27-06-2025, 04:00 PM
(This post was last modified: 27-06-2025, 04:17 PM by Haran000. Edited 1 time in total. Edited 1 time in total.)
The hours melted away in the silent slumber of Geeta and Bharat. Around three o'clock, a piercing ring sliced through the quiet, emanating from Geeta’s phone on the bedside table next to Bharat. He stirred awake, his eyes falling on the caller ID: “Darling.” Picking up the phone, he glanced at Geeta, who remained lost in a deep, oblivious sleep.
Her pallid waist, on the left, played hide-and-seek with the edge of her saree, like a sliver of crescent moon. The enticing curves of her back, rising above, seemed to beckon, whispering tales of audacious adventure. A peek of her black bra strap, a sentinel guarding unseen treasures, was just visible. Her dark hair cascaded over her back, strands swaying gently on her neck, stirred by the fan's soft wind.
But the insistent ring pulled him back. Impulsively, his left hand, four fingers tracing an unspoken path, gently tapped her waist. She startled awake. The unexpected warmth of Bharat's touch on her skin ignited a storm within Geeta like a sudden monsoon in the Himalayas. Then, a jolt of realization: it wasn't Gautam. Her hand instinctively pushed his away.
She turned to see Bharat's face, etched with a look of pure innocence.
"Miss, here," he murmured, extending the phone. "Sir is calling."
She snatched the phone, her voice a clipped "Hello..."
"Did you fall asleep?" Gautam's voice, rough with distance, came through.
"Yes, I did," Geeta admitted, her voice still thick with sleep.
Bharat, ever attentive, brought her a bottle of water. She took a deep gulp, the cool liquid a small comfort.
"My friend Shiva's money," Gautam continued, his words dropping like stones, "it's in our house. Forty lakhs."
Geeta’s shock was palpable, her eyes widening. Bharat, observing her reaction, wondered at the cause.
"What? Where?" Geeta demanded, her voice rising in disbelief.
"I'll tell you later. You need to go to his house and give it to him. Get ready and call me. I'll tell you where it is."
"Okay," she managed, her voice still trembling slightly.
She ended the call, her gaze drifting to Bharat.
"What happened, Miss?" Bharat asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "Is there a problem? You sounded... troubled."
"Nothing," she replied, shaking her head. "You go, Bharat. I have to go out. Something important came up."
"Alright, Miss," he said, then headed back home.
A mere fifteen minutes later, Geeta’s voice was sharper, more alert.
"I'm ready," she announced to Gautam on phone call. "Tell me."
"There's a blue key in my desk," he instructed. "Take it."
Geeta moved to the desk, her fingers fumbling slightly as she opened the drawer and retrieved the small, blue key.
"Okay, now?" she prompted.
"In the cupboard," Gautam's voice continued, "the big drawer at the bottom. Take out the briefcase."
She walked into the bedroom, her eyes scanning the familiar furniture. Opening the cupboard, she knelt and pulled open the designated drawer. Inside, nestled among other things, was a briefcase. She unlatched it, revealing neat stacks of currency.
"Why is this, dear?" she asked, a tremor in her voice.
"It's not ours, it's my friend Shiva's," Gautam explained, his tone dismissive. "In the empty plots in our next lane, there's only one house. That's his. Go and give it to him. Don't tell anyone. Just walk, it's nearby, right?"
"Okay," Geeta conceded, a knot forming in her stomach. "But why do you have it in the first place?"
"I'll tell you all that later. Just go silently and give it to him."
"Darling," she ventured, a hint of accusation in her tone, "you're not doing anything illegal, are you?"
"Hey, don't think crazy things," Gautam snapped, his voice impatient. "It's nothing like that. It's his money, and we're just giving it back to him, that's all. I'm not there, that's why I'm asking you to go."
"But this much money...?" Geeta started.
"Geeta, what are you doing?" he cut her off, his voice sharper now. "It's nothing. Just go and give him the money."
"Okay," she finally agreed, the word barely a whisper.
Clutching the bag, Geeta walked towards the house at the end of the street. It was a grand house, surrounded by lush plants, exuding an air of profound tranquility. The gate stood ajar, an unspoken invitation. She pushed it open and stepped inside. A press of the doorbell, and the door swung open.
And then, a jolt of recognition. Gautam’s friend, Shiva. He stood before her, clad in a T-shirt and shorts, a laptop held loosely in one hand.
He, I saw him at the supermarket that day. It was him. Is he my husband's friend?
He offered her a beautiful, disarming smile. "You are?" he asked, his voice smooth.
Geeta was momentarily lost in the warmth of his smile.
"Hello... You are?" he prompted again, his voice gentle.
She blinked, shaking off the trance. "Gautam... my husband asked me to give you this money."
"Gautam anna?" Shiva's smile widened. "Oh, you're Gautam anna's wife? Come on in."
Hesitantly, Geeta stepped inside. Shiva's gaze remained fixed on her eyes, an intense, unwavering stare. He stood remarkably close. As she met his eyes, he set the laptop aside, plumped a pillow on the couch, and gestured for her to sit.
"Sit down," he invited. "Do you remember we met that day?"
Geeta’s eyes darted around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. "Hmm," she murmured in response.
"Sorry, that day," Shiva began, "without looking, I..."
"It's okay," Geeta interrupted softly.
"I'll get some tea," he offered.
"Oh... it's fine," Geeta quickly replied. "I'm leaving."
She placed the bag on the teapoy. As Shiva reached for it, his hand deliberately brushed against Geeta's left hand, which rested on the bag's handle.
"Wait," he insisted. "I'll get tea."
Geeta sat in silence, a nervous tremor running through her, until he returned.
The living room was a testament to a restless mind: books, papers, two computers, a television beside them. The wall boasted posters of fights, and a blackboard, like one from a college, was filled in a chaotic jumble of mathematical formulas and complex equations.
Geeta's mind raced, wondering what Shiva did for a living.
Shiva returned with a cup of chai and settled onto the couch right beside Geeta. The edge of her saree brushed against his right leg. Geeta took the teacup, her fingers trembling almost imperceptibly.
"Anna is in Dubai now," Shiva commented, his gaze lingering on her lips. "Are you staying here alone?"
"Yes," Geeta replied.
"Do you live alone in the house?" he pressed, moving even closer until his knee brushed hers. Geeta shifted uncomfortably.
He leaned forward, placing his cup on the pod, then picked up the briefcase and placed it on his lap, unclipping it. As he did, his elbow accidentally brushed her hand, sending a tiny shiver through her.
"Anna visited last week, right?" Shiva continued, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort. "But I couldn't meet him then, I went on a tour with my wife."
Geeta’s mind raced, unsure how to interpret the repeated touches. Was Shiva doing this on purpose, or were they just accidental in his haste?
He closed the case and moved back, then raised his right hand and rested it on the sofa behind Geeta's shoulders. The intoxicating, musky scent of Shiva's Manley perfume enveloped her, a dizzying cloud.
"Thank you very much for bringing it," he murmured, his fingers gently closing around her right hand.
The contact sent a strange jolt through Geeta.
"It's just to give you your money, it's fine," she said, pulling her hand away.
"But you brought it, after all," he countered, a lingering warmth in his voice.
"Hmm, I'll leave now," Geeta said, rising to her feet.
His eyes searched hers, a glint of something unreadable in their depths. "You're looking so beautiful," Shiva said, his voice direct, unapologetic.
Geeta gasped, taken aback by his blunt compliment. She turned her face away, a blush deepening on her cheeks.
Shiva stood up as well, moving closer. He leaned in, inhaling the sweet fragrance of Geeta's hair from behind.
"I thought so that day," he mused, his voice a low whisper against her ear, "but even today, there's something intoxicating about you. What perfume do you use?"
This was the second time today; Bharat had made the same observation this morning. Geeta was at a loss for words. Unexpectedly, a shy smile, a fleeting hint of pleasure, touched her lips at the man's unvarnished praise.
"You haven't told me your name?" Shiva asked softly.
"Gee... Geeta," she stammered, her voice barely audible.
"It's nice," he said, his gaze lingering on her, "just like you."
He gently took hold of the end of her braid. A jolt ran through Geeta for a fleeting moment.
"I like long hair," he continued. "My wife has too."
"Hmm," Geeta responded, her voice tight.
Geeta turned back to face Shiva, meeting his unwavering gaze. He showed no trace of embarrassment.
"What will you do when you go home now?" he asked.
"I have some small tasks," she replied vaguely.
"If you ever get a chance, do come over," he offered, his eyes still fixed on her lips. "My wife talks very well., she had not friends here. You'll also enjoy her company."
Geeta instinctively took a quick step back.
Shiva picked up his phone and called Gautam.
"Anna, your Geeta has arrived," Shiva announced. "Everything is okay. Thanks."
"Oh, okay," Gautam's voice was brief.
"Do you want to talk?" Shiva asked.
"No need, I'm busy," Gautam replied, his tone dismissive.
"Okay, bye," Shiva said, and ended the call.
He then moved closer to Geeta again. "Gautam anna was my senior in intermediate," Shiva explained. "After I came here, we used to meet occasionally before marriage."
"But why so much money?" Geeta persisted, a flicker of suspicion in her eyes.
"That's money from a business I did back then," Shiva clarified, his voice smooth. "Gautam has nothing to do with it."
"Okay, I'll leave now," Geeta said, turning to go.
"Why don't you stay until my wife comes?" he offered, his gaze still on her lips. "She's beautiful like you."
"No, I have to go," Geeta stammered, a sense of urgency propelling her forward. "I'll meet her some other time..." She hurried outside.
The moment she stepped through her own front door, she found Shriram waiting, phone in hand, swinging it idly. She pushed open the gate and walked in. Before Geeta could utter a word, Shri spoke.
"Sister-in-law," he began, a slight hesitancy in his voice, "um... I need WiFi."
Without a word, she opened the door and walked inside. Shri watched her, a confused silence hanging between them, before she called out.
"Shri, come here. In that bottom drawer, there's a router box. Look at the password sticker and connect."
The worry in Shri's eyes vanished, replaced by a grateful smile. "Oh, thanks, sister-in-law," he said, moving to the drawer.
Geeta had meant the drawer above it, but Shri, in his eagerness, pulled open the very bottom, fourth drawer. His eyes widened in shock as he saw the packet of a dildo vibrator that Geeta had recently purchased. A silent chuckle escaped him.
He glanced at Geeta. Geeta, witnessing his discovery, flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and fear, cursing herself inwardly.
“ Oh, why did I even tell him? This is my karma. ”
And to make matters worse, Shri was laughing. Geeta, her face turned away in mortification, finally spoke.
"No, not that one. Close that one and open the one above it first."
"It's okay, sister-in-law," Shri said, still chuckling. "I can understand."
He quickly closed the bottom drawer, opened the one above it, took out the WiFi router package, and began inputting the password. Geeta, utterly mortified, remained silent, not knowing what to say.
Shri finished connecting, then came closer and sat down beside Geeta.
"Sister-in-law," he said, his voice now softer, "I know. I don't think anything of it."
"Go, Shri," Geeta retorted, her voice tight. "I have other work."
"Just look here once?" he coaxed.
Geeta turned, her eyes meeting his. Shri was still smiling.
"You probably talk to Anna on the phone at night," he said, a knowing glint in his eyes. "I understood."
Geeta's eyes widened, glaring at him. "Shut up, Shri! Go..." she snapped, her voice low and threatening.
"Whoa, whoa... sorry, sorry..." he laughed, backing away and then he left.
That night, Gautam called.
"Good evening, Geeta," he greeted, his voice warm. "What are you doing?"
"I just ate," she replied, a faint sigh escaping her. "You didn't pick up the call..."
"I was busy," he explained. "Did you want to say something?"
"Kiss me..." she whispered, a longing in her voice.
Gautam made a loud "smooch" sound into the phone, a digital kiss.
"Hey, girl," he teased, "won't you kiss me back?"
"I won't," Geeta stated firmly.
"Why?"
"I don't want phone kisses," she said, her voice laced with yearning. "I want you."
"You'll have to wait a few more days then," he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"Hmm," she sighed again.
"Hey," Gautam continued, changing the subject, "you went to Shiva's house, right? What did he say?"
"What would he say?" Geeta replied, feigning nonchalance. "I gave him the bag as you told me. He took it. He said thanks."
"Not that," Gautam pressed, a slight edge to his voice. "Did he say anything about you? If he sees any girl who looks beautiful, he just keeps talking and praising her."
"Yes," Geeta admitted, a small smile playing on her lips. "He said, 'you're looking beautiful.'"
"Ha," Gautam chuckled, a note of pride in his voice. "How could he not say it? You're not just ordinary."
"Pervert husband..." Geeta protested, though her smile widened. "What are you saying? Anyway, why talk about him now? Oh, you said you'd take me there, when?"
"A few more days, okay, just wait," Gautam said, his tone turning serious. "Will you do that today too?"
"Darling," Geeta whispered, her voice aching with desire, "I want you, not that plastic stick. You're not understanding my situation..."
"Don't say that," Gautam cut her off, his voice tight. "It makes me feel something."
"Hmm…” Geetha said.
“Ok then I’ll call later or morning”
“Good night”
The call cut off, leaving Geeta in the silent aftermath.
A familiar voice broke the morning quiet. "Hi Vadina (sister-in-law), good morning," Shri called out, returning from his jog. Geetha turned, a smile touching her lips. "Ha, good morning, Shri…"
"Didn't you talk to Anna last night?" he probed, a hint of mischief in his eyes. Geetha's expression shifted. Her eyes narrowed, a pout formed, and a quick shake of her head to the right was all the signal he needed. Shri chuckled, understanding the unspoken message, and walked away.
Vimala's elbow nudged Geetha gently. "Hey, why are you talking to that boy like that?" she asked, curiosity lacing her tone.
"Why did you ask that, akka (elder sister)?" Geetha replied, a slight edge to her voice.
"I mean, he's getting so familiar in just a few days."
"Hmm… a bit fast," Geetha conceded.
Vimala's tone became more admiring. "He's nice, isn't he? Fair-skinned, looks fit."
"Yeah… he goes for a run every day," Geetha mused, a hint of something unreadable in her voice.
"Geetha, we're thinking of going to the movies this evening. Will you come?" Vimala asked, shifting the subject.
Geetha shook her head. "No, akka, I have college tomorrow. You go."
"You can come, though. What will you do alone at home?" Vimala pressed, unwilling to give up easily.
"If my husband is here, I'd come too," Geetha said, a touch of sadness in her voice.
"Don't think like that. You're coming, that's it," Vimala insisted, her voice firm.
Their conversation was abruptly cut short by Uday. "Geetha, if you don't mind, let's go in your car."
"Okay, Bava. Akka, call me in the evening." She replied and got inside home.
As decided Geetha went to movie with Vimala’s family in the evening and returned by night.
As she got inside house, sudden ring of the phone startled her. She picked it up immediately. "Ha… Hello?"
"What are you doing, madam?" Gautham's voice, warm and familiar, filled the line.
"I just got back from the movie," Geetha replied, a smile now gracing her face.
"Oh ho… I've also come to Abu Dhabi. I'll send you photos, take a look."
A playful whine escaped Geetha's lips. "You're leaving me here and traveling all over the world."
Gautham chuckled. "We'll go again after you come."
"Ha…"
As they spoke, photos began to arrive. She scrolled through them, observed Goutham got some fat protruding infront, a frown forming on her face. "Oy, why are you gaining weight? You're eating so much there, and you don't even miss me!"
" why would you say that?" Gautham protested, feigning hurt.
"I was just kidding. But seriously, are you eating well?" she pressed, her tone softening with genuine concern.
"Maybe it's because of stress," he offered.
"Are you drinking?"
"Sometimes." He admitted.
"If you drink every day just because I'm not there, I'll kill you, I'm telling you!" Geetha warned, a mix of seriousness and playfulness in her voice.
"Oy, do I look like a heavy drinker?"
"Maybe you're drinking because I'm not there, like Devadas without Parvati?", she jiggled playfully.
"I thought of drinking like that, but I stopped because you'd scold me," he confessed, a laugh in his voice.
"Hmm… that's how it should be," she said, pleased.
"Oy…"
"Yes my husband," Geetha prompted.
"The schedule has changed, Geetha. I can't talk at this time. It's either morning or midnight."
"Then how will that work? In the morning, I'll be at college."
"It'll be like this for another month."
"Hmm…"
"Take care. Is everything okay there?"
"Yeah… Okay."
"Love you."
"Love you too. Good night."
The next day brought a quiet change. Shri's family had left for their village, and the day at college passed normally. Bharat wasn't there, neither at college nor at tuition. Two days slipped by in a similar vein, the inability to have a satisfying conversation with Gautham adding to the dullness. Bharat's absence in tuition made everything feel boring.
On Wednesday, she was in the staffroom, a book in her hands, when a sudden sound caught her attention. A voice, muffled but distinct, seemed to emanate from between the stalls behind her. At first, she dismissed it as someone talking outside, but the proximity of the sound made her uneasy. A prickle of suspicion ran down her spine. Why would someone be hiding? Slowly, cautiously, she rose and turned, peeking around the stall.
![[Image: bHRzq.gif]](https://s14.gifyu.com/images/bHRzq.gif)
Her gaze froze. What was she seeing? Ramya and the computer lab teacher Ganesh, were locked in an intimate position. Ganesh's hand was clamped over Ramya's mouth, and he was rubbing his legs against hers. Ramya's eyes were wide, her head shaking as she made soft "Mmm… Mmm…" sounds, silently pleading for him to remove his hand. He finally did.
They were oblivious to her presence.
Ganesh's face was buried in Ramya's neck; she understood he was kissing her. Ramya, eyes closed, held his head, her fingers intertwining in his hair, a silent encouragement.
"Um… I think Geetha is still there near desks, if she finds out, please manage her. This is a risk for both of us," Ganesh mumbled, his voice thick.
"Um… I'll handle it," Ramya replied, her voice soft.
Geetha was stunned. They knew she was in the staffroom, yet they hadn't looked her way. They assumed that if she harbored any suspicions, Ramya would simply explain it away.
But Geetha couldn't reconcile this. Ramya, as she knew her, was not someone she ever imagined capable of such an act. They had always claimed to be just friends, and Geetha had never for a moment suspected this kind of relationship.
"Um, leave it, Gani… after we go home in the evening. Now I have a class, I need to go," Ramya urged, pulling back slightly.
"Ramya, please wait just 5 minutes," Ganesh pleaded, his grip tightening on her hand. He began to guide her hand towards his pants.
"Gani, leave my hand, let's go, please," Ramya whispered, her voice laced with desperation.
Ganesh finally released her. Ramya quickly adjusted her sari. As she was about to turn in Geetha's direction, Geetha swiftly stepped back, holding her breath.
They were still talking, blissfully unaware of her presence.
"Geetha also has a class. I'll stay here, you go. After Geetha leaves, I'll leave. If both of us leave at the same time, it'll look suspicious," Ramya explained.
Geetha felt a laugh bubbling up. What a genius! Ramya had come up with a perfectly logical explanation for her presence. Acting as if she had heard nothing, Geetha returned to her table and sat down. A few moments later, Ganesh appeared. He spotted her and greeted her with a wide smile.
"Oh Geetha Miss, how are you? I came for books."
It was comical that he claimed to be there for books; Geetha hadn't even asked him.
"Oh really. I'll leave, it's class time," Geetha said, maintaining a neutral expression.
"Okay, madam," Ganesh replied, still smiling.
“Anyway, what they did was none of my business”, Geetha thought and left the staffroom, the unsettling scene replaying in her mind.
.
.
.
.
.
Her pallid waist, on the left, played hide-and-seek with the edge of her saree, like a sliver of crescent moon. The enticing curves of her back, rising above, seemed to beckon, whispering tales of audacious adventure. A peek of her black bra strap, a sentinel guarding unseen treasures, was just visible. Her dark hair cascaded over her back, strands swaying gently on her neck, stirred by the fan's soft wind.
But the insistent ring pulled him back. Impulsively, his left hand, four fingers tracing an unspoken path, gently tapped her waist. She startled awake. The unexpected warmth of Bharat's touch on her skin ignited a storm within Geeta like a sudden monsoon in the Himalayas. Then, a jolt of realization: it wasn't Gautam. Her hand instinctively pushed his away.
She turned to see Bharat's face, etched with a look of pure innocence.
"Miss, here," he murmured, extending the phone. "Sir is calling."
She snatched the phone, her voice a clipped "Hello..."
"Did you fall asleep?" Gautam's voice, rough with distance, came through.
"Yes, I did," Geeta admitted, her voice still thick with sleep.
Bharat, ever attentive, brought her a bottle of water. She took a deep gulp, the cool liquid a small comfort.
"My friend Shiva's money," Gautam continued, his words dropping like stones, "it's in our house. Forty lakhs."
Geeta’s shock was palpable, her eyes widening. Bharat, observing her reaction, wondered at the cause.
"What? Where?" Geeta demanded, her voice rising in disbelief.
"I'll tell you later. You need to go to his house and give it to him. Get ready and call me. I'll tell you where it is."
"Okay," she managed, her voice still trembling slightly.
She ended the call, her gaze drifting to Bharat.
"What happened, Miss?" Bharat asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "Is there a problem? You sounded... troubled."
"Nothing," she replied, shaking her head. "You go, Bharat. I have to go out. Something important came up."
"Alright, Miss," he said, then headed back home.
A mere fifteen minutes later, Geeta’s voice was sharper, more alert.
"I'm ready," she announced to Gautam on phone call. "Tell me."
"There's a blue key in my desk," he instructed. "Take it."
Geeta moved to the desk, her fingers fumbling slightly as she opened the drawer and retrieved the small, blue key.
"Okay, now?" she prompted.
"In the cupboard," Gautam's voice continued, "the big drawer at the bottom. Take out the briefcase."
She walked into the bedroom, her eyes scanning the familiar furniture. Opening the cupboard, she knelt and pulled open the designated drawer. Inside, nestled among other things, was a briefcase. She unlatched it, revealing neat stacks of currency.
"Why is this, dear?" she asked, a tremor in her voice.
"It's not ours, it's my friend Shiva's," Gautam explained, his tone dismissive. "In the empty plots in our next lane, there's only one house. That's his. Go and give it to him. Don't tell anyone. Just walk, it's nearby, right?"
"Okay," Geeta conceded, a knot forming in her stomach. "But why do you have it in the first place?"
"I'll tell you all that later. Just go silently and give it to him."
"Darling," she ventured, a hint of accusation in her tone, "you're not doing anything illegal, are you?"
"Hey, don't think crazy things," Gautam snapped, his voice impatient. "It's nothing like that. It's his money, and we're just giving it back to him, that's all. I'm not there, that's why I'm asking you to go."
"But this much money...?" Geeta started.
"Geeta, what are you doing?" he cut her off, his voice sharper now. "It's nothing. Just go and give him the money."
"Okay," she finally agreed, the word barely a whisper.
Clutching the bag, Geeta walked towards the house at the end of the street. It was a grand house, surrounded by lush plants, exuding an air of profound tranquility. The gate stood ajar, an unspoken invitation. She pushed it open and stepped inside. A press of the doorbell, and the door swung open.
And then, a jolt of recognition. Gautam’s friend, Shiva. He stood before her, clad in a T-shirt and shorts, a laptop held loosely in one hand.
He, I saw him at the supermarket that day. It was him. Is he my husband's friend?
He offered her a beautiful, disarming smile. "You are?" he asked, his voice smooth.
Geeta was momentarily lost in the warmth of his smile.
"Hello... You are?" he prompted again, his voice gentle.
She blinked, shaking off the trance. "Gautam... my husband asked me to give you this money."
"Gautam anna?" Shiva's smile widened. "Oh, you're Gautam anna's wife? Come on in."
Hesitantly, Geeta stepped inside. Shiva's gaze remained fixed on her eyes, an intense, unwavering stare. He stood remarkably close. As she met his eyes, he set the laptop aside, plumped a pillow on the couch, and gestured for her to sit.
"Sit down," he invited. "Do you remember we met that day?"
Geeta’s eyes darted around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. "Hmm," she murmured in response.
"Sorry, that day," Shiva began, "without looking, I..."
"It's okay," Geeta interrupted softly.
"I'll get some tea," he offered.
"Oh... it's fine," Geeta quickly replied. "I'm leaving."
She placed the bag on the teapoy. As Shiva reached for it, his hand deliberately brushed against Geeta's left hand, which rested on the bag's handle.
"Wait," he insisted. "I'll get tea."
Geeta sat in silence, a nervous tremor running through her, until he returned.
The living room was a testament to a restless mind: books, papers, two computers, a television beside them. The wall boasted posters of fights, and a blackboard, like one from a college, was filled in a chaotic jumble of mathematical formulas and complex equations.
Geeta's mind raced, wondering what Shiva did for a living.
Shiva returned with a cup of chai and settled onto the couch right beside Geeta. The edge of her saree brushed against his right leg. Geeta took the teacup, her fingers trembling almost imperceptibly.
"Anna is in Dubai now," Shiva commented, his gaze lingering on her lips. "Are you staying here alone?"
"Yes," Geeta replied.
"Do you live alone in the house?" he pressed, moving even closer until his knee brushed hers. Geeta shifted uncomfortably.
He leaned forward, placing his cup on the pod, then picked up the briefcase and placed it on his lap, unclipping it. As he did, his elbow accidentally brushed her hand, sending a tiny shiver through her.
"Anna visited last week, right?" Shiva continued, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort. "But I couldn't meet him then, I went on a tour with my wife."
Geeta’s mind raced, unsure how to interpret the repeated touches. Was Shiva doing this on purpose, or were they just accidental in his haste?
He closed the case and moved back, then raised his right hand and rested it on the sofa behind Geeta's shoulders. The intoxicating, musky scent of Shiva's Manley perfume enveloped her, a dizzying cloud.
"Thank you very much for bringing it," he murmured, his fingers gently closing around her right hand.
The contact sent a strange jolt through Geeta.
"It's just to give you your money, it's fine," she said, pulling her hand away.
"But you brought it, after all," he countered, a lingering warmth in his voice.
"Hmm, I'll leave now," Geeta said, rising to her feet.
His eyes searched hers, a glint of something unreadable in their depths. "You're looking so beautiful," Shiva said, his voice direct, unapologetic.
Geeta gasped, taken aback by his blunt compliment. She turned her face away, a blush deepening on her cheeks.
Shiva stood up as well, moving closer. He leaned in, inhaling the sweet fragrance of Geeta's hair from behind.
"I thought so that day," he mused, his voice a low whisper against her ear, "but even today, there's something intoxicating about you. What perfume do you use?"
This was the second time today; Bharat had made the same observation this morning. Geeta was at a loss for words. Unexpectedly, a shy smile, a fleeting hint of pleasure, touched her lips at the man's unvarnished praise.
"You haven't told me your name?" Shiva asked softly.
"Gee... Geeta," she stammered, her voice barely audible.
"It's nice," he said, his gaze lingering on her, "just like you."
He gently took hold of the end of her braid. A jolt ran through Geeta for a fleeting moment.
"I like long hair," he continued. "My wife has too."
"Hmm," Geeta responded, her voice tight.
Geeta turned back to face Shiva, meeting his unwavering gaze. He showed no trace of embarrassment.
"What will you do when you go home now?" he asked.
"I have some small tasks," she replied vaguely.
"If you ever get a chance, do come over," he offered, his eyes still fixed on her lips. "My wife talks very well., she had not friends here. You'll also enjoy her company."
Geeta instinctively took a quick step back.
Shiva picked up his phone and called Gautam.
"Anna, your Geeta has arrived," Shiva announced. "Everything is okay. Thanks."
"Oh, okay," Gautam's voice was brief.
"Do you want to talk?" Shiva asked.
"No need, I'm busy," Gautam replied, his tone dismissive.
"Okay, bye," Shiva said, and ended the call.
He then moved closer to Geeta again. "Gautam anna was my senior in intermediate," Shiva explained. "After I came here, we used to meet occasionally before marriage."
"But why so much money?" Geeta persisted, a flicker of suspicion in her eyes.
"That's money from a business I did back then," Shiva clarified, his voice smooth. "Gautam has nothing to do with it."
"Okay, I'll leave now," Geeta said, turning to go.
"Why don't you stay until my wife comes?" he offered, his gaze still on her lips. "She's beautiful like you."
"No, I have to go," Geeta stammered, a sense of urgency propelling her forward. "I'll meet her some other time..." She hurried outside.
The moment she stepped through her own front door, she found Shriram waiting, phone in hand, swinging it idly. She pushed open the gate and walked in. Before Geeta could utter a word, Shri spoke.
"Sister-in-law," he began, a slight hesitancy in his voice, "um... I need WiFi."
Without a word, she opened the door and walked inside. Shri watched her, a confused silence hanging between them, before she called out.
"Shri, come here. In that bottom drawer, there's a router box. Look at the password sticker and connect."
The worry in Shri's eyes vanished, replaced by a grateful smile. "Oh, thanks, sister-in-law," he said, moving to the drawer.
Geeta had meant the drawer above it, but Shri, in his eagerness, pulled open the very bottom, fourth drawer. His eyes widened in shock as he saw the packet of a dildo vibrator that Geeta had recently purchased. A silent chuckle escaped him.
He glanced at Geeta. Geeta, witnessing his discovery, flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and fear, cursing herself inwardly.
“ Oh, why did I even tell him? This is my karma. ”
And to make matters worse, Shri was laughing. Geeta, her face turned away in mortification, finally spoke.
"No, not that one. Close that one and open the one above it first."
"It's okay, sister-in-law," Shri said, still chuckling. "I can understand."
He quickly closed the bottom drawer, opened the one above it, took out the WiFi router package, and began inputting the password. Geeta, utterly mortified, remained silent, not knowing what to say.
Shri finished connecting, then came closer and sat down beside Geeta.
"Sister-in-law," he said, his voice now softer, "I know. I don't think anything of it."
"Go, Shri," Geeta retorted, her voice tight. "I have other work."
"Just look here once?" he coaxed.
Geeta turned, her eyes meeting his. Shri was still smiling.
"You probably talk to Anna on the phone at night," he said, a knowing glint in his eyes. "I understood."
Geeta's eyes widened, glaring at him. "Shut up, Shri! Go..." she snapped, her voice low and threatening.
"Whoa, whoa... sorry, sorry..." he laughed, backing away and then he left.
That night, Gautam called.
"Good evening, Geeta," he greeted, his voice warm. "What are you doing?"
"I just ate," she replied, a faint sigh escaping her. "You didn't pick up the call..."
"I was busy," he explained. "Did you want to say something?"
"Kiss me..." she whispered, a longing in her voice.
Gautam made a loud "smooch" sound into the phone, a digital kiss.
"Hey, girl," he teased, "won't you kiss me back?"
"I won't," Geeta stated firmly.
"Why?"
"I don't want phone kisses," she said, her voice laced with yearning. "I want you."
"You'll have to wait a few more days then," he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"Hmm," she sighed again.
"Hey," Gautam continued, changing the subject, "you went to Shiva's house, right? What did he say?"
"What would he say?" Geeta replied, feigning nonchalance. "I gave him the bag as you told me. He took it. He said thanks."
"Not that," Gautam pressed, a slight edge to his voice. "Did he say anything about you? If he sees any girl who looks beautiful, he just keeps talking and praising her."
"Yes," Geeta admitted, a small smile playing on her lips. "He said, 'you're looking beautiful.'"
"Ha," Gautam chuckled, a note of pride in his voice. "How could he not say it? You're not just ordinary."
"Pervert husband..." Geeta protested, though her smile widened. "What are you saying? Anyway, why talk about him now? Oh, you said you'd take me there, when?"
"A few more days, okay, just wait," Gautam said, his tone turning serious. "Will you do that today too?"
"Darling," Geeta whispered, her voice aching with desire, "I want you, not that plastic stick. You're not understanding my situation..."
"Don't say that," Gautam cut her off, his voice tight. "It makes me feel something."
"Hmm…” Geetha said.
“Ok then I’ll call later or morning”
“Good night”
The call cut off, leaving Geeta in the silent aftermath.
- -
- -
A familiar voice broke the morning quiet. "Hi Vadina (sister-in-law), good morning," Shri called out, returning from his jog. Geetha turned, a smile touching her lips. "Ha, good morning, Shri…"
"Didn't you talk to Anna last night?" he probed, a hint of mischief in his eyes. Geetha's expression shifted. Her eyes narrowed, a pout formed, and a quick shake of her head to the right was all the signal he needed. Shri chuckled, understanding the unspoken message, and walked away.
Vimala's elbow nudged Geetha gently. "Hey, why are you talking to that boy like that?" she asked, curiosity lacing her tone.
"Why did you ask that, akka (elder sister)?" Geetha replied, a slight edge to her voice.
"I mean, he's getting so familiar in just a few days."
"Hmm… a bit fast," Geetha conceded.
Vimala's tone became more admiring. "He's nice, isn't he? Fair-skinned, looks fit."
"Yeah… he goes for a run every day," Geetha mused, a hint of something unreadable in her voice.
"Geetha, we're thinking of going to the movies this evening. Will you come?" Vimala asked, shifting the subject.
Geetha shook her head. "No, akka, I have college tomorrow. You go."
"You can come, though. What will you do alone at home?" Vimala pressed, unwilling to give up easily.
"If my husband is here, I'd come too," Geetha said, a touch of sadness in her voice.
"Don't think like that. You're coming, that's it," Vimala insisted, her voice firm.
Their conversation was abruptly cut short by Uday. "Geetha, if you don't mind, let's go in your car."
"Okay, Bava. Akka, call me in the evening." She replied and got inside home.
As decided Geetha went to movie with Vimala’s family in the evening and returned by night.
As she got inside house, sudden ring of the phone startled her. She picked it up immediately. "Ha… Hello?"
"What are you doing, madam?" Gautham's voice, warm and familiar, filled the line.
"I just got back from the movie," Geetha replied, a smile now gracing her face.
"Oh ho… I've also come to Abu Dhabi. I'll send you photos, take a look."
A playful whine escaped Geetha's lips. "You're leaving me here and traveling all over the world."
Gautham chuckled. "We'll go again after you come."
"Ha…"
As they spoke, photos began to arrive. She scrolled through them, observed Goutham got some fat protruding infront, a frown forming on her face. "Oy, why are you gaining weight? You're eating so much there, and you don't even miss me!"
" why would you say that?" Gautham protested, feigning hurt.
"I was just kidding. But seriously, are you eating well?" she pressed, her tone softening with genuine concern.
"Maybe it's because of stress," he offered.
"Are you drinking?"
"Sometimes." He admitted.
"If you drink every day just because I'm not there, I'll kill you, I'm telling you!" Geetha warned, a mix of seriousness and playfulness in her voice.
"Oy, do I look like a heavy drinker?"
"Maybe you're drinking because I'm not there, like Devadas without Parvati?", she jiggled playfully.
"I thought of drinking like that, but I stopped because you'd scold me," he confessed, a laugh in his voice.
"Hmm… that's how it should be," she said, pleased.
"Oy…"
"Yes my husband," Geetha prompted.
"The schedule has changed, Geetha. I can't talk at this time. It's either morning or midnight."
"Then how will that work? In the morning, I'll be at college."
"It'll be like this for another month."
"Hmm…"
"Take care. Is everything okay there?"
"Yeah… Okay."
"Love you."
"Love you too. Good night."
The next day brought a quiet change. Shri's family had left for their village, and the day at college passed normally. Bharat wasn't there, neither at college nor at tuition. Two days slipped by in a similar vein, the inability to have a satisfying conversation with Gautham adding to the dullness. Bharat's absence in tuition made everything feel boring.
On Wednesday, she was in the staffroom, a book in her hands, when a sudden sound caught her attention. A voice, muffled but distinct, seemed to emanate from between the stalls behind her. At first, she dismissed it as someone talking outside, but the proximity of the sound made her uneasy. A prickle of suspicion ran down her spine. Why would someone be hiding? Slowly, cautiously, she rose and turned, peeking around the stall.
Her gaze froze. What was she seeing? Ramya and the computer lab teacher Ganesh, were locked in an intimate position. Ganesh's hand was clamped over Ramya's mouth, and he was rubbing his legs against hers. Ramya's eyes were wide, her head shaking as she made soft "Mmm… Mmm…" sounds, silently pleading for him to remove his hand. He finally did.
They were oblivious to her presence.
Ganesh's face was buried in Ramya's neck; she understood he was kissing her. Ramya, eyes closed, held his head, her fingers intertwining in his hair, a silent encouragement.
"Um… I think Geetha is still there near desks, if she finds out, please manage her. This is a risk for both of us," Ganesh mumbled, his voice thick.
"Um… I'll handle it," Ramya replied, her voice soft.
Geetha was stunned. They knew she was in the staffroom, yet they hadn't looked her way. They assumed that if she harbored any suspicions, Ramya would simply explain it away.
But Geetha couldn't reconcile this. Ramya, as she knew her, was not someone she ever imagined capable of such an act. They had always claimed to be just friends, and Geetha had never for a moment suspected this kind of relationship.
"Um, leave it, Gani… after we go home in the evening. Now I have a class, I need to go," Ramya urged, pulling back slightly.
"Ramya, please wait just 5 minutes," Ganesh pleaded, his grip tightening on her hand. He began to guide her hand towards his pants.
"Gani, leave my hand, let's go, please," Ramya whispered, her voice laced with desperation.
Ganesh finally released her. Ramya quickly adjusted her sari. As she was about to turn in Geetha's direction, Geetha swiftly stepped back, holding her breath.
They were still talking, blissfully unaware of her presence.
"Geetha also has a class. I'll stay here, you go. After Geetha leaves, I'll leave. If both of us leave at the same time, it'll look suspicious," Ramya explained.
Geetha felt a laugh bubbling up. What a genius! Ramya had come up with a perfectly logical explanation for her presence. Acting as if she had heard nothing, Geetha returned to her table and sat down. A few moments later, Ganesh appeared. He spotted her and greeted her with a wide smile.
"Oh Geetha Miss, how are you? I came for books."
It was comical that he claimed to be there for books; Geetha hadn't even asked him.
"Oh really. I'll leave, it's class time," Geetha said, maintaining a neutral expression.
"Okay, madam," Ganesh replied, still smiling.
“Anyway, what they did was none of my business”, Geetha thought and left the staffroom, the unsettling scene replaying in her mind.
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