Adultery No One Dies a Saint (Completed)

[krish_999]

Chapter 38

Anvita

Anvita woke up with remorse and fear. Remorse for what she did with Shreyas and fear for what Rajat could do to her. She had let Shreyas kiss and touch her body in all the wrong way. She walked into the kitchen and stood near the stove and hated being there. A few hours ago, she was there, leaning over the countertop, allowing a man to kiss her at the most private part of her body. And she was there, kneeling down boldly, and taking his erect rod in her mouth voluntarily, looking into his eyes like a whore. Lust had seized the control over her. It had made her behave like a whore whose only want was to be fucked.
Anvita could not believe how she had promised Shreyas everything.
“I promise you.” Didn’t you just say those words?
And then, while her loving and unsuspecting husband lay asleep next to her in her marital bed, she went on to engage in phone sex with his boss. She could not believe how she was moaning to his words that explained how he was jerking his penis. She was thrilled to hear how he was rubbing her panty over his face. A sense of sluttishness had crept in her skin when he said how he was licking on it.
Anvita cringed in self-contempt as she recollected anything of the night before.
She stood near the stove and cried silently.

Anvita never used to exercise on weekends. That day, she thought differently. She felt choked inside the apartment. She needed fresh air. She needed to calm her down before Atul woke up. She put on her running kit and went to the park. When she was coming back half an hour later, she saw Rajat.
She had been anticipating this meeting since this morning, and her heart began to pound harder as he walked closer.
He smiled at her.
“I thought you wouldn’t wake up so early today.”
Anvita suddenly felt good. I have broken his expectations whatsoever.
“Why? You thought I was off the limit?”
He laughed.
“Don’t be shy, Anvita. Stop pretending you haven’t done anything.”
He came closer and lowered his voice.
“I know Atul isn’t taking good care of you. But you don’t need to go for old men.”
Anvita froze. She wanted to charge into him violently.
“What the fuck are you saying?”
She clenched her teeth.
“It’s time to stop fighting me, dear. I am your saviour. Why don’t you realize it?”
Anvita took a deep breath.
“I thought you are a good friend, Rajat. You told me you were just kidding me. But now you are trying to intimidate me with a purpose.”
“It doesn’t matter what I am doing, Anvita. What matters is what you are doing. What were you doing with that man yesterday? Your husband was unconscious and helpless, don’t deny it. I was not blind.”
“So? You think I was gonna invite his boss into my bed?”
“No. I don’t think exactly that. What I think is,” Rajat watched the surroundings before he moved even closer, inches away from her face. “You have already have invited him to your bed. Who do you think had unhooked your bra inside your top?”
Anvita wished a lightning struck at the moment, taking away one life from the face of the earth with its unstoppable force. She prayed to the Lord for a moment. Either him or me, it’s your choice, please. Her heartbeats soared, throat became dry, and she could not utter a word.
Rajat studied her carefully, and her face told him it was his moment.
“I think we should have a detailed discussion about it, Anvita. I am certainly sad to see you this way. You need to talk. I understand it’s not the right place.”
Anvita could only look at him meekly.
All the courage she had acquired while running in the park had vanished in seconds. She was a failed woman who was caught in a heinous act that she can never undo.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
She said in a lifeless voice.
“I want to, Anvita. And I am gonna do it with either you or Atul. You decide it.”
He said firmly and walked away.

Anvita watched his back till he disappeared from her eyesight. But he was not gone. She felt he was right behind her as she walked with fragile steps. She was trapped like a mouse in a cage. The only way out is into the hands of the trapper. He will decide my life. Anvita knew. He will make me go with him to wherever he wants me. She was certain. Next time Atul is away, he could make her turn up at his apartment, in his room, and it will take merely a nudge to fell her into his bed.
Anvita cringed at the thought. She stood under the shower and wept. It is going to happen. Anvita imagined her almost dead, lying under Rajat. And she imagined him on top of her, completely alive; happily pushing his way down to the innermost place of her body, destroying her soul forever. Like Neeti, I too would become his property. He will use me whenever Atul is away. Like Neeti, I would become his obsession.

There was only one way out of this. Confess. Anvita decided. I will confess everything to Atul. I am gonna tell him who Shreyas is.
I will tell how Rajat has been blackmailing me. It will make Rajat’s version of events irrelevant. Anvita hoped.
But it was easier thought than done. Anvita had no idea whether Atul will believe her or not. Why would he believe her that she didn’t have sex with him? Why would he believe her that she had stopped at where she had stopped? It was an unbelievable coincidence that she was stopped every time at the right moment.
Rajat could tell Atul how swollen her lips were after the late night dinner. Why should Atul believe that nothing happened that day? It was improbable for a man to believe his wife in such a scenario. A good wife should never be in such a scenario, in the first place.
Yet, Anvita hoped her husband would believe her. He loves me. He will believe my words. My words only. She assured herself.
“Why are you so gloomy today?”
Atul asked her during breakfast.
“I know I went out of limit yesterday, baby. I am sorry for that. I shouldn’t have tasted your drink and mixed it with mine. It was stupid. I am sorry.”
He leaned and patted on her arm.
“No…I…”
Anvita stammered, wondering if it was the moment.
A battle was still going on inside her.
Why doesn’t he find it out himself that I have been unfaithful to him? Why can't he just find it out from some clues I have missed? Why can’t he just interrogate me like a criminal and accuse me of infidelity? Anvita wished it all in a second. I would confess it all. I would tell him how his boss kissed me and fondled me and touched me and groped me.

The breakfast finished. The lunch finished. Throughout them, she planned her confession, starting from the right words to the tone of her voice. But Anvita never got the courage to speak up. She could not speak out a single word that would trigger a confession from her. She felt she was the most pathetic creature alive on the face of the earth. She felt pity for herself.

That noon, they had a guest. Rajyavardhan. Atul’s dad. He was furious at Atul.
Anvita did not understand when it started.
Rajyavardhan was in need of money. When Anvita served him a glass of water, he looked her once from head to toe and turned his face away, completely expressionless. He did not turn to her after that.
“What is happening, Atul?”
She asked, taking him aside.
“Why he’s so angry?”
“Dad needs money to set things right, Anvi. His farm is closed.”
“Then we should help.”
“How? Whatever I had I gave it to Vikas, you know that. My bank balance is next to nothing, now.”
“I have some money in my account; I haven’t spent most of my salary.”
“What! He’s talking about twenty lakhs and you are talking like twenty thousand!”
“Twenty lakhs?”
Anvita was stunned.
“What are we going to do now?”
“We’ll have to take a loan.”
“Twenty lakhs loan? You already have one housing loan.”
“That’s what dad is so furious about. He was against it when I bought this apartment. He wanted me to buy a moderate one. I was not ready, because I could afford this one. I hadn’t told him the actual cost. Now’s he’s feeling cheated. He has the reason to be angry.”
Atul told Rajyavardhan his plan to take another loan.
“But it will take some days.”
“I can't go home without money.”
Dad declared.
“You can stay with us.” Atul said. “Just two-three days; we’ll have a solution.”
The whole day, Rajyavardhan did not speak a word to Anvita. However, the sudden intrusion of her father-in-law in her life had somehow put a break to her thought process on the confession. She had neither the time nor the will to think about her confession.

Monday morning, when she was getting ready, she finally had his attention.
“Where are you going?”
Anvita looked at Atul. He cleared his throat.
“Dad. She’s...She’s got a job in a company.”
Rajyavardhan gave him a stern look.

---    ---    ---
Shreyas came to meet Anvita in the evening. She sat with him in his car and asked him to stop afar from the crowd’s attention.
“I know you must be looking forward to seeing more of me. I am sorry, Shreyas. I can’t do that. I made a…I mean we made a huge mistake. We shouldn’t have done those things. We went too far. We can’t be like this. We are not supposed to. Yesterday I spent the whole day crying. I could not look at his face. It makes me wanna die.”
Tears had begun rolling off her eyes.
“I told you this many times before; that you are a gentleman. I like that. But not in the way you perhaps wanted me to. I don’t even know what you expect from me. In fact, I shouldn’t even care. I am married to Atul. I love him, Shreyas. He is my life. I don’t want to lose him. Please stay away from me. If you care for me, please stay away.”
Anvita pressed her face into her hands and cried.
Shreyas sat there silently and he understood her pain.
“I am sorry too, Anvita. It is so sad to see you crying like this. I want to stop you from this but I have no right to do that. I am the one responsible for each drop of your tears. All I can say is, all I can say to make you better is, I will do what you say; whatever you say.”
Anvita wiped her face with tissue papers and looked down, trying to calm her down.
“I was a gentleman in the beginning. Yes. Because I did not have the confidence to walk up to a woman and speak to her. I was born that way. Then I met you and you changed me. I am glad that I met you. You might say I’ve lost my gentleness, but I can say I’ve grown as a man and I am thankful to you for that. I can feel the difference in my life, in my office, or wherever I go, I am more confident than I ever was. Learning never stops, growing never stops. And I am thankful to you for that. I may not be a gentleman like I used to be, but I am still a good man, Anvita. There is no way I am gonna harm you. I won’t ask you out for dates. We can be just friends. Or if you want us to be merely acquaintances, that’s also welcome. All I want now is to make sure you get your peace of mind. You have made me a man, so I should behave truly a man.”
Anvita sat in silence, listening to his long, measured assurance. His words were like a breeze. It calmed her down like she never thought possible. She looked at him, in the end, and smiled.
“You are still a gentleman. I am still glad to have met you. It is going to make me a strong woman. May God bless you, Shreyas!”
She nodded at him and quickly stepped out of the car.
Shreyas nodded and waved his hand to her and drove away. Anvita did not wait to see him vanish into the busy traffic as she walked back.

---    ---    ---

Rajyavardhan agreed to spend three days with them. Atul arranged for his lunch and evening tea delivered at home from a nearby restaurant. The dad and son spoke very little. Every night when Atul is home he would explain the updates on his loan process. Atul seemed tensed every night.
“I’ll probably have to be out of town next weekend, baby.”
He said when he came home Tuesday.
“When?”
“Next Saturday. I will come back on Sunday.”
“What type of business deal is that? How come your clients show up in bars only?”
Anvita joked.
“These are not official meetings, Anvi. I am trying extra hard here. If I get this deal, it will do a lot of good things to me.”
“Then why are you so tensed? I will pray for you. It will go very good and the deal will be yours.”
Anvita hugged him. Atul caressed her back lovingly.
That night Atul spoke about Prithvi.
“Do you have any clue how did he find the truth about us?”
Anvita was cautious.
“Why are you so tensed about it? If he did find who you are, then what? Why do you want him not to find it out?”
Anvita questioned.
“I think he's avoiding me nowadays. I used to run into him very often but…”
“So what? Why do you care that much for him?”
Anvita grinned.
Atul was answerless.
Anvita felt she must see Prithvi again.

Wednesday Atul brought his dad the good news.
“Loan is ready. All the process is done. Cash will arrive tomorrow.”
“I will wait until it arrives.”
Rajyavardhan said.
Thursday was the month end. Anvita left office one hour early and reached home with a couple of packets. She handed them to Rajyavardhan.
“It’s a shirt for you, dad; and a saree for mom.”
He stared at her.
“What for?”
Anvita was stunned.
“I don't know why you are always angry at me.”
She said disappointedly.
“You have taken away my son. Don't tell me you don't know that.”
He grunted.
“I am just his wife. Where have I...”
“My son never disobeyed me until he met you. I had found him a girl and he said no because of you.”
“He loved me.”
“He loved you! Yes, and he forgot his own family.”
“No. It’s not true.”
“He’s gonna regret it one day, I know.”
Anvita’s face darkened. She turned away to walk away.
“If he had married the girl I chose for him, his father-in-law would have showered him with huge cash. And he wouldn’t have had to face all this.”
Rajyavardhan said.
“Look at him now. Running around for loans! He’s making his wife work and still, he’s running around.”
“It’s not for me. It is for his family. The same family you said he’s forgotten.”
Anvita said bitterly.
Rajyavardhan got up from the couch and slowly walked to her and stood in front of her.
“You know what I have come here for; to remind him what he has forgotten.”
He looked at her with his burning eyes. Anvita could not face him.

When Atul came home, he was disappointed.
“There’s a delay, dad. It will take two-three days more.”
Rajyavardhan gave him a scornful look.
“I knew it’d turn up like this.”
Atul had no reply.

Next morning as Anvita was coming back after jogging, Rajat stopped her way.
“Too busy, Anvita?”
Anvita was flustered. Rajat moved closer.
“But I am sure you have a decision in my favor.”
His smirk was so evil that Anvita was forced to turn away for a moment.
“Rajat… give me some more time. Please.”
“Why do you need more time? You think my memory will fade away?”
“Atul’s dad is home. Please understand.”
“Wow. That should increase my odds.”
Anvita cringed in hatred. For a moment she calculated the risks and benefits of bringing his case to Rajyavardhan. Perhaps he will break his leg, but then it will be a joke in the neighborhoods.
“You are making my life a hell, Rajat.”
“That’s the last thing I want, dear. I want you to be happy, I mean in every way. I can understand your situation, and I am gonna wait for some more time. Then you’ll give me a date. We will talk it out. All I want is to talk. You have nothing to worry, Anvita.”
Anvita knew he wouldn’t waste even a second spent talking. The moment she surrenders to him, he will jump on her like a wild animal on its prey and…Anvita couldn’t think further.

Friday morning Rajyavardhan spoke to Anvita.
“I need to speak to you. Come home early today.”
Anvita was anxious throughout the day. When she reached home, he was waiting.
“What is wrong with you and Atul?”
Anvita did not understand.
“What is wrong?”
“I am asking you. You both do not look like married. Doesn’t he love you?”
Anvita’s face became red.
“What absurdity are you talking, dad?”
“It is not absurdity!”
His voice rose. “I’ve been watching you every day. I need just a look at you in the morning to say what you’ve done in the night. And you have done nothing.”
Anvita could not believe her ears. It took her no time to understand where he was aiming.
“What are you...”
“It’s been a week. Don't try to cook up excuses.”
Anvita could not stand this insult anymore.
“It’s none of your business.”
She said bitterly.
“It is,” his voice rose again. “You are my daughter in law. I know it is Atul’s mom’s duty to ask you but she’s not here. I want to know if there’s something wrong with you.”
“Why don't you ask your son?”
“I know my son. He is my son. He can fail anywhere but in bed.”
More than what he said, the tone of his voice content with pride annoyed Anvita. She wanted to laugh at his face.
“You should ask him before you decide that!”
Rajyavardhan stared at her a moment.
“So he’s not good enough for you! Right!”
“No. He is the right man for me. Everything else is your imagination.”
“Prove it.”
“What?”
“Tomorrow morning, I want proof for he loves you.”
“Are you mad?”
“You talk too much. Do as I say. I won’t think twice before I take my son and go home. I know how to deal with this.”
Anvita shook her face and stormed into her bedroom and sat silently.
What a moron! She thought. How can Atul be the son of this arrogant frog?
“Anvita.”
Rajyavardhan was at the door.
“I know it will be difficult to face the truth. Think wisely. Ask yourself if you are doing well to him. Ask if he’s doing it right for you.”
Anvita turned to him angrily.
“What if he’s not doing it right to me? What solution do you have? Are you a doctor or something?”
“I can talk to him on that.”
Oh no! The last thing Anvita wanted to happen was Rajyavardhan letting Atul know that he is careless in bed. It’s better to die before that. Anvita thought.

When Atul came, Anvita seemed moody to him.
“What happened, Anvi?”
“Nothing.”
She forced a smile quickly.
After the shower, Anvita watched her nude body in the mirror.
What is dad seeing in me that tells him I haven’t mated for long? Even if there was something, when did he notice that? Anvita was confused. Is he watching me? He is watching me; and that is happening when I am not looking at him for sure. Anvita remembered a dream she once had about him. It had her making out with him while they lay on top of a herd of sheep.
Anvita felt uneasiness and quickly got dressed.

While having dinner Anvita’s eyes kept falling at Rajyavardhan. He did not look at her even once. But she had a gut feeling that he was studying her.
Does he have a third eye? Where at me is he looking, exactly? The more Anvita pondered, the more she became anxious.
“What is happening, Anvi?”
Atul asked when she was in the bed.
“What happened?”
“You are lost.”
“No. I am not lost.”
She hugged him lightly and smiled.
“Are you here?”
Atul held her arm.
“What do you think?”
“I think you are not here. You are somewhere else. It’s been a couple of weeks since you were here.”
She whispered and kissed him. Before she could turn it intense, he moved away.
“Not today, Anvi.”
Oh no!
“What happened?”
“I am tired, baby.”
“Why?”
“I feel stressed. I need a drink. But dad is here, I can't have one.”
“You can have it now. I am not gonna tell your dad.”
She smirked.
“No. No drinks after dinner.”
“First you decide whether you want a drink or not.”
Atul was amused.
“Today you are very cooperative. What’s happening here? Has the heaven come down?”
“I don't want to see my dear hubby stressed. It’s a wife’s duty to help you out.”
When they lay down, Anvita put her arms on him.
“Turn to me, Atul.”
She cooed.
Atul turned his head to her.
“What?”
Anvita snuggled into him and rubbed her nose against his chin.
“Just sleep, baby.”
Atul hugged her. A cold, lazy and tired embrace. Anvita knew it was not happening today.

Anvita could not find sleep. She was not able to get Rajyavardhan off her mind. She knew she could easily dismiss his arrogant intrusions to her private life. She knew she would be better never to take him seriously, but she was failed by Atul’s indifference. She was drawn to Rajyavardhan’s conclusion that something was wrong between them.

The following morning Anvita woke up with a question. Will he find out?
She stepped out of the room and looked at the hall. Rajyavardhan was already there, doing yoga.
Anvita stopped a moment to look at his shirtless, strong built body. He just had a dhoti around his waist, and his grey-haired chest caught her attention immediately. He was too busy in his act and took his time to turn toward her. Anvita stood still, perfectly aware of the fact that he is analysing whether she was fucked by his son on the previous night. She felt her heartbeats on a rise, yet she stood there. Let him know, Anvita. Let’s see what he does. She heard a voice from inside.
Rajyavardhan stared at her a few seconds before turning his attention to his exercise.
Didn't he just look at my lips?
Anvita was sure they were not swollen. She knew her hair was not tousled. The small mark of her vermillion was intact. As he had told her, with just one look, he could make out what she has done in her bed. Yes, dad. I haven’t done anything.
At breakfast, Anvita’s face was down to her plate. Rajyavardhan sat opposite to her. she could not look at him at all. She felt he’s studying her again, without looking at her.
A mind game was going on. And Anvita had lost it.

One hour later, when Atul was gone to market Anvita walked into the hall and stood in front of Rajyavardhan. He looked at her from head to toe. She felt she was being scanned.
“What do you have to say now?”
He asked. Anvita took a moment to reply.
“Yes. Your son did not initiate it yesterday.”
“Did you try to encourage him?”
Anvita thought a moment.
“Yes. But...”She shrugged. “What solution do you have for that?”
“He said no?”
“He was tired.”
“Tired!”
Rajyavardhan scoffed.
“Tired men use their women to rejuvenate. Don't you know?”
“I don't know that. Atul sleeps when he’s tired.”
“Which mountain did he move yesterday that left him so tired? Anvita, you are not trying to understand what I am telling you. If you don't get him addicted to your blood and sweat in bed, he’ll be gone. If you can't hold him tight, let him go. I will give him a woman who can awake him.”
“Stop it!”
Anvita yelled.
“How can you talk like this? You are a father, don't forget that!”
“I am a man. If I were him even your neighbours would know when I am at it. I can guarantee you that and that is why I can't bear this nonsense. I can't think of him as my son. He has failed me in every way. Do you know that? Yes, I am a father. You should know what it means.”
Anvita lost her cool. She moved forth and knelt in front of him.
“If you think you are a stud and can't bear what your son is doing to me, then drag me to your bed and fuck me! Take your son’s place and stop this nonsense.”
She yelled.
“Don't shout to me!”
Rajyavardhan grunted.
That was his response. He kept his sharp eyes on her and she did not look away.
Rajyavardhan wiped his forehead.
“When Atul went to the city for his studies, I objected. When he finished his studies I wanted him to come back and join my business. But he did not listen and I have lost every dream I had built around my dairy farm. When he grew up I wanted him to marry a girl whose father offered him a huge dowry and he did not listen. I lost what could have helped me rebuild my lost wealth. I lived it all. He is my son. His mom told me I will change when I see his child. What a fool she was. And what a fool I have been to believe her. Where is it happening, Anvita? He doesn’t know how to fuck his wife! How sad! I thought you both are living happily, at least. Now, what am I seeing? I am not sad just for him, but also for you, my child. I am not here to drag you to my bed. My words might have irritated you; this is how I speak. People hate me for that. Look, the only advice I want to give you is, a perfect wife is the one who lives like a goddess during day and acts like a whore at night. You are a goddess during day, I have seen it. The night part, child, you must master.”
Anvita sat down on the floor. Tears rolled down her cheek. Rajyavardhan leaned forward and touched her face.
“I am sorry, dad.”
She held onto his legs and wept. She did not really know why she was crying but somehow she felt like she has found a source of solace. She held him tight and he ran his fingers over her head.
“What is wrong, child?”
He asked. His voice was calm and compassionate. Anvita looked up into his eyes.
“I don't know. I can't see anything wrong.”
She wiped off her tears.
“Atul is much tensed these days, because of the money problem. He is saddened by the situation; he could not help you in time.”
“It is one’s responsibility to help his family.”
“He has the money now. I have a job; I can support him now. Earlier it was not possible to take to loans with his salary only.”
Rajyavardhan let out a sigh.
“I never liked to send my wife to work. I thought it’s a sign of weakness. I have always stood against it when any woman in my family wanted to work. But now it seems I will have to open my eyes. But it makes me feel sad for you. You are losing out here. What did you really see in my son? What have you seen in him apart from the cuteness that comes with a child that he is?”
“Atul is a good person, dad. I don't know what you think of him, I love him so much. I don't love him for what he can give me. I love him for what he is. He is... he is a boy I want to lie down with and hug all night. I am happy with that. And please don't think he’s just a boy. We do enjoy in our bed when the mood strikes both of us.”
Anvita felt calm now. She had told him what was needed to be told.
“I understand, Anvita, my child. Don't cry. Get up.”
Rajyavardhan said in the end.
Anvita got up and washed her face and came back. She looked at him and saw a tiny smile on his face. It was a miracle. She smiled back at him.

Neeti paid a visit to them and handed a bowl of home-cooked sweets.
“It’s for your father-in-law.”
Neeti told Anvita and smiled at Rajyavardhan. He just nodded at her.
Neeti greeted him.
“How are you dad?”
“I am fine. Where is Mohit?”
Anvita was amused to see they had met already.
“He’s not home. Out of town.”
“Really? I talked to him yesterday.”
“Yeah. He left by afternoon. He will return on Monday.”
“Thanks for the sweets. I hope they are delicious like you and your husband.
Neeti was happy when she left.
Dad's banter caught anvita by surprise. She turned to him.
“So you can sweet-talk and befriend people around you! When did it all happen?”
“I can sweet-talk with anyone but my family. I don't want to ruin my kids. Consider me selfish.”
He said.
“That means you are gonna grumpy again when Atul comes.”
“Yes. Sure I am. I can't behave otherwise. I don't know how you have turned me. I think today I have talked to you more than what I talked to Seema in a year.”
Anvita gave him a plate of sweets. He tasted one.
“She knows how to make it.”
He shook his head slowly.
“Delicious like Neeti?”
“Who knows? You should ask your neighbour.”
“Who?”
Anvita looked at him surprised.
“One of your neighbours is sleeping with her.”
He said casually.
“What!”
Anvita was taken aback. Rajyavardhan took another piece of sweet and ate it. Anvita sat there watching him eat it one by one. Anvita wanted to hear more. She knew it was Rajat.
Bastard. He lied that he was done with her.
“Child, my feet are aching. Do you have any ointment?”
Rajyavardhan asked.
“No. But I think I can help you.”
Anvita brought a bowl of warm water and placed his feet in it. She rubbed a wet cloth around his ankles and then patted them dry. She sat down on the floor and massaged his calves.
“You are a wonderful daughter.”
Rajyavardhan said when she finished.
“Oh, God. I am so blessed.”
Anvita smiled.
“My son is lucky, indeed. He has a treasure in the form of you.”
He said.
“Dad, how did you find out Neeti’s secret affair?”
Anvita asked later.
“What is secret about it? Even you knew it already.”
Her eyes bulged.
“You are unbelievable. How do you know all these?”
“I told you I just need one look to say who’s sleeping with whom.”
“Tell me about Neeti.”
“It’s easy. Her husband is out of town. But I can say she was, uh, don’t mind my language; she was fucked like a whore last night.”
Anvita rather enjoyed his language.
“To me, she seemed alright.”
“You were not looking. You were just seeing. Even if she hadn’t told me about her husband today, I would have found it.”
“How?”
“I can also look at men and say what they are like. Her husband is an average fellow when it comes to sex. He doesn’t do it like what she had to endure yesterday.”
Anvita was bewildered.
“What was it like?”
“I can't be explicit anymore.”
“Tell me. I am okay.”
“No.”
Rajyavardhan shook his head. Anvita made a disappointed face.
“Please. Please…please…”
“Let me put it this way; he’s like what Atul is in there with you. And what she got is what you have never gotten.”
“That’s bullshit!”
Anvita exclaimed and pressed her hand to her mouth.
“I’m sorry, dad.”
He smirked.
“See, this is why I don’t mingle much with youngsters. You eventually lose respect. Do you remember George? He’s a friend of me and he is very close to Atul too, like a friend. I always kick his butt for that. You can't be a friend with your next generation. You don’t need to.”
“That’s something else. Don’t change the subject now. Why do you think Atul is boring in bed?”
“I didn’t say that. If you think that’s enough, it is good. Where does the issue of boredom in that?”
“But you said…”
“You should ask Neeti. She’s your friend. She will tell you what her secret lover has done to her. But promise me, you won’t be tempted to try it.”
“You know, you are delivering a lot of insults, demeaning lines between your talking.”
“But as I see, you like it.”
“What! No!”
Anvita shook her head. Rajyavardhan ignored her displeasure.
“Anvita, you think you are holding an open conversation but I can see you are holding a lot of things back.”
“For example?”
“For example…”
Rajyavardhan thought for a moment.
“One, when I told you your neighbour has an affair, you pretended like you never knew of it already.”
“How did you know that I knew it already?”
“I can look at you and tell how honest you are. You can't be pretentious to me. No one can beat my eyes.”
His eyes were locked into his. She had a hard time facing them.
“Give me another example.”
“You said you love Atul for what he is and you are content with your life. You may believe so; but the truth is, you can't be. It’s a lie.”
Anvita was speechless. Rajyavardhan leaned forward and held her, helping her get up and he sat her with him.
“Anvita, I have just seen what happens in these big buildings and city life. I don’t want you to lose out and end up betraying my son. You have to find a way to wake him up. Otherwise, you’ll find it boring to live with him. There will come a time when you start feeling he’s not good for you. I can already see it in you. You won’t deny if I say there are nights when he dozes off and you are left with no choice. I don’t know if you’d try to help yourself, you know what I am talking about, don’t you?”
Anvita did not know what to say or what she wanted to say. She meekly turned her eyes down.
“I am not going to ask him to step up. I am not that good in communicating with him. Now I am lucky to find a way with you. If you find yourself in a situation you are tempted to betray him, please tell me first. I will help you find a way to avoid that. If nothing is possible, I will speak to him. It is so bad if a dad has to teach his son how to fuck, but if it’s necessary I will do that too.”
Rajyavardhan got to his feet and walked to the balcony, leaving Anvita with her own at the hall.

Anvita was at the brink of collapse. She remembered her little slips with Shreyas and Varun. She remembered how she had pleasured many times fantasizing them; the other men.
I have let them fuck me in my mind. Anvita could not believe how desperate she had become. If they had forced a little more, I would have given up. And I would have betrayed Atul. My Atul.
Anvita wept silently.

When Atul came, he was happy.
“The loan is credited.”
He announced. Anvita was saddened suddenly, knowing Rajyavardhan would be returning soon.
“Finally! I must leave now.”
Rajyavardhan said.
“Now? You can leave tomorrow, dad.”
Anvita said. Atul looked at her surprised.
“I… I am cooking something special tonight.”
Anvita said quickly. Rajyavardhan stared at her blankly and then nodded.
“Okay. If she says so. Let me see what your wife can cook for me.”

Later, Atul walked into the kitchen.
“Why the hell did you stop him? You could have cooked this special for me.”
“What is wrong with you? He’s your dad.”
“I hate my dad.”
“But I love your dad.”
Anvita felt happy when she said that.
“You think you can impress him by showering him with affection. Don’t be a fool. He’s an animal.”
Atul grunted.
“So what? If he keeps you from drinking, I’ll prefer him staying here every day.”
Anvita grinned.

When she finished cooking, she was satisfied with her effort. But Rajyavardhan said nothing of it. He ate silently without even a bit of concern for her efforts. She knew Atul would like the dish, but dad’s presence kept him silent.
“Your dad is really an animal.”
Anvita murmured when she was in bed. Atul chuckled.

Rajyavardhan left in the morning. Anvita wanted to sit with him for some time even though she had no clue about what to talk. She had nothing to tell and nothing to hear. But his presence would make her calm. She felt a good girl in front of him. It felt good.

When Rajyavardhan was gone, Anvita was disappointed. She felt like something was taken away from her. The goodness was draining out of her.
She felt corrupt.
No. I will not fail him. I will be a good wife. I will not see any desperate dream. She tried to assure herself.
However, she constantly bore a gut feeling that it was just the calmness before a storm.

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