and more unsettling.
“Did you ask him to resign?” Evelyn asked suddenly.
Geetha blinked. “No, he told me himself yesterday.”
“He came in this afternoon and said he was going back to India,” Evelyn said, her voice dropping. “He mentioned some other plan... are you planning for pregnancy?”
Geetha felt a heat rise to her cheeks. “I don’t know... we’ll see what he says once we get back.”
“He mentioned he was looking for a donor about ten days ago,” Evelyn remarked casually.
Geetha’s fork paused. “A donor? For what?”
Evelyn’s expression flickered—a momentary lapse of the mask. “Oh, sorry... not a donor. He said something about a plantation.”
“Ah, Bamboo Textiles,” Geetha said, relaxing, missing the way Evelyn’s eyes searched her face for a reaction.
Geetha didn't notice Evelyn's quick subject change.
Evelyn leaned closer. “Gautam told me a bit about this Bharath... says he plays badminton and comes to you for tuition. Have you ever felt... differently about him?”
Geetha played the part of the innocent. “Differently? In what way?”
“You know,” Evelyn whispered, her voice conspiratorial. “Being home alone... having sexual urges. A college boy coming to your house every day...”
“Excuse me... Evelyn Garu,” Geetha said, faking a flash of indignation.
“I’m sorry, I just asked casually,” Evelyn said, squeezing Geetha’s hand in a gesture of faux-solidarity. “I know in India you consider these things wrong. I shouldn’t tell you this, but my husband has sent three or four girls to Gautam some nights. Your husband enjoyed it.”
The revelation hit Geetha like a physical blow, but she didn’t let it show. She kept her voice steady. “It’s different for men. As long as he doesn’t leave me or bring home a second wife, I don’t mind the casual stuff.”
Geetha’s firm stance on giving her husband that freedom surprised Evelyn.
Evelyn’s eyebrows arched in genuine surprise. “You’re strong. Gautam is lucky.”
Inside, Geetha was fuming at Gautam—he had told her about Evelyn, but he hadn't mentioned the other girls. She felt a sudden, sharp desire to lash out, but Evelyn wasn't finished.
She leaned in until her lips were almost touching Geetha’s ear. “If Bharath needs company tonight, ask him,” she whispered. “I’ll come.”
Geetha pulled back, stunned. The audacity of the request left her breathless. “Don’t you feel ashamed, telling me you want him for the night? you're talking like someone who has stooped very low."
“Don’t speak so loudly,” Evelyn replied, a sarcastic, sharp smile playing on her lips. “What does ‘stooping low’ mean? Doing it discreetly is one thing. I have many boys in my company who follow me like dogs, but I want an Indian. It’s an obsession.”
Geetha looked across the room at Bharath, who was happily piled with food, oblivious to the fact that he was being bartered for like a prize. She felt a surge of possessiveness.
‘I knew that if Bharath heard about this, he would say yes.’
“No,” Geetha said, her voice like iron. “It’s better if we leave this here.”
The silence that followed was heavy and bitter.
The dinner ended with polite nods and hollow smiles, but Geetha’s mind was racing.
No one knew better than Geetha just how much pleasure Evelyn could get from Bharath.
When the car stopped, the back door swung open. Geetha stepped out first, her fingers delicately bunching the silk of her saree to keep the hem from brushing the pavement. From the opposite side, Bharath emerged, his eyes narrowing as he instinctively scanned the perimeter of the sprawling grounds.
A valet appeared as Gautam climbed out from the driver’s seat. Handing over the keys, Gautam retrieved a lush bouquet of pink tulips from the passenger side. Geetha, wide-eyed and navigating the unfamiliar air of a foreign high society, reached out and tucked her hand into the crook of her husband’s arm. Gautam responded by drawing her closer, his left arm settling firmly around her waist.
Their path was marked by a hand-painted sign: “Bienvenue à la célébration de l’anniversaire d’Karla.”
Bharath stopped dead in his tracks, leaning in to squint at the script. "What is this, sir?" he muttered, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I can’t understand the English."
"That’s because it’s French," Gautam replied with a faint smile. "It means, ‘Welcome to Karla’s birthday celebration.’"
Before they could proceed, a tall, dark-complexioned man detached himself from a nearby group. He approached with an easy elegance, extending a hand to Gautam. "Bonsoir," he greeted.
"Merci aussi," Gautam replied smoothly, shaking the man's hand.
Beside him, Geetha and Bharath stood like statues of polite confusion. They offered stiff, rehearsed smiles, their silence heavy with the realization that they were effectively deaf to the world around them. The man turned his gaze toward Geetha, his expression softening into one of genuine appreciation.
"C’est ta femme? Elle est très belle," he remarked to Gautam.
Unsure of the words but sensing the attention, Geetha gave a small, tentative wave and a bright smile.
"Merci... Merci..." Gautam nodded, acknowledging the compliment before the man bowed slightly and moved on toward the entrance.
"He was looking at me and saying something," Geetha whispered the moment he was out of earshot. "I didn't know how to respond."
"He asked if you were my wife and said you are beautiful," Gautam translated, looking down at her. "I told him thank you."
Bharath let out a heavy sigh, adjusting his collar. "What’s with the French in Canada, sir?"
"Quebec was once a French colony, Bharath. It’s the primary language here."
"I barely manage with 'Yeah' and 'Okay' in English," Bharath grumbled, shaking his head. "But this 'Merci Aussi' is going to be tough."
Geetha’s anxiety broke into a sudden peal of laughter. Gautam joined her, patting Bharath on the shoulder. "We’ll manage somehow. Half of my staff speaks English anyway."
"Hmm..." Bharath didn't look entirely convinced, but he followed them as they crossed the threshold.
As they stepped into the old Quebec estate, they weren't met with the typical noise of a party, but rather a soul-stirring fragrance. It was a magnificent blend of fresh Balsam Fir and sweet maple sugar. The air in the hall reflected a distinct Canadian style along with generations of inherited wealth.
Geetha paused, looking at the "Chateau Chic" decor in awe. The lighting wasn't just providing brightness; it was creating magic. Overhead, thousands of tiny lights were encased in handcrafted glass spheres. Hanging at different heights, they created the illusion of snowflakes frozen mid-air. There were no gaudy colors or typical birthday fuss. Instead, the room was filled with a "Midnight in the Forest" theme. Tables were covered in deep blue fabrics, adorned with silver-painted pine cones and white decorations that looked like real snow.
In the center of the hall, a life-sized caribou statue carved from a single block of ice caught everyone's attention. It was a masterpiece. Its majestic antlers were used as stands to hold glasses of elderflower mocktails.
The social atmosphere was as noble as the decor. The low-toned conversations of Quebec City’s elite mingled with the clinking of expensive crystal glasses to create a strange rhythm. In a corner stone hearth, a cellist played music that added a calm and highly respectful ambiance to the room.
The AI gave such a grand description when I asked for a Canadian party. In reality, there aren't even a hundred people here. It's a small party with only key guests invited.
The gala was a tapestry of floral arrangements and soft violin strings, but for those seated at the corner table, the air was thick with a different kind of tension.
Evelyn stood at the center of the decorated section, flanked by her husband, Alfredo Hedge, and their young daughter, Karla. At twenty-two, Evelyn possessed a radiant, youthful glow that seemed at odds with the mature poise of a hostess.
![[Image: bkEIy.jpg]](https://s12.gifyu.com/images/bkEIy.jpg)
As she spotted Gautam and Geetha, she broke away from her family and glided toward them. From a few paces back, Bharath watched her every movement with predatory intensity. To his eyes, she was a forty-year-old Western beauty—a masterpiece of grace that commanded his absolute attention.
"Oh my god... you're so beautiful, Geetha!" Evelyn exclaimed, her smile enthusiastic as she pulled Geetha into a warm embrace. She leaned in, pressing a light peck onto Geetha’s cheek.
Unaccustomed to such forward Western greetings, Geetha stiffened slightly, her face flushing. "Thank you," she managed, her voice small.
Bharath, watching from the sidelines, felt a surge of heat. The sight of Geetha’s saree pressed against the fine fabric of Evelyn’s dress as they hugged was an image that fueled his hidden, wandering desires.
Evelyn released her and turned to Gautam, wrapping him in a hug as well. "Merci d’être venus," she said softly.
"It’s better we stick to English," Gautam replied with a knowing smirk.
Evelyn let out a melodic laugh. "Okay, sure." Her gaze then shifted to the young man standing awkwardly nearby. Bharath met her eyes, his usual bravado faltering into a slight hesitation. Pointing a slender finger, she tilted her head. "Bhaarath, right?"
Both Geetha and Bharath were caught off guard. "Bharath, madam... it’s Bharath," he stuttered, his face warming.
"Yeah, Gautam told me about you," Evelyn said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Such a handsome boy."
The compliment left Bharath uncharacteristically shy, while Geetha shot him a playful, teasing look. Evelyn didn't linger; she gestured toward the decorations. "Come, I will introduce my family."
The introductions were polite and brief. They wished young Karla well and presented the bouquet, the formalities a stark contrast to the simmering subtext of the evening.
As the trio settled at their dining table, the atmosphere shifted. The eyes of men from several surrounding tables began to drift toward Geetha, drawn by the elegance of her saree and her natural poise. Gautam felt the weight of their stares, a familiar possessiveness tightening in his chest.
Noticing the unwanted attention, Geetha uncomfortably adjusted her pallu over her chest. She looked at Gautam, seeking an escape, but found him wearing a small, provocative smirk. She reached under the table, pinching his arm with a pout that only made him chuckle.
To her right, Bharath was oblivious to the other men. His focus remained fixed on the "other" beauty across the room—Evelyn, who was still busy greeting guests.
"What are you looking at?" Geetha whispered sharply.
"The mother is sexier than the daughter, isn't she?" Bharath replied without blinking.
Geetha’s brow furrowed. "Don't you have any other thoughts?"
"It’s not wrong to have desires, is it, Miss?"
"That’s not desire," Geetha corrected him, her voice dropping to a hiss. "That’s lust."
Bharath leaned in closer. "Miss, can I tell you something? Look at Evelyn and then look at her husband. There’s no match at all. He looks like an old man, but she is a sexy milf."
"So what?" Geetha snapped, though her curiosity was piqued despite herself. "And have you no shame talking to me like this?"
"Who else would I talk to if not you?"
Gautam leaned in, interrupting their private exchange. "What are you two whispering about?"
"He says your Evelyn Madam is like a sexy milf," Geetha said bluntly.
Bharath fumbled, his face turning crimson. "No, no, sir..."
"It’s okay," Gautam said, his voice dropping an octave as he smiled naughtily. "Talk in Telugu; no one here understands it. Tell me."
"She is very sexy, sir," Bharath admitted, emboldened by the elder man's tone.
"Right?" Gautam agreed, his eyes wandering toward the hostess. "When I'm at the office, I pass the time just looking at her."
"Oh, so you look at her because our Geetha Miss isn't there?"
Geetha’s eyes narrowed. She remembered the rumors of Gautam’s past involvement with Evelyn, and the comment stung.
"What can I do?" Gautam shrugged playfully. "That's how men are born."
"Chi, stop it," Geetha groaned. "I never thought you both were like this. You lustful men."
"But Miss," Bharath added, his voice dropping into a smooth compliment, "they are nothing compared to your beauty."
"That’s true, my sweety," Gautam added, catching her hand. Geetha turned away, blushing despite her annoyance.
"But your sister Sindhu, Miss..." Bharath sighed. "Uff."
Gautam burst out laughing. "Hahaha... true."
Geetha pinched Gautam again, harder this time. "Then you should have married her when the proposal came. Why did you marry me?"
Gautam leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "Because I like you... that's why I left Sindhu for Shiva."
"Ugh... not in public," she whispered, pushing him away by his chin, though a small smile played on her lips.
The arrival of an attendant broke the moment. "Monsieur Gautam... whiskey or rum?"
"Don't," Geetha whispered, a warning in her eyes.
"Whiskey... with ice," Gautam said, pointedly ignoring the plea.
"For you, Madam?" the attendant asked.
"No... thanks for asking."
When the waiter turned to Bharath, the boy shook his head frantically.
As the gold liquid was poured over ice, the attendant bowed. "Passez une excellente soirée, Monsieur Gautam."
Gautam took a slow, deliberate sip.
"You know I don't like it when you drink while I'm around," Geetha complained.
"It’s a matter of prestige here sweety. Look, even the women are having wine and vodka."
"I don't want anything," she insisted.
Bharath chimed in with a smirk. "Oh please... then why did you come home drunk that day, Miss?"
Gautam’s glass paused halfway to his lips. "Really? Which day?"
"That day I went with Sindhu Akka," Geetha muttered, shooting Bharath a look that promised murder.
"She came to our house that night," Bharath continued, ignoring the warning. "My parents weren't home. She came in drunk and threw me on the bed..."
Geetha’s hand flew out, covering Bharath’s mouth. "Is this necessary now?"
"Hey, what happened?" Gautam asked, leaning forward, clearly enjoying his wife's discomfort. "Let him speak."
"Nothing happened!"
Bharath chuckled behind her palm. She eventually removed her hand, and he didn't miss a beat. "She threw me on the bed and said she wanted to have sex, and that it would be better if Gautam sir was there."
Gautam laughed, a deep, relaxed sound. "Oh, is that all? I was afraid you had done something to the boy."
"Chi, stop!"
"Her breath smelled like vodka when she kissed me," Bharath added, delighting in the chaos.
"You little thief... you didn't tell me this," Gautam teased his wife.
"I did, you probably forgot," Geetha retorted, her face a deep shade of crimson.
Across the room, Evelyn glanced their way. Seeing Bharath’s eyes on her, she playfully raised her eyebrows. Bharath immediately looked down at the tablecloth, the picture of innocence.
"He’s checking out your boss," Geetha noted.
"Hey, don't start any trouble," Gautam warned, though he didn't look truly concerned. He stood up and moved to sit closer to Bharath.
"Will you have anything to drink?"
"No sir, I haven't made it a habit."
"Why don't you taste it once? The wine here is good."
"Darling... don't spoil him," Geetha interjected.
"I'll order wine, just taste it. Geetha, how about you?"
"If you have one more peg," Geetha said, her voice sharp as glass, "I won't even care that you're my husband, I’m warning you."
Gautam just laughed, pouring himself a second glass.
"Sir," Bharath whispered, his curiosity finally winning out. "Did anything close ever happen between you and Evelyn Madam?"
The table went quiet. Gautam swirled the ice in his glass, his mind racing. Had Geetha told the boy about his affair? Or was this just a lucky guess?
"What do you mean?" Gautam asked slowly. "You suspect I got very close to her?"
"No, no... I just asked casually, sir."
Gautam took a sip, his eyes locking onto Bharath's. "You mean, just like you got close to Geetha when I wasn't there, I got close to her because Geetha wasn't with me?"
Geetha bit her nail, her heart hammering against her ribs. She watched Gautam, wondering if he was about to blow the lid off all their secrets.
"Forgive me sir," Bharath said, sensing the shift in the air. "I just asked for fun."
Gautam let out a sudden, booming laugh, the tension breaking like a snapped string. "Haha, okay. Leaving that aside, tell me what you think of her."
"Oh sir," Bharath quipped, "so you do have a desire for that madam. Did you hear that, Miss? Gautam sir is hiding something."
"Stop it," Geetha pleaded, looking around nervously. "Do you even realize the age difference between you two? Is this the kind of stuff to discuss with a boy, darling? Where are we and what are you talking about? What if someone hears?"
"The boy is curious; this is the age to learn," Gautam replied, his eyes dancing with mischief. "And after what you've done with him, how can you call him a boy? Tell me Bharath, what do you feel?"
Bharath looked at Gautam, then at the stunning Western woman across the room. "Not in front of you, sir..."
"Come on. There are no secrets between us."
Bharath grinned, his excitement bubbled over. "Local is local, foreign is foreign, sir!"
The two men erupted into hearty laughter, their voices carrying over the violin music. Geetha, finally having had enough of their "men's talk," swung her handbag, hitting them both in exasperation.
"Chi, dirty fellows!" she cried, though a smile threatened to break through her anger. "Men are all the same."
As their laughter echoed, a few heads turned from the neighboring tables, but the three of them didn't seem to notice at all.
Then atmosphere in the grand hall shifted as if by a physical tide. Conversations died mid-sentence, and heads turned in a synchronized wave toward the entrance. Alfredo Hedge moved forward with uncharacteristic haste, his professional composure replaced by the eager gait of a host receiving royalty.
Geetha and Bharath followed the crowd’s gaze. A family was processing down the center of the hall: a man of quiet dignity in a sharp black suit, his mane of white hair lending him an air of silver-screen authority. Beside him, a woman held his arm with practiced grace, and following closely was their son, a young man in his mid-twenties who carried himself with the easy confidence of the well-born.
“Who is he, sir?” Bharath whispered, leaning toward Gautam. “Everyone is looking at him.”
“That is the City Mayor,” Gautam replied, his voice low and respectful. “Chevore Lund Arthur.”
Geetha nodded, impressed. “Oh...”
“Chevore Land?” Bharath repeated, a spark of mischief lighting his eyes.
“No,” Gautam corrected firmly. “Lund.”
A choked sound escaped Bharath’s throat. He ducked behind Geetha, his shoulders shaking as he tried to stifle a giggle.
“Hey, don’t laugh. Stop it,” Gautam hissed, shooting a warning glare.
Bharath clamped a hand over his mouth, his face turning a shade of crimson. “The name ‘Lund’ made me laugh, sorry,” he managed to wheeze.
(Note: 'Lund' is a slang term for penis in Hindi/some Indian languages).
As Arthur Lund passed by, nodding to the guests, Gautam stepped forward to offer a deferential greeting.
“And that’s his son next to him,” Gautam added as they moved past, “Chevore Lund John.”
This was the breaking point. Bharath bit his lip so hard it turned white, his body trembling with the effort of holding back a roar of laughter.
“Bharath, be decent,” Gautam snapped, his voice dropping into a threatening register. “Don’t laugh like a kid at silly jokes.”
“Why on earth are you laughing?” Geetha asked, genuinely confused by the boy's hysterics.
Bharath leaned in, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered “In Hindi, 'Lund' means 'Sulli'."
"What's a 'Sulli'?" Geetha asked innocently.
"The thing you were sucking last night."
Geetha’s eyes widened, her face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and scandalized realization. “Chi stupid,” she scolded, though her own heart raced. “It’s wrong to think of other languages' words like that. Don't laugh.”
Gautam’s patience had evaporated. “If you laugh one more time, I’m going to go lock you in the car.”
The threat worked. Bharath stiffened, sitting as still as a marble statue, though his eyes remained dancing with repressed mirth.
The evening progressed into the formal ceremonies. The airy notes of a violin ensemble filled the hall with "Happy Birthday," and the cake was cut amidst a flurry of applause. Evelyn Hedge stepped to the podium, her French fluid and melodic.
“The Mayor’s son and Karla were dating,” Gautam translated softly for Geetha. “I think this is the official announcement.”
Evelyn beamed at the crowd. “Our City Mayor Chevore Lund Arthur’s son, Chevore Lund John, and our cutie Karla Hedge will soon be engaged.”
The room erupted. Cheers and the clinking of crystal glasses echoed through the hall. As the crowd transitioned to dinner, Evelyn navigated through the guests and took Geetha’s hand, her touch warm and welcoming. She led Geetha to the dining area, introducing her to the elite circle of women who formed the backbone of the city’s social ladder. Geetha, though lost in the sea of French, maintained a poised smile, her natural grace earning her admiring glances.
Eventually, Evelyn, Karla, and Geetha settled at a private table.
“That boy Bharath,” Evelyn began, switching to English as she glanced toward the buffet. “How is he related to you?”
“He’s not a relative,” Geetha replied. “He’s a student at the college where I work. He’s very friendly.”
“I was so excited when Gautam said you were coming,” Evelyn said, her eyes scanning Geetha’s face with intense curiosity. “Really, Geetha, you are so beautiful.”
“Thank you, Madam.”
Evelyn chuckled. “No, you don’t need to call me Madam. Just be casual.”
As they ate, Evelyn spoke glowingly of Gautam’s impact on the company, labeling him a marketing genius who had catapulted their team to the top. Geetha listened, her pride in her husband warring with a growing sense of unease. “Since Gautam came here, there has been so much development, especially in our team. He’s a marketing strategy specialist. The ideas he provides have brought our team to number one. You are very lucky, Geetha; Gautam is a true gentleman.”
“He told me about you too,” Geetha said. “He said you like Indian movies, songs, and food?”
“Oh, yes,” Evelyn’s eyes lit up. “Since my college days. I’ve always wanted to visit, but life... career, kids... it gets in the way.”
Across the room, Gautam was eating with his team members. He couldn't help but overhear the whispers about his wife's beauty floating through the air. Bharath, having no acquaintances, sat alone, focused intensely on eating whatever he liked to his heart's content.
Geetha kept an eye on Bharath from five tables away to see if he was eating. Feeling her gaze like a needle on his back, Bharath turned around once. Geetha and Evelyn both shared a small smile.
Karla remained silent, her gaze distant, eventually excusing herself to join another table. The atmosphere between the two women shifted, becoming more intimate—and more unsettling.
“Did you ask him to resign?” Evelyn asked suddenly.
Geetha blinked. “No, he told me himself yesterday.”
“He came in this afternoon and said he was going back to India,” Evelyn said, her voice dropping. “He mentioned some other plan... are you planning for pregnancy?”
Geetha felt a heat rise to her cheeks. “I don’t know... we’ll see what he says once we get back.”
“He mentioned he was looking for a donor about ten days ago,” Evelyn remarked casually.
Geetha’s fork paused. “A donor? For what?”
Evelyn’s expression flickered—a momentary lapse of the mask. “Oh, sorry... not a donor. He said something about a plantation.”
“Ah, Bamboo Textiles,” Geetha said, relaxing, missing the way Evelyn’s eyes searched her face for a reaction.
Geetha didn't notice Evelyn's quick subject change.
Evelyn leaned closer. “Gautam told me a bit about this Bharath... says he plays badminton and comes to you for tuition. Have you ever felt... differently about him?”
Geetha played the part of the innocent. “Differently? In what way?”
“You know,” Evelyn whispered, her voice conspiratorial. “Being home alone... having sexual urges. A college boy coming to your house every day...”
“Excuse me... Evelyn Garu,” Geetha said, faking a flash of indignation.
“I’m sorry, I just asked casually,” Evelyn said, squeezing Geetha’s hand in a gesture of faux-solidarity. “I know in India you consider these things wrong. I shouldn’t tell you this, but my husband has sent three or four girls to Gautam some nights. Your husband enjoyed it.”
The revelation hit Geetha like a physical blow, but she didn’t let it show. She kept her voice steady. “It’s different for men. As long as he doesn’t leave me or bring home a second wife, I don’t mind the casual stuff.”
Geetha’s firm stance on giving her husband that freedom surprised Evelyn.
Evelyn’s eyebrows arched in genuine surprise. “You’re strong. Gautam is lucky.”
Inside, Geetha was fuming at Gautam—he had told her about Evelyn, but he hadn't mentioned the other girls. She felt a sudden, sharp desire to lash out, but Evelyn wasn't finished.
She leaned in until her lips were almost touching Geetha’s ear. “If Bharath needs company tonight, ask him,” she whispered. “I’ll come.”
Geetha pulled back, stunned. The audacity of the request left her breathless. “Don’t you feel ashamed, telling me you want him for the night? you're talking like someone who has stooped very low."
“Don’t speak so loudly,” Evelyn replied, a sarcastic, sharp smile playing on her lips. “What does ‘stooping low’ mean? Doing it discreetly is one thing. I have many boys in my company who follow me like dogs, but I want an Indian. It’s an obsession.”
Geetha looked across the room at Bharath, who was happily piled with food, oblivious to the fact that he was being bartered for like a prize. She felt a surge of possessiveness.
‘I knew that if Bharath heard about this, he would say yes.’
“No,” Geetha said, her voice like iron. “It’s better if we leave this here.”
The silence that followed was heavy and bitter.
The dinner ended with polite nods and hollow smiles, but Geetha’s mind was racing.
No one knew better than Geetha just how much pleasure Evelyn could get from Bharath.


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