Adultery No One Dies a Saint (Completed)

[krish_999]

Chapter 21

Atul

Atul had chosen to keep his mobile in flight mode since the evening. It was not that a call from Anvita would annoy him, but it was because he did not want to lie to her in front of Ridhima. It was because such an act would demean Anvita and Atul could never stand that thought.
And now, he was taking Ridhima to his business suite, in the middle of the night.
For what?
The thought sent shivers down Atul's stomach.
The car was being pulled into the parking of Regal Plaza.
"I didn’t want to go home at all."
Ridhima confessed with a smile. Atul took her hand and stroked affirmatively. It was all she needed to melt again. She grabbed his face and kissed at his neck. He arm slid inside his jacket and tried to pull him toward her, in effect bringing her closer to him. Atul looked her in the eyes and smiled. Her eyes shone in the reflected street lights. She was in love, Atul felt a moment.
"Kiss me.”
She whispered.
Her hand had reached inside his jacket and it slid inside his shirt too, slowly feeling his skin. Each of her stroke was indeed bringing the barrier down between them. Atul could not kiss her, instead he was dreading the moment when she touched his crotch and found his hardness.
He was dreading his surrender.
Ridhima brought her lips to his mouth and he moved his face away.
“Please, Ridhima.”
A whisper let out of this throat.
Ridhima got off him, quickly.
"Oh, yeah, right.”
She sat back looking forward but kept his palm under the confinement of hers.
"I'm sorry. I got carried away."
She mumbled.
"It's okay," Atul said. "I didn't mean you did a wrong thing."
Ridhima looked down for a moment.
“You know what, Atul?" She smiled a little. “There’s one thing, that even I had no idea, yet. I...” 
She paused a moment as if to choose her words wisely. “For a moment I felt I found you. I found someone... someone I've been waiting for long."
She turned to Atul and he saw a woman surrendered meekly to her heart. She was no more a powerful boss for whom anything was possible. Only thing she could do at the moment was to love. She was in love.
Yes. She's in love.
The booze Atul had filled up in his stomach turned into water in a moment.

He thought about Anvita. He was not going to forget her. He had been in a similar situation in the past too. If he was a weak man, he would have committed the fatal mistake with Ankita that day. But his love for Anvita had helped him out of temptation. He had remained calm and composed and had proved his maturity then.
It was then. Not now.

"I've had too many drinks, haven't I?"
Ridhima laughed. "And I'm a mess!"
"That's not what I think." Atul spoke. "You looked very happy a minute ago. But suddenly..."
"It's guilt," She admitted blatantly. "It's guilt that I'm going to spoil your marriage."
Atul swallowed.
"I don't know if you will believe me. I have never cheated on Sudhakar. He's a moron, yes, but I haven't done it. I never had the courage to even go for a one-on-one date. I don't want sex. I..."
She paused a moment to gather her thoughts. "I just want to be held like this," she grabbed his arms and wrapped it around her. "and I wish this road never ends."
She leaned against him and Atul held his arms around her, fondly.
For a moment Atul felt for her. He held her face close to his chest, and slowly stroked along her arm.
Ridhima had fallen asleep when they arrived at the hotel. Atul woke her up and led her to his suite. She walked over to the couch and fell into it. Atul bolted the door and approached her slowly, wary. She smiled at him, her eyes dizzy. Her fuddled look added some sort of endearing charm to her beauty. 
“Atul.” 
She sat up. 
"Can I ask you one thing?”
“Ask me.” 
"Can I sleep with you? Just holding me in your arms, without spoiling your marriage, just in peace?" 
Atul laughed. 
"That's what I was thinking." 
He bent down and kissed her on the forehead. "Without spoiling anything, including this friendship..." 
He lifted her and carried her in his arms to the bedroom. Atul felt calm now. 
He phoned Anvita but her phone was switched off.
Later, he and Ridhima slept with their arms around each other.
Morning belonged to hangover. Anvita’s phone was still switched off. Atul wondered if she was annoyed. But he was not worried over it. He was relieved that he could still return to his Anvita and look into her eyes without feeling remorseful. Atul felt happy whenever he thought about it. In fact he desired to return to her as quick as possible.
Ridhima needed his help to wake up. "My head is aching." She complained. “But it’s okay. I know I am gonna be alright." She added quickly.
When she got up, she seemed happy and at ease.
"It's less than 24 hours since we've met for the first time," Atul mentioned it. "But it's really amazing it feels like we know each other for 24 months." 
"24 hours!" Ridhima smiled, "and I was about to ruin your marriage." 
Atul looked at her in surprise. She noticed it.
"Yeah I remember everything from last night."
Atul looked on.
"I must thank you for discouraging me; otherwise we would have woken up differently... I mean, with different feelings. You'd regret for cheating on your love and I, for complicating one of the best friendship I've ever had in this modern world. Actually, I'm as lucky as your wife."
Atul walked over to her. 
"I hope this wouldn't complicate it." He bent to to bed and kissed lightly on her lips. Ridhima was embarrassed.
"I haven't washed my mouth."
"You are still worthy, Ridhima." He said.
She stared at him for a long moment with a pleasant smile.
"What?" Atul asked. 
Ridhima blinked. "I really envy your wife."
When she finally left bed she looked down at herself.
"Oh, my dress! I'm a complete mess!"
She worried. 
"To my eyes you still look hot."
Atul said honestly.
“Really? Then I dare you for one more date with me.”
“Dare me? I’d love to jump into it except for one thing.”
“What is it?”
“I told you about the dinner. I must leave today.”
He said. Ridhima nodded.
“Yeah you’ll leave today. I think we should look into your proposal. Have you forgotten about it?”
There was no way Atul could forget that.
“No way. Are you ready?”
“Yeah sure. Let’s do it now. Give me two minutes."
Ridhima said and hurried to the washroom.

After having breakfast, Atul presented the proposal. Atul noticed how the lovely woman suddenly transformed into a tactical businesswoman. In the end, she gave him a satisfied look.
“I don't know what you think. I am not saying yes because I like you; but I genuinely like your proposal. I am definitely going for it.”
“That’s wonderful. I wasn’t going to be disappointed even if you had rejected it. Because, it’s not so important anymore. We are friends now, and I can take a no from you. It’s just a proposal. I’ve already won more than what I have come for.” Atul said. Riddhima promised him the approval within a couple of weeks, after the necessary formalities are done by her staff.
“Give them two weeks and I’ll approve it.”
“Give me your hand now. I can't explain how I feel right now.” Atul held out his hand. “It is now, I owe you a dinner. You made my job a wonderful one.”
He said earnestly.
“Do you? Then ask me out for dinner. I am ready.”
“I will definitely do that when I visit you next time.” he said.
He packed the laptop and called for a cab to drop Ridhima home.
"So, when are you leaving?"
She asked.
“I have a 4 pm flight.”
“Shall I come to see you off?”
Atul smiled.
“I’d love to see you at airport.”
He dropped her home before noon. Before getting out of the cab she glanced around and kissed him. Atul was stunned, and remained so while she got out and waved her hand.
He wondered what was gotten into her. She was far from desperate. It was as though she chose to behave that way with him. Atul felt he could perhaps never comprehend what he had become to her.
 
Atul went for shopping again at noon and this time he chose a navy blue sheath dress for Anvita. He knew it would suit her perfectly. At noon he finally got in touch with her.
“Atul! I was just calling you. Last night there was a fire accident here, in our generator room.” Anvita spoke in a calm voice. “The whole thing was destroyed; we had a blackout for the whole night. It was raining also...”
“Oh shit! Are you alright?”
“Yeah I am alright. When are you coming?”
“I’ll be there by seven. Are you really alright? I tried to call you all the night; you were switched off.”
“Yeah I switched it off to save battery. Our emergency lamp was exhausted; I had to rely on mobile. And it died to by the time I finished dinner.”
“You didn't get scared right? I am sorry baby I wasn’t there.”
“It was a bit scared, yes. But I am perfectly alright; believe me.”
Atul was relieved. There was nothing to worry for Atul because he always believed Anvita was not a silly girl. She was a smart and intelligent, and she had a knack to overcome whatever obstacle she had to face in life. In fact Atul believed in her so much that he knew she would even crack his dad whom he always failed to handle.
Atul asked her about the dinner. She said everything was getting ready ‘as we planned’. She and Nandini had picked up grocery in the morning.
Rajat phoned him to know about the incident. 
"Is everything alright? Do I need to visit my apartment?"
Atul told him he was away.
"Don't worry. The fire was put out in time. Everything is normal now."
 Atul phoned Ridhima after reaching the airport.
"Atul...” He heard her voice.
“I have reached the airport. How ‘bout you...?”
He asked, looking around as he spoke.
“I am sorry Atul. I can't make it.”
Ridhima was sad.
“What happened? Are you okay?”
There was silence from the other end.
“Ridhima... Hello.”
Atul heard a deep breath and he waited a moment.
“Ridhima, speak to me. Are you alright?”
“I wish.”
She spoke in a weak voice.
“I will miss you Atul. I wish you happy journey.”
“You are not telling me anything, are you?”
He asked firmly. She sighed.
“Sudhakar had come last night with Rihaan, my brother. And they found out I had left with a young man. Sudhakar knew about you, he has seen you. They waited for me all the night. He didn't call me and Rihaan is also in his side, just to make it a point that I was out for the whole night with you. This morning they came at me, and he alleged all the things we didn't do. He made a scene here and he slapped me on my face, in front of my own brother. He just stood there and watched, you know? I hate Rihaan now more than I hate Sudhakar. But that’s not the point. I hate this life.”
“Why can't we go legally against them?”
“Oh! That’s easy said than done, Atul. That’s what they want actually. I haven’t told you one thing. You know, I and Sudhakar don't have children because I can't bear a child.”
She paused a moment. She was crying.
“I am not... I can't.... Atul... I don't have anyone. All he wants is to get all my wealth. And then he’ll file divorce bringing up my infertility. And I have no choice.”
Atul didn't know how to console her.
“I am sorry to hear this, Ridhima. I am sorry that I have worsened your peril.”
“Don't put it that way Atul. They wanted something to happen. But it didn't, in reality it didn't happen no matter what they think. We know that. You have nothing to blame yourself. I am just happy for I had a date with you and I still love to go another with you.”
Atul's eyes fell on the flash board. His flight was boarding.
“Ridhima... My flight is boarding.”
He said half-heartedly.
“Yeah it’s time; you should leave. Leave, Atul.”
“Everything will be alright, Ridhima. There will be good times and bad times. Today was the latter. Wait for tomorrow; trust me it will be the former.”
“Last night was good times, and I wish tonight is also like that. Just a wish; don't mind. I know it can't be possible. You have a dinner. Wish you all the best, my friend.”
“Mark my words Ridhima. You will come out of this.”
He assured her.
“Thank you. I will miss you Atul.”
 Atul disconnected the call and walked forward. He felt weak. As he mentioned the flight number, one of the staff was surprised at his lack of urgency.
“You need to hurry up sir. You don't want to miss it!”
Suddenly Atul had a feeling of what he was doing. He was leaving.
In a few moments he would be aboard and gone from her life. And he would have nothing to do for her.
I am just happy for I had a date with you and I still love to go another one with you.
That wasn’t a wish. It was a request.
I know it can't be possible.
Was that true?
His wife was waiting for him for a lovely dinner with their friend. They had a problem to talk about and solve. They had a reason to patch up. Atul had to be there in time as promised and that only would make her happy.
But, it had a cost, apparently.
He had come to Ridhima to talk the proposal and he had almost had it approved. It’s a miracle, and he will be talked about in high spirits for his achievement. His office would name it magic power of communication. Wrong. It’s the powerlessness of a heart. A heart, that of Ridhima who never mentioned it to him why she had been overlooking all their proposals for eleven months.
And he was leaving her alone; abandoning her.
On an impulse Atul pulled out his phone and called Anvita.
“Anvi, I don't know how to tell you this. There’s a problem. I can't explain it. It’s too much bullshit.”
His voice was unashamedly pretentious to be stressed.
“What happened?”
Her voice was genuinely tensed.
“It’s the last chance to make it happen. I need a few more hours. I am already at the airport but they have just called me.”
“Are you gonna stay? What!”
“No, I haven’t decided yet. I don't know what to do. Help me out of this.”
“Come back, Atul.”
“If I come back, I lose the deal. It’s done. If I stay, I get the deal; one hundred per cent. But I will lose our dinner. I can't think. I can't decide.”
Atul couldn’t believe how convincingly he was lying to her. He was sure he couldn’t do it if he was doing it face to face with her. Perhaps he wasn’t lying but turning the lie into truth. Apparently the fate of a lie lies at the hands of the listener.
Anvita took her time to decide.
“If you are so sure, then you should stay. It’s okay. I think I will manage the dinner.”
“Are you cancelling the dinner? Don't do that!”
Atul still couldn’t believe he pulled it.
“No. I will tell Varun. It is okay, I am actually looking forward to see Radhika. I will handle them well.”
“We can do it another day; it’s not late.”
“Radhika is leaving for Pune tomorrow. Also, the food is getting ready, Atul. It's okay. We can give them another dinner when you are back. Now you concentrate on the deal. Make sure it’s done this time.”
“What about the power blackout?”
“It’s been restored. It’s no problem now.”
“Thank God!”
“Everything is alright.”
“Thank you so much baby.”
“I love you.”
“Love you too.”
 Atul had pulled it off. He found his steps steady enough while he walked back.
And he had no idea what he was walking into.
      ---    ---    ---    ---
Atul phoned Ridhima right away and she answered on the first ring.
“I was wondering when you would call. Are you on board?”
“No, actually I stayed.”
“What?”
He wished if he could to see her reaction.
“I have a friend here; she did me a great favour and I owe her a dinner.”
“Oh, really?”
She asked sceptically.
“You are joking with me. Are you air?”
“Be ready at 7pm. I will come pick you up.”
“Seriously?”
She couldn’t believe him. She did only when he took a selfie and sent it to her.
He lodged in a nearby hotel and unpacked his bag again. He sat on the edge of the bed and ran his fingers over the bed sheet. For a moment, he imagined Ridhima lying on it, her body naked. She would smile at him and he would climb on top of her. She would spread her legs for him and then they would make love. Atul smiled at the thought.
I'm just thinking.
When he went to washroom, he found his hardness too strong to ignore. He closed his eyes and imagined Ridhima and him in bed. He stroked his dick slowly and let his imagination take over. He saw her writhing under him.
Atul. Make love to me. I belong to you. Fuck me, please.
He stroked harder and faster until he shot a heavy load of cum with a slight groan. He panted.
Initially he felt regret but then he felt relieved. He felt better. He took shower again.
When He began to dress he thought about Anvita.
She would never forgive him. He was sure.
Only if she knew. There was no way she would find out.

He wore the new blazer and casuals with matching jeans that he had bought on the way back to the hotel. He had stepped up his wardrobe based on the hope of a pay rise. It was inevitable, riding on the new deal with Chetak engineering. It would set off another set of valuable orders for the company, he hoped. The bigger and the better.

He picked up Ridhima as promised. When she walked over to the car, he sat staring at her, without blinking.
White and blue seemed to be her favourite shades. This time she wore a white and blue slit dress. Sleeveless and body-hugging, it drew out contours of her body and revealed the glowing skin of one of her legs as she walked slowly. He imagined her naked in bed and then regretted instantly. He watched breathlessly as she sat in.
“Hi.”
She said. She had put on makeup; lips were red, eyes darkened with eye shadow; He noticed them even in the dim light.
“I can't take my eyes off you. You are absolutely shining.”
“Thank you, and you look handsome than ever.”
When she smiled Atul felt the taste of her lips in his mouth. He had kissed them before, and he was sort of unwilling to enjoy it. Now he wanted to press her to him and kiss her right away.
Don't even think about it. He warned himself.
“Let’s go.” He told the driver and they were out on the road very soon.
“Thank you deciding to stay.”
She touched his hand.
Their destination was farther than Atul had thought. And Saturday night’s traffic made it further difficult but they made it. It was a violin concert and Ridhima was surprised.
"How did you know?"
"It was a guess. I had a memory of seeing a violin album cover at your home. I betted on it."
The concert turned out to be spectacular. Ridhima was very happy in the end.
"Thank you so much for bringing me here!"
She hugged him tightly. "I never thought this would be so amazing in real!"

After the concert Atul took her to a nearby place. The club was overcrowded and they were denied entry.
“Members only, sir.” Was the response.
“I am paying.”
He argued.
“It’s not about payment, but space.”
Though it was a letdown, Ridhima was far from disappointed. She grabbed his arm.
“Let’s try somewhere else.”
But it was not easy as they couldn't find a cab. They were on the roads, Atul busy checking with apps of OLA and Uber, when a car stopped in front of them. A man stepped out of it.
“Hello Atul. And Ridhima!”
The Dwayne Johnson was standing there. His burgundy shaded hair shone in the red and blue light.
“Maniesh. What a surprise, we met again.”
Atul extended and Maniesh hugged him. He was oversized by his beefy muscles and for a moment Atul imagined him lying on top of his wife. He would crush her with his brutal power. Of course he is unmarried. Whoever it is, She’s lucky. He’s yet to find her. He thought.
Maniesh turned to Ridhima. He looked up at the ceiling and then at her face.
“When did you land?”
She smiled at the joke.
“I just landed.”
“Guess I missed it.”
He said and hugged her.
“You are nothing short of a supermodel, Ridhima. You look absolutely stunning.”
Ridhima accepted all the compliments graciously.
“And you still look the Rock. I hope somebody may trip into your hands tonight too.”
As Maniesh was having this chat with her, Atul found his strong built body and his brooding personality overwhelming. He cannot be a wanderer. And he must be straight out of gym. He decided.
I should also hit gym someday. Maybe I will get some tips from him later. He thought jovially.
Maniesh spoke to Atul like a close friend. And he was ready to help them.
"This is the third time we're bumping into each other, and it's too much for coincidence. We are destined to be closer than what we think. We need to celebrate it."
He figured and took them to another night club.
It also was overcrowded. But that was the fun. Atul got eyes from a dozen attractive girls within ten minutes of their arrival. He was overwhelmed by the boldness many of them bore. 
Sorry, girls. Atul said in his mind.
Ridhima was having a small talk with Maniesh.
“Are you choosing to be alone tonight, too?”
Atul heard her asking and wondered how she knew he was alone last night.
“I am always looking for peace. But some people around here are too tempting to ignore.”
Nice place to seek peace. Atul thought as he eyed at a girl in the orange blouse a few feet away from him. Her cleavage was on full display.
While Atul was busy telling a story to Maniesh at the counter, a man had approached Ridhima. He gave them a scornful look and left.
“Who was that?”
Atul asked.
“An admirer of beautiful things.”
Ridhima said, smiling.
“What?”
"I was quoting him!"
"How lame...!" Maniesh laughed and then added, “Except for he’s actually true about you.”
They soon had drinks. “Let’s begin.”
They toasted together.
“Can we find a seat? Standing here holding this drink reminds me of my office parties.” Ridhima asked.
Atul found one soon and tey sat down and chatted freely. Ridhima had become quite younger. She talked with enthusiasm and confidence of a teenager. If there was one sight Atul didn't like, it was the sight of other men throwing glance at her. The fact that he was not on a date that Ridhima truly deserved was always on the back of his mind; and it invariably put him off.
He couldn't blame the men; Ridhima was an absolute grab for the night. She was elder than most of the girls and that might have given the men a hope that she might be seeking young blood.
She’s different, guys.
Atul screamed in his mind. When Maniesh was gone to washroom, Ridhima turned to Atul.
"What do you think of him?"
“What are you asking?”
Ridhima gestured at the crowd.
"Do you think he's one of them? Attention-grabbing, needy?'"
"I don't think so. No."
Atul shook his head.
"He's not dying for attention... Why?"
"Maybe he too isn't single."
She quipped.
Atul was surprised that she put Maniesh in the category of himself. He gave her a pregnant look that made her smile.
"What?"
Suddenly someone was calling out his name.
“Atul...! Atul...!”
Atul turned slowly as he heard it second time. A beautiful girl with curly hair, wearing T-shirt with cut open shoulders and torn-knee-jeans stood there.

She smiled as if she knew him very close yet he had no idea.
“I am Harshita. Remember?”
Her eyes widened. She was very excited to see him after so long. He knew her.
“Hey. Harshita. What a surprise!”
He got up and hugged her. Harsh was his buddy when he was in Bangalore whom he hadn’t met since he went to Kuwait. He had no idea his little sister could grow into this.
“You look something else, Harshita, in a nice sense. No wonder I couldn’t recognise you.”
He said.
“What are you doing in Mumbai?”
They both had the same query.
She had been working at an MNC at Mumbai for a year. Atul introduced her to Ridhima.
“Atul used to visit us a lot when he was in Bangalore.”
Harshita told Ridhima. He was now faced with the challenge of introducing Ridhima to Harshita.
Harshita knew he was married.
“Harshita, this is Ridhima; a very good friend of me. Have you heard of Chetak Engineering? Ridhima captains that ship.”
“Well, one of their ships. He’s exaggerating.”
Ridhima was humble.
She and Harshita exchanged baby hugs.
“So, you are just two of you?”
Harshita looked at either of them.
He was in a dilemma on how to make it look like anything but a date, and looked at Ridhima rather helplessly.
“No, there’s one more. He’s around.”
Ridhima looked around. “Well, he’s a stealth machine; can’t find him once he's gone."
She turned to Harshita, “How about you?”
“I am with friends.”
Her friends happened to be two girls as hot as her; Raveena and Rashmi. The former turned out to be the girl Atul had scanned ardently at the entrance. Now he had a closer view of her cleavage despite he was not looking.
“Guys...! Atul was the most handsome among all my brother’s friends.”
That was how Harshita introduced him to them.
“Well, he still is.”
Raveena eyes were fixed at him.
“You guys work at the same place? Can you find me a vacancy please?”
Atul asked.
The girls asked both Atul and Ridhima– especially him - to join them at the dance floor, and he suggestively looked at Ridhima. She blinked at him.
“Go on, join them.”
He knew she was just pretentious. She would never want him to leave her alone.
“It’s not right to leave Ridhima alone here.”
He excused.
“She won’t be alone.”
He heard another voice and it was Maniesh.
“Maniesh!”
Ridhima introduced him to Harshita and her friends. He wasn’t sure whether to like it or not, but he felt it’s better to keep pretending Ridhima was with Maniesh.
“Where have you been?”
Ridhima turned to Maniesh. He just smiled at her and kept his eyes on her, almost intimidating her enough to force her move forward and push him lightly.
“What is it?”
He closed in and told her something He couldn’t hear. She immediately looked away, now clearly intimidated.
A few moments later, the girls had taken on the floor, Maniesh decided to leave. Ridhima stopped him.
“I need a drink.” He snubbed.
He looked at Atul. “Atul is it okay if I bought your date a special drink?”
“Sure.”
He said. When he returned, he had a drink for her.
“What is this?”
“It’s Grey Goose. Taste it.”
Ridhima took a sip.
“It’s different.”
“You got it.”
“Maniesh, can I ask you a favour?”
Ridhima turned to him.
“I am with Atul. But don't mention me as his date in front of those girls.”
He had a long gaze at her.
“Ok. I got it.”
He said slowly.
“So you are not his date. Whose are you then?”
He asked her later.
“It’s up to you.”
She said casually.
He kept his word when Harshita came to him to ask him again to join her.
“Why don't you guys join us there?”
She asked Maniesh and Ridhima. “It’s fun there.”
“Sorry dear. My dress won’t let me dance tonight.”
Ridhima said.
“Why don't you join them, Atul?”
Maniesh looked at him.
“Come on guys; let me finish his drink...”
He looked at his glass. It was empty.

Five minutes later, He was on the dance floor, dancing to a pop number. He matched steps with Harshita in the beginning, but soon it was Raveena who engaged him. She was not only a good dancer but also very much into him.
“You are doing great.”
He said. She grabbed his hands and laughed aloud.
“Thank you.”
Very soon she had her both arms wrapped around his neck.
“Let’s take a break.”
He suggested later. They moved to the counter. It was overcrowded.
“Wait here.”
Raveena disappeared into the crowd and returned with a drink before he could track her moves.
“Sorry I could manage only one.”
“How did you do this?”
He wondered.
“Smartness!”
She handed him the glass.
“Ladies first!”
He said.
“Alright...”
She took a long sip and then Atul finished it.
“Woo...!”
She covertly threw the glass aside, under a decorative bush and hugged him.
“You know why I am hugging you?”
“Why?”
“Because I find you very cute.”
She said and the next thing Atul knew was her mouth over his lips. He froze. She looked into his eyes.
He knew that she knew that he was married. And it was okay. He kissed her back; this time longer and thicker.
It was just a beginning. They took two more short trips to the dance floor and then to the bar counter; and in between they found themselves kissing and cuddling at the corner. He was drunk and horny and dumb, and he understood it.
"I am drunk."
"What?"
"I'm too drunk. I don't drink this much!"
"Don't worry, you still look handsome."
She pulled him closer with a smile. She kissed him at will.
“Your tongue is very sweet.”
He said foolishly.
“You are a total jerk.”
She complained when they sneaked back to the floor after drink. He didn't really care what she meant.
“Don't tell your friend.”
He said.
“But I like you. A lot.”
“Oh, you can scream it.”

Later they were crowded by Harshita and Rashmi.

When Atul returned to Ridhima, it was half an hour since he had left them, he found her sitting alone. She had the same Grey Goose drink with her, and he guessed it would be round two.
He was worried if Ridhima would be annoyed of his delayed return. To make it feel even worse he doubted she could make out Raveena’s perfume off him. But to his solace, she was really cool with it.
“Where is your new friend?”
He asked.
“He’s gone to washroom.”
“How’s he?”
“He’s very nice.”
“Does he like you?”
“Mmm... He...”
She looked clueless. It pleased Atul somehow.
“What do you think?”
She looked at him.
He was equally clueless. “I only knew about him.”
He thought she did not hear him.
The drinks made him dizzy. He didn't really know when Harshita and co left the scene. At one moment, he was back with Ridhima.
“Are you drunk?”
He heard her voice. It was not coming from her mouth.
Was I dreaming it?
“How about you?”
“Come on guys. Let’s go.”
He heard a male voice. Maniesh? Atul had certainly thought he had left.

A few moments later they were walking out of the gate and Maniesh's car was waiting for them. Its driver opened the door for them.
“Where are you taking us?”
Ridhima was asking as the SUV drove past the night traffic smoothly. She was sitting beside him.
“You’ll see.” He said with a smile.
From the corner of his eye Atul could see Ridhima’s breasts. He wished if they were going to his place.
There I and Riddhima are going to sleep in each other's arms. Peacefully.
He looked at her dress and thought of what she was like under it. He was both thrilled and worried at the thought. He thought of the chances of Ridhima turning really aggressive while in bed later that night.
He knew Ridhima must have forgotten how it would be to receive a man inside her. He thought of Sudhakar making love to her. it was indeed a distant possibility. They wouldn’t have mated for years.
He took Ridhima's hand. She smiled at him.
“You are okay, no?”
“Yes. How about you?”
“I am alright.”
She said.
“Wait a little more.”
He assured himself.
“What?”
Ridhima looked at him.
He couldn’t believe he had blurted it out.

Half an hour into the drive, the car pulled away from the traffic. It stopped at basement of a building that Atul had apprehension as a taller one.
“Where is it?”
He asked Maniesh.
“Home.”
Maniesh nodded at him.
He took them to the seventeenth floor of the building and they found stopping in front of a door by which Atul saw a gold coated plate that read ‘M.S.’. Maniesh Sain. It was easy guess.
Maniesh pressed the doorbell and the door opened instantly as if someone was waiting inside by the door. A middle aged man greeted them.
“Welcome to my space. Feel yourself home.”
Maniesh said, spreading his arms out. If there was something called luxury it was definitely his ‘space’, Atul noticed.
“It’s beautiful.”
Ridhima said.

Maniesh’s housekeeper placed drinks and snacks on the coffee table. Atul wanted to object. But he decide against it for he did not want to be rude and disappoint Maniesh. He looked at Ridhima when Maniesh was not listening, “Are you sure you wanna drink more?”
“I am with you.” She said and pressed his hand. “I trust you.” They sat together.
“It’s a rare thing for me. I have brought home the most stunning woman and her lover for a drink. It has never been so special.” Maniesh raised his drink. “Cheers to our friendship!”
His housekeeper left soon after.
Maniesh was a good host and a jovial man. The way he spoke about anything and everything made Atul realise one thing. He is not a wanderer. He brought it up to him at once.
“You are a surprise package, Maniesh. What are you actually? What do you do?"
Ridhima was equally curious to know it. Her face said it.
“I don't do anything. I let my money multiply for me.”
“You mean stocks?”
“Wherever you can invest. That's what I'm.”
"What do you think of my company?"
"Wallzec? Mmm... It's a really great company. I have my faith invested in it. Actually I hold some stocks in that one."
"Wow, that means you're my boss on paper, aren't you?"
Atul joked and Maniesh laughed aloud.
"On paper."
He said.
“What makes you stay single like forever?”
It was Ridhima. He looked at her and said nothing.
He just stared.
“Spare me from that; I'm off that age.”
She was visibly annoyed.
“Am I teasing you?”
“What else do you think you are doing?”

Later Atul excused himself to the washroom. He was astonished for a moment as he entered the space. From the floor to the ceiling to the walls to every article in it, it seemed a piece of workmanship marked by dedication and precision. He found himself standing there and watching it all in awe.

When he came out he was exhausted even though his legs were steady. Maniesh was telling Ridhima a story. It was about the vodka he had poured her.
“Its creator Roberto Cavalli mentions it fashion vodka for black is fashion. Sexy and mysterious; that’s now exactly what I am great fan of.”
“You know a great deal about it.”
“You too, will.”
He was telling her. Atul looked at the narrow shaped beautiful bottle that was dark and sexy. Roberto Cavalli Vodka.
Maniesh had taken Atul's place and he sat on the next one. Ridhima broke her eye contact with him and turned to him.
“What took you so long? Are you alright?”
“I am alright. Perfect.”
“Then take the glass and finish it.”
Maniesh insisted.
He took his glass and took a long sip. The drink was really good.
“Do you like it?”
Maniesh asked.
“I’ve never thought such good things exist around me.”
He turned to Ridhima.
“Did he just say that?”
She gave him an amusing smile.
“You thought only you knew that line?”

Later he took them to the balcony and showed them the night view of the city. It was spectacular. Atul felt the whole city was under his feet, burning slowly.
“I am feeling giddy. Please hold me.”
Ridhima said.
He foolishly began to hold her and she laughed.
“I am joking, Atul. I am all right.”
She moved away from him.
“Actually I was helping myself. This is breathtaking.”
He said, trying to hide the embarrassment.
Maniesh walked around him and stood behind Ridhima.
“Let me show you something...” He guided her to close to the balcony railing and pointed towards some distant point on the ground. “Do you see that road over there?”
“Yes.”
“If one walk over there, we can't recognise him, can we?”
“Right.”
“I can.”
She turned her face and looked at him over her shoulder.
He slowly placed his hands over her shoulders. “...Because I came from there. It’s a different view from down there, looking higher, and I remember every step I walked over to reach here. Here, right where you and I are.”
Maniesh’s muscular body suddenly seemed dwarf in comparison to his personality.

“Atul, you are a lucky man to have this wonderful woman’s company.” He said later. They were back in the hall.
“But now she’s with you.”
Atul joked. She was sitting with Maniesh.
“Are you?”
He turned to her. Ridhima stared at Atul.
“No.”
She said with an amusing smile.
“See, she’s not mine.”
“Then I can't help, buddy.”
Atul laughed.
“Maybe I am not smart enough...”
Maniesh was looking at her eyes, “And rich and good-looking enough.”
She was watching his face.
“Come closer.”
He heard him say and she shifted herself closer to him.
He wrapped his left hand around her and touched her cheek with other. Then he leaned to her and planted a light kiss on her lips. She sat straight like a statue. Atul was frozen. Maniesh looked into her eyes for a long moment. He turned to Atul.
“If you are ready to sleep, you can go to that room.”
He pointed towards the bedroom.
“I mean both of you. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Atul and Ridhima were puzzled alike.
“No. It’s alright. We can stay awake a bit more.”
He said.
“Atul....”
He said.
“I find your woman irresistible. Do you mind if I behave a little freely around her? I just like her.”
What the hell is he asking? What is this ‘little freely’ thing?
Atul felt an urge to get up and ask. But he kept himself to his seat. He was watching Ridhima. She was sitting comfortably with him, his one arm still around her.
Atul was waiting to go to the room and collapse into the bed. He had promised Ridhima a night to cherish. He wanted her to wake up with him and be happy. That room behind him was waiting for him. It doesn’t matter how freely Maniesh behaved, Ridhima and Atul were to walk into that room in anytime soon. The thought was too peaceful.

Everything was written as if on a wall and Atul saw it very late.

It began precisely when Atul recieved a call from Anvita. Atul walked out to the balcony and talked to her. Varun and Radhika had arrived and they were having a good time. Atul talked to Radhika and he apologized him for the embarrassing incident. 
"It's okay." She said. "I'm not angry now. I wish you were here."
Atul had taken enough time before he ended the phone call and he realised it only when he returned to the hall.
The gorgeous vodka was awaiting him, tempting him. He should have realised just because something looks inviting, doesn’t mean it’s good for you. But he did not. He grabbed the Roberto Cavalli and poured another for him.
It was delicious, again.
He was hearing everything Maniesh and Ridhima were speaking but he wasn’t listening at all. Then one line from Maniesh caught his attention.
“If you want, you can go to the room with him Ridhima. I’ll be alright.”
It was pleasingly amazing for Atul to see how this man was ready to push this beautiful woman to him at any random moment. Atul almost had turned his head towards the room, when Ridhima said decisively, “I don't want to go in there. I mean, not yet...”
When he spoke about the room, Atul knew what was awaiting me there.
Going by the trends, the room will be a large one with a king size bed at its centre. The quilt will be smooth and warm. When he would go under the blanket Ridhima would be there with him. He knew.
His eyelids were shutting down.
No. I am not going to sleep. He promised himself.
“Can I use your washroom please?”
Ridhima asked.
When she walked away Atul had his eyes on the leisure jiggling of her bottom. He was already imagining her without her clothes and he couldn't believe how horny he had become. I know it's the drinks.
“Bring your glass down, Atul. Let me fix you another.”
Maniesh said.
When he poured vodka Atul laboured to put two ice cubes each into the glasses.
"We should meet when I'm in Delhi."
Maniesh said.
"We will, for sure."
“Ridhima is a client of Wallzec, right?”
He asked suddenly. Atul shook my head.
“She’s Chetak Engineering. We share a long business relationship.”
“So it’s a fascinating situation between you. I wonder who is compromising.”
“Pardon?”
“You and Ridhima have a very healthy friendship. You have a very strong hold on her. I think someone must be compromising on the quality of the deals to keep it healthy like that. Never mind; just asking out of curiosity.”
His view was valid. Atul was sure that Maniesh was assuming him and Ridhima sleeping together.
“Well, I haven’t compromised at all. I have recently pulled off a deal with Chetak Engineering. My boss would call it a miracle. But I don't think she’s at loss. The deal is really worthful.”
Maniesh gave him a pleasing smile.
“That’s really great! I can see that you are definitely worthy, Atul!”
After pouring the next drink, he rose to his feet.
“I’ll take a smoke. Would you mind?”
When he retired to the balcony, Atul lay back on the couch, watching the ceiling and its decorative work. The whole room span like hell.
Where is the bedroom?
He pushed the door and looked inside. Yes, the bed was there. The quilt was there. Ridhima was lying in bed.
She smiled at him.
“Atul? Where is Maniesh?”
Suddenly the vision blurred.
“What?”
Atul opened his eyes. Ridhima was back from the washroom.
“He’s having a smoke.”
He gestured toward the balcony.
“Are you okay?”
“Tell me when you are ready to leave. I am alright.”
She looked at him and the glass in his hand.
“He will drop us home, won’t he?”
“Yes. He will do.”
Atul nodded. Ridhima walked to the balcony and he closed my eyes.
So I will not be going into that room. Well...

Atul knew when they came back to the hall but he was too lazy to look up. He heard Ridhima laughing. He didn't hear Maniesh for perhaps he wasn’t listening well. Their voice was getting shallow. The light was dim.
Suddenly he woke up with a jerk.
He was alone.
Where am I? What is this place?
He saw the empty glasses. It was a reminder.
Maniesh. Ridhima.
Where's that noise coming from?
He turned around. The bedroom door was half open. Or half closed.
Atul rose to his feet and moved himself. The noise was getting louder and almost audible. He couldn’t make out what they were speaking because they were not speaking at all. They were moaning. Ridhima was moaning.
She was in bed, and Maniesh was on top of her. He had her legs, bare legs, held in a circle shape with Maniesh's shirtless bulky body inside it. Ridhima's dress was off her shoulders to crumble below her breasts. Her bra was not there, and his hand was on it, fondling her breasts. On top of it all, Atul noticed instantly, he was kissing her.

Atul watched for just a second and he felt a chilling wave of air sweeping off his feet. He inner body was dealt with a heavy blow. A truck had run over him. The room had now started to spin faster. He could barely breathe, let alone think of an idea how to respond to that.
“mmm...”
Ridhima was moaning. He took another peep. Maniesh was devouring her mouth, suppressing her moan.
Atul was sweating now.
Shall I interrupt?
He swallowed and turned back. Is this really happening or am I just imagining things? Why my surroundings are not spinning now? Why my underwear is wet? Did I cum? When?
He looked at the couch. He found a small piece of cloth lying on the floor. It is her brassiere?

He rubbed her bra into his face. It had her smell. It was arousing. But not anymore. His date, his friend, his ‘belonging’ was inside that room with her legs spread apart for a man, a monster, who was about to show his dick deep inside her.
“Ahh...!”
Did I hear a scream?
Ridhima.
Is she alright? Is he torturing her?
Atul wanted to run to them pushing his way in and beat the man black and blue.
But, for what?
Apparently, she was enjoying it.
He heard another scream. A scream of pleasure.
Atul could stand it no more. Her screams of pleasure were more torturous than the sight of Maniesh on top of her. He went to the kitchen and had some water, trying to calm down. He noticed the library while returning. He paused, and slowly walked in, looking around albeit noticing nothing.
On the table was a card lying on top of a diary. The logo on the card caught his attention instantly.
He had a close look.
Wallzec Systems Pvt Ltd. It read. 
The investor.
Atul thought and picked up a booklet next.
Wallzec Systems Pvt Ltd.
He turned a page; vision statement in attractive letters; below that was the Board of Directors, he ran his eyes through it carelessly until a name caught his attention. The name looked too familiar.
Maniesh Sain. Non-Executive Director.

Atul's breathing was stopped as he forgot to do it.

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