05-11-2024, 03:49 PM
update continues
Ashwin ended the call, and within the next fifteen minutes, his car rolled through the apartment gate, closely followed by Roopa's. Stepping out, he noticed the watchmen interrogating the girls still inside the car. The watchmen had stopped Roopa's car upon entry to ask about their visit and destination. As Roopa conversed with them, Ashwin intervened, assuring the watchmen that the girls were his guests. He signaled Roopa to park in the guest area, then addressed the watchmen, stating the girls would stay overnight and their vehicle needed watching. As he began to walk away, the watchmen called out, "Sir?" Ashwin, scratching the back of his head with a knowing smile, understood the implication. He discreetly handed money to the watchmen, who saluted in response. With the matter settled, Ashwin walked towards Roopa's car.
The watchmen watched as Ashwin walked toward the girls. Now that they had stepped out of the car and all the girls were young and sexy, he thought, What a lucky bastard he is! He got money and a good life. He brought a girl with him to his apartment occasionally, with whom he spent the night, but this is the first time he brought a bunch of girls in. I am sure this guy is going to bang them, but which one is the first? With that in mind, he watched Ashwin and the girls leave the parking lot and walk toward the lift. The watchmen left to the gates with a sigh of nostalgia.
After giving money to the watchman, Ashwin walked towards the girls. As he reached them, they all exited the car. He gestured towards the lift, and they followed him. During the walk and the lift ride, he chatted with Pooja and the others, though he spoke more with Pooja. The other girls watched them as they talked. Pooja conversed with him without making eye contact, while he looked at her. Upon reaching the floor, they walked to his house. Ashwin opened the door, and the girls stepped inside, marveling at the cleanliness of the house. Although Ashwin was not there, he had made arrangements for regular cleaning, so the house appeared cool and clean, especially after the morning's tidying, making it all the more appealing.
Sameera: Wow, you have a pretty big house, sir.
Ashwin: Thank you, but please, no 'sir.'
Sameera: I'll try to remember, but it might take some time to get used to it.
Ashwin: Okay, no problem. Girls, feel free to treat this place like your own house and settle down. With that, he leaves for his room.
Riya: Hey, this house is cool, right? Does he own it, or is he just renting?
Reena: Hey, don't talk like that. I think it's his house.
Pooja: Girls, it's his own house; he owns it, okay?
Roopa: Mmmhh... How do you know that, Pooja? Her voice is serious and mocking at the same time. All the girls look at Pooja, wondering how she knows.
Pooja: Hey, relax. He told me it's his own house when he brought me here last time.
Sameera: What? He brought you here before? She said in a mocking tone, her hands on her cheeks as if expressing shock on her face but in a jovial manner.
Pooja: tossed her handbag to Sameera, who caught it just in time. "He brings me here, you all know that, right? From the pub," she said seriously.
Riya: "We all know that, but since you mentioned 'the word' last time, we thought he might bring you here without us knowing." She winked at Pooja playfully.
"Hey, it's nothing like that, okay?" Pooja started to retort, but before she could continue, Ashwin emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray of snacks, which he always kept on hand, along with five cups of coffee for the group.
Ashwin announced, "Hey girls, you are all my guests now, so please enjoy the coffee and snacks." As he spoke, the girls' faces showed their discontent, except for Pooja, who was the first to accept the coffee from him. However, as Pooja turned to her friends, they stared at her as if she had done something wrong. Pooja looked at her friends, questioning with her eyes. Riya stepped forward, took the coffee from Pooja, and placed it back on Ashwin's plate, saying, "If we really wanted it, we could have it at a cafe. Okay, we're here for a celebration, and you, sir—sorry, Ashwin—you're just offering us some snacks and coffee? No, this is not what we expected."
Pooja: "Hey, we're in his house, so he treats us with it. Take it or leave it, but you all..." She's cut off before she can finish.
Ashwin: "What's wrong, girls?"
Sameera: "Sir, we planned to drink alcohol tonight, not coffee. It's not good, okay? You stopped us from going to the pub as we planned, and now you..."
Reena: "Yes, sir, we want to drink, not coffee. It's okay, we'll take it, but we're going to the pub right after, okay?"
Ashwin smiles a bit too loudly. "Oh, that's what you all want? Okay, girls, just sit on the sofa in the hall. I'll be right back." Ashwin then sneaks off to the kitchen again.
Sameera: "Hey, if he brings out some supermarket beverages and calls it alcohol, we're leaving immediately, okay?" With that, all the girls sit on the sofa.
Pooja: "Hey, why do you all act like this? He is our mentor in the project, don't forget. He just offered us coffee; we can take it and leave this place quickly, but you all..."
Roopa: "We all what, Pooja? Hey Sameera, she speaks with concern for him, do you see it?"
Sameera: "Yes, Roopa. Hey Pooja, he was our mentor in the project, but now he is our friend. He himself said it an hour ago, okay? Don't we ask our friend for something we want when we go to his house? Maybe to you, he is more than a mentor and friend, but to us, now he is just our friend. So we would ask what we want from him, okay?" She said in a playful and assertive tone. Pooja put her hands on her head in a gesture as if to say, 'There's no use speaking with you all.'
Ashwin called out from the kitchen, "Hey Pooja, need a little help here!"
Reena teased, "Pooja, your partner is calling you. Go and help him," as she playfully slapped palms with Riya, who laughed along.
Without a word, Pooja entered the kitchen to find Ashwin arranging glass cups on a tray. Upon seeing her, he asked, "Could you take this to the hall and place it on the table in front of the sofa?" She obliged and carried the tray out to the hall.
Riya noticed Pooja coming from the kitchen and remarked, "Hey, looks like he's going to serve some supermarket beverages, just like you predicted, Sameera."
Pooja set the tray down on the table and joined her friends on the sofa. Although there were two single sofas flanking the main one, all the girls chose to sit together on the main sofa, which could accommodate all five of them.
Within minutes, Ashwin approached with his hands behind his back, as if concealing something.
"What are you hiding there, sir?" inquired Reena with a hint of curiosity.
Riya chimed in mockingly, "I bet it's some supermarket beverages with low alcohol content."
Ashwin just smiled at them and, with a flourish of "ta-da," he placed a bottle of Russian vodka on the table in front of them.
Reena exclaimed, "What a find, sir! I saw this bottle at the supermarket near our college. It's a local thing," while all the girls nodded in agreement with Reena. Only Roopa's eyes widened, as she recognized what it was.
Roopa interjected, "Hey, don't talk nonsense, Reena. You really don't know what it is," her tone filled with excitement and surprise.
Sameera chimed in, "What Roopa? She's right. I've seen it in my own town when I go to the supermarket with my mom. I know it's not alcohol. If you want to stop someone from going to the pub, stop them, not all of us, sir," she stated adamantly, twirling her hair with her right hand and her legs crossed.
Both Ashwin and Roopa laughed together, while the other girls exchanged questioning glances.
Roopa declared, "Hey, this one is Russian vodka. I've seen my dad with the same brand."
Ashwin confirmed, "You're right. Your dad and I get this from our common friend. Girls, it's Russian vodka," he revealed the brand name, while Roopa informed her friends of the high price, leaving all the girls with widened eyes.
Sameera: I apologize, sir. Is this truly meant for us? She chuckled lightly.
Ashwin: If not for you, then for whom? With that, he uncapped the bottle and poured vodka for them, demonstrating a skillful handling of the bottle. Roopa, curious, inquired whether he consumed alcohol, recalling his earlier refusal of wine at the pub. He responded, "I don't drink, but that won't prevent me from enjoying liquor at home or serving it to my friends." After a brief pause, he turned to Pooja and said, "Partner." He then filled a cup with vodka and offered it to Pooja, distributing the remaining cups to the other girls. His gaze, however, remained fixed on Pooja as she took a sip of the vodka. Once they all set their cups down, they expressed slight irritation in their throats. Ashwin remarked, "Well, it's your first experience with this, so it's understandable. Don't worry; take these." He handed them some chips, and they continued to chat and drink. After finishing their third round, Ashwin patiently waited, knowing he needed to make his next move. He aimed to have all the girls in a slightly tipsy state, and as they consumed the strong vodka, their inhibitions began to fade, which he had not anticipated.
After the third round, Roopa expressed her desire to explore the house. Ashwin graciously offered to give her a tour, but she declined, preferring to see it on her own. Consequently, Ashwin allowed Roopa, Riya, and Sameera to wander through the house. They discovered that it was spacious, featuring two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a sizable hall, with each bedroom equipped with an attached bathroom. The house exuded a cozy atmosphere. While exploring Ashwin's bedroom, they noticed numerous photographs adorning the walls, all depicting him alone, without any friends. One particular image caught Riya's attention; it was a smaller picture of Ashwin shirtless, positioned lower on the wall. While Sameera and Roopa did not pay much heed to it, Riya took a closer look at the topless photograph, and a stirring sensation arose within her at the mere sight. For a brief moment, she closed her eyes and imagined herself standing beside Ashwin's bed as he approached her, removing his t-shirt while gazing at her. She envisioned herself touching his chest, feeling the firmness of his muscles, as his hand wrapped around her waist, drawing her closer. She let out a soft sigh, but her daydream was interrupted by Sameera's voice calling her name. Riya quickly replied, "Oh, nothing," and smiled mischievously to herself, lightly tapping her head. The other two girls remained oblivious to her thoughts.
Riya observed the array of awards displayed in the almirah, which showcased Ashwin's numerous achievements in both his career and sports. Adjacent to the almirah was a photograph of Ashwin from his college days, holding a football. As Roopa and Sameera discussed Ashwin's accomplishments and trophies, Riya's attention was drawn to the image of him with the ball. She envisioned herself and Ashwin playing football together on an open field, picturing them in sports attire, with Ashwin gazing at her with a look of desire. This thought caused Riya to close her eyes, one hand resting on her head and the other on her abdomen, as a light sweat formed on her brow. Suddenly, Sameera interrupted her daydream, inquiring about the company that had offered Ashwin a position, mentioning a logo she had seen. Riya, slightly irritated, responded with a vague acknowledgment. Roopa, noticing Riya's discomfort, asked if she was feeling unwell due to the heat. Riya suggested they step outside, but Sameera insisted they could turn on the air conditioning. Riya, however, was determined to explore other areas of the house. As they exited Ashwin's bedroom, Riya caught sight of him conversing with Pooja and Reena, feeling a twinge of jealousy as Ashwin's attention seemed focused on Pooja.
Riya contemplated the situation, questioning why Ashwin's attention was consistently directed towards Pooja. She wondered if he ever truly noticed her. Riya had harbored feelings for Ashwin from the very beginning, yet he seemed oblivious to her presence, fixated instead on someone she deemed unworthy. Although she lacked the wealth of Roopa, she believed she possessed greater value than Pooja, considering herself more attractive and intelligent. With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Riya accompanied Sameera and Roopa to the adjacent room, which appeared to be Ashwin's workout area, equipped with a modest home gym. Despite her long-standing interest in Ashwin, she had refrained from expressing it, especially as his gaze often lingered on Pooja. However, the effects of the vodka had emboldened her, allowing her to entertain feelings she had long kept hidden.
Following their brief tour, they arrived at the location where Ashwin and others were engaged in conversation while walking from the gym to the hall. Riya gazed at Ashwin with longing, while simultaneously feeling a pang of jealousy towards Pooja. They all settled beside Pooja and Reena, engaging in light conversation for a while. Sameera and Roopa praised Ashwin for his home and the accolades displayed in his almirah, to which Ashwin expressed his gratitude. Riya continued to look at Ashwin with desire; his charming smile appeared particularly appealing to her that day, likely influenced by the vodka she had consumed. Feeling a surge of attraction, she contemplated expressing her feelings to Ashwin that evening. Her thoughts were interrupted when Ashwin addressed her, asking, "Hey Riya, do you have any thoughts about the house?" She snapped back to reality and replied, "Well, you have a lovely and cozy house, Ashwin." She emphasized his name slightly, a detail that went unnoticed by the other girls but was not lost on Ashwin, who recognized the desire reflected in her eyes. Pleased by Riya's interest, he felt a sense of happiness. After some more conversation, Sameera suggested, "Why don't we play a game, everyone?"
Roopa, curious in tone, asked, "What game?"
Sameera replied, "Any kind, but it must be surprising and thrilling."
Ashwin, feeling the vodka's effects, stood up and addressed the girls, "So, Sameera, what game do you have in mind for this situation?"
"Maybe spin the bottle or truth or dare," Sameera suggested.
Ashwin, catching the girls' attention—except for Pooja, whose eyes were not as wide—proposed, "How about we play 'bottle stand'?"
Reena, unenthusiastic, said, "I thought you'd suggest something different, but 'bottle stand' is nothing new to us."
"I didn't finish," Ashwin interjected. Reena gestured for him to continue. "It's a normal 'bottle stand'. The bottle is half-filled with water; you throw it to stand on the table. If it stands, the thrower picks someone to state a truth about them. If it's true, the chosen person wins and can ask the loser to do anything. If it's false, the thrower gets to decide the dare. Is that okay?"
"I'm in," Riya declared, moving from the sofa to the floor, followed by the others. As the game began, she hoped to convey her interest in Ashwin through the game.
Ashwin placed the bottle on the table and asked, "Who wants to go first?" Sameera, with a playful tone, declared, "I'll start." She grabbed the bottle cap, spun it, and it stood on the table for a moment before toppling over. "Oh!" Sameera exclaimed, disappointed. Then it was Roopa's turn; she replicated Sameera's action, and the bottle remained upright. Now she could choose someone; she chose Reena, who accepted the challenge. Roopa had to say something about Reena. Clearing her throat, Roopa began, "Here's what I think about Reena: she enjoys our company more than being with her family relatives. Right, Reena?" "Hmm, it seems you've guessed right," Reena responded. "Okay, I won the round. Here's what I want from you, Roopa: you have to tell us something you haven't wanted us to know." "Hey, that's not fair," Reena protested, to which Ashwin interjected, "Well, Reena, a dare is a dare. Come on, tell us something you haven't shared with your friends before."
Reena: Okay, guys, well, I have a crush on our college PET, sir.
Sameera: what? Her tone contains elements of shock and surprise.
Riya: oh! Now I finally know the reason why you accompany me to the ground for my practice in a mocking tone.
Ashwin sees that the vodka has started to kick in, and the girls are about to enter the tipsy state soon. They are shedding their shyness bit by bit and becoming more open in his presence soon. He asked who was next, then Reena took the bottle. It was my turn. She said she threw the bottle by holding its cap, threw it upward, and stood in the table. She looked at the faces of others who watched her eagerly. While everyone thought she would choose Roopa, she chose Sameera in a surprising turn.
Reena: "Well, I choose you, Reena," she said.
Sameera: "You choose me?" Her tone revealed her surprise.
Reena: "Yes, Sameera, I choose you. So tell me, what do you think of me?"
Sameera: "Well, you're in love."
Reena: "Wrong, Sameera. I said I have a crush on that guy, but I'm not in love with him."
Sameera: "Don't lie," she said assertively.
Reena: "Why would I lie? You lose, now you have to do what I want you to do, okay?"
Sameera: "Okay," her tone less enthusiastic.
Reena: "Well, we all know that you have a boyfriend, so tell us about him. I mean, what do you like most about him?"
Ashwin was a bit shocked to hear this but did not react. As the game went on, he found himself glancing at Pooja, and noticed Riya looking at him. He realized he was now in a complex web and had to navigate very carefully.
Sameera: "Hey, come on, he's a gem of a person. That's why I love him, okay?"
Reena: "Gem of a person, hmm? How do you know that?" Her lips widened with a smirk while her eyes focused on Sameera. "Did he show his gem to you?"
Ashwin was the first to understand her joke and laughed loudly, with the others joining him a bit later. It took a few seconds for Sameera to understand; she threw the cup she had used to drink vodka at Reena and said, "You're naughty tonight," with a sly smile. It took a minute for the laughter to stop, then Riya took the bottle and threw it upside down on the table where it stood. Now she chose Pooja.
Pooja: I suppose my friend Riya truly enjoys drinking at the pub and dancing with abandon.
Riya: That is incorrect; now you must complete my dare.
Pooja: No, that is not true.
Riya: No falsehoods, my dear. You are required to drink two rounds of vodka now.
Pooja: I have reached my limit for the night.
Riya: Ashwin, pour her a drink.
Ashwin eagerly filled Pooja's cup with vodka, hoping to encourage her to drink more. Pooja took the cup and glanced at the others, her heart racing as she felt the weight of their expectations. With a deep breath, she gulped down the contents in one go, the burn of the alcohol igniting a fire in her throat. When Ashwin poured her another round, she protested, shaking her head vehemently.
Pooja: I really can’t do this anymore!
Riya: A dare is a dare, Pooja! You can’t back out now!
Pooja continued to refuse, her resolve weakening as the laughter and cheers from the group filled the air. Ashwin, sensing the tension, leaned in with a mischievous grin.
Ashwin: Come on, Pooja! You need some company!
Without waiting for the girls' consent, he poured drinks for all five of them, the sound of the liquid splashing into the glasses echoing in the lively atmosphere. They all accepted their drinks, but before consuming them, Sameera shot Pooja a look that could pierce through steel and silently mouthed, "I hate you."
All the girls, except for Pooja, completed their fourth round, while she clutched her fifth cup, facing their disapproving stares. Riya, who initially believed she needed to look after Pooja to capture Ashwin's attention, realized that to do so, she would have to encourage Pooja to drink more and become less aware of her surroundings. Although Riya was already feeling the effects of the alcohol, she resolved to withstand its impact for a while longer to make her interest in Ashwin known. However, Pooja had yet to finish her fifth cup, prompting Riya to urge her to complete her dare. Reena chimed in, reminding Pooja that it was her responsibility to drink, especially since Ashwin had encouraged everyone else to do so.
In their inebriated state, their words became increasingly loud and uncontrolled. Ashwin noticed the commotion but chose not to react, while the others continued to coax Pooja into drinking. In a swift motion, Sameera placed one hand over Pooja's nose and the other on her wrist, forcing her to down the vodka in one swift gulp before she could even respond.
Pooja: Hey, why did you? Her drunkenness is really showing in her voice. Now the real fun begins for her! The bottle games are about to kick off, and during all this, Sameera noticed Riya staring at Ashwin. You could see the longing in her eyes. It made Sameera realize what was going on around her, but being tipsy had her thinking a bit mischievously. She leaned over to Pooja and whispered, "Check out Ashwin! He’s only got eyes for you." Pooja blushed , "Look at Riya! She’s totally eyeing your guy, Ashwin." Pooja could see Riya’s gaze filled with desire for Ashwin, and deep down, she felt a bit of resentment towards Riya for always bragging about being the sporty one in the group while Pooja felt pretty average. All these thoughts were swirling in Pooja's tipsy mind, and Sameera was fueling the fire by whispering that Ashwin truly loves Pooja, but Riya might be trying to swoop in on him. Pooja nodded slightly, feeling the pressure to show her love for Ashwin.
Roopa successfully threw the bottle to stand and chose Ashwin, who failed to guess correctly about Roopa. As a result, he now has to dance to the sensuous music that Roopa plays as a dare.Ashwin remarked that the music was romantic and well-suited for dancing, mentioning he needed a partner. As he stood up and walked a few feet to an open space in the hall, his gaze lingered on Pooja, hoping she would join him. However, Riya interjected, boasting that she was the best dancer in the group, and despite wobbling slightly, she made her way to Ashwin.
Roopa announced, "Girls, this is the highlight of the evening," and with that, she played a romantic Western tune that called for partners to dance closely. Riya now stood opposite him, who was still gazing at Pooja. "Hey, the music has started," Riya said, to which he replied that he couldn't dance as he didn't know how. "All you have to do is hold on to me, okay?" With that, she placed one hand on his chest and guided his hand to her hip with the other. She moved to the rhythm, and Riya glanced at Pooja with a smile, through which she wanted to convey that Ashwin was hers now.
Ashwin, while dancing, was focused on Pooja, yet he did not neglect to enjoy Riya's company. The vibrant atmosphere of the dance floor pulsed around them, filled with the infectious energy of the music and the laughter of friends. Ashwin moved rhythmically, his hands positioned at Riya's hips, just above the curve of her backside, as he danced closely with her. The warmth of her body against his sent a thrill through him, and he found himself lost in the moment, the world around them fading into a blur.
Pooja, consumed by anger, found her thoughts clouded; all she could think about was how to capture Ashwin's attention on the dance floor. Her heart raced as she watched him, a mix of jealousy and determination swirling within her. She felt invisible, a mere spectator to the connection that seemed to spark between Ashwin and Riya. The music played on, a catchy beat that seemed to amplify her frustration. She tried to push her feelings aside, but the sight of Ashwin's carefree laughter and the way he leaned into Riya only fueled her resolve to reclaim his focus.
Riya, eager to express her interest in Ashwin, danced intimately with him, allowing his fingers to roam freely. She reveled in the closeness, her body moving in sync with his, each sway and turn igniting a sense of exhilaration. Ashwin seized this opportunity to savor the warmth of her body, feeling the heat radiate between them. The chemistry was undeniable, and he found himself drawn deeper into the moment, the rhythm of the music guiding their movements.
Even when Riya attempted to create some distance while dancing, perhaps to gauge his interest or to playfully tease him, he maintained his hold on her, oblivious to her efforts. His fingers glided gently over her skin, tracing a path from her hip to her upper back, then to her shoulder, and finally to her hand. Each touch was electric, sending shivers down Riya's spine, and she leaned into him, encouraging his advances. The dance floor became their private world, a space where the outside noise faded away, leaving only the two of them and the intoxicating beat of the music.
Meanwhile, Pooja's frustration grew as she watched Ashwin and Riya lost in their own little bubble. She felt a pang of desperation, her heart aching with the need to break through the barrier that seemed to separate her from Ashwin. She took a deep breath, steeling herself.
Finally, the dance ends as the music stops, but Ashwin continues to hold Riya in an embrace, both of them locked in each other's gaze. Sameera's voice breaks the spell, noting that the music has ended. They regain their composure, and Ashwin reluctantly loosens his grip, yet the connection he feels with Riya is profoundly pleasing. Riya steps away with hesitation, her facial expression betraying her annoyance at Sameera for interrupting their perfect moment.
Reena playfully remarked, "Hey, you two look good together there."
Riya, having succeeded in making the bottle stand, chose Ashwin to join her in the game. Ashwin, wanting to see what Riya would do for him, intentionally failed in his guess about her. Now, with a glance at everyone around the table, who all appeared tipsy, Riya turned to Ashwin and said, "Since you failed to guess correctly about me, my dare for you is to kiss someone from this group." Her tone was filled with expectation and desire. The word 'kiss' resonated distinctly in Pooja and Sameera's ears. Sameera leaned in and whispered to Pooja, "If you don't react now, everything will be gone; you'll miss Ashwin forever."
Ashwin seemed like a good guy, but deep down, he really wanted to kiss Riya after the dance. His gaze on Pooja lost its significance following his dance with Riya.
Ashwin addressed the situation with a serious demeanor, stating, "No, something else, not this," although internally, he yearned for it. The conflict within him was palpable; he wanted to maintain his composure, to uphold the boundaries he had set, yet a part of him longed for the very connection he was trying to resist. Riya, however, was undeterred by his words. Her determination shone through as she stepped closer, her eyes locked onto his with an intensity that made Ashwin's heart race.
Prompted by her unwavering resolve, he finally declared, "Alright, I’ll close my eyes. If you truly wish to kiss me, you can do so on my right cheek." The challenge hung in the air, a mix of anticipation and trepidation swirling around them. As he shut his eyes, the world around him faded, leaving only the sound of his heartbeat echoing in his ears.
Riya moved closer, her heart racing and her breath quickening with each step. The atmosphere felt charged, electric, as if the very air around them was thick with unspoken words and unfulfilled desires. Reena, Roopa, and Sameera watched from a distance, their eyes wide with curiosity and excitement, each of them holding their breath as they witnessed the unfolding scene.
Just as Riya was mere inches away from Ashwin, her heart pounding in her chest and her own eyes fluttering shut in anticipation, the unexpected happened. Pooja, who had been lingering at the edge of the group, suddenly leaped toward him. In a swift motion, she grasped his face with her hands, pulling him toward her and kissing him passionately on the lips.
The kiss was electric, a spark igniting between them that seemed to consume everything else in the room. Ashwin, caught off guard, instinctively reciprocated, his lips moving against hers with a fervor that surprised even him. Pooja's tongue explored his mouth, and in that moment, they shared a kiss as if they were the only two individuals in the room, oblivious to the audience around them.
As the kiss deepened, Ashwin found himself lying on his back on the floor, his eyes still closed, surrendering to the warmth of Pooja's lips against his. The world around them faded into a blur, the laughter and whispers of their friends becoming a distant hum. All that mattered was the intoxicating connection they shared, a moment suspended in time where nothing
Ashwin ended the call, and within the next fifteen minutes, his car rolled through the apartment gate, closely followed by Roopa's. Stepping out, he noticed the watchmen interrogating the girls still inside the car. The watchmen had stopped Roopa's car upon entry to ask about their visit and destination. As Roopa conversed with them, Ashwin intervened, assuring the watchmen that the girls were his guests. He signaled Roopa to park in the guest area, then addressed the watchmen, stating the girls would stay overnight and their vehicle needed watching. As he began to walk away, the watchmen called out, "Sir?" Ashwin, scratching the back of his head with a knowing smile, understood the implication. He discreetly handed money to the watchmen, who saluted in response. With the matter settled, Ashwin walked towards Roopa's car.
The watchmen watched as Ashwin walked toward the girls. Now that they had stepped out of the car and all the girls were young and sexy, he thought, What a lucky bastard he is! He got money and a good life. He brought a girl with him to his apartment occasionally, with whom he spent the night, but this is the first time he brought a bunch of girls in. I am sure this guy is going to bang them, but which one is the first? With that in mind, he watched Ashwin and the girls leave the parking lot and walk toward the lift. The watchmen left to the gates with a sigh of nostalgia.
After giving money to the watchman, Ashwin walked towards the girls. As he reached them, they all exited the car. He gestured towards the lift, and they followed him. During the walk and the lift ride, he chatted with Pooja and the others, though he spoke more with Pooja. The other girls watched them as they talked. Pooja conversed with him without making eye contact, while he looked at her. Upon reaching the floor, they walked to his house. Ashwin opened the door, and the girls stepped inside, marveling at the cleanliness of the house. Although Ashwin was not there, he had made arrangements for regular cleaning, so the house appeared cool and clean, especially after the morning's tidying, making it all the more appealing.
Sameera: Wow, you have a pretty big house, sir.
Ashwin: Thank you, but please, no 'sir.'
Sameera: I'll try to remember, but it might take some time to get used to it.
Ashwin: Okay, no problem. Girls, feel free to treat this place like your own house and settle down. With that, he leaves for his room.
Riya: Hey, this house is cool, right? Does he own it, or is he just renting?
Reena: Hey, don't talk like that. I think it's his house.
Pooja: Girls, it's his own house; he owns it, okay?
Roopa: Mmmhh... How do you know that, Pooja? Her voice is serious and mocking at the same time. All the girls look at Pooja, wondering how she knows.
Pooja: Hey, relax. He told me it's his own house when he brought me here last time.
Sameera: What? He brought you here before? She said in a mocking tone, her hands on her cheeks as if expressing shock on her face but in a jovial manner.
Pooja: tossed her handbag to Sameera, who caught it just in time. "He brings me here, you all know that, right? From the pub," she said seriously.
Riya: "We all know that, but since you mentioned 'the word' last time, we thought he might bring you here without us knowing." She winked at Pooja playfully.
"Hey, it's nothing like that, okay?" Pooja started to retort, but before she could continue, Ashwin emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray of snacks, which he always kept on hand, along with five cups of coffee for the group.
Ashwin announced, "Hey girls, you are all my guests now, so please enjoy the coffee and snacks." As he spoke, the girls' faces showed their discontent, except for Pooja, who was the first to accept the coffee from him. However, as Pooja turned to her friends, they stared at her as if she had done something wrong. Pooja looked at her friends, questioning with her eyes. Riya stepped forward, took the coffee from Pooja, and placed it back on Ashwin's plate, saying, "If we really wanted it, we could have it at a cafe. Okay, we're here for a celebration, and you, sir—sorry, Ashwin—you're just offering us some snacks and coffee? No, this is not what we expected."
Pooja: "Hey, we're in his house, so he treats us with it. Take it or leave it, but you all..." She's cut off before she can finish.
Ashwin: "What's wrong, girls?"
Sameera: "Sir, we planned to drink alcohol tonight, not coffee. It's not good, okay? You stopped us from going to the pub as we planned, and now you..."
Reena: "Yes, sir, we want to drink, not coffee. It's okay, we'll take it, but we're going to the pub right after, okay?"
Ashwin smiles a bit too loudly. "Oh, that's what you all want? Okay, girls, just sit on the sofa in the hall. I'll be right back." Ashwin then sneaks off to the kitchen again.
Sameera: "Hey, if he brings out some supermarket beverages and calls it alcohol, we're leaving immediately, okay?" With that, all the girls sit on the sofa.
Pooja: "Hey, why do you all act like this? He is our mentor in the project, don't forget. He just offered us coffee; we can take it and leave this place quickly, but you all..."
Roopa: "We all what, Pooja? Hey Sameera, she speaks with concern for him, do you see it?"
Sameera: "Yes, Roopa. Hey Pooja, he was our mentor in the project, but now he is our friend. He himself said it an hour ago, okay? Don't we ask our friend for something we want when we go to his house? Maybe to you, he is more than a mentor and friend, but to us, now he is just our friend. So we would ask what we want from him, okay?" She said in a playful and assertive tone. Pooja put her hands on her head in a gesture as if to say, 'There's no use speaking with you all.'
Ashwin called out from the kitchen, "Hey Pooja, need a little help here!"
Reena teased, "Pooja, your partner is calling you. Go and help him," as she playfully slapped palms with Riya, who laughed along.
Without a word, Pooja entered the kitchen to find Ashwin arranging glass cups on a tray. Upon seeing her, he asked, "Could you take this to the hall and place it on the table in front of the sofa?" She obliged and carried the tray out to the hall.
Riya noticed Pooja coming from the kitchen and remarked, "Hey, looks like he's going to serve some supermarket beverages, just like you predicted, Sameera."
Pooja set the tray down on the table and joined her friends on the sofa. Although there were two single sofas flanking the main one, all the girls chose to sit together on the main sofa, which could accommodate all five of them.
Within minutes, Ashwin approached with his hands behind his back, as if concealing something.
"What are you hiding there, sir?" inquired Reena with a hint of curiosity.
Riya chimed in mockingly, "I bet it's some supermarket beverages with low alcohol content."
Ashwin just smiled at them and, with a flourish of "ta-da," he placed a bottle of Russian vodka on the table in front of them.
Reena exclaimed, "What a find, sir! I saw this bottle at the supermarket near our college. It's a local thing," while all the girls nodded in agreement with Reena. Only Roopa's eyes widened, as she recognized what it was.
Roopa interjected, "Hey, don't talk nonsense, Reena. You really don't know what it is," her tone filled with excitement and surprise.
Sameera chimed in, "What Roopa? She's right. I've seen it in my own town when I go to the supermarket with my mom. I know it's not alcohol. If you want to stop someone from going to the pub, stop them, not all of us, sir," she stated adamantly, twirling her hair with her right hand and her legs crossed.
Both Ashwin and Roopa laughed together, while the other girls exchanged questioning glances.
Roopa declared, "Hey, this one is Russian vodka. I've seen my dad with the same brand."
Ashwin confirmed, "You're right. Your dad and I get this from our common friend. Girls, it's Russian vodka," he revealed the brand name, while Roopa informed her friends of the high price, leaving all the girls with widened eyes.
Sameera: I apologize, sir. Is this truly meant for us? She chuckled lightly.
Ashwin: If not for you, then for whom? With that, he uncapped the bottle and poured vodka for them, demonstrating a skillful handling of the bottle. Roopa, curious, inquired whether he consumed alcohol, recalling his earlier refusal of wine at the pub. He responded, "I don't drink, but that won't prevent me from enjoying liquor at home or serving it to my friends." After a brief pause, he turned to Pooja and said, "Partner." He then filled a cup with vodka and offered it to Pooja, distributing the remaining cups to the other girls. His gaze, however, remained fixed on Pooja as she took a sip of the vodka. Once they all set their cups down, they expressed slight irritation in their throats. Ashwin remarked, "Well, it's your first experience with this, so it's understandable. Don't worry; take these." He handed them some chips, and they continued to chat and drink. After finishing their third round, Ashwin patiently waited, knowing he needed to make his next move. He aimed to have all the girls in a slightly tipsy state, and as they consumed the strong vodka, their inhibitions began to fade, which he had not anticipated.
After the third round, Roopa expressed her desire to explore the house. Ashwin graciously offered to give her a tour, but she declined, preferring to see it on her own. Consequently, Ashwin allowed Roopa, Riya, and Sameera to wander through the house. They discovered that it was spacious, featuring two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a sizable hall, with each bedroom equipped with an attached bathroom. The house exuded a cozy atmosphere. While exploring Ashwin's bedroom, they noticed numerous photographs adorning the walls, all depicting him alone, without any friends. One particular image caught Riya's attention; it was a smaller picture of Ashwin shirtless, positioned lower on the wall. While Sameera and Roopa did not pay much heed to it, Riya took a closer look at the topless photograph, and a stirring sensation arose within her at the mere sight. For a brief moment, she closed her eyes and imagined herself standing beside Ashwin's bed as he approached her, removing his t-shirt while gazing at her. She envisioned herself touching his chest, feeling the firmness of his muscles, as his hand wrapped around her waist, drawing her closer. She let out a soft sigh, but her daydream was interrupted by Sameera's voice calling her name. Riya quickly replied, "Oh, nothing," and smiled mischievously to herself, lightly tapping her head. The other two girls remained oblivious to her thoughts.
Riya observed the array of awards displayed in the almirah, which showcased Ashwin's numerous achievements in both his career and sports. Adjacent to the almirah was a photograph of Ashwin from his college days, holding a football. As Roopa and Sameera discussed Ashwin's accomplishments and trophies, Riya's attention was drawn to the image of him with the ball. She envisioned herself and Ashwin playing football together on an open field, picturing them in sports attire, with Ashwin gazing at her with a look of desire. This thought caused Riya to close her eyes, one hand resting on her head and the other on her abdomen, as a light sweat formed on her brow. Suddenly, Sameera interrupted her daydream, inquiring about the company that had offered Ashwin a position, mentioning a logo she had seen. Riya, slightly irritated, responded with a vague acknowledgment. Roopa, noticing Riya's discomfort, asked if she was feeling unwell due to the heat. Riya suggested they step outside, but Sameera insisted they could turn on the air conditioning. Riya, however, was determined to explore other areas of the house. As they exited Ashwin's bedroom, Riya caught sight of him conversing with Pooja and Reena, feeling a twinge of jealousy as Ashwin's attention seemed focused on Pooja.
Riya contemplated the situation, questioning why Ashwin's attention was consistently directed towards Pooja. She wondered if he ever truly noticed her. Riya had harbored feelings for Ashwin from the very beginning, yet he seemed oblivious to her presence, fixated instead on someone she deemed unworthy. Although she lacked the wealth of Roopa, she believed she possessed greater value than Pooja, considering herself more attractive and intelligent. With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Riya accompanied Sameera and Roopa to the adjacent room, which appeared to be Ashwin's workout area, equipped with a modest home gym. Despite her long-standing interest in Ashwin, she had refrained from expressing it, especially as his gaze often lingered on Pooja. However, the effects of the vodka had emboldened her, allowing her to entertain feelings she had long kept hidden.
Following their brief tour, they arrived at the location where Ashwin and others were engaged in conversation while walking from the gym to the hall. Riya gazed at Ashwin with longing, while simultaneously feeling a pang of jealousy towards Pooja. They all settled beside Pooja and Reena, engaging in light conversation for a while. Sameera and Roopa praised Ashwin for his home and the accolades displayed in his almirah, to which Ashwin expressed his gratitude. Riya continued to look at Ashwin with desire; his charming smile appeared particularly appealing to her that day, likely influenced by the vodka she had consumed. Feeling a surge of attraction, she contemplated expressing her feelings to Ashwin that evening. Her thoughts were interrupted when Ashwin addressed her, asking, "Hey Riya, do you have any thoughts about the house?" She snapped back to reality and replied, "Well, you have a lovely and cozy house, Ashwin." She emphasized his name slightly, a detail that went unnoticed by the other girls but was not lost on Ashwin, who recognized the desire reflected in her eyes. Pleased by Riya's interest, he felt a sense of happiness. After some more conversation, Sameera suggested, "Why don't we play a game, everyone?"
Roopa, curious in tone, asked, "What game?"
Sameera replied, "Any kind, but it must be surprising and thrilling."
Ashwin, feeling the vodka's effects, stood up and addressed the girls, "So, Sameera, what game do you have in mind for this situation?"
"Maybe spin the bottle or truth or dare," Sameera suggested.
Ashwin, catching the girls' attention—except for Pooja, whose eyes were not as wide—proposed, "How about we play 'bottle stand'?"
Reena, unenthusiastic, said, "I thought you'd suggest something different, but 'bottle stand' is nothing new to us."
"I didn't finish," Ashwin interjected. Reena gestured for him to continue. "It's a normal 'bottle stand'. The bottle is half-filled with water; you throw it to stand on the table. If it stands, the thrower picks someone to state a truth about them. If it's true, the chosen person wins and can ask the loser to do anything. If it's false, the thrower gets to decide the dare. Is that okay?"
"I'm in," Riya declared, moving from the sofa to the floor, followed by the others. As the game began, she hoped to convey her interest in Ashwin through the game.
Ashwin placed the bottle on the table and asked, "Who wants to go first?" Sameera, with a playful tone, declared, "I'll start." She grabbed the bottle cap, spun it, and it stood on the table for a moment before toppling over. "Oh!" Sameera exclaimed, disappointed. Then it was Roopa's turn; she replicated Sameera's action, and the bottle remained upright. Now she could choose someone; she chose Reena, who accepted the challenge. Roopa had to say something about Reena. Clearing her throat, Roopa began, "Here's what I think about Reena: she enjoys our company more than being with her family relatives. Right, Reena?" "Hmm, it seems you've guessed right," Reena responded. "Okay, I won the round. Here's what I want from you, Roopa: you have to tell us something you haven't wanted us to know." "Hey, that's not fair," Reena protested, to which Ashwin interjected, "Well, Reena, a dare is a dare. Come on, tell us something you haven't shared with your friends before."
Reena: Okay, guys, well, I have a crush on our college PET, sir.
Sameera: what? Her tone contains elements of shock and surprise.
Riya: oh! Now I finally know the reason why you accompany me to the ground for my practice in a mocking tone.
Ashwin sees that the vodka has started to kick in, and the girls are about to enter the tipsy state soon. They are shedding their shyness bit by bit and becoming more open in his presence soon. He asked who was next, then Reena took the bottle. It was my turn. She said she threw the bottle by holding its cap, threw it upward, and stood in the table. She looked at the faces of others who watched her eagerly. While everyone thought she would choose Roopa, she chose Sameera in a surprising turn.
Reena: "Well, I choose you, Reena," she said.
Sameera: "You choose me?" Her tone revealed her surprise.
Reena: "Yes, Sameera, I choose you. So tell me, what do you think of me?"
Sameera: "Well, you're in love."
Reena: "Wrong, Sameera. I said I have a crush on that guy, but I'm not in love with him."
Sameera: "Don't lie," she said assertively.
Reena: "Why would I lie? You lose, now you have to do what I want you to do, okay?"
Sameera: "Okay," her tone less enthusiastic.
Reena: "Well, we all know that you have a boyfriend, so tell us about him. I mean, what do you like most about him?"
Ashwin was a bit shocked to hear this but did not react. As the game went on, he found himself glancing at Pooja, and noticed Riya looking at him. He realized he was now in a complex web and had to navigate very carefully.
Sameera: "Hey, come on, he's a gem of a person. That's why I love him, okay?"
Reena: "Gem of a person, hmm? How do you know that?" Her lips widened with a smirk while her eyes focused on Sameera. "Did he show his gem to you?"
Ashwin was the first to understand her joke and laughed loudly, with the others joining him a bit later. It took a few seconds for Sameera to understand; she threw the cup she had used to drink vodka at Reena and said, "You're naughty tonight," with a sly smile. It took a minute for the laughter to stop, then Riya took the bottle and threw it upside down on the table where it stood. Now she chose Pooja.
Pooja: I suppose my friend Riya truly enjoys drinking at the pub and dancing with abandon.
Riya: That is incorrect; now you must complete my dare.
Pooja: No, that is not true.
Riya: No falsehoods, my dear. You are required to drink two rounds of vodka now.
Pooja: I have reached my limit for the night.
Riya: Ashwin, pour her a drink.
Ashwin eagerly filled Pooja's cup with vodka, hoping to encourage her to drink more. Pooja took the cup and glanced at the others, her heart racing as she felt the weight of their expectations. With a deep breath, she gulped down the contents in one go, the burn of the alcohol igniting a fire in her throat. When Ashwin poured her another round, she protested, shaking her head vehemently.
Pooja: I really can’t do this anymore!
Riya: A dare is a dare, Pooja! You can’t back out now!
Pooja continued to refuse, her resolve weakening as the laughter and cheers from the group filled the air. Ashwin, sensing the tension, leaned in with a mischievous grin.
Ashwin: Come on, Pooja! You need some company!
Without waiting for the girls' consent, he poured drinks for all five of them, the sound of the liquid splashing into the glasses echoing in the lively atmosphere. They all accepted their drinks, but before consuming them, Sameera shot Pooja a look that could pierce through steel and silently mouthed, "I hate you."
All the girls, except for Pooja, completed their fourth round, while she clutched her fifth cup, facing their disapproving stares. Riya, who initially believed she needed to look after Pooja to capture Ashwin's attention, realized that to do so, she would have to encourage Pooja to drink more and become less aware of her surroundings. Although Riya was already feeling the effects of the alcohol, she resolved to withstand its impact for a while longer to make her interest in Ashwin known. However, Pooja had yet to finish her fifth cup, prompting Riya to urge her to complete her dare. Reena chimed in, reminding Pooja that it was her responsibility to drink, especially since Ashwin had encouraged everyone else to do so.
In their inebriated state, their words became increasingly loud and uncontrolled. Ashwin noticed the commotion but chose not to react, while the others continued to coax Pooja into drinking. In a swift motion, Sameera placed one hand over Pooja's nose and the other on her wrist, forcing her to down the vodka in one swift gulp before she could even respond.
Pooja: Hey, why did you? Her drunkenness is really showing in her voice. Now the real fun begins for her! The bottle games are about to kick off, and during all this, Sameera noticed Riya staring at Ashwin. You could see the longing in her eyes. It made Sameera realize what was going on around her, but being tipsy had her thinking a bit mischievously. She leaned over to Pooja and whispered, "Check out Ashwin! He’s only got eyes for you." Pooja blushed , "Look at Riya! She’s totally eyeing your guy, Ashwin." Pooja could see Riya’s gaze filled with desire for Ashwin, and deep down, she felt a bit of resentment towards Riya for always bragging about being the sporty one in the group while Pooja felt pretty average. All these thoughts were swirling in Pooja's tipsy mind, and Sameera was fueling the fire by whispering that Ashwin truly loves Pooja, but Riya might be trying to swoop in on him. Pooja nodded slightly, feeling the pressure to show her love for Ashwin.
Roopa successfully threw the bottle to stand and chose Ashwin, who failed to guess correctly about Roopa. As a result, he now has to dance to the sensuous music that Roopa plays as a dare.Ashwin remarked that the music was romantic and well-suited for dancing, mentioning he needed a partner. As he stood up and walked a few feet to an open space in the hall, his gaze lingered on Pooja, hoping she would join him. However, Riya interjected, boasting that she was the best dancer in the group, and despite wobbling slightly, she made her way to Ashwin.
Roopa announced, "Girls, this is the highlight of the evening," and with that, she played a romantic Western tune that called for partners to dance closely. Riya now stood opposite him, who was still gazing at Pooja. "Hey, the music has started," Riya said, to which he replied that he couldn't dance as he didn't know how. "All you have to do is hold on to me, okay?" With that, she placed one hand on his chest and guided his hand to her hip with the other. She moved to the rhythm, and Riya glanced at Pooja with a smile, through which she wanted to convey that Ashwin was hers now.
Ashwin, while dancing, was focused on Pooja, yet he did not neglect to enjoy Riya's company. The vibrant atmosphere of the dance floor pulsed around them, filled with the infectious energy of the music and the laughter of friends. Ashwin moved rhythmically, his hands positioned at Riya's hips, just above the curve of her backside, as he danced closely with her. The warmth of her body against his sent a thrill through him, and he found himself lost in the moment, the world around them fading into a blur.
Pooja, consumed by anger, found her thoughts clouded; all she could think about was how to capture Ashwin's attention on the dance floor. Her heart raced as she watched him, a mix of jealousy and determination swirling within her. She felt invisible, a mere spectator to the connection that seemed to spark between Ashwin and Riya. The music played on, a catchy beat that seemed to amplify her frustration. She tried to push her feelings aside, but the sight of Ashwin's carefree laughter and the way he leaned into Riya only fueled her resolve to reclaim his focus.
Riya, eager to express her interest in Ashwin, danced intimately with him, allowing his fingers to roam freely. She reveled in the closeness, her body moving in sync with his, each sway and turn igniting a sense of exhilaration. Ashwin seized this opportunity to savor the warmth of her body, feeling the heat radiate between them. The chemistry was undeniable, and he found himself drawn deeper into the moment, the rhythm of the music guiding their movements.
Even when Riya attempted to create some distance while dancing, perhaps to gauge his interest or to playfully tease him, he maintained his hold on her, oblivious to her efforts. His fingers glided gently over her skin, tracing a path from her hip to her upper back, then to her shoulder, and finally to her hand. Each touch was electric, sending shivers down Riya's spine, and she leaned into him, encouraging his advances. The dance floor became their private world, a space where the outside noise faded away, leaving only the two of them and the intoxicating beat of the music.
Meanwhile, Pooja's frustration grew as she watched Ashwin and Riya lost in their own little bubble. She felt a pang of desperation, her heart aching with the need to break through the barrier that seemed to separate her from Ashwin. She took a deep breath, steeling herself.
Finally, the dance ends as the music stops, but Ashwin continues to hold Riya in an embrace, both of them locked in each other's gaze. Sameera's voice breaks the spell, noting that the music has ended. They regain their composure, and Ashwin reluctantly loosens his grip, yet the connection he feels with Riya is profoundly pleasing. Riya steps away with hesitation, her facial expression betraying her annoyance at Sameera for interrupting their perfect moment.
Reena playfully remarked, "Hey, you two look good together there."
Riya, having succeeded in making the bottle stand, chose Ashwin to join her in the game. Ashwin, wanting to see what Riya would do for him, intentionally failed in his guess about her. Now, with a glance at everyone around the table, who all appeared tipsy, Riya turned to Ashwin and said, "Since you failed to guess correctly about me, my dare for you is to kiss someone from this group." Her tone was filled with expectation and desire. The word 'kiss' resonated distinctly in Pooja and Sameera's ears. Sameera leaned in and whispered to Pooja, "If you don't react now, everything will be gone; you'll miss Ashwin forever."
Ashwin seemed like a good guy, but deep down, he really wanted to kiss Riya after the dance. His gaze on Pooja lost its significance following his dance with Riya.
Ashwin addressed the situation with a serious demeanor, stating, "No, something else, not this," although internally, he yearned for it. The conflict within him was palpable; he wanted to maintain his composure, to uphold the boundaries he had set, yet a part of him longed for the very connection he was trying to resist. Riya, however, was undeterred by his words. Her determination shone through as she stepped closer, her eyes locked onto his with an intensity that made Ashwin's heart race.
Prompted by her unwavering resolve, he finally declared, "Alright, I’ll close my eyes. If you truly wish to kiss me, you can do so on my right cheek." The challenge hung in the air, a mix of anticipation and trepidation swirling around them. As he shut his eyes, the world around him faded, leaving only the sound of his heartbeat echoing in his ears.
Riya moved closer, her heart racing and her breath quickening with each step. The atmosphere felt charged, electric, as if the very air around them was thick with unspoken words and unfulfilled desires. Reena, Roopa, and Sameera watched from a distance, their eyes wide with curiosity and excitement, each of them holding their breath as they witnessed the unfolding scene.
Just as Riya was mere inches away from Ashwin, her heart pounding in her chest and her own eyes fluttering shut in anticipation, the unexpected happened. Pooja, who had been lingering at the edge of the group, suddenly leaped toward him. In a swift motion, she grasped his face with her hands, pulling him toward her and kissing him passionately on the lips.
The kiss was electric, a spark igniting between them that seemed to consume everything else in the room. Ashwin, caught off guard, instinctively reciprocated, his lips moving against hers with a fervor that surprised even him. Pooja's tongue explored his mouth, and in that moment, they shared a kiss as if they were the only two individuals in the room, oblivious to the audience around them.
As the kiss deepened, Ashwin found himself lying on his back on the floor, his eyes still closed, surrendering to the warmth of Pooja's lips against his. The world around them faded into a blur, the laughter and whispers of their friends becoming a distant hum. All that mattered was the intoxicating connection they shared, a moment suspended in time where nothing