11-01-2025, 02:23 AM
The studio was unusually quiet one afternoon, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound as Chitra packed up her belongings. It had been another exhausting shoot, the kind that left her both exhilarated and drained. She was just reaching for her bag when John approached, his steps light and confident.
"Chitra," he said, his voice as warm as always. Before she could respond, he pulled her into a hug, his arms firm but not forceful.
"You’ve done amazing today," he murmured softly, his breath brushing against her ear.
Chitra froze, her heart pounding in her chest. This was unfamiliar territory. No one—no one but her husband—had ever hugged her this way. She stood rigid in his embrace, unsure of how to react. But then, just as quickly as it began, John stepped back, a casual grin lighting up his face as if nothing unusual had happened.
"I hope you’re starting to see how much potential you have," he said, his tone gentle and encouraging.
Chitra managed a nod, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She didn’t trust her voice to respond, so she simply gathered her things and left the studio.
That night, as she lay in bed, the moment replayed in her mind. The hug had been brief, harmless on the surface, but it left a lingering warmth that she couldn’t shake. There was an unease, yes, but also a strange sense of gratitude. John believed in her, saw something in her that she was only beginning to recognize in herself.
Over the next few weeks, the hugs became a regular part of their interaction. After every shoot, John would walk over, his arms opening wide as if it were the most natural thing in the world. At first, Chitra remained stiff, her body betraying her discomfort. But John’s demeanor was always light, his compliments flowing freely.
"You’re the star of this shoot," he would say. "The camera loves you."
Gradually, her resistance began to fade. She started to see the hugs not as inappropriate, but as a sign of gratitude—a way to show appreciation for her hard work. She even began to return the gesture, hesitantly at first, but with growing ease as the days passed.
It wasn’t long before the hugs evolved. John’s hands lingered just a fraction longer, his touch warm and reassuring. Sometimes, he would place a hand on her shoulder as he gave instructions during a shoot, or guide her gently by the small of her back as they moved between sets. His actions were subtle, never overt, but they carried an intimacy that didn’t go unnoticed.
Geetha, busy with her own commitments, became less of a presence in Chitra’s life. The high-profile clients she managed demanded her time and attention, leaving John and Chitra alone more often than not.
"Don’t worry about Geetha," John said one day when Chitra asked about her absence. "She trusts me to handle things here, and honestly, I think we work better this way."
Chitra nodded, unsure why his words made her heart flutter.
With Geetha out of the picture, John and Chitra’s dynamic began to shift. Their conversations grew more personal, straying from work to life, dreams, and fears. John had a knack for making her feel seen and heard, his charm weaving a cocoon of trust around her.
At home, Chitra faced questions from Suresh about her new job. Chitra had anticipated Suresh’s questions ever since she began working with John. Though she had rehearsed her answers, the unease in his eyes every time she left the house gnawed at her. It was clear Suresh wasn’t entirely convinced about her new job.
Sensing the potential hurdle, John and Geetha stepped in. "Why don’t you and Suresh come over for dinner?" Geetha suggested one day, her smile radiating warmth. "It’ll give him a chance to see that Chitra is in good hands."
Chitra hesitated but agreed. She knew this was necessary to put Suresh’s doubts to rest
The evening was meticulously planned. Geetha, ever the gracious hostess, transformed their flat into an inviting space, the soft glow of candles casting a warm light across the room. The table was set with care: fine porcelain plates, gleaming silverware, and a centerpiece of fresh flowers that added a touch of elegance.
When Suresh and Chitra arrived, Geetha greeted them at the door, her charm as effortless as ever. "Welcome, welcome! It’s so nice to finally meet you, Suresh," she said, clasping his hands warmly.
John appeared moments later, his demeanor relaxed and friendly. "Suresh, I’ve heard so much about you. It’s great to have you here," he said, extending his hand with a firm shake.
Dinner began with light conversation, Geetha effortlessly steering the discussion toward neutral topics—travel, movies, and shared cultural experiences. She was attentive, refilling glasses and serving dishes, making sure everyone felt at ease.
But as the meal progressed, John gently steered the conversation toward Chitra’s work. "Suresh," he began, his tone calm and measured, "I want you to know how much we admire Chitra’s talent. She has a natural presence in front of the camera, something that’s rare to find."
Suresh listened intently, his expression guarded. "She’s always been talented, but this modeling thing is new for us. I just want to make sure it’s... appropriate."
Geetha stepped in, her voice soft yet reassuring. "I understand your concern, Suresh. It’s a big change for anyone. But we’re not just colleagues here—we’re like family. We’re guiding Chitra every step of the way, ensuring she’s comfortable and respected."
John leaned forward slightly, his expression earnest. "Suresh, let me be completely honest with you. I’ve been in this industry for years, and I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. But Chitra is different. She’s not just talented; she’s grounded, disciplined, and carries herself with such grace. She has the potential to go far, but only if she has the support of those who matter most to her."
Suresh glanced at Chitra, who sat quietly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her eyes met his, and he could see the earnestness in them.
"You’ve always been her pillar, Suresh," John continued. "With your encouragement, she can achieve so much, and we’ll be here to ensure she does it with dignity and pride."
Geetha reached for Suresh’s hand, her gesture as gentle as her words. "We’re parents too, Suresh. We understand the importance of trust and respect. I promise you, we’ll always look out for Chitra as if she were our own."
The sincerity in her voice was impossible to ignore. For the first time, Suresh’s tense shoulders relaxed, and a small smile broke through his guarded expression.
As the evening wound down, Suresh found himself warming to John and Geetha. Their hospitality, combined with their unwavering belief in Chitra’s potential, began to chip away at his reservations.
When it was time to leave, John shook Suresh’s hand firmly, looking him directly in the eyes. "You have my word, Suresh. Chitra is in the right place."
Geetha added, "And if you ever have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here for both of you."
As they walked back to their flat, Suresh turned to Chitra. "I feel better about this now," he admitted. "They seem like good people."
Chitra nodded, relief washing over her. "They really are, Suresh. Thank you for trusting me."
That night, as Suresh drifted off to sleep, Chitra lay awake, her heart a mix of gratitude and guilt. She knew she had earned his trust, but she also knew the line she was walking was thinner than it seemed.
It was well past midnight, and the house was silent. The clock struck 12:30 AM as Chitra sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts racing. Suresh had fallen asleep after the dinner with John and Geetha, visibly more at ease about her job. She couldn’t shake the gratitude she felt toward John for making such a sincere effort to reassure her husband.
Chitra glanced at her phone, hesitating for a moment. She had never texted John so late, but tonight felt different. There was an odd sense of comfort in knowing he was just a message away. Unlocking her phone, she opened WhatsApp and saw the green dot next to John’s name—he was online.
Her heart raced slightly as she typed her first message, erasing it twice before finally sending:
Chitra: Hi John, hope I’m not disturbing you this late.
John: Hey Chitra! You could never disturb me. What’s up?
Chitra: I just wanted to thank you and Geetha for tonight. Suresh was really happy after the dinner. I think he finally feels comfortable about my work now.
John: That’s wonderful to hear! ? I could tell he was a bit skeptical at first, but by the end, he seemed much more at ease.
Chitra: Yes, it means a lot to me. I’ve never done anything like this before, and knowing Suresh trusts me now… it feels good.
John: You deserve it, Chitra. You’re doing something amazing, stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring your talents. Not everyone has the courage to do that.
Chitra: Thank you, John. Honestly, I never imagined myself in this world. It still feels... strange sometimes.
John: Strange? How so?
Chitra: Well, you know, the outfits, the poses, being in front of the camera... it’s all so different from my usual life.
John: That’s exactly why you’re so captivating, Chitra. You bring a freshness, an authenticity that’s rare. The camera loves you because you’re real, not rehearsed.
Chitra: (blush emoji) I don’t know about all that, but I’m trying to learn.
John: You’re doing more than learning. You’re blossoming. It’s like watching a beautiful flower unfold.
Chitra: (shy emoji) You always know how to say the right things, John.
John: Just speaking the truth, Chitra. By the way, you looked stunning today during the shoot. That green saree? Wow. It brought out your elegance and your... charm.
Chitra: (embarrassed emoji) I wasn’t sure about that one. It was so different from what I usually wear.
John: That’s what made it perfect. You have this ability to make anything look classy, even when it’s bold.
Chitra: Bold? I don’t think I’m bold at all.
John: (laughing emoji) You underestimate yourself. Do you remember how hesitant you were in the beginning? Now, you’re carrying every shoot with such confidence. It’s incredibly attractive.
Chitra: (shocked emoji) Attractive?
John: Of course. You’re beautiful, Chitra. Inside and out.
Chitra: John, you’re making me blush.
John: Good. You deserve to hear it. I’ve always admired women who are strong yet graceful, and you embody that perfectly.
Chitra: (thinking emoji) I never thought someone would describe me like that. Thank you.
John: You’re welcome. Honestly, Chitra, spending time with you has been... inspiring. You have this aura about you that’s hard to ignore.
Chitra: (nervous emoji) I don’t know what to say to that.
John: You don’t have to say anything. Just know that you’re special, and I’m lucky to be part of this journey with you.
Chitra: (heart emoji) That means a lot, John.
John: Can I ask you something personal?
Chitra: Um... sure, I guess.
John: When you’re in front of the camera, do you ever feel... liberated? Like you’re discovering a side of yourself you didn’t know existed?
Chitra: (thinking emoji) I’m not sure. I feel different, that’s for sure. Sometimes, it’s scary, but other times... I don’t know how to explain it.
John: It’s like stepping into a new world, isn’t it? A world where you’re not just a wife or a homemaker, but a woman in her own right.
Chitra: (blush emoji) I’ve never thought of it that way, but yes, maybe you’re right.
John: You deserve to explore that world, Chitra. You deserve to feel beautiful, confident, and desired.
Chitra: (shy emoji) John, you’re making me shy again.
John: (winking emoji) Good. But honestly, Chitra, it’s hard not to admire you. You’re not just a model to me—you’re... special.
Chitra: (heart emoji) Thank you, John. That really means a lot.
John: Always, Chitra. Sleep well tonight. Dream big. You’ve got so much ahead of you.
Chitra: Thank you, John. Goodnight.
John: Goodnight, beautiful.
"Chitra," he said, his voice as warm as always. Before she could respond, he pulled her into a hug, his arms firm but not forceful.
"You’ve done amazing today," he murmured softly, his breath brushing against her ear.
Chitra froze, her heart pounding in her chest. This was unfamiliar territory. No one—no one but her husband—had ever hugged her this way. She stood rigid in his embrace, unsure of how to react. But then, just as quickly as it began, John stepped back, a casual grin lighting up his face as if nothing unusual had happened.
"I hope you’re starting to see how much potential you have," he said, his tone gentle and encouraging.
Chitra managed a nod, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She didn’t trust her voice to respond, so she simply gathered her things and left the studio.
That night, as she lay in bed, the moment replayed in her mind. The hug had been brief, harmless on the surface, but it left a lingering warmth that she couldn’t shake. There was an unease, yes, but also a strange sense of gratitude. John believed in her, saw something in her that she was only beginning to recognize in herself.
Over the next few weeks, the hugs became a regular part of their interaction. After every shoot, John would walk over, his arms opening wide as if it were the most natural thing in the world. At first, Chitra remained stiff, her body betraying her discomfort. But John’s demeanor was always light, his compliments flowing freely.
"You’re the star of this shoot," he would say. "The camera loves you."
Gradually, her resistance began to fade. She started to see the hugs not as inappropriate, but as a sign of gratitude—a way to show appreciation for her hard work. She even began to return the gesture, hesitantly at first, but with growing ease as the days passed.
It wasn’t long before the hugs evolved. John’s hands lingered just a fraction longer, his touch warm and reassuring. Sometimes, he would place a hand on her shoulder as he gave instructions during a shoot, or guide her gently by the small of her back as they moved between sets. His actions were subtle, never overt, but they carried an intimacy that didn’t go unnoticed.
Geetha, busy with her own commitments, became less of a presence in Chitra’s life. The high-profile clients she managed demanded her time and attention, leaving John and Chitra alone more often than not.
"Don’t worry about Geetha," John said one day when Chitra asked about her absence. "She trusts me to handle things here, and honestly, I think we work better this way."
Chitra nodded, unsure why his words made her heart flutter.
With Geetha out of the picture, John and Chitra’s dynamic began to shift. Their conversations grew more personal, straying from work to life, dreams, and fears. John had a knack for making her feel seen and heard, his charm weaving a cocoon of trust around her.
At home, Chitra faced questions from Suresh about her new job. Chitra had anticipated Suresh’s questions ever since she began working with John. Though she had rehearsed her answers, the unease in his eyes every time she left the house gnawed at her. It was clear Suresh wasn’t entirely convinced about her new job.
Sensing the potential hurdle, John and Geetha stepped in. "Why don’t you and Suresh come over for dinner?" Geetha suggested one day, her smile radiating warmth. "It’ll give him a chance to see that Chitra is in good hands."
Chitra hesitated but agreed. She knew this was necessary to put Suresh’s doubts to rest
The evening was meticulously planned. Geetha, ever the gracious hostess, transformed their flat into an inviting space, the soft glow of candles casting a warm light across the room. The table was set with care: fine porcelain plates, gleaming silverware, and a centerpiece of fresh flowers that added a touch of elegance.
When Suresh and Chitra arrived, Geetha greeted them at the door, her charm as effortless as ever. "Welcome, welcome! It’s so nice to finally meet you, Suresh," she said, clasping his hands warmly.
John appeared moments later, his demeanor relaxed and friendly. "Suresh, I’ve heard so much about you. It’s great to have you here," he said, extending his hand with a firm shake.
Dinner began with light conversation, Geetha effortlessly steering the discussion toward neutral topics—travel, movies, and shared cultural experiences. She was attentive, refilling glasses and serving dishes, making sure everyone felt at ease.
But as the meal progressed, John gently steered the conversation toward Chitra’s work. "Suresh," he began, his tone calm and measured, "I want you to know how much we admire Chitra’s talent. She has a natural presence in front of the camera, something that’s rare to find."
Suresh listened intently, his expression guarded. "She’s always been talented, but this modeling thing is new for us. I just want to make sure it’s... appropriate."
Geetha stepped in, her voice soft yet reassuring. "I understand your concern, Suresh. It’s a big change for anyone. But we’re not just colleagues here—we’re like family. We’re guiding Chitra every step of the way, ensuring she’s comfortable and respected."
John leaned forward slightly, his expression earnest. "Suresh, let me be completely honest with you. I’ve been in this industry for years, and I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. But Chitra is different. She’s not just talented; she’s grounded, disciplined, and carries herself with such grace. She has the potential to go far, but only if she has the support of those who matter most to her."
Suresh glanced at Chitra, who sat quietly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her eyes met his, and he could see the earnestness in them.
"You’ve always been her pillar, Suresh," John continued. "With your encouragement, she can achieve so much, and we’ll be here to ensure she does it with dignity and pride."
Geetha reached for Suresh’s hand, her gesture as gentle as her words. "We’re parents too, Suresh. We understand the importance of trust and respect. I promise you, we’ll always look out for Chitra as if she were our own."
The sincerity in her voice was impossible to ignore. For the first time, Suresh’s tense shoulders relaxed, and a small smile broke through his guarded expression.
As the evening wound down, Suresh found himself warming to John and Geetha. Their hospitality, combined with their unwavering belief in Chitra’s potential, began to chip away at his reservations.
When it was time to leave, John shook Suresh’s hand firmly, looking him directly in the eyes. "You have my word, Suresh. Chitra is in the right place."
Geetha added, "And if you ever have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here for both of you."
As they walked back to their flat, Suresh turned to Chitra. "I feel better about this now," he admitted. "They seem like good people."
Chitra nodded, relief washing over her. "They really are, Suresh. Thank you for trusting me."
That night, as Suresh drifted off to sleep, Chitra lay awake, her heart a mix of gratitude and guilt. She knew she had earned his trust, but she also knew the line she was walking was thinner than it seemed.
It was well past midnight, and the house was silent. The clock struck 12:30 AM as Chitra sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts racing. Suresh had fallen asleep after the dinner with John and Geetha, visibly more at ease about her job. She couldn’t shake the gratitude she felt toward John for making such a sincere effort to reassure her husband.
Chitra glanced at her phone, hesitating for a moment. She had never texted John so late, but tonight felt different. There was an odd sense of comfort in knowing he was just a message away. Unlocking her phone, she opened WhatsApp and saw the green dot next to John’s name—he was online.
Her heart raced slightly as she typed her first message, erasing it twice before finally sending:
Chitra: Hi John, hope I’m not disturbing you this late.
John: Hey Chitra! You could never disturb me. What’s up?
Chitra: I just wanted to thank you and Geetha for tonight. Suresh was really happy after the dinner. I think he finally feels comfortable about my work now.
John: That’s wonderful to hear! ? I could tell he was a bit skeptical at first, but by the end, he seemed much more at ease.
Chitra: Yes, it means a lot to me. I’ve never done anything like this before, and knowing Suresh trusts me now… it feels good.
John: You deserve it, Chitra. You’re doing something amazing, stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring your talents. Not everyone has the courage to do that.
Chitra: Thank you, John. Honestly, I never imagined myself in this world. It still feels... strange sometimes.
John: Strange? How so?
Chitra: Well, you know, the outfits, the poses, being in front of the camera... it’s all so different from my usual life.
John: That’s exactly why you’re so captivating, Chitra. You bring a freshness, an authenticity that’s rare. The camera loves you because you’re real, not rehearsed.
Chitra: (blush emoji) I don’t know about all that, but I’m trying to learn.
John: You’re doing more than learning. You’re blossoming. It’s like watching a beautiful flower unfold.
Chitra: (shy emoji) You always know how to say the right things, John.
John: Just speaking the truth, Chitra. By the way, you looked stunning today during the shoot. That green saree? Wow. It brought out your elegance and your... charm.
Chitra: (embarrassed emoji) I wasn’t sure about that one. It was so different from what I usually wear.
John: That’s what made it perfect. You have this ability to make anything look classy, even when it’s bold.
Chitra: Bold? I don’t think I’m bold at all.
John: (laughing emoji) You underestimate yourself. Do you remember how hesitant you were in the beginning? Now, you’re carrying every shoot with such confidence. It’s incredibly attractive.
Chitra: (shocked emoji) Attractive?
John: Of course. You’re beautiful, Chitra. Inside and out.
Chitra: John, you’re making me blush.
John: Good. You deserve to hear it. I’ve always admired women who are strong yet graceful, and you embody that perfectly.
Chitra: (thinking emoji) I never thought someone would describe me like that. Thank you.
John: You’re welcome. Honestly, Chitra, spending time with you has been... inspiring. You have this aura about you that’s hard to ignore.
Chitra: (nervous emoji) I don’t know what to say to that.
John: You don’t have to say anything. Just know that you’re special, and I’m lucky to be part of this journey with you.
Chitra: (heart emoji) That means a lot, John.
John: Can I ask you something personal?
Chitra: Um... sure, I guess.
John: When you’re in front of the camera, do you ever feel... liberated? Like you’re discovering a side of yourself you didn’t know existed?
Chitra: (thinking emoji) I’m not sure. I feel different, that’s for sure. Sometimes, it’s scary, but other times... I don’t know how to explain it.
John: It’s like stepping into a new world, isn’t it? A world where you’re not just a wife or a homemaker, but a woman in her own right.
Chitra: (blush emoji) I’ve never thought of it that way, but yes, maybe you’re right.
John: You deserve to explore that world, Chitra. You deserve to feel beautiful, confident, and desired.
Chitra: (shy emoji) John, you’re making me shy again.
John: (winking emoji) Good. But honestly, Chitra, it’s hard not to admire you. You’re not just a model to me—you’re... special.
Chitra: (heart emoji) Thank you, John. That really means a lot.
John: Always, Chitra. Sleep well tonight. Dream big. You’ve got so much ahead of you.
Chitra: Thank you, John. Goodnight.
John: Goodnight, beautiful.
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