Yesterday, 11:16 PM
(This post was last modified: Yesterday, 11:37 PM by nivithenaughty. Edited 2 times in total. Edited 2 times in total.)
Chapter 103: Shadows of Solitude
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The clink of glasses lingered in the air, the whiskey’s amber glow catching the dim light of Rajendar’s living room. Nivi sat on the worn sofa, her peach kurta soft against her skin, the olive green leggings shimmering faintly as she shifted.
The omelet plate sat half-eaten on the table, its edges crusting, while Titan, the muscular dog, sprawled near her feet, his tail thumping lazily. Rajendar leaned back, his bandaged ankle propped on a cushion, the walking stick resting against the armrest.
His glass gleamed in his hand, the whiskey loosening the lines on his face. Nivi’s own glass felt heavy, the liquor warm in her throat, her body still tingling from the day’s restless craving. The moment felt raw, their shared drink a bridge, her dupatta still off her shoulder, the neckline of her kurta dipping to show a hint of cleavage.
She swirled her glass, the liquid catching the light. “This whiskey’s smooth,” she said, her voice light, breaking the quiet. “Better than what Anand keeps at home.”
Rajendar chuckled, his gruff tone softening. “You’re full of surprises, Nivetha. Didn’t peg you for a whiskey girl.” His eyes flicked to her, lingering on her kurta’s neckline before meeting her gaze, a faint smile tugging his lips.
She shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. “Occasionally. Keeps things interesting.” She sipped, the burn grounding her, and leaned forward, her kurta brushing her thighs. “You and these dogs, though—Titan, the park strays. What’s the story? You’re out there every weekend feeding them.”
He took a slow sip, his gaze drifting to Titan, who perked up at his name. “Dogs are loyal. They don’t judge, don’t leave.” His voice was low, a weight behind it. He paused, swirling his glass, the whiskey sloshing gently. “Started years ago. My… someone I loved, she was crazy about them. Strays, pets, didn’t matter. She’d stop on the street to pet any dog, feed them scraps. When she was gone, I kept it up. Felt like keeping her close.”
Nivi’s chest tightened, his vulnerability catching her off guard. She set her glass down, the table creaking. “That’s beautiful,” she said softly, her fingers brushing the sofa’s edge. “She must’ve been special.”
Rajendar nodded, his eyes distant. “She was. Young, full of life. Loved dogs, loved laughing. Cancer took her fast—too fast.” He took a deeper sip, his knuckles whitening on the glass. “After that, the dogs became my way of… remembering. Rusty, Shadow, the others at the park—they’re like her, in a way. Always waiting, always grateful.”
Nivi leaned closer, her kurta shifting, the olive leggings catching the light. “I get it. They’re lucky to have you.” She glanced at Titan, his dark fur gleaming, and reached to pet him, his warmth calming her. “What’s your day like, then? Dogs and work—that’s it?”
He chuckled, a rough sound, and poured another round, the bottle glinting. “Pretty much. Office keeps me busy—budgets, audits, you know. Evenings, I’m here with Titan or at the park with the strays. Whiskey helps the nights pass.” He gestured to the bottle, then sipped, his eyes meeting hers. “Not much else. Used to have friends, but… things change.”
Nivi tilted her head, her dupatta slipping further, the neckline teasing more skin. “Friends? What happened?” Her voice was gentle, curious, the whiskey warming her cheeks.
He sighed, leaning back, his stick wobbling slightly. “Was close with some guys from work, years ago. Married, kids, the whole deal. But when I stayed single, their wives started talking. Said I was trouble, a bachelor with no ties, maybe chasing their husbands or worse.”
He snorted, a bitter edge to it. “Gossip spread, and they drifted. Easier to be alone than deal with that. Got used to it.”
Nivi’s heart sank, her fingers tightening on her glass. “That’s unfair. You’re not like that—you’re kind, steady.” She shook her head, the kurta’s hem brushing her knees. “Sounds lonely, though.”
Rajendar shrugged, his eyes on the whiskey. “It is what it is. Titan’s good company. The park dogs too.” He paused, his gaze flicking to her, softer now. “What about you? Drinking whiskey with me, showing up here—doesn’t your husband say anything?”
Nivi’s smile faded, her stomach knotting. She took a slow sip, the burn sharp, and set her glass down, her hands folding in her lap. “Anand… he doesn’t notice much. Works late, drinks more than he should, buries himself in bills or his phone. We barely talk anymore.” Her voice was low, the words spilling out. “It’s like I’m invisible at home. The kids are my world, but with him… it’s empty. Toxic, even.”
Rajendar’s brow furrowed, his glass pausing midair. “That’s rough, Nivetha. You don’t deserve that.” His tone was gruff but sincere, his eyes holding hers, steady despite the whiskey.
She nodded, her throat tight, and leaned back, the sofa creaking. “I know. Sometimes I think… it’s better to be alone, like you, than stuck in a marriage that’s failing. At least you’ve got your peace, your dogs. I’m just… holding it together for the boys.”
He leaned forward, his stick tapping the floor. “Alone’s not perfect, but yeah, no one drags you down. You’re strong, though—handling kids, work, all this.” He gestured to the files on the table, then her. “And you’re here, helping me. That’s not nothing.”
Nivi smiled, a warmth spreading through her. “Thanks. Means a lot to hear that.” She reached for the bottle, pouring them both another round, her kurta lifting slightly to show a sliver of her midriff. His eyes flicked there, quick but noticeable, and she felt a spark, the whiskey amplifying her awareness. He’s seeing me, she thought, her body tingling, the craving from earlier stirring faintly.
They sipped in silence for a moment, the room quiet except for Titan’s soft snores. Nivi broke it, her voice playful to lighten the mood. “So, no friends, just dogs and whiskey? You ever go out, have fun?”
Rajendar chuckled, relaxing into the sofa. “Fun? Not much. Used to play cards with the guys, but that stopped. Now it’s just… this.” He gestured to the room, the whiskey glass gleaming. “The dogs keep me grounded. What about you? Besides work and kids, what’s fun for Nivetha?”
She laughed, swirling her glass. “Fun’s hard to come by. The office is my escape—Ashwin’s jokes, Dinesh’s teasing, Ashok’s shy smiles. And my Instagram’s picking up—‘NiviGlow,’ ever heard of it?” She grinned, a teasing edge, the olive leggings shimmering as she crossed her legs.
He raised an eyebrow, sipping. “Instagram? Nah, not my thing. But you’re glowing here, no app needed.” His voice was gruff but warm, his eyes lingering on her kurta’s neckline again, a faint flush on his cheeks.
Nivi’s pulse quickened, the compliment hitting deep. “Thanks. It’s just… something to feel alive.” She paused, then leaned closer, her voice softer. “You should try it sometime. Share a pic of Titan—bet he’d get more likes than me.”
He laughed, a rare, full sound, and patted Titan’s head. “This guy? Maybe. He’s a charmer.” The dog stirred, nuzzling Rajendar’s hand, and the moment felt easy, their bond deepening over the shared drinks.
She sipped again, the whiskey’s warmth spreading, and glanced around the room—simple, sparse, a single photo frame on a shelf, a younger Rajendar with a woman, both smiling, a dog at their feet. “Is that her?” she asked, nodding to the frame, her tone gentle.
Rajendar followed her gaze, his smile fading. “Yeah. Latha. Taken years ago, before… everything.” He took a deeper sip, his eyes distant. “Haven’t touched that frame in a while.”
Nivi nodded, her heart aching for him. “She looks happy. You both do.” She reached out, her hand brushing his arm lightly, a comforting gesture. “You’re keeping her memory alive with the dogs. That’s special.”
He looked at her, his eyes softening. “Thanks, Nivetha. Not many get that.” His voice was quiet, the whiskey glass steady now, the vulnerability raw.
They talked more, the drinks flowing, the room growing warmer. Nivi poured another round, her movements slower, the whiskey loosening her guard. “You ever think about… trying again? Finding someone?” Her voice was curious, the kurta’s neckline dipping as she leaned forward.
Rajendar shook his head, his gaze on the glass. “Nah. Too old for that. And after Latha, no one fit. Besides, who’d want a stubborn guy like me?” He chuckled, but it was hollow, his eyes flicking to her, searching.
She smiled, her tone playful but kind. “You’re not that stubborn. And Titan likes you—good enough for me.” She winked, sipping, the olive leggings catching the light as she shifted.
He laughed again, lighter this time. “You’re trouble, Nivetha. Good trouble.” His eyes lingered on her, the whiskey softening his edges, and she felt the spark again, his gaze tracing her curves, more open now.
The conversation drifted to lighter things—office stories, Titan’s quirks, the park dogs’ antics. Nivi shared a tale about her boys painting the walls with her lipstick, making Rajendar chuckle, his stick forgotten for a moment. “Your kids sound like a handful,” he said, sipping. “But you manage.”
“Barely,” she laughed, her kurta brushing her thighs as she stood to clear the omelet plate. “They keep me going, though.” She moved to the kitchen, the plate clinking in the sink, and returned, noticing his gaze follow her, a new warmth in it.
As she sat, Titan stirred, padding over to nuzzle her legs, his fur warm against her leggings. “This guy really likes you,” Rajendar said, his voice soft, the whiskey glass nearly empty. “Never seen him take to someone so fast.”
Nivi grinned, petting Titan. “He’s a sweetheart. Maybe I’ll steal him.” Her tone was teasing, but her body felt alive, the whiskey and his gaze fueling her confidence.
Rajendar poured another round, his hand steadier now. “You’re welcome to try. But he’s loyal to me.” His eyes met hers, a playful challenge in them, and she felt the air shift, the moment heavier.
She raised her glass, her voice sultry but light. “To loyalty, then—dogs and good whiskey.” They clinked glasses again, the sound sharp, her kurta’s neckline teasing more as she leaned in. His eyes lingered, and she didn’t adjust it, letting the moment simmer.
The night deepened, the room quiet except for Titan’s snores and the faint hum of Coimbatore’s streets outside. Nivi’s phone buzzed, a notification from “NiviGlow”—another hundred likes on her morning post. She glanced at it, then set it aside, her focus on Rajendar.
“You should come to the office soon,” she said, her voice soft. “The team misses you.”
He nodded, sipping. “Maybe. Thanks to you, I’m not falling behind.” His tone was grateful, his eyes holding hers, the whiskey’s warmth binding them.
She stood, smoothing her kurta, the olive leggings dusty from Titan’s nuzzles. “I should go—kids need me. But I’ll be back tomorrow with more files.” She grabbed her bag, the whiskey bottle still half-full on the table.
Rajendar rose, wincing as he leaned on his stick. “You don’t have to keep coming, but… I’m glad you do.” His voice was sincere, his gaze warm, and she felt a thrill, his trust a victory.
She knelt to hug Titan, his fur soft against her cheek. “Night, big guy,” she whispered, then turned to Rajendar. “Rest that ankle. And save some whiskey for me.” Her tone was playful, her smile bold.
He chuckled, walking her to the door. “Deal. Thanks, Nivetha.” The door creaked open, the night air cool, and she stepped out, the peach kurta fluttering, the olive leggings catching the streetlamp’s glow.
The auto ride home was quick, the city’s pulse a quiet hum, her mind replaying the night—his story about Latha, his loneliness, her own confession about Anand. He’s opening up, she thought, her body still warm from the whiskey, the craving eased but lingering. At home, the apartment was dark, the kids asleep, her mother-in-law on the couch with a chai.
“Late again,” the older woman teased, her saree loose, her eyes curious. “How’s the whiskey man?”
Nivi sank beside her, kicking off her sandals. “We talked—dogs, his past, my mess with Anand. He’s alone, but strong. I think he trusts me now.” Her voice was tired but proud, the kurta creased from the night.
Her mother-in-law nodded, patting her hand. “Good work, girl. Keep him close—he’s your key. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow’s pics are waiting.” Her tone was naughty, her smile wide.
Nivi laughed, heading to her room, the whiskey’s warmth fading, her confidence solid. She slipped into her nighty, the peach kurta folded away, and lay in bed, Anand’s snores distant. Her mind drifted to Rajendar’s gaze, the spark in his eyes, and the power she felt.
The clink of glasses lingered in the air, the whiskey’s amber glow catching the dim light of Rajendar’s living room. Nivi sat on the worn sofa, her peach kurta soft against her skin, the olive green leggings shimmering faintly as she shifted.
The omelet plate sat half-eaten on the table, its edges crusting, while Titan, the muscular dog, sprawled near her feet, his tail thumping lazily. Rajendar leaned back, his bandaged ankle propped on a cushion, the walking stick resting against the armrest.
His glass gleamed in his hand, the whiskey loosening the lines on his face. Nivi’s own glass felt heavy, the liquor warm in her throat, her body still tingling from the day’s restless craving. The moment felt raw, their shared drink a bridge, her dupatta still off her shoulder, the neckline of her kurta dipping to show a hint of cleavage.
She swirled her glass, the liquid catching the light. “This whiskey’s smooth,” she said, her voice light, breaking the quiet. “Better than what Anand keeps at home.”
Rajendar chuckled, his gruff tone softening. “You’re full of surprises, Nivetha. Didn’t peg you for a whiskey girl.” His eyes flicked to her, lingering on her kurta’s neckline before meeting her gaze, a faint smile tugging his lips.
She shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. “Occasionally. Keeps things interesting.” She sipped, the burn grounding her, and leaned forward, her kurta brushing her thighs. “You and these dogs, though—Titan, the park strays. What’s the story? You’re out there every weekend feeding them.”
He took a slow sip, his gaze drifting to Titan, who perked up at his name. “Dogs are loyal. They don’t judge, don’t leave.” His voice was low, a weight behind it. He paused, swirling his glass, the whiskey sloshing gently. “Started years ago. My… someone I loved, she was crazy about them. Strays, pets, didn’t matter. She’d stop on the street to pet any dog, feed them scraps. When she was gone, I kept it up. Felt like keeping her close.”
Nivi’s chest tightened, his vulnerability catching her off guard. She set her glass down, the table creaking. “That’s beautiful,” she said softly, her fingers brushing the sofa’s edge. “She must’ve been special.”
Rajendar nodded, his eyes distant. “She was. Young, full of life. Loved dogs, loved laughing. Cancer took her fast—too fast.” He took a deeper sip, his knuckles whitening on the glass. “After that, the dogs became my way of… remembering. Rusty, Shadow, the others at the park—they’re like her, in a way. Always waiting, always grateful.”
Nivi leaned closer, her kurta shifting, the olive leggings catching the light. “I get it. They’re lucky to have you.” She glanced at Titan, his dark fur gleaming, and reached to pet him, his warmth calming her. “What’s your day like, then? Dogs and work—that’s it?”
He chuckled, a rough sound, and poured another round, the bottle glinting. “Pretty much. Office keeps me busy—budgets, audits, you know. Evenings, I’m here with Titan or at the park with the strays. Whiskey helps the nights pass.” He gestured to the bottle, then sipped, his eyes meeting hers. “Not much else. Used to have friends, but… things change.”
Nivi tilted her head, her dupatta slipping further, the neckline teasing more skin. “Friends? What happened?” Her voice was gentle, curious, the whiskey warming her cheeks.
He sighed, leaning back, his stick wobbling slightly. “Was close with some guys from work, years ago. Married, kids, the whole deal. But when I stayed single, their wives started talking. Said I was trouble, a bachelor with no ties, maybe chasing their husbands or worse.”
He snorted, a bitter edge to it. “Gossip spread, and they drifted. Easier to be alone than deal with that. Got used to it.”
Nivi’s heart sank, her fingers tightening on her glass. “That’s unfair. You’re not like that—you’re kind, steady.” She shook her head, the kurta’s hem brushing her knees. “Sounds lonely, though.”
Rajendar shrugged, his eyes on the whiskey. “It is what it is. Titan’s good company. The park dogs too.” He paused, his gaze flicking to her, softer now. “What about you? Drinking whiskey with me, showing up here—doesn’t your husband say anything?”
Nivi’s smile faded, her stomach knotting. She took a slow sip, the burn sharp, and set her glass down, her hands folding in her lap. “Anand… he doesn’t notice much. Works late, drinks more than he should, buries himself in bills or his phone. We barely talk anymore.” Her voice was low, the words spilling out. “It’s like I’m invisible at home. The kids are my world, but with him… it’s empty. Toxic, even.”
Rajendar’s brow furrowed, his glass pausing midair. “That’s rough, Nivetha. You don’t deserve that.” His tone was gruff but sincere, his eyes holding hers, steady despite the whiskey.
She nodded, her throat tight, and leaned back, the sofa creaking. “I know. Sometimes I think… it’s better to be alone, like you, than stuck in a marriage that’s failing. At least you’ve got your peace, your dogs. I’m just… holding it together for the boys.”
He leaned forward, his stick tapping the floor. “Alone’s not perfect, but yeah, no one drags you down. You’re strong, though—handling kids, work, all this.” He gestured to the files on the table, then her. “And you’re here, helping me. That’s not nothing.”
Nivi smiled, a warmth spreading through her. “Thanks. Means a lot to hear that.” She reached for the bottle, pouring them both another round, her kurta lifting slightly to show a sliver of her midriff. His eyes flicked there, quick but noticeable, and she felt a spark, the whiskey amplifying her awareness. He’s seeing me, she thought, her body tingling, the craving from earlier stirring faintly.
They sipped in silence for a moment, the room quiet except for Titan’s soft snores. Nivi broke it, her voice playful to lighten the mood. “So, no friends, just dogs and whiskey? You ever go out, have fun?”
Rajendar chuckled, relaxing into the sofa. “Fun? Not much. Used to play cards with the guys, but that stopped. Now it’s just… this.” He gestured to the room, the whiskey glass gleaming. “The dogs keep me grounded. What about you? Besides work and kids, what’s fun for Nivetha?”
She laughed, swirling her glass. “Fun’s hard to come by. The office is my escape—Ashwin’s jokes, Dinesh’s teasing, Ashok’s shy smiles. And my Instagram’s picking up—‘NiviGlow,’ ever heard of it?” She grinned, a teasing edge, the olive leggings shimmering as she crossed her legs.
He raised an eyebrow, sipping. “Instagram? Nah, not my thing. But you’re glowing here, no app needed.” His voice was gruff but warm, his eyes lingering on her kurta’s neckline again, a faint flush on his cheeks.
Nivi’s pulse quickened, the compliment hitting deep. “Thanks. It’s just… something to feel alive.” She paused, then leaned closer, her voice softer. “You should try it sometime. Share a pic of Titan—bet he’d get more likes than me.”
He laughed, a rare, full sound, and patted Titan’s head. “This guy? Maybe. He’s a charmer.” The dog stirred, nuzzling Rajendar’s hand, and the moment felt easy, their bond deepening over the shared drinks.
She sipped again, the whiskey’s warmth spreading, and glanced around the room—simple, sparse, a single photo frame on a shelf, a younger Rajendar with a woman, both smiling, a dog at their feet. “Is that her?” she asked, nodding to the frame, her tone gentle.
Rajendar followed her gaze, his smile fading. “Yeah. Latha. Taken years ago, before… everything.” He took a deeper sip, his eyes distant. “Haven’t touched that frame in a while.”
Nivi nodded, her heart aching for him. “She looks happy. You both do.” She reached out, her hand brushing his arm lightly, a comforting gesture. “You’re keeping her memory alive with the dogs. That’s special.”
He looked at her, his eyes softening. “Thanks, Nivetha. Not many get that.” His voice was quiet, the whiskey glass steady now, the vulnerability raw.
They talked more, the drinks flowing, the room growing warmer. Nivi poured another round, her movements slower, the whiskey loosening her guard. “You ever think about… trying again? Finding someone?” Her voice was curious, the kurta’s neckline dipping as she leaned forward.
Rajendar shook his head, his gaze on the glass. “Nah. Too old for that. And after Latha, no one fit. Besides, who’d want a stubborn guy like me?” He chuckled, but it was hollow, his eyes flicking to her, searching.
She smiled, her tone playful but kind. “You’re not that stubborn. And Titan likes you—good enough for me.” She winked, sipping, the olive leggings catching the light as she shifted.
He laughed again, lighter this time. “You’re trouble, Nivetha. Good trouble.” His eyes lingered on her, the whiskey softening his edges, and she felt the spark again, his gaze tracing her curves, more open now.
The conversation drifted to lighter things—office stories, Titan’s quirks, the park dogs’ antics. Nivi shared a tale about her boys painting the walls with her lipstick, making Rajendar chuckle, his stick forgotten for a moment. “Your kids sound like a handful,” he said, sipping. “But you manage.”
“Barely,” she laughed, her kurta brushing her thighs as she stood to clear the omelet plate. “They keep me going, though.” She moved to the kitchen, the plate clinking in the sink, and returned, noticing his gaze follow her, a new warmth in it.
As she sat, Titan stirred, padding over to nuzzle her legs, his fur warm against her leggings. “This guy really likes you,” Rajendar said, his voice soft, the whiskey glass nearly empty. “Never seen him take to someone so fast.”
Nivi grinned, petting Titan. “He’s a sweetheart. Maybe I’ll steal him.” Her tone was teasing, but her body felt alive, the whiskey and his gaze fueling her confidence.
Rajendar poured another round, his hand steadier now. “You’re welcome to try. But he’s loyal to me.” His eyes met hers, a playful challenge in them, and she felt the air shift, the moment heavier.
She raised her glass, her voice sultry but light. “To loyalty, then—dogs and good whiskey.” They clinked glasses again, the sound sharp, her kurta’s neckline teasing more as she leaned in. His eyes lingered, and she didn’t adjust it, letting the moment simmer.
The night deepened, the room quiet except for Titan’s snores and the faint hum of Coimbatore’s streets outside. Nivi’s phone buzzed, a notification from “NiviGlow”—another hundred likes on her morning post. She glanced at it, then set it aside, her focus on Rajendar.
“You should come to the office soon,” she said, her voice soft. “The team misses you.”
He nodded, sipping. “Maybe. Thanks to you, I’m not falling behind.” His tone was grateful, his eyes holding hers, the whiskey’s warmth binding them.
She stood, smoothing her kurta, the olive leggings dusty from Titan’s nuzzles. “I should go—kids need me. But I’ll be back tomorrow with more files.” She grabbed her bag, the whiskey bottle still half-full on the table.
Rajendar rose, wincing as he leaned on his stick. “You don’t have to keep coming, but… I’m glad you do.” His voice was sincere, his gaze warm, and she felt a thrill, his trust a victory.
She knelt to hug Titan, his fur soft against her cheek. “Night, big guy,” she whispered, then turned to Rajendar. “Rest that ankle. And save some whiskey for me.” Her tone was playful, her smile bold.
He chuckled, walking her to the door. “Deal. Thanks, Nivetha.” The door creaked open, the night air cool, and she stepped out, the peach kurta fluttering, the olive leggings catching the streetlamp’s glow.
The auto ride home was quick, the city’s pulse a quiet hum, her mind replaying the night—his story about Latha, his loneliness, her own confession about Anand. He’s opening up, she thought, her body still warm from the whiskey, the craving eased but lingering. At home, the apartment was dark, the kids asleep, her mother-in-law on the couch with a chai.
“Late again,” the older woman teased, her saree loose, her eyes curious. “How’s the whiskey man?”
Nivi sank beside her, kicking off her sandals. “We talked—dogs, his past, my mess with Anand. He’s alone, but strong. I think he trusts me now.” Her voice was tired but proud, the kurta creased from the night.
Her mother-in-law nodded, patting her hand. “Good work, girl. Keep him close—he’s your key. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow’s pics are waiting.” Her tone was naughty, her smile wide.
Nivi laughed, heading to her room, the whiskey’s warmth fading, her confidence solid. She slipped into her nighty, the peach kurta folded away, and lay in bed, Anand’s snores distant. Her mind drifted to Rajendar’s gaze, the spark in his eyes, and the power she felt.
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