25-01-2020, 10:14 PM
Update 8
On returning back after that long weekend our life moved on as usual. I was wondering when Preethi is going to open the topic of spouse swapping. Malathy said that Preethi is too eager about it. I remembered our earlier discussion on this topic didn’t conclude. Two months down the line she opened the topic.
During weekends after lunch it was my habit to sit with a book. Preethi was not too much into reading. She will either be busy with some personal work or sit next to me listening to music on her Walkman. Off late she had taken much fascination with the new gadget I had got her called MP3 player. Whenever she sits next to me she will invariably nuzzle close to me and my concentration will start to waver. Dropping my arm over her shoulder I pulled her close. Normally she will simply slide down on my lap and ask me to continue reading, which sometimes I used to. However this time she did not show that intimacy and stayed next to me. I diverted my attention to the book on hand.
“I was talking to Malathy over phone” she said
“So what’s news” I asked without really taking my eyes off my book.
“She asked if spouse swapping idea still appeals to us” she said leaning her head on my shoulder.
“Does it?” I teased her. But I was getting excited. I was getting harder.
“Would it be fun?” she was probing my interest level.
I said, “I guess it would be. Malathy if fairly attractive” I felt guilty hiding the fact that I already had a go with Malathy and continued, “But Kumar would be more privileged” hinting Preethi is far more attractive than Malathy. She blushed in response and then remained silent.
“Does it still appeal to you?” I probed her further turning to her
“Yes it does” she said without hesitating but avoiding my eyes. Then she continued, “But I am worried about the implications”.
I thought she is going to mention about social implications, still asked, “What implications?”
“Malathy confided in me that Kumar is frustrated as she is not able to satisfy him. That’s why they were exploring the idea of swapping partners” she said.
“I don’t get it. If she can’t satisfy him how is she going to satisfy me? I mean, if we swap”
She playfully punched my biceps and she started “Well” a bit hesitantly and then continued to say, “Malathy says she is finding it difficult to accommodate his size”. She giggled as she completed the sentence.
“Is he really that big?” I asked her a direct question though.
A little taken aback she replied, “I don’t know how big really. But Malathy insists that he is very well endowed”
“What makes you think that you can accommodate him?” I teased her.
I was so happy that my Preethi is openly discussing with me like friends do. On the other hand the topic we discussed made me jittery and excited at the same time.
“I don’t know. I guess I am not as fragile as Malathy” justifying her belief. Though I can sense her eagerness she hadn’t shown it openly thus far.
“Then what’s the problem?” I asked her.
“If we were to swap with them Kumar’s frustration would result in more sessions with me”
“How? I thought a swap meant that we would swap partners at the same time. Where is the question of more sessions?”
“I wouldn’t want to imagine a swap that way” she said emphatically and continued, “It is too phony and I will be so embarrassed to face you after that”
“So what do you have in mind?” I feigned a loss of memory of her earlier clarification on that subject, expecting her to clarify.
“I would like an open relationship where no fixed schedule of swapping is maintained” she clarified this time slightly differently.
“But how will it result in more sessions?” I insisted
“Malathy had cervical erosion two months back. That was immediately after the July-4th weekend and she had to refrain from sex for six weeks. Kumar is further more frustrated. Hence we will insists on more”
“You mean during the weekends that we visit him?” I wanted to find out what she had in mind and if it is the same as Malathy had suggested.
“Once we have an ongoing open relationship sex is consummated as and when opportunity arises” I was surprised with her choice of words and let her continue
“With Kumar in SF almost every week he has lot more opportunity. Besides you are away more than half the week”
I was thinking that it is exactly panning out as Malathy had stipulated but still not sure what Preethi had in mind. In case she is planning of Kumar visiting my flat, I didn’t want to say anything about social implications and make her feel guilty. After all by then I was more than sold on realizing my fantasy. I knew Malathy wouldn’t allow them to mate in my house in my absence. But reading my silence otherwise what Preethi said next hurt me; hurt me like hell.
“You can’t expect me to be celibate on those days” she added a bit sternly.
When I turned my head and gave her a sharp look she justified saying, “I mean once we have an ongoing open relationship”
She was literally canvassing for commencing an open relationship. There was not one word of gratefulness not even consolation for the very reason for my absence. Instead she emphasized her right to be sexually fed when I slogged my ass off to pay for her education.
Despite my deepest love for her I couldn’t help thinking for a moment, ‘What a thankless female!’
By then I knew my loving wife is consumed by the obsession for carnal pleasure. Ironically, my fantasy grew like wild fire giving me an instant hard-on.
When I kept quiet she probed, “Why are you silent? Are you thinking that it would make you feel jealous? If so I don’t want it”
‘Jealousy? Is that all she can come up with? Has she thought of the consequences fully? Or is she purposely keeping me in the dark avoiding them?’ unanswered questions ran amok in my mind.
With a deep sigh I started, “Preethi, in a relationship as you describe there are other implications that are more personal in nature. Such a relationship with them is Ok as long as our relationship is not affected in any manner. It should be for fun and that’s all. We should guard against it coming in the way of our moments of sharing, affecting our love for each other or distancing us in any manner”
For a fraction of a second her face registered guilt. She then leaned her head closer on my shoulders and said, “No way. I will not allow it to affect us in any manner. The very reason I agreed for open relationship is that I don’t want to be embarrassed nor I want to embarrass you in any manner” she said with genuine love and commitment.
Yet, though she didn’t realize, it was obvious the conversation was all about her open relationship with Kumar rather than mine with Malathy.
“Last but not the least, it should not affect our intimacy in bed or out of it” I voiced another one of my fears, clearly setting ground rules that my closeness to her and my share of sex with her should not be affected.
She was silent and it was obvious she was taken aback. Then she said with a serious tone, “If you think there is even a remote chance for that to happen then I don’t want it. I’ll die if I am not with you”
“So are you going to take this semester cool?” I asked with genuine concern diverting the topic.
She said, “No way! I don’t want any interference till I join my internship” with determination in her voice.
I relaxed that nothing will happen till end of this year. But I must admit that in a way I was also disappointed.
Things were moving smoothly as before. Preethi was confident of completing all her courses for the third semester before end of the year. She finished all her assignments and requested for end-semester test to be held by end of November. She wanted to concentrate on remaining course work that does not require her faculty’s involvement during Chrismas holidays. She started appearing for interviews with architectural firms in and around SF for her internship.
But Malathy started planning ahead. They bought a three bedroom house right in Oakland; fairly large one for their requirement. There was one bedroom of the size of master bedroom with similar amenities. The third bedroom too was not all that small. I was intrigued about her plan. The house had a garden and a swimming pool. We went to their house warming. Around the corner of their street there were public tennis courts too. Preethi was thrilled about that house and commented that she can see and admire my swimming and tennis skills when we visit. When friends around asked she explained blushing with her face professing her love, she bragged about my skills and how she instead of me who used to ogle during our silent courtship days.
On my job front the dot-com bust was making my job difficult. My travel frequencies had reduced. Though it meant more nights with Preethi it affected us financially. I had planned for the Green Card processing early 2000. Green Card processing meant significant expenses that included a trip of mine to India. I realized that it is going to be difficult to carry out my plan.
While talking to Malathy over phone about it …
Malathy, “You don’t have to postpone any of your plans”
Me, “How? With Preethi’s education expenses added to our household expenses I don’t think it will be possible”
Malathy, “Oh! You also share her burden is it?”
Me, “Not share the burden my dear lady. I can proudly say that it is fully mine”
Malathy, “You never stop surprising me” then after a brief pause, “Tell me frankly, do you think Preethi has cheated you in anyway thanks to her attraction to Kumar? If you feel so you have every right to put a stop to whatever we have been discussing. I am sorry I didn’t know about it”
After an equally brief pause I replied, “I know how obsessed she is about starting relationship with Kumar. But I don’t think she has cheated on me. She has been always upfront; both in conveying her commitment to me as well as expressing her eagerness to mate Kumar. Anyhow, I guess it is too late to discuss in that angle as Preethi is all geared up to start what she calls open relationship in the coming year”
Malathy, “I know. That’s why I said you don’t have to drop any of your plans”
Me, “Please enlighten me”
Malathy, “Why do you think we bought the house in Oakland? It was primarily to facilitate our open relationship. We were planning to suggest to you in a subtle manner to move in with us without anyone in your social circle raising eyebrows. Kumar always shows off like your big brother among friends. Now you can have a solid reason of saving money on rent. The house is big enough so that we don’t have to step on each other’s toes. Preethi and I never had a problem sharing work in the kitchen. Neither do you with me. Look at all the positives. I think it is the ideal route. If you are ok with it I will discuss with Preethi. I am sure she will jump at it”
Me, “I am surprised that you want to take my permission to talk to Preethi”
Malathy in a solemn voice, “Anand I have always considered you as the man of your house. Now after knowing the responsibilities you shoulder for Preethi’s betterment my respect for you has grown multifold”
Me, “Oh! Please don’t flatter me”
Malathy, “So, what do you say about moving in with us. But I must warn you it comes with the open relationship if you agree. If you don’t agree then it might turn out to be your wife starting an affair behind your back. There is no way I can curtail Kumar and I think Preethi too after you guys move in with us”
Me, “It sounds okay. And it seems to be the most conducive environment for the open relationship without any social implications. Nevertheless, I will discuss with Preethi and convey my decision”
Around November my company stopped my outstation travel completely. I decided to try my hands on free-lancing. Or rather I was forced to. I sent out feelers among my past clients and other consulting firms in the West. I received some positive responses. In the meanwhile I discussed with Preethi about moving in with Kumar and Malathy. She was thrilled I must say felt overly grateful to them for coming forward to share our burden.
I put my papers up in my company and they requested my continuing till end of December. In the meanwhile a client in New York had responded favorably and wanted me to start some work right in January. I gave a second thought if we should really move in as I felt I could manage the expenses if I get assignments like that. But then there was no guarantee that I will get such assignments till Preethi finishes her M.Arch and start earning. So I decided to go with the flow on the decision taken.
A decent sized architectural firm in SF had accepted Preethi for internship and also promised her a plum job after her M.Arch. I was excited thinking about the upcoming open relationship and thrilled to the core about realizing my fantasy.
In the last week of the millennium I had work out of town till Friday the 31st December 1999. We had planned moving in over the new-year weekend. The weekend before that we organized our stuff, planned the packing process with general chit-chat.
Out of the blue Preethi started that conversation that helped me to lay some ground rules.
“We owe a favor to Kumar and Malathy” started Preethi. I was mildly surprised at her taking Malathy’s gesture into heart to such an extent. After all we both knew that it was primarily to facilitate open relationship without any social implications. So, I really didn’t think that Malathy was doing a great favor. I was sure Kumar is the primary beneficiary from the open relationship.
“You mean for allowing us to move in with them?” I asked casually
“Yes. In such difficult times nobody would have come forward” she elaborated. These words I was sure were not fed by Malathy. I always knew Kumar was making advances but never thought he will also feed such thoughts into her mind.
“I know” I simply concurred
“We need to repay them” she continued
“Tell me how we can go about” I enquired feigning interest
“I know you will be helpful in the house as always. I will share her work in the kitchen. In addition I can provide her relief in her bedroom chores”
“Oh! You mean the open relationship” I quipped
“No, I mean much more than that” she retorted
“Like what?” I asked intrigued
She replied “How shall I put it? I will take up Malathy’s bedroom chores as Kumar’s mistress” and set the alarm bells in my mind.
“Did you say mistress?” I asked in the most incisive tone
She gave an elaborate explanation saying, “I said that due to lack of words. I meant I will take up her bedroom duties in place of his wife. I can’t say as his wife can I? And surrogate wife sounded too artificial”
“Can you explain what it entails?”
She hesitated a bit and then started as though after resolving in her mind what to say, “I should spend a few nights with him”
I realized it is not sessions any more but nights! But it excited me thinking lewd about pleasuring her well used body afterwards.
She continued quickly adding, “It will be mostly when you are away”
I realized it is not any more ‘only when you are away’. Still I must say, I was excited no less.
She further drove the point saying, “But don’t be alarmed if he needs further sessions” implying even when I was in town.
Her enthusiasm irritated me. But suddenly thinking Preethi as his mistress, as his sex slave, I felt cold sweat and was thoroughly excited. It was a fight between my self-respect and fantasy.
She continued justifying, “After all it is his house. Malathy may not reciprocate for this favor. Neither should we insist on that. We are repaying a favor and not swapping partners”
I started fuming inside with my self-respect taking an edge over my fantasy. But I did not show it. Anger was something I learned to control when I was very young. Only my fantasy still irritated me causing a raging hard-on.
“You might be able to enjoy her fruits, whenever luck favors you” she said consoling me. I don’t know she intended a pun thinking about Malathy’s juicy breasts.
"Are you suggesting that I should vacate my bed for him, if he insists?" I asked lacing my voice with enough sarcasm that made Preethi sense my discomfort. My self-respect was winning.
"That will be only if that happens when you are in town. I just said that we need to preserve decorum of our relationships so that such a thing would never happen" she said toning her enthusiasm a little.
“Can you explain that?” my tone still the same
"I didn’t mean you vacating our bed literally” suddenly realizing the implications of my question and continued, “I meant you should subtlety pave ways"
I remained silent.
She continued with renewed confidence, “He is sexually frustrated right now. Accommodating him now, would aptly repay their favors," she added.
"I didn't understand how I should be paving ways?" I asked purposely wanting to know if she would be spending entire night with him while I am at home.
"I also don’t know. I guess it will become clear as time passes. If you suspect Kumar is up to something, then assume so and don't intervene. Just take the cue and offer us more privacy" she said. I saw her face radiating in pleasure as she said that.
"Malathy will help you, if required," she added.
That was it. By then my self-respect had won hands down.
“Are you through?” I asked in my authoritative tone that Preethi knows. I could see the realization that she had overstepped hitting her.
“Preethi, I cannot tolerate my lawfully wedded wife being someone’s mistress” I fired my first salvo.
She remained silent.
“Do you know what it entails to be one’s mistress?”
I didn’t find guilt in her face but a bit of disappointment mixed with a lot of fear.
“I am sure Kumar must have educated you. Nevertheless I will enlighten you. The first responsibility is making yourself available whenever he needs you, no questions asked. That means ignoring my needs to fulfill his. Forget about my needs. That means laying down your dignity opening yourself whenever he gets the urge. Your elaboration earlier already implied that you are fully up to this responsibility”
I saw her face going sullen and very worried.
I continued, “The second responsibility, which is not really a responsibility but a practice, is reserving sexual privileges exclusively for him. I don’t care what you do with him but I am sure Kumar will derive crooked pleasure insisting. And you may comply, putting your loyalty to him ahead me. The third responsibility is bearing his children. Thankfully, that seems the only thing you not up to”
When I completed my explanation it was obvious that she did not expect Malathy to educate me also about the responsibilities of a mistress. Sensing my discomfort Malathy had almost convinced me to accept her being his mistress in close confines without stepping on my toes or bruising our dignity. Either Preethi was not aware of that or she tried pushing her luck using favor as a bait.
Preethi’s face registered fright for the first time as I continued.
“Please understand I am not standing with a begging bowl. And I am capable of figuring out how to repay for their favor preserving our dignity. But if you are eager to become his mistress in the pretext of repaying their favor, then please assume that will be the end of our marriage” I said it with a finality that literally shook her.
“No” she almost wailed and continued almost in tears, “Dear, please don’t think that I am eager to be his mistress. I will never do any of those things. I am sorry I got carried away thinking how much we owe them. I am sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you in any manner” and she started sobbing.
She came rushing to me. But I walked out of the house to get some fresh air and allowing her to come to terms. I knew she was over enthused. I also was highly excited about the open relationship. At the same time, her accepting such a role hurt my ego way too much.
When I returned back I saw her face was swollen after crying for a while. I felt bad for her and wanted to take her in my arms consoling her. Again, this was a crucial point in our life. We were venturing to do something that is unthinkable for people back home. At that point my agreement to the open relationship was not to save my marriage as Malathy kept reiterating. As I had already started my relationship with Malathy I felt Preethi too was entitled to it. I felt she too was entitled her share of fantasies.
Instead, if I acted chauvinistic and broke our marriage, Preethi will suffer the most. I didn’t want to put her through that. So, it was my excitement, reasoning, so called modernistic thinking and more importantly my love for her and my commitment to hold our marriage intact were the factors that made me agree to the open relationship. I wanted her to share that mind-set.
I knew I will live through this fantasy and get over it in time. Likewise I wanted Preethi also to get over it. By the time we expand our family I wanted both of us to get rid of them and live life normally. I wanted us to set ideal examples to our child (or children if we go through the adopting route). They are anyway going to be exposed to enough and more in the US. I didn’t want that exposure to start at home for them.
On returning back after that long weekend our life moved on as usual. I was wondering when Preethi is going to open the topic of spouse swapping. Malathy said that Preethi is too eager about it. I remembered our earlier discussion on this topic didn’t conclude. Two months down the line she opened the topic.
During weekends after lunch it was my habit to sit with a book. Preethi was not too much into reading. She will either be busy with some personal work or sit next to me listening to music on her Walkman. Off late she had taken much fascination with the new gadget I had got her called MP3 player. Whenever she sits next to me she will invariably nuzzle close to me and my concentration will start to waver. Dropping my arm over her shoulder I pulled her close. Normally she will simply slide down on my lap and ask me to continue reading, which sometimes I used to. However this time she did not show that intimacy and stayed next to me. I diverted my attention to the book on hand.
“I was talking to Malathy over phone” she said
“So what’s news” I asked without really taking my eyes off my book.
“She asked if spouse swapping idea still appeals to us” she said leaning her head on my shoulder.
“Does it?” I teased her. But I was getting excited. I was getting harder.
“Would it be fun?” she was probing my interest level.
I said, “I guess it would be. Malathy if fairly attractive” I felt guilty hiding the fact that I already had a go with Malathy and continued, “But Kumar would be more privileged” hinting Preethi is far more attractive than Malathy. She blushed in response and then remained silent.
“Does it still appeal to you?” I probed her further turning to her
“Yes it does” she said without hesitating but avoiding my eyes. Then she continued, “But I am worried about the implications”.
I thought she is going to mention about social implications, still asked, “What implications?”
“Malathy confided in me that Kumar is frustrated as she is not able to satisfy him. That’s why they were exploring the idea of swapping partners” she said.
“I don’t get it. If she can’t satisfy him how is she going to satisfy me? I mean, if we swap”
She playfully punched my biceps and she started “Well” a bit hesitantly and then continued to say, “Malathy says she is finding it difficult to accommodate his size”. She giggled as she completed the sentence.
“Is he really that big?” I asked her a direct question though.
A little taken aback she replied, “I don’t know how big really. But Malathy insists that he is very well endowed”
“What makes you think that you can accommodate him?” I teased her.
I was so happy that my Preethi is openly discussing with me like friends do. On the other hand the topic we discussed made me jittery and excited at the same time.
“I don’t know. I guess I am not as fragile as Malathy” justifying her belief. Though I can sense her eagerness she hadn’t shown it openly thus far.
“Then what’s the problem?” I asked her.
“If we were to swap with them Kumar’s frustration would result in more sessions with me”
“How? I thought a swap meant that we would swap partners at the same time. Where is the question of more sessions?”
“I wouldn’t want to imagine a swap that way” she said emphatically and continued, “It is too phony and I will be so embarrassed to face you after that”
“So what do you have in mind?” I feigned a loss of memory of her earlier clarification on that subject, expecting her to clarify.
“I would like an open relationship where no fixed schedule of swapping is maintained” she clarified this time slightly differently.
“But how will it result in more sessions?” I insisted
“Malathy had cervical erosion two months back. That was immediately after the July-4th weekend and she had to refrain from sex for six weeks. Kumar is further more frustrated. Hence we will insists on more”
“You mean during the weekends that we visit him?” I wanted to find out what she had in mind and if it is the same as Malathy had suggested.
“Once we have an ongoing open relationship sex is consummated as and when opportunity arises” I was surprised with her choice of words and let her continue
“With Kumar in SF almost every week he has lot more opportunity. Besides you are away more than half the week”
I was thinking that it is exactly panning out as Malathy had stipulated but still not sure what Preethi had in mind. In case she is planning of Kumar visiting my flat, I didn’t want to say anything about social implications and make her feel guilty. After all by then I was more than sold on realizing my fantasy. I knew Malathy wouldn’t allow them to mate in my house in my absence. But reading my silence otherwise what Preethi said next hurt me; hurt me like hell.
“You can’t expect me to be celibate on those days” she added a bit sternly.
When I turned my head and gave her a sharp look she justified saying, “I mean once we have an ongoing open relationship”
She was literally canvassing for commencing an open relationship. There was not one word of gratefulness not even consolation for the very reason for my absence. Instead she emphasized her right to be sexually fed when I slogged my ass off to pay for her education.
Despite my deepest love for her I couldn’t help thinking for a moment, ‘What a thankless female!’
By then I knew my loving wife is consumed by the obsession for carnal pleasure. Ironically, my fantasy grew like wild fire giving me an instant hard-on.
When I kept quiet she probed, “Why are you silent? Are you thinking that it would make you feel jealous? If so I don’t want it”
‘Jealousy? Is that all she can come up with? Has she thought of the consequences fully? Or is she purposely keeping me in the dark avoiding them?’ unanswered questions ran amok in my mind.
With a deep sigh I started, “Preethi, in a relationship as you describe there are other implications that are more personal in nature. Such a relationship with them is Ok as long as our relationship is not affected in any manner. It should be for fun and that’s all. We should guard against it coming in the way of our moments of sharing, affecting our love for each other or distancing us in any manner”
For a fraction of a second her face registered guilt. She then leaned her head closer on my shoulders and said, “No way. I will not allow it to affect us in any manner. The very reason I agreed for open relationship is that I don’t want to be embarrassed nor I want to embarrass you in any manner” she said with genuine love and commitment.
Yet, though she didn’t realize, it was obvious the conversation was all about her open relationship with Kumar rather than mine with Malathy.
“Last but not the least, it should not affect our intimacy in bed or out of it” I voiced another one of my fears, clearly setting ground rules that my closeness to her and my share of sex with her should not be affected.
She was silent and it was obvious she was taken aback. Then she said with a serious tone, “If you think there is even a remote chance for that to happen then I don’t want it. I’ll die if I am not with you”
“So are you going to take this semester cool?” I asked with genuine concern diverting the topic.
She said, “No way! I don’t want any interference till I join my internship” with determination in her voice.
I relaxed that nothing will happen till end of this year. But I must admit that in a way I was also disappointed.
Things were moving smoothly as before. Preethi was confident of completing all her courses for the third semester before end of the year. She finished all her assignments and requested for end-semester test to be held by end of November. She wanted to concentrate on remaining course work that does not require her faculty’s involvement during Chrismas holidays. She started appearing for interviews with architectural firms in and around SF for her internship.
But Malathy started planning ahead. They bought a three bedroom house right in Oakland; fairly large one for their requirement. There was one bedroom of the size of master bedroom with similar amenities. The third bedroom too was not all that small. I was intrigued about her plan. The house had a garden and a swimming pool. We went to their house warming. Around the corner of their street there were public tennis courts too. Preethi was thrilled about that house and commented that she can see and admire my swimming and tennis skills when we visit. When friends around asked she explained blushing with her face professing her love, she bragged about my skills and how she instead of me who used to ogle during our silent courtship days.
On my job front the dot-com bust was making my job difficult. My travel frequencies had reduced. Though it meant more nights with Preethi it affected us financially. I had planned for the Green Card processing early 2000. Green Card processing meant significant expenses that included a trip of mine to India. I realized that it is going to be difficult to carry out my plan.
While talking to Malathy over phone about it …
Malathy, “You don’t have to postpone any of your plans”
Me, “How? With Preethi’s education expenses added to our household expenses I don’t think it will be possible”
Malathy, “Oh! You also share her burden is it?”
Me, “Not share the burden my dear lady. I can proudly say that it is fully mine”
Malathy, “You never stop surprising me” then after a brief pause, “Tell me frankly, do you think Preethi has cheated you in anyway thanks to her attraction to Kumar? If you feel so you have every right to put a stop to whatever we have been discussing. I am sorry I didn’t know about it”
After an equally brief pause I replied, “I know how obsessed she is about starting relationship with Kumar. But I don’t think she has cheated on me. She has been always upfront; both in conveying her commitment to me as well as expressing her eagerness to mate Kumar. Anyhow, I guess it is too late to discuss in that angle as Preethi is all geared up to start what she calls open relationship in the coming year”
Malathy, “I know. That’s why I said you don’t have to drop any of your plans”
Me, “Please enlighten me”
Malathy, “Why do you think we bought the house in Oakland? It was primarily to facilitate our open relationship. We were planning to suggest to you in a subtle manner to move in with us without anyone in your social circle raising eyebrows. Kumar always shows off like your big brother among friends. Now you can have a solid reason of saving money on rent. The house is big enough so that we don’t have to step on each other’s toes. Preethi and I never had a problem sharing work in the kitchen. Neither do you with me. Look at all the positives. I think it is the ideal route. If you are ok with it I will discuss with Preethi. I am sure she will jump at it”
Me, “I am surprised that you want to take my permission to talk to Preethi”
Malathy in a solemn voice, “Anand I have always considered you as the man of your house. Now after knowing the responsibilities you shoulder for Preethi’s betterment my respect for you has grown multifold”
Me, “Oh! Please don’t flatter me”
Malathy, “So, what do you say about moving in with us. But I must warn you it comes with the open relationship if you agree. If you don’t agree then it might turn out to be your wife starting an affair behind your back. There is no way I can curtail Kumar and I think Preethi too after you guys move in with us”
Me, “It sounds okay. And it seems to be the most conducive environment for the open relationship without any social implications. Nevertheless, I will discuss with Preethi and convey my decision”
Around November my company stopped my outstation travel completely. I decided to try my hands on free-lancing. Or rather I was forced to. I sent out feelers among my past clients and other consulting firms in the West. I received some positive responses. In the meanwhile I discussed with Preethi about moving in with Kumar and Malathy. She was thrilled I must say felt overly grateful to them for coming forward to share our burden.
I put my papers up in my company and they requested my continuing till end of December. In the meanwhile a client in New York had responded favorably and wanted me to start some work right in January. I gave a second thought if we should really move in as I felt I could manage the expenses if I get assignments like that. But then there was no guarantee that I will get such assignments till Preethi finishes her M.Arch and start earning. So I decided to go with the flow on the decision taken.
A decent sized architectural firm in SF had accepted Preethi for internship and also promised her a plum job after her M.Arch. I was excited thinking about the upcoming open relationship and thrilled to the core about realizing my fantasy.
In the last week of the millennium I had work out of town till Friday the 31st December 1999. We had planned moving in over the new-year weekend. The weekend before that we organized our stuff, planned the packing process with general chit-chat.
Out of the blue Preethi started that conversation that helped me to lay some ground rules.
“We owe a favor to Kumar and Malathy” started Preethi. I was mildly surprised at her taking Malathy’s gesture into heart to such an extent. After all we both knew that it was primarily to facilitate open relationship without any social implications. So, I really didn’t think that Malathy was doing a great favor. I was sure Kumar is the primary beneficiary from the open relationship.
“You mean for allowing us to move in with them?” I asked casually
“Yes. In such difficult times nobody would have come forward” she elaborated. These words I was sure were not fed by Malathy. I always knew Kumar was making advances but never thought he will also feed such thoughts into her mind.
“I know” I simply concurred
“We need to repay them” she continued
“Tell me how we can go about” I enquired feigning interest
“I know you will be helpful in the house as always. I will share her work in the kitchen. In addition I can provide her relief in her bedroom chores”
“Oh! You mean the open relationship” I quipped
“No, I mean much more than that” she retorted
“Like what?” I asked intrigued
She replied “How shall I put it? I will take up Malathy’s bedroom chores as Kumar’s mistress” and set the alarm bells in my mind.
“Did you say mistress?” I asked in the most incisive tone
She gave an elaborate explanation saying, “I said that due to lack of words. I meant I will take up her bedroom duties in place of his wife. I can’t say as his wife can I? And surrogate wife sounded too artificial”
“Can you explain what it entails?”
She hesitated a bit and then started as though after resolving in her mind what to say, “I should spend a few nights with him”
I realized it is not sessions any more but nights! But it excited me thinking lewd about pleasuring her well used body afterwards.
She continued quickly adding, “It will be mostly when you are away”
I realized it is not any more ‘only when you are away’. Still I must say, I was excited no less.
She further drove the point saying, “But don’t be alarmed if he needs further sessions” implying even when I was in town.
Her enthusiasm irritated me. But suddenly thinking Preethi as his mistress, as his sex slave, I felt cold sweat and was thoroughly excited. It was a fight between my self-respect and fantasy.
She continued justifying, “After all it is his house. Malathy may not reciprocate for this favor. Neither should we insist on that. We are repaying a favor and not swapping partners”
I started fuming inside with my self-respect taking an edge over my fantasy. But I did not show it. Anger was something I learned to control when I was very young. Only my fantasy still irritated me causing a raging hard-on.
“You might be able to enjoy her fruits, whenever luck favors you” she said consoling me. I don’t know she intended a pun thinking about Malathy’s juicy breasts.
"Are you suggesting that I should vacate my bed for him, if he insists?" I asked lacing my voice with enough sarcasm that made Preethi sense my discomfort. My self-respect was winning.
"That will be only if that happens when you are in town. I just said that we need to preserve decorum of our relationships so that such a thing would never happen" she said toning her enthusiasm a little.
“Can you explain that?” my tone still the same
"I didn’t mean you vacating our bed literally” suddenly realizing the implications of my question and continued, “I meant you should subtlety pave ways"
I remained silent.
She continued with renewed confidence, “He is sexually frustrated right now. Accommodating him now, would aptly repay their favors," she added.
"I didn't understand how I should be paving ways?" I asked purposely wanting to know if she would be spending entire night with him while I am at home.
"I also don’t know. I guess it will become clear as time passes. If you suspect Kumar is up to something, then assume so and don't intervene. Just take the cue and offer us more privacy" she said. I saw her face radiating in pleasure as she said that.
"Malathy will help you, if required," she added.
That was it. By then my self-respect had won hands down.
“Are you through?” I asked in my authoritative tone that Preethi knows. I could see the realization that she had overstepped hitting her.
“Preethi, I cannot tolerate my lawfully wedded wife being someone’s mistress” I fired my first salvo.
She remained silent.
“Do you know what it entails to be one’s mistress?”
I didn’t find guilt in her face but a bit of disappointment mixed with a lot of fear.
“I am sure Kumar must have educated you. Nevertheless I will enlighten you. The first responsibility is making yourself available whenever he needs you, no questions asked. That means ignoring my needs to fulfill his. Forget about my needs. That means laying down your dignity opening yourself whenever he gets the urge. Your elaboration earlier already implied that you are fully up to this responsibility”
I saw her face going sullen and very worried.
I continued, “The second responsibility, which is not really a responsibility but a practice, is reserving sexual privileges exclusively for him. I don’t care what you do with him but I am sure Kumar will derive crooked pleasure insisting. And you may comply, putting your loyalty to him ahead me. The third responsibility is bearing his children. Thankfully, that seems the only thing you not up to”
When I completed my explanation it was obvious that she did not expect Malathy to educate me also about the responsibilities of a mistress. Sensing my discomfort Malathy had almost convinced me to accept her being his mistress in close confines without stepping on my toes or bruising our dignity. Either Preethi was not aware of that or she tried pushing her luck using favor as a bait.
Preethi’s face registered fright for the first time as I continued.
“Please understand I am not standing with a begging bowl. And I am capable of figuring out how to repay for their favor preserving our dignity. But if you are eager to become his mistress in the pretext of repaying their favor, then please assume that will be the end of our marriage” I said it with a finality that literally shook her.
“No” she almost wailed and continued almost in tears, “Dear, please don’t think that I am eager to be his mistress. I will never do any of those things. I am sorry I got carried away thinking how much we owe them. I am sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you in any manner” and she started sobbing.
She came rushing to me. But I walked out of the house to get some fresh air and allowing her to come to terms. I knew she was over enthused. I also was highly excited about the open relationship. At the same time, her accepting such a role hurt my ego way too much.
When I returned back I saw her face was swollen after crying for a while. I felt bad for her and wanted to take her in my arms consoling her. Again, this was a crucial point in our life. We were venturing to do something that is unthinkable for people back home. At that point my agreement to the open relationship was not to save my marriage as Malathy kept reiterating. As I had already started my relationship with Malathy I felt Preethi too was entitled to it. I felt she too was entitled her share of fantasies.
Instead, if I acted chauvinistic and broke our marriage, Preethi will suffer the most. I didn’t want to put her through that. So, it was my excitement, reasoning, so called modernistic thinking and more importantly my love for her and my commitment to hold our marriage intact were the factors that made me agree to the open relationship. I wanted her to share that mind-set.
I knew I will live through this fantasy and get over it in time. Likewise I wanted Preethi also to get over it. By the time we expand our family I wanted both of us to get rid of them and live life normally. I wanted us to set ideal examples to our child (or children if we go through the adopting route). They are anyway going to be exposed to enough and more in the US. I didn’t want that exposure to start at home for them.
![[+]](https://xossipy.com/themes/sharepoint/collapse_collapsed.png)