Adultery The Facilitator

[clearlover]

Part D

Priya's words had eased Esha's mind, giving her a break from the guilt she felt after kissing Aniket. Realizing her feelings didn't mean betrayal helped, but it didn't make her forgive or accept what Aniket did.

After talking with Priya, Esha focused more on her work, particularly when dealing with Aniket. She was more confident, knowing her personal issues didn't affect her professionalism. However, she kept her guard up around Aniket, protecting her heart.

In meetings with Aniket, Esha was strictly professional, her answers to his questions were direct, without warmth. She avoided looking at him, focusing on anything else.

Aniket noticed the change; Esha was now cold, her responses brief, her eyes never meeting his. He realized his gifts and poems hadn't had the effect he intended.

Esha saw those gifts and poems as going against her values now. She believed a married woman shouldn't accept such gestures from anyone but her husband. Feeling even a hint of delight from them seemed like betraying Kunal's trust, which made her more determined to keep distance from Aniket.

In one meeting, when Aniket asked about market trends, Esha replied without even glancing his way, her voice steady but lacking her usual passion. "We should take a cautious approach for now," she said, her eyes elsewhere.

Aniket felt the pain of her avoidance, understanding how much their relationship had changed due to his actions. He respected her work ethic but also saw the wall she'd built between them, one he'd contributed to.

After the meeting, he stayed back, hoping for a chance to fix things, but Esha was quick to leave, her focus on work, signaling no room for personal talk.

Watching her leave, Aniket felt regret and a longing he knew he must control. His gestures, meant as an apology and a professional reconnection, had only pushed her away more.

Back at her desk, Esha felt both relief for maintaining her work integrity and sadness for the lost camaraderie with Aniket. She knew she had to shield her heart and family from further turmoil. The gifts and poems reminded her to keep boundaries firm.

Her mind was set: she wouldn't lower her guard, committed to her family, ensuring Aniket's advances found no response. She needed to stay cold and distant to avoid crossing any more lines.


The evening was set for a team dinner to celebrate a project's success, the restaurant has an elegant ambiance. Esha chose a deep blue saree, its fabric hugging her curves in a way that was both professional and seductively subtle. Even as she radiated calm, she felt a pulse of tension at the thought of Aniket's presence.

Aniket arrived with a mix of hope and desperation, his gaze immediately finding Esha, her eyes alight with a mystery he longed to unravel.

Seated apart yet close, the air between them was charged with unspoken words. The conversation around them was lively, but the tension between Esha and Aniket was palpable, drawing curious glances.

Priya, next to Esha, was the evening's spark, her laughter a counterpoint to Esha's reserved demeanor. She sensed the dynamics, Esha's cold professionalism, and Aniket's longing looks.

Aniket, feeling the divide, used Priya as his conduit, whispering, "Tell Esha I respect how she managed the project. Her insights were invaluable."

Priya played along, turning to Esha with a teasing smile. "Aniket admires your project management. Says you made the difference."

Esha's cheeks warmed, her response guarded. "Thank you, but it was a team effort," she said, her eyes briefly catching Aniket's before darting away.

Priya relayed this back, "She says thanks, but teamwork did it." 

Aniket's smile was soft, his eyes saying more. He nodded, his look lingering on Esha, feeling the weight of their separation.

Throughout the meal, Priya became the bridge for their communication, Aniket's questions about Esha's strategies answered through her, each exchange a dance of words, a step towards or away from each other.

Priya, with her bold humor, whispered to Esha, "He's practically hanging on your words, Esha. Or should I say, my words about you."

Esha felt irritation mixed with an exciting thrill, her heart drawn to Aniket's attention, yet her mind pulling her back to her family. "Priya, please," she murmured, her voice a mix of warning and hidden amusement.

Priya continued, her tone suggestive, "Imagine you two together. The energy, the connection... like puzzle pieces meant to fit but afraid to."

Esha's breath caught at the thought, her eyes drifting to Aniket, who seemed drawn to their conversation. The chemistry was electric, forbidden yet palpable.

A toast broke the spell of laughter , but Esha felt Aniket's gaze, a silent plea for connection. She knew she should look away, but there was something in his eyes tonight, making her feel seen, desired in a way that stirred forbidden desires.

Priya whispered again, her voice understanding, "You can't ignore this, Esha. Like two stars in the sky, drawn yet afraid to touch."

Esha shook her head, focusing on her plate, her thoughts on her family, yet the pull was there, the desire to explore this connection.

As dinner ended, Aniket made his move through Priya, his voice sincere, "Tell her I respect her life but can't help how I feel. I'd like to be friends."

Priya softly conveyed this, "He respects your choices but can't change his feelings. Wants to be friends."

Esha's eyes met Aniket's across the table, an acknowledgment of their undeniable chemistry. Yet, her response was firm, "Tell him thank you, but we should keep it professional."

Priya nodded, relaying the message, the atmosphere cooling with the reality of their situation. Aniket's expression was resigned, the longing still clear in his eyes.

The dinner concluded with handshakes, Esha still feeling the night's tension linger, her heart anchored to her commitments. Aniket left, the image of Esha in her saree etched in his memory.

Esha walked away, aware of the dance they had performed, every look, every word through Priya, a step closer or further from each other. She knew she must guard her heart more fiercely now.


The office was back to its routine, but Aniket's days were filled with a longing he could no longer ignore. Spotting Priya in the break room, he saw his chance to speak his truth.

He approached with an unusual gravity, and Priya, sensing something serious, invited him to sit.

"Aniket, what's up?" Priya asked, her voice soft with concern.

Taking a deep breath, Aniket spoke rapidly, "I need to talk about Esha. I've made mistakes, but these feelings aren't disappearing. I need your help."

Priya's eyes showed sympathy as she listened. "What kind of help?"

"I just want to express how I feel, no expectations. I don't want to mess up her life, but I can't keep this bottled up," he said, his voice a mix of hope and pain.

Priya sighed, understanding the complexity. "Esha's family to me. She's married, has a kid. It's complicated."

"I know, I respect her marriage. But I need her to know how I feel, even if it changes nothing," Aniket said, his fists tight.

Priya looked at him intently. "I'll tell her, but remember, Esha isn't like me. I might choose differently, but she values her family, her marriage, more than anything."

Aniket gave a resigned smile. "I know. It's just about respect, admiration."

"I'll talk to her," Priya said, her heart heavy. "But for your own good, try to move on. Esha's heart is already given."

Aniket's gaze dropped, his spirit sagging. "I've tried, every day. But seeing her, it's like ignoring the sun."

Priya chuckled, lightening the mood. "You're such a romantic. If only life was poetry." She then added, "I'll tell her, but don't expect wonders."

After Aniket left, Priya pondered the tangled emotions, knowing she must share his feelings with Esha carefully.


Priya had picked a charming cafe, known for its privacy and the comfort, perfect for intimate talks away from prying ears. She had invited Esha to catch up, but her real aim was to delve into the unspoken connection between Esha and Aniket.

Esha, in an elegant kurta, sat across from Priya at a secluded table, the sun casting a warm light over them. She was tense, sensing this was more than just a casual chat.

Priya began, her voice low and sincere, "Esha, I talked to Aniket. He's more than just taken with you. He respects your marriage but can't help his feelings for you."

Esha's eyes narrowed, a blend of suspicion and curiosity. "Why are you telling me this, Priya? You know where I stand."

Priya leaned forward, her words adding depth to Aniket's admission. "He dreams of you, Esha. Not just professionally. He imagines a closeness, something beyond work."

Esha's cheeks colored with embarrassment and frustration. "Priya, you're crossing a line. Think about Kunal, my family. What are you trying to do?"

Unfazed, Priya leaned back, her feminist beliefs clear. "I'm not leading you astray. I'm pushing for honesty, for recognizing our feelings don't always fit into boxes."

"And Kunal? How do you think he'd feel?" Esha countered sharply.

Priya's voice softened. "Kunal loves all of you, not just the roles you play. Exploring your feelings doesn't mean acting on them."

The conversation veered into playfulness when Priya, with a mischievous look, teased, "Imagine the two of you, completely free, no clothes, no barriers, just raw, mutual understanding."

Esha was shocked, "Priya! That's out of line. I'm not living in your fantasies."

Priya laughed, enjoying the reaction. "A bit of imagination never hurt. I'm not suggesting you do anything; just consider what might be if there were no consequences."

Esha was firm, "This isn't some alternate reality, Priya. This is my real life, with real responsibilities."

Priya nodded, her tone turning serious. "I get it. But sometimes, just thinking about what could be helps us value what we have. It's about understanding your desires, not changing your life."

Leaving the cafe, Esha was a mix of emotions, irritated yet introspective. Priya's provocative words had unearthed feelings Esha had tried to bury, making her reflect on her own desires, her human side.

As they parted, Esha's mind was a storm of thoughts. She knew she wouldn't act, but the conversation had sparked an awareness of her own complex heart, challenging her to look beyond her commitments.

The chat with Priya had Esha deep in thought. Aniket's gifts and poems, once viewed as improper, now resonated differently. They were not just gestures of affection but signs of admiration, making her feel seen beyond her roles. This attention sparked a secret thrill she wouldn't admit aloud.

Choosing to soften her stance towards Aniket, Esha sought to rebuild their professional rapport, keeping it strictly business. She realized that his actions, though misguided, came from a place of sincere regard.

Their first notable interaction after Priya's insights was during a pivotal meeting. When Aniket's strategy was questioned, Esha supported him, "I agree with Aniket here. The data calls for caution."

Aniket's eyes showed surprise and gratitude, marking a change in their interaction.

In the break room, over coffee, there was a moment of levity. "I owe you one for today," Aniket grinned.

"No debts," Esha smiled back, genuinely. "It's all for the clients."

This shared moment was like ice melting, thawing the chill between them. Esha felt a warmth she'd denied herself since the café incident, seeing Aniket as the colleague she once respected.

Seizing the moment, Aniket suggested, "There's an ethics seminar coming up. Might be good for us. Interested?"

Esha's first reaction was to decline, to maintain distance, but she thought of Priya's presence as a buffer. "I'll go, with Priya. It could be informative," she said, her voice professional but cautious.

Aniket nodded, understanding her need for a safeguard. "That sounds perfect."

Agreeing, Esha felt a blend of anticipation and confidence. She was set on keeping things professional, yet there was a part of her that relished the feeling of being admired. She knew the risks but trusted Priya's presence to keep her on track.

Back at her desk, Esha pondered the evolving dynamic with Aniket. She wasn't naive; she saw the potential pitfalls in allowing too much warmth. Yet, she also understood the mistake in completely blocking him out. Maybe they could find a middle ground where professional respect was key, and any personal warmth was just that - warmth, not passion.

Her thoughts oscillated between determination and curiosity. She navigated this fine line, feeling more secure with Priya's support. Aniket had indeed touched something in her, not with intent but through his actions, showing genuine appreciation. In this acknowledgment, Esha saw a way to coexist professionally, one step at a time, keeping her heart guarded while extending a hand in professional friendship.