[krish_999]

Can you atleat let us know in all your planned parts in mind, will Ankita ever become a slut?

Basically I don't want her to stop with one person if she is going to cheat.

The more the merrier.

Great going ----- as you have done in xossip always.

You asked a tough question bro. I know her fate but I can't tell you as it will spoil the story.

[krish_999]

Chapter 16

Anvita

Anvita had been familiar with the stories of her friends getting groped in the congested space of cyber cafes and dark corners of movie halls, since her high college days. It would start with innocent touches here and there or a kiss and it would never end there. The boy would grow both confident and thirsty to have more fun. He would definitely try to put his hand inside the girl’s skirt. Lips, boobs and then the centre – that’s how it would work out.
Atul was different though. He kissed her many times, but he never allowed himself to be tempted by the opportunity. Not even once did he attempt to crawl inside her clothes. Once he had touched along her bare thighs and commented on it.
“You have pretty legs.”
And it was enough. However, Anvita would later revisit to the memory of it, letting him proceed further into the lands of intimacy in her wild imagination.
There were a few more occasions which he had left her wanting for more. But it never came. Atul had enough patience.
 
Apparently, Rajat did not.
He was going to grab the first opportunity that came his way. Anvita tried to turn forcefully, and it only helped him grow stronger.
“Stop it Rajat!”
“You should stop it, Anvita,” Rajat grunted. “Stop resisting what you feel… I am not forcing you for anything!”
Anvita wanted to push him away violently. But she was weak from inside, for unknown reasons. She felt she was caught off-guard and she had begun to feel remorse. Only thing was that she did not know what her mistake was.
“You are mad. Get off me, Rajat, before I scream.”
“I am not spoiling anything, Anvita. I just want to be the reason for your joy, and you’ll be happy.”
Rajat’s arms shrank around her, keeping his hands pressed to her body, and his left hand was touching her boobs. And she sensed something hard poking behind her ass. Her heart skipped many beats and then soared.
In a moment, the visual of her own bed flashed in her mind. And she saw him dragging her into it. She knew what he was going to do to her. She was going to be felled into her marital bed and her legs were going to be spread and this monster was going to invade her.
No.
“Rajat!!!”
She let out a cry.
His lips brushed against her ear again. He licked over her skin and her body stiffened.
“It’s not wrong, Anvita. It’s the right. It’s what we need.”
“Shut up and get off me...Rajat!”
Anvita growled.
“If you say yes, you’ll never regret it; I promise.”
He touched her chin and tried to turn it left. Anvita bent forward over the countertop. His right hand moved up to her chest and he pushed himself further behind her, Anvita sensing his dick behind her ass more evidently.
“Anvita, listen to me. Please, I beg you.”
He was panting like a wild animal. Anvita struggled to make a move that is stronger to push him away. She screamed and no sound escaped her dry throat.
No. I wouldn’t allow this. I am not gonna disappoint Atul. I belong to him.
Anvita kept shouting, albeit in her mind. She wanted to shake Rajat off her and run away from him. She knew she was not going to allow him to take her body away from her soul. Yet she could do nothing as the hardness she had begun to feel behind her poked further between her softness.
 
Suddenly there was a swishy sound. The milk on the stove over-boiled and spilt. It fell and spread over the countertop.
“Shit!!”
Rajat moved off her reflexively and Anvita pushed him. Panic-stridden, she touched the pot in an attempt to move it off the stove only to burn her hand.
“Ouch!!”
The bowl fell off her hand and to her horror it dropped on the floor, throwing the hot milk all over.
She jumped, up and away.
Fortunately, not a single drop of hot milk fell on her.
“Shit!!!”
“It’s okay, nothing happened.”
Rajat said and began to bring her back to his arms. Anvita turned to him and slapped across his face.
“You moron! Get off me!”
She yelled angrily and pushed him back.
“Anvita…”
He was shocked and Anvita slapped him again.
“Remember your place,” She quickly turned and grabbed the knife. “Else I can make you do that.”
Her eyes blazed.
“Okay. Okay.”
Rajat was horrified at the sudden counterattack, and help his hands up.
“Get out.”
She showed him to the kitchen door and he walked away, without trying any further.
Anvita let out a sigh, and she couldn’t believe what was happening around her was real. The milk was all over the floor, as evidence to her ordeal.
She cleaned the floor quickly with a mop and then went to the hall. Rajat was still sitting there.
“Don’t sit here. Get out!”
She said sternly.
“I am so sorry, Anvita. I made a mistake. I read your signals wrong.”
He got up.
“Yes, you did. You didn’t seduce me today, stupid. You shouldn’t be in my house anymore.”
Rajat shook his head, “Okay. Please don’t tell Atul.”
“Why shouldn’t I tell him?”
“Please, I will do anything for you, please don’t tell him. If you tell him it will be a big issue. Everyone will know. Please forgive me.”
He pled.
Anvita stared at him as if to burn him alive.
“Turn around.”
She said.
“What?”
“You said you’ll do anything I tell you. I am asking you to turn around.”
He swallowed and turned around, away from her.
“Stay there. Do not move. Let me see if you stick to your word.”
She said and hurried to her room and closed the door. She was feeling an itch behind her ear. She went to the washroom and washed her face, and splashed water around her neck. He had licked her there. Filthy scumbag!
She was returning to the hall when she heard the doorbell. Rajat answered the door and it was Atul. She was surprised to find him home earlier than promised, and at the same time, Rajat answering the door worried her.
Atul was studying her face. And she was at the brink of a breakdown. Yet she knew she was not going to say anything to Atul. The truth will hurt him. It was my mistake, after all.
“What happened? Why do you look so puzzled?”
Atul asked.
Anvita moved and hugged him. Her arms went around him and she felt home in a moment.
“I missed you a lot.”
She whispered.
“I missed you too, baby.”
Atul ran his fingers behind her spine.
“I am home, relax.”
He smiled and cupped her face with both hands. Anvita looked at his eyes and he kissed her on the lips.
Yep. I know.
She smiled and stepped back, and turned to Rajat, still standing there.
“Why don’t you sit down, Rajat? Your friend is home.”
She made sure she didn’t smile at him anymore.
“I am surprised to see you home, Rajat.”
Atul turned to him.
“So am I, Atul. It’s a rare off-day, in fact. I’d leave by the evening, by the way. I had got some fresh feeds for the fish; I wanted to know how it worked.”
He sent his eyes toward the aquarium.
“It’s working well. Don’t worry, Rajat.”
Anvita said. There was a raw sense of confidence in her voice that only she could recognise. Perhaps Rajat was also sensing it. He wanted to leave. He refused to have tea and hurriedly left.
Anvita was calm. She had kept her from the claws of destruction. And she was going to deal with Rajat on her own.
He begged to me today. He will beg even more.
 
----         ----         ----         ----
 
The job at the language institute was fun. The staffs were friendly and her students were cheerful. Students varied from high college going to job seekers to working people. She took two classes of 7 and 9 students each. Soon it was 12 each, the maximum.
The institute manager Goutam was impressed.
“Your classes have maximum attendance. Good work, Anvita.”
He said.
When Anvita told this to Atul, he teased her that her students are impressed by her beauty. She laughed it off. However, she was aware of the growing number of admirers among her students. She could see it from their eyes as she tutored them.
One of them was too expressive. He messaged her every day. Earlier it was harmless greetings. Soon it was love quotes followed by a coffee invitation. She politely refused, but his shiny eyes never seemed to lose hope. Every third or fourth day he would approach her after the class.
“One coffee is all I ask, please.”
Anvita never considered his request seriously. She liked him though in a nice way. He was very jovial in the class. His name was Diwakar.
“If you’re not comfortable, I’ll bring my sister with me.”
He said once.
Anvita laughed. She walked with him to the road. Her student and Diwakar’s friend was sitting on his bike.
“What’s wrong with your friend?”
He stood up and smiled.
“He’s crazy, ma’am.”
“Shut up Prithvi.”
Diwakar frowned. Anvita smiled at him.
“He’s right, Diwakar. You know why I am not coming with you? Your eyes; they tell me something you can't tell me. Concentrate on your study, guys. See you tomorrow.”
“Anvita... Please.”
Diwakar began to say and Anvita ignored him.
“Prithvi, please stop your friend. If you can't stop him, I’ll say you are not a good friend of him.”
She said and walked away.
 
Diwakar didn’t show up since then.
A few days after, Anvita called aside Prithvi.
“He quit. He said he can't move on otherwise.”
Prithvi said.
Anvita was stunned.
“Well, that’s not my fault, right?”
She blurted out.
 
It was during the excursion Anvita met her second craziest fan from the students.
There were around forty students. Sidharth was the team leader and he took care of everything efficiently. Pallavi and Josh mostly stuck with each other as they were like twins. Obese and wearing spectacles, they preferred to remain in a corner all the times, mostly static. Anvita was definitely crowded by the boys. One among them, Pankaj, was her true admirer. She had known it from the day she met him in the class. He came first and left last every day. And during the excursion, he confessed his affection. She had noticed how Pankaj was unable to take his eyes off her. She turned to Prithvi.
“Prithvi, tell your friend to behave.”
Prithvi was younger than Diwakar and Pankaj, and he was quite a decent boy. Anvita hence had a liking toward him.
“I can't, mam,” Pankaj confessed. “I really like you.”
Anvita threw a glance at him and said nothing. She never smiled at him after that.
 
When Anvita tried to learn swimming on her own in the pool, she ended up swallowing the pool water a couple of times. She hoped nobody knew of her secret. But Prithvi mentioned it soon after.
“I know what you did in the pool; are you still thirsty?”
Anvita laughed silly.
“You stupid, you should have tried to save me.”
By the end of the trip, Anvita was close to Prithvi than everyone else. He too was infatuated with her, but he was careful to put it in a nice way.
“It’s not my friends’ fault they fell for you. You are way too beautiful than any of the girls here. Look around; none of them stands a chance in front of you.”
“But it’s their fault to propose a married woman.”
She said.
“Yeah. I agree with that,” Prithvi shook his head. “I hope I can find a girl half as beautiful and wonderful as you.”
Anvita smiled.
“You sure will, dear.”
“Can we have a coffee?”
He asked quickly. She held up the cold drink she was having at the moment.
“Let me finish this first.”
“No, I mean not now. Not here. Later; like tomorrow; just a coffee.”
“Okay, promise me you won’t bring Pankaj with you. He is unbearable.”
“I won’t bring him, and I won’t be him. I promise.”
He said.
 
The Wednesday after the excursion Anvita was walking towards metro after the classes when a blue car stopped beside her. She threw a lazy glance at it and continued walking.
“Miss Anvita.”
She turned to see a man getting out from the driver’s seat. He walked over to her.
“Miss Anvita, do you remember me?”
She did. It was her husband’s boss.
“Yes. I do.”
His face became alive with a sense of relief.
“I am extremely sorry to intercept you like this. But I don't know another way easier than this. Can I have a word with you?”
She stood right in front of him on the elevated footpath and he had to look up. It helped her assume a sense of command over him.
“Regarding what?”
“It’s a bit tough to put into words, Miss Anvita. I’ve been thinking about that embarrassing incident day after day and night after night. I don't know how you think about it. But I want to be honest with you. I’ve had my share of anger and remorse for what happened between us. Let me be honest. Let me apologize to you.”
He stopped and waited for her response.
“And?”
Anvita raised her chin slightly up further intimidating him. She watched him swallow.
“You are making me difficult to talk. Can we... can we talk over a coffee?”
He managed to ask.
Anvita felt for him. She thought for a moment. She didn't feel it unsafe. He was her husband’s boss. The man was an unfortunate victim of her wrath, after all. He deserved some sympathetic consideration.
 
“Okay.”
She said.
“Thank you, Miss Anvita.”
He swung around and held the rear door open for her.
“You’re embarrassing me further.”
She remarked and eyed at the front door. Shreyas swiftly closed the rear door and held the front one open for her.
 
She sat silently as he drove into a cafe at a kilometre away. He led her to the lounge and they sat across a two seated table. She maintained a straight face throughout. Shreyas came back to the subject only after the order was taken by a waiter.
“Anything simple.”
Anvita had told him and he ordered coffee.
“Miss Anvita... I was saying...”
“It’s alright. I accepted your apology.”
She said readily.
He looked stunned. “You did?”
“Yes.”
He leaned back as if he forgot what to say next. It seemed to her Shreyas was a simple man, who worried over silly things.
She smiled.
“Actually, I should be the one apologizing. I was upset over some silly stuff that day. The only thing you did wrong was you shouldn’t have asked me again and again. Why are you taking such things so seriously?”
She wasn’t sure if she had earned so much freedom to question him like that.
But Shreyas was humble.
“That’s why I am sorry, Miss Anvita.”
“I’ll be happier if you called me just Anvita, Shreyas.”
He stared at her briefly.
“Sure. All I want is to see you happy, Anvita.”
She laughed.
And she watched panic beginning to mount his face. She liked him immediately. She wondered how this man could become boss to Atul.
“Do you have female staff under you?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Are you nervous like this around them too?”
“I am nervous when I commit mistakes. My only solution is by avoiding them.”
“It’s now past. So stop being nervous.”
“I am trying but...”
“But what?”
“You know, your beauty intimidates me.”
“If it weren’t you, I would have considered it flattery.”
“I am honest. I don't have guts to use flattery to a woman like you. You are absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“I can't believe myself I am sitting here and you have pardoned me. If you don't mind, I have a request.”
He said hopefully.
“Tell me.”
“After next week another party may be happening.”
She knew what he was going to say. She just waited for him to complete his request.
“If you don't mind... will you...uh...”
She erased all the friendly shade off her face. His face paled and he stopped.
“Go ahead.”
She encouraged him.
“Only if you don't mind… You know I had become the laughing stock in my office. Just a few steps…that would save me.”
“What will I get in return for resurrecting your lost pride?”
“Mmm... anything you ask. I promise.”
“Anything?”
“Anything. I promise. Anything that’s in my reach or capacity.”
“Alright. I’ll think about it.”
“It’s totally up to you. I can't ask for your hand without a nod from you.”
He said.
Anvita thought about it.
“I will dance with you, only if Atul asked me.”
His face paled further.
“If he says no I’ll be humiliated again.”
“No. Not at the party. You can discuss it with him before that.”
He thought about it and agreed.
“You are a very different woman; Anvita. Atul is very lucky.”
“Different in what sense... good or bad?”
“Good only.”
“Are you sure about that? I’ve kept you on toes for most of the time.”
“But I am pleased for you to have come with me.”
He said.
“Shreyas. I am looking forward to dancing with you.” And she watched his eyes growing big in excitement.
Shreyas promptly dropped her at the metro soon.
 
That night when Atul came home, Anvita did not tell him about Shreyas. Next day, he brought up the subject.
“Please, Anvita. He’s not a person you think. He barely speaks to ladies. I think it was the first time he approached someone, that too because he thought I am one of the closest to him in the office. He’s an introvert in his personal life. He’s still ashamed to face his wife’s friends. Anjali’s not at all happy to come for a party next time.”
Anvita was amazed to see her husband standing up for his boss, and she wondered how the latter managed to do it.
“I have stopped dancing with anyone but you.”
She said stubbornly. Atul went on to plead enough to make her think of a little play and she demanded him to kneel in front of him. To her surprise, he did it.
For one moment, she thought about his behaviour in contrast to that of his father. Rajyavardhan had just visited her a few days ago and had reminded her of how arrogant he was. What if he had seen Atul kneeling in front of her like this? He could never stand the sight. Anvita knew. A grin appeared on her lips.
Anvita was playful. It was fun to play with Atul. One thing led to another and they made passionate love in the bed.
 
Next day she was leaving the institute and she noticed Shreyas's car parked by the road. He was waiting for her.
“Did he ask you?”
She smiled.
“You don't know?”
“Mmm... Please tell me your reply.”
“You know that too.”
He stood there a moment looking at her. She felt he was admiring her beauty. But he was still nervous.
“I wanted to hear it from you. Anyway, I’ve learnt how tough it is to get something from you. Coffee, please?”
He asked. Anvita had a quick look at the farthest end for the street before turning her eyes to him.
“Sure.”
She nodded and helped herself into the front seat of the car.
 
From the moment he dropped her back at the metro station, she was thinking about Shreyas.
In the night, she found herself lying awake in bed for long, while Atul was asleep after a usual quickie. She was thinking about Shreyas, wondering what trick he would have played to make her husband kneel in front of her.
“Please Anvita. He’s not a person you think…”
Yes, he’s not the person I think. Right. Anvita closed her eyes and smiled.
A dinner night was coming.
“Please allow my boss to kiss you and touch you wherever he wants to and allow him to do whatever he wants to...” Atul had pled her.
No way I am gonna let him do that. Anvita was sure.
But something kept her smiling even in her sleep.
 
 
 
---------------------------000---------------------------------

[krish_999]

Chapter 17

Atul

At first, Atul felt Anvita was going to rub her lips to Shreyas's cheek. Atul opened his mouth to let out a yell, but before that he paused a moment to see if she really would dare to that. It turned out she was responding to something he had told her, but it never meant to bring any solace to Atul. At that moment, Shreyas turned his face to Anvita, and his face came into Atul’s focus for the first time.
He felt a jolt as he suddenly recognised the man who was holding his arm around his wife. It was not Shreyas.
It was Varun.
How the hell is he here? What is happening here? Why did he take her here?
A thousand questions filled Atul’s head. He felt exhausted and confused. A part of his mind told him to wait and watch how far they would go. Rest of his mind questioned him why he should do so. It was foolery to test his wife to see if she would err. Atul wasn’t that insecure.
He took a deep breath and spoke out.
“Anvita…!”
Both Anvita and Varun turned their face at the same time. Varun’s face was filled with surprise and Atul wondered if he was actually annoyed. Contrary to what Atul was expecting subconsciously, Varun seemed happy to see him.
“Atul! Finally, I get to see you. How are you, man?”
He came forward and grabbed Atul’s hand.
“Enjoying your life like anything, huh?”
“You surprised me; I didn't know you were here.” Atul tried to maintain a straight face as they shook hands. “And you too,” he looked at Anvita, “I didn't know you were here.”
Anvita moved closer to him.
“Varun called you many times. You didn’t pick up.”
She said.
“Really?”
Atul checked his phone and saw Varun’s missed calls. He hadn’t heard his phone ringing due to loud music, and then he didn’t really see the missed call on his phone when he took it out to call Shreyas. It was Shreyas who was dominating his mind all the time. His mind was too panicky to behave in a normal way.
Atul was convinced.
“I hadn’t seen his call.”
Atul admitted.
“I thought you have come for me...”
Anvita said.
“I looked for you and someone mentioned he saw you coming here.”
“Varun brought me here. I looked for you but couldn’t see you.” Anvita said. “Look; you can see the whole city from here. It’s really beautiful, isn’t it?”
She showed him the view. The view from the top of the tall building was indeed mesmerizing. But Atul could not enjoy it. He felt bad for he doubted his wife during her absence. Isn’t it my insecurity?
He turned to Varun.
“How are you here, Varun? You should have told me, we could have had a blast already.”
“I was just around for someone else. I heard about Wallzec and I guessed you would be here. I came to see how you guys party. And yes, how you dance.”
“Let’s go down and let’s drink first, and then dance.”
Atul said.
“But Anvita says she won’t dance.”
“What?”
Atul was surprised.
“No more dance for tonight,” Anvita grabbed Atul’s hand. “I’ve danced enough for tonight.”
Atul felt great. She had refused to dance with Varun!
Atul felt a breeze dancing around him and slowing entering his body, refreshing him. He wanted to put his arm around Anvita and say how much she means to him.
“But you can drink with us.”
Anvita added.
“No dear. I am leaving. I have promises to keep with someone.”
Varun rejected her offer. Anvita made a face.
“Really? Who is that new one?”
“I will tell you when it is time. See you. See you Atul.”
He hugged them both and left soon. Atul felt even better.
“I thought you guys were about to make out here.”
Atul spoke his mind and hoped she would take it as a joke.
“Here? Mmm... It’s a nice idea.” Anvita stopped and looked around.
“Actually, it’s a very nice idea.”
She wrapped her arms around him and the next thing he knew was her soft lips pressing against his. They were softer than usual and he tasted wine from her tongue.
“You taste sweet.”
He commented.
“You taste whiskey.”
She pinched his cheek.
“It’s scotch.”
“Whatever.”
They kissed again. He grabbed her ass cheeks and mauled them at will. She darted her tongue further into his mouth and he sucked her like honey. He was growing bigger in his pants and he wanted to make love to her right there. Somehow he managed to control.
That night they had drunken sex. It was sloppy and mad when it began, but unfortunately, it went nowhere as Atul fell asleep in the middle of it.

The following morning when Atul recollected the whole events, he was happy that Anvita had refused to dance with Varun. It was really a matured behaviour from her. She had no plan to embarrass him, yet Atul was the one who felt embarrassed by himself because of his absurd way of thinking. It also proved how ridiculous it was to doubt Shreyas.

Whatever sense of relief Atul assumed that night though was evaporated very next Monday. Anvita rang him up after her class to inform him that she’s going with Varun for a coffee. She mentioned the cafe’s name as she spoke, and it sounded as if she wanted to assure him that there is nothing wrong. Atul’s response was obviously positive.
When he came home at night she told him about it. It was just a coffee.
“I think he is seeing someone. But he’s not telling me anything.”
Anvita revealed.
Next week she went for the coffee again, twice. Apparently, it was becoming a routine and Atul protested.
“It’s not a good idea, Anvi.”
“What’s wrong, dear?”
“It’s okay for once in a while but don't let it fall into a routine...”
“Do you doubt me?”
“Of course not, but what if he mistook your friendly actions...”
“Don't be silly. We are grownups. We know who is what.”
She dismissed his concerns with a good laugh.

His worry was escalated when Anvita on a Friday agreed to go to a pub with him.
“I will be home before it is dark, honey.”
She promised.
That evening Atul rushed home early despite having unfinished work. When he reached home at night, loud music welcomed him. Anvita was cooking dinner. She was tipsy yet normal. Everything was normal. But there was that constant feeling at the back of his mind that told him something wrong was happening. He didn't like Varun being around her. His instincts foretold him that Varun may never let go of Anvita. He was sure Varun still had feelings for her.

Atul was growing insecure but he was not ready to admit it himself let alone to her. There was no solid reason to keep her away from her old friend. The fluctuating sex drive Anvita exhibited in bed merely added to his worry. If she was burning hot one night, the very next one could be unbelievably cold.
He had to do something. He needed to find out if he needed to worry.
On a Sunday that followed Anvita’s second visit to the pub, Atul walked into the place. It was a small one. Without much space, it didn't look like a lovers’ favourite place. The dance floor wasn’t a prime attraction for sure. It was just a sit-and-talk place. Atul noticed that majority of the customers were above thirty. It looked a safe place for an evening date. His nervousness certainly reduced though not vanished.
As he walked out of the pub he heard someone calling out his name. He turned to see his old friend Naveen. Atul was surprised to know he worked there. Naveen had attended Atul’s marriage but he had forgotten about him since then. Naveen hugged Atul and they sat down.
“I’ve been working here since January.”
Naveen revealed.
An instant idea struck Atul; that he could keep an eye on Varun and Anvita with help of Naveen. But his pride would not allow him to tell his friend that he suspects his wife.
Naveen noticed that Atul hadn’t had anything from the place.
“It’s a small one, Atul. Not much spacious, but our menu has some great choices; you don't have to leave like this.”
They settled down at a couch and ordered drinks. Half an hour gone, Atul was reconsidering to seek Naveen’s help to solve his agony.
“You were checking out this place. Why, are you planning to bring a date?”
Naveen was asking.
“Why, can't I bring one?”
“I know you won’t. But if you’re bringing your wife, you’re most welcome.”
Naveen said with a pleasant smile.
“If I remember, Anvita is her name. Isn’t it?”
“You are right.”
Naveen had come for Atul’s wedding. Even though he had spent most of his time with the guys and booze he still remembered the bride’s name. Atul was surprised and immediately saw something positive about it. He had to tell him more about her.
“Naveen, I want your help. It’s nothing serious but certainly not something I can ignore. Anvita has been here with her friend a couple of times for the last two weeks. Don't judge the situation, as there is nothing wrong about it so far. But, you see, we are men and we need to be watchful. I want to be absolutely sure that she’s safe whenever she’s here.”
Naveen was ready to help.
“Who’s this guy?”
He asked. Atul showed him a photo of Varun and Naveen recognized him immediately.
“I remember this face. He’s a regular here.”
“His name is Varun.”
“Varun,” he nodded. “Okay, send me this pic. I’ll keep an eye on him.”
Atul forwarded the photo to him and left home with some kind of relief. He was going to get rid of his insecurity.

Naveen called him a few days later.
“Your gentleman is here.”
He was expecting it as Anvita hadn’t gone for coffee for last four days.
“Just keep an eye. I know she’ll be safe but still…”
“Trust me. I will deal with it.”
Naveen assured him.
“So far he’s a perfect gentleman. She’s having wine. Is she okay with that?”
“Yeah, that’s her drink. It’s okay.”
Atul couldn’t concentrate on work as he spent rest of his time speculating what Naveen could find out. He tried to imagine the ways of intimacy Varun could try to have with Anvita. Atul couldn’t visualise anything bad. He remembered the night at the office party. They were not going to kiss when he interrupted them. Were they?
He was holding his hand around her as if a lover. He was holding her close to his body. If Atul hadn’t interrupted, he would have held her tighter and even pulled her closer than that. And her chest would have rubbed against him and then he would have fancied kissing her.
Suddenly Atul was visualising everything bad.
He wanted to leave his office and go to the pub. He was itching to see his wife.
But, what if there’s nothing of such happening? No. I don't want to look like a retard.
At the end of one torturous hour, his phone rang. Atul picked it up at the first ring.
“They have left, and there is nothing to worry, gentleman. They have absolutely nothing between them apart from a warm friendship. He might have touched her hands a couple of times but not alarming in any sense. They were chatting and chatting. He looked a real bore to me, honestly. I mean it’s really frustrating to see someone talking so much. Just forget it and live a peaceful life, friend.”
Naveen said.
Atul breathed with a sense of peacefulness. There she is; my wife; my Anvi. She can't do ‘such things’, I knew it.

That night when Anvita opened the door to him, he put his arms around her to grab her by the waist and kissed her. Anvita was surprised and had no clue to his happiness. To his surprise, she didn't smell or taste wine. Perhaps she didn't have much wine. She was indeed careful.
If there was something that slightly disturbed Atul, it was that Anvita did not care to tell him she went to see Varun in a pub that evening. She will tell me later. Atul thought.
Atul waited for a day and then he asked her about it.
“Yesterday you were late to come home. You had gone somewhere?”
Anvita was in the kitchen, facing away from him.
“Yeah, I went for a coffee with a student. Why?”
“Nothing… Nothing.”
If there was something Atul did not want to hear from his wife, that was it.
A lie.
A big lie.
Why can't you just tell me you went with Varun? What are you hiding from me?

Atul could not sleep well that night. The cloud of suspicion was still there. It could rain at any moment and it could bring destruction. He feared.

And he had no idea that his fears were going to become true very soon.
Next evening, Atul was finishing the previous day’s pending work when Naveen telephoned him.
“Atul, we have a situation.”
Atul was alert instantly.
“Your wife and her friend are here. And they’re going overboard; clearly overboard!”
Naveen’s voice was alarming, in every sense.
“What do you mean?”
“They are kissing. They don't look like they intend to remain mere friends.”
Atul heard him clearly and his throat went dry instantly.

----------------------------------000-------------------------------------

[krish_999]

Chapter 18

Atul

Atul reached for the water bottle and downed it into his throat. His heart was beating hard. He felt he would faint any moment. He looked around his office helplessly. Everything seemed meaningless.

He saw Shriya standing at the far end, talking to someone at a desk. Her eyes accidentally turned toward Atul and stuck with him for a moment. She turned away momentarily to look back as if to check if he’s still looking at her. Atul didn’t feel the need to look away. He did not feel the need to look cool.
Nobody could save him from the nightmare he was living at the moment.
A minute later, Atul borrowed his colleague’s bike and left his office. He wanted to see it.
He wanted to see how Anvita would do it.
He wanted to see it lest he wouldn’t believe it.
“If Varun had proposed you before I did, would you have said yes?” Atul had asked her once. She had said she would have responded positively if it was before meeting Atul.
“But the moment we met, you owned my heart. He lost all his chance then and there. You were so cute you know that?” Anvita had said.
Yes. I know I looked so cute. I still look so cute. What for? Atul rued.
If I own your heart, then what are you giving to Varun?
Atul was riding the bike as if to hell. He had thought about calling Anvita on phone but he had left it on his desk as he left in a hurry. Also, he had no time to stop and make a call. He jumped most of the traffic signals; he took shortcuts through footpaths; he dodged angry pedestrians, and he never thought twice to go the wrong side. He stopped nowhere despite heavy traffic and nevertheless it took him almost one and a half hour to reach the place. He ran to Naveen and he took him aside.
“Where the hell were you? I called you a hundred times.”
“Where are they?”
Atul was beginning to rush inside the pub.
“They’re not here.”
“What?”
He sounded like a cry.
“Stop behaving like horrible. They are still under the radar. That’s why I was calling you. Come with me.”
Naveen led him out toward the lift.
“Where are we going?”
He asked impatiently.
“Atul, it’s really bad news. I don’t want you to do anything stupid. And try not to make a scene. Stop them if possible, and do it without making a scene.”
“What the hell are you talking? Where are you taking me?”
Lift stopped. Naveen led him to the basement parking. Only a few cars were parked.
“Listen. I had followed him when he left with her. The way they were kissing... I was sure what they were up to. And I followed them here; you see that car? That’s where she’s with him, now.”
He pointed toward the farthest corner. He saw an SUV parked over there, and it sent chill down his stomach. It was a beast that has trapped his wife.
“I will kill that bastard!”
“Don't make a scene here, Atul. Just pull out her and go home. That’s what you are going to do now.”
Naveen kept advising him as he nearly ran towards the car. Atul’s mind was already filled with a few moments that he was going to see when he pulled out that door. He was going to see two animals in the arms of one another with lustful eyes, with displaced clothes. As in the middle of an adventure, she would be letting her ex-boyfriend plunge his thing deep into her with a sense of hurry, allowing him to claim everything she had vowed to her husband.
Atul was not sure he could stand that sight. But he was not going to sit on the fence. He reached for the handle and pulled it open as hatefully as he could.
Before he could see anything he heard a cry, a cry of her, and then he saw them. Darkness crept into his eyes and it turned red. And he saw naked flesh. Two pieces of them. Half of Atul’s heart and soul died then and there. The other half let out a cry.
“Bitch!”
He swiftly rushed in and grabbed her by her wrist which was resting against her chest.
“Hey!!!”
Varun shouted and at that exact moment, Atul’s eyes fell on her face.
It was not Anvita.
 
What?
He had halted breathing. 
“What the fuck are you doing, Atul?”
He widened his eyes and looked at her face again, and again.
“Where’s Anvita?”
He jumped back, still unable to believe what he was witnessing.
“How the fuck I know, man?”
Varun yelled again.
The young woman sitting on his lap without any trace of clothing and probably with his dick still buried inside her tried to cover her breasts with her hands. There was too much to hide.
“There’s a mistake... I...”
He looked at Naveen. He took a look inside.
“What? Isn’t it Anvita?”
“For fuck’s sake, what’s going on here?”
The woman screamed.
“Just get lost, you scoundrels!”
She let go of her breasts and pulled the door back.
“Don't you know my wife?”
Atul turned and blazed at Naveen. Though he was not breathing right because of what had just happened, he was indeed feeling relieved. For God’s grace, it was not Anvita.
Naveen could not believe himself.
“What a fuck. I thought she’s your wife. I’ve been spying on her for all these days.”
The picture was clear. If he had been spying on the wrong woman, it means Anvita wasn’t the one he saw at the pub with Varun earlier too.
“You showed me his photo, and when he showed up with this girl, I think I got it wrong.”
He shrugged.
“You think, huh?”
Atul stared at him.
“Okay.” Naveen took a deep breath. “Just hold it. Are you not happy it’s not your wife anyway?”
He wanted to laugh louder and hug him.
“Of course I am happy. That’s why I am not beating the shit out of you, fucker!”
He was breathing alive now. He grabbed his hand as a friendly gesture.
But they had no idea how to handle Varun. He got out soon, fully dressed.
“Atul! You moron, you were spying on me because you thought I was fucking Anvita?”
He was furious.
“I am sorry Varun; extremely sorry. There was a huge, huge, gigantic confusion. This is my friend, Naveen. When he saw you with her, he informed me that he mistook her for Anvita. It is...”
“You are trying too hard to put all the shit on him, Atul.”
Varun said dismissively.
“No, please try to understand. There was a mistake. When he said Anvita getting into this car with you I didn’t really stop there to question him.”
Varun looked at Naveen and he readily apologized.
“It’s such a blunder mistake. I’ve seen Anvita at his wedding only. When I saw her for the first time since then... I got confused. It is...”
The girl stepped out of the vehicle. She was properly dressed now – in a T-shirt and jeans – and gave him a burning look.
“I am sorry...”
Atul began and Varun interrupted.
“Is this your wife?”
“No. No.”
He turned to her.
“Honey, this gentleman is the husband of one of my friend. And He thought you are his wife.”
“That’s the biggest bullshit I’ve ever heard in my life.”
She looked at Atul contemptuously, though he still felt she wasn’t as angry as he expected. She was still not completely out of shock.
“There was a mistake from us... I was so worried I jumped into the situation.”
“It’s not a mistake... It’s called a lifetime blunder. I don't deserve standing here in front of these idiots. Let’s go Varun. Drop me back.”
She turned away and sat inside the car. Atul apologised once again to Varun while he got behind the wheel. Varun stared him for once and drove away.
Atul and Naveen, particularly the latter, stood there like stupid monkeys.
 
They went to the bar and switched their booze mode on.
“How come you don’t remember Anvita’s face? You are really a moron, Naveen!”
Atul said.
“Whatever shit happened, it proved one thing for good. Your wife has no threat from this man. He’s got this girl!”
Naveen laughed. Atul agreed with him.
“And did you see it? I know you did, you did see it all, didn't you? She’s hot; hot means very hot.”
Naveen spoke in an animated way and they had started to laugh. They laughed over the incident and partied until very late. Atul did not return to office. He ended up leaving the bike at Naveen’s custody and had to hire a cab to get home.
 
He was skidding over the streets and pavements and courtyard and lift and corridor until he finally made his way home. There stood his angel, his love, his beautiful wife, who he thought he had lost, and he wanted to kiss her. He leaned forward and he found resistance.
“I want to kiss you, my dear. I love you. Let me kiss you.”
Atul sang in a slurred voice and swayed forward, and the next thing he felt was a tight slap across his face. It wasn’t that powerful to make him spit blood, but it dropped him down to the couch.
“I love you, baby...”
He smiled again.
She moved forward and slapped him again, with more force this time; and then another.
She held his face straight up.
“Did you seriously think I was fucking him?”
 
 

---------------------------------000------------------------------

[krish_999]

Dear Krish999,
                       You have special magnet in your each update that makes me to want next update asap. I hope next update will be anvita's pov to clear current situation...

As usual Tempting......

Hi Krish I am you follower of your stories on xossip all stories are exceptional.
I have some concern about this story at present situation...

Dear,

Let the plots points go according to the writer....

lovely twist. Typical Krish set up. He has this habit of making the readers wandering. Great keep it up

Ha ha ha
Don't judge Krish so soon dear members...

lol hypocrite this bitch is , why didn't she mention her incident with Rajat...

Now she had to explain with whom she went to the coffee shop,...

Do it already. 18 chapters over....

Great update Krish you almost had every one on the edge YET you managed to turn a whole 360 degree....

Nice twist...now Atul will not suspect much about Anvita as he is now regret that he is wrong about Anvita...

who knows!! may be it is part of plan created by anvita with varun & naveen too.

I have quoted just a few but there are so many comments that are so pleasing to see and read. Thank you for all the wonderful comments guys. I value compliments and criticism equally because both will keep me going on in the right direction; to the end of the story. And you are free to ask questions pertaining to any plot holes in the story.
I knew the Institute events are a bit silly and may end up a bit boring in a forum like this, but I could not avoid it as it has its role in the coming episodes. But I will try my best to make it interesting in the future. 
Keep reading and keep posting.
Thank you all.
Krish.

[krish_999]

Sorry for the delay, guys.
The update comes today, I promise you that.

[krish_999]

Chapter 19

Anvita

Atul had the knack to make the right choice for Anvita whenever he went shopping. The dresses, tops or even the sandals he gifted her would fit perfectly on her. Whenever he brought something new for her, he would insist her to wear it and show him immediately. When she would, she never missed the content smile on his face. Anvita felt pride every time this happened.
“How do you do this?” Anvita had asked him once. “It would take me hours to find one like this if I went shopping myself.”
“It’s simple,” Atul said. “When I see something impressive on someone I imagine you in that and after that, I just can't wait to see you in that. When you know what you want to have, it’s quite easy to have it, isn’t it?”
That’s when Anvita began to notice articles worn by the opposite sex. It was fun. By the end of the month, she had a long list to shop for Atul. And her first salary was proved too little to fulfil that list!
Atul laughed when he came to know how she had exhausted her salary on the first day on shopping itself. However, he embraced her with love and happiness that fulfilled her every list.
 
Another time she was out there shopping, she ran into Prithvi.
“Shopping alone?”
Anvita smiled, “I’m planning to surprise someone!”
“Wow!” Prithvi’s eyes dilated. “You have a very lucky husband, miss.”
His sincere response pleased Anvita. There was something about him that already made him her favourite among her students. He was like a younger brother who always wanted to see his sister happy.
Prithvi stayed with her to help her select one shirt for Atul. When she was making the payment, she noticed the girl at the next counter had also purchased the same shirt.
“Let’s hope our guys never meet each other.”
Anvita quipped.
 
Anvita went on to have a coffee with Prithvi after shopping.
“You had promised a coffee with me, remember?”
He asked.
“This is that!”
Anvita quipped.
“No, this is not. This is for helping you choose you the right shirt for your hubby…”
“Mmm…you are opportunistic.”
“Actually I am looking for a better opportunity so that I can take you to a better place than a cafe.”
“And which is…?”
“A pub...maybe.”
Anvita laughed it off.
“I can't believe you are asking your teacher out to a pub. That was a bad joke, a misfire.”
“My classes are going to finish soon. What about then?”
“No.”
“It’s not like what you may be thinking. After the class... Just half an hour…”
“I go to a pub only with one person; my hubby. It’s a rule.”
Anvita said.
 
However, it turned out Anvita had to break her own rule when Varun rang up her a week later. He wanted to introduce ‘someone’ to her.
Are you free?
“I am in the class. Who’s this someone?”
“It’s a surprise, dear. I’ll pick you up after the class.”
Anvita was disappointed when she saw him after the class. He was wearing the same shirt she had gifted Atul a week ago.
“Where did you get this?”
She asked.
“It’s a gift. Looking good?”
Anvita laughed.
“Are we going to see that person?”
Varun was puzzled.
“What happened? Is there anything wrong with it?”
“Nothing wrong with the shirt, gentleman.”
Anvita still remembered the girl she had met at the shopping centre. She could not stop smiling when she thought about the suspense Varun had been building so far around the girl he had surrendered his heart. Throughout the last couple of times they met, whenever Anvita asked him about her, he had guarded against even showing a photo of his girl.
Varun was taking her to a pub. Anvita was hesitant but Varun was too excited to reveal the suspense and Anvita was not going to miss it. Varun walked her inside and she recognised the girl as soon as she entered the small lobby.
“Radhika, this is Anvita, my best friend. Anvita, this is my…”
Anvita was already laughing. She leaned forward and hugged Radhika.
“Well, that was quicker than I thought. I already knew it would be you when he showed up wearing his gift.”
Varun was amused. “Wait, you guys know each other?”
 
Anvita hoped Atul won’t be running into Varun wearing the same shirt. She had like it very much, and she did not tell Atul about it.
 
The following week Anvita went for coffee with Prithvi again. There was absolutely nothing unusual about it except for Atul’s behaviour at home that night. When he was home, he straightaway pulled her closer and kissed her. He was very happy; there was something mysterious in his eyes. But he was not ready to tell her. The way he looked at her eyes, or the way he looked away from her eyes, she could easily say he was hiding something.
“Have you cracked a new deal or something?”
She asked him in the morning.
 
Next day, his behaviour was even stranger in an exactly opposite way. He was upset over something. Anvita waited for it to come out naturally. Then he dropped it.
“Yesterday you were late to come home. You had gone somewhere?”
“Yeah, I went for a coffee with a student. Why?”
“Nothing… Nothing…”
Atul said nothing else. But it was enough for Anvita to understand where it was going.
Anvita had reached home earlier than him on Wednesday. How did Atul know whether she was late or not?
Is he spying on me?
The thought hit her like a jolt and left her restless. What is he hiding from me? What is he thinking I was doing with Prithvi over a coffee? She had hidden nothing from him, and still, he was not happy with her. It was apparent from the change in his voice when he said ‘nothing.’
He doubted me. Anvita was certain. Why isn’t he asking about it so I can explain?
Anvita had a hundred questions to ask him, but she did not know whether she should start it; or where to begin.
She was worried over it throughout the day followed. When Prithvi suggested a coffee after the class, she refused right away. No. I don’t want to displease him. That was all in her mind. She knew it was stupid and she had to reiterate it in her mind.
 
And the truth unearthed itself in an hour when Varun phoned her.
“Anvita, there is something that you should know.”
When he put down the phone, Anvita was burning in anger and disappointment.
Did he put someone to spy on me? What for? Because I was having a coffee with Varun or a student?
She wanted to ask him a thousand questions, and she was waiting for him. Atul did not show up at his regular time. Anvita did not bother to phone him. She meekly sat on the couch, and waited, her eyes on the closed door. She sat for two hours, with each a second passing like two. And finally, when Atul came, it wasn’t someone she had been waiting for.
Atul was drunk, struggling to stand up on his feet. He was about to fall any moment as he walked in, and he wasn’t even able to hold his head straight.
Anvita wanted to cry.
Is this the man I married? No, this is not my Atul. My Atul is cute and handsome and honest and caring and innocent and loving and lovable altogether.
Atul leaned forward and tried to kiss her. Strong smell of alcohol tousled Anvita’s senses, further escalating her anger. He was insanely out of mind to see her blazing eyes. He leaned forward again and Anvita shook him off.
“I want to kiss you, my dear. I love you. Let me kiss you.”
Atul sang in a slurred voice that was incomprehensible, and he swayed forward, forcing a kiss. Anvita could not resist and she slapped him, without thinking anything, and he fell on the couch.
“I love you, baby…”
He was still smiling as if nothing happened, infuriating Anvita further. She moved forward and slapped him again and again.
“Did you seriously think I was fucking him?”
She screamed.
Atul looked up, shocked, but Anvita saw his eyes. Nothing was going to wake him up.
She fell at his feet and wept.
She wept all night.
 
Next morning Atul had a lot to confess.
“I know. I doubted over you and Varun and I asked my friend to keep an eye whenever you showed up with Varun at his pub. But that doesn’t mean I had doubts over your character. I was worried about you because I felt he’s still after you. He’s been seeing you a lot in the past few weeks. Wednesday Naveen told me Varun was there with you… I thought Naveen knew you by face… and I believed it. I thought you lied to me.”
“Then why didn’t you ask me?”
“I thought you would tell me and also, Naveen told me you guys were just talking…”
“Just talking…! What a phrase to put it! Why don’t you say you didn’t question me because we were not fucking in the back of his car?”
“Anvita, please… that’s not what I meant.”
“I am sorry Atul. I know this is not how I should talk to you. But I don’t know how to…”
Anvita cried.
Atul sat with her, consoling her.
“I am sorry… I should have talked to you. Yesterday too, I should have called you. But when he said he saw Varun kissing you, I could not hold myself; not even for a moment. I took a bike ride so fast that I should have been killed in an accident on my way if I wasn’t lucky enough. When I made it to there, that bastard is telling me Varun has already taken you to his car! What do you think I should have done? Dialling your number to verify it wasn’t you?”
Anvita wiped her tears.
“I still can't come to terms with the thought that you believed even for a moment it was me.”
“I was blind. I just saw a woman there. What would you have done if one of your friends told you that I am making out with a woman?”
Anvita stared at him.
“I wouldn’t live to interrupt you, Atul. I would jump off the building that I am at.”
“Then you should consider lucky that I am the one blessed with such a friend. God is merciful.”
Anvita smiled despite tears in her eyes.
Atul hugged her tight and she kissed him.
“I am sorry I slapped you…”
“You did? I didn’t know.”
“How would you have known? You were so drunk.”
“I had reason to celebrate, baby.”
“What was the name of your friend?”
“Naveen. Why?”
“Promise me you’ll never see him again.”
Atul laughed.
“Promise.”
Anvita was still concerned about Varun.
“Varun and Radhika must have thought you are a total jerk.”
She worried.
“I am ashamed to even think about meeting them again.”
“Leave it to me,” Atul said. “I can handle it. We can impress them. We aren’t that bad.”
“How?”
“Let’s invite them for dinner. It’s going to be very fun.”
Anvita instantly thought it’s a good idea.
“Okay, let’s host them a dinner.”
“Here?”
“Yeah, that’s better. I don’t want to talk about this in a public space.”
She pointed out. Atul agreed.
“Let’s do it coming Friday.”
“Okay.”
 
Atul phoned Varun and invited him for dinner along with Radhika. He put the call on speaker, allowing Anvita to join the talk. Varun agreed after speaking to Radhika.
Life was coming back to normal.
Whenever Anvita thought about the crazy incident she found herself smiling. Atul was right. God was merciful.
 
“You look very pleasant today.”
Prithvi said during the class.
“Why, do I look sad other days?”
“I said ‘very’. There has to be a reason.”
“Concentrate on what I am teaching you, Prithvi.”
Anvita dismissed his banter.
 
Next day after the class they were enjoying a cold coffee, and Prithvi pointed to the building across the street.
“Did you see that building?”
“That’s a pub, isn’t it?”
“It’s a small one. And a very good one.”
He suggested. Anvita understood what he meant.
“No, it won’t be possible.”
“If you don't want to drink anything, it is okay; we’ll feel around the ambience and come back.”
“What’s in it that you want to show me?”
“It’s going to be fun. Good fun.”
 Anvita gave it a moment of thought.
“Okay, but first I’ll have to ask my hubby.”
Prithvi was unfazed. His calm response prompted her to root for his wish. She phoned Atul.
“Dear husband, do you mind if I went with a friend to a pub?”
She spoke in an animated tone. Atul laughed.
“I’ll be envious. But you can go.”
“Okay, thanks, dear.”
Anvita cut the call. Prithvi was eagerly looking at her face.
“Just half an hour, and then I’ll leave. No pressing for more.”
She put forth her conditions.
“O my God. I can't believe it was so quick. You have a super awesome hubby.”
“Yes. I do.”
Anvita smiled.
“And you are a super awesome wife.”
“Remember my conditions.”
“Everything is as you like it, miss.”
He promised.
 
Wednesday Anvita went to the institute with a bit of preparation. She wore a navy blue T-shirt and light pants in place of her regular kurta. One of her girls in her class made a remark ‘fabulous’ to her. Before leaving the academy she retouched her light make-up and left her hair loose around her shoulder. She also put on an open front shrug.
Prithvi was awestruck.
“I can tell you’ve done something apart from your hair; I can't say what exactly. But I am sure that you look so stunning than ever. O my God. No one can take his eyes off you.”
Anvita flushed.
“Stop this flattery and let’s go.”
She said.
He had hired a cab for them.
“What’s this for?”
She thought they could walk.
“Can't we just talk a walk?”
“Please, I insist. Let’s do it like we are doing something. Walking steals the sheen.”
He said.
Anvita was all smiles when she got into the back seat. Prithvi sat right next to her. After two minutes’ drive, they arrived at their destination.
Prithvi was wearing a blazer that incidentally matched with her shrug. As she stepped out of the car, he forwarded his hand to her. She smiled at him and followed. They walked into the pub with hand in hand. Anvita was slightly nervous and she didn't know why. She was quite surprised when she entered the reception. It was much bigger than where Varun had taken her to and also elegantly decorated. She was taken to another world as they were led inside. Music and lights and shining decor made it look like quite a place.
“O my God.”
She couldn’t walk.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it.”
Prithvi’s face lit up.
“That’s exactly what I’d like to hear. I wish I could record it forever.”
The crowd wasn’t much big as it was early into the evening. Anvita earned attraction from everywhere as she walked confidently with Prithvi. She felt safe now. Her nervousness had vanished somehow. She was happy. As they settled across as side table, Anvita noticed a few girls stealing quick glances off Prithvi and she was familiar with that. They certainly were impressed with his good looks. Anvita knew he looked quite younger than her. For once a thought crossed her mind about what those girls would be thinking about him. That he seduced me?
Anvita smiled at her little thought. Prithvi seemed remarkably unaware of all the attention he was getting from the opposite sex around him at the moment, and it amused Anvita. And it reminded her of Atul.
 
Anvita chose wine for her and Prithvi chose the same for him too. The pub got busier and active as time passed and music began to rise in volume and the dark shades of the light became prominent. When the seats were taken, people helped themselves on the decorative structures that didn't seem like means of sitting in the first place. Anvita thought Prithvi would ask her to dance with him but it never happened. At the end of his allotted time, when Prithvi led her out of the pub, leaving behind all the fun, she felt somewhat disappointed.
But I would have refused even if he had asked her for it. Anvita thought later. Nevertheless, she wished if she was asked for it.
 
“It was a great evening, miss,” Prithvi said warmly before he dropped her at the metro station later. “It’s going to keep me happy for long. “
Anvita reached home and was walking out of the lift when Atul called.
“Honey, I will be late tonight. Got some unfinished stuff. Don't wait for me for dinner. Okay?”
“Okay, Atul.”
She said calmly as she walked into the house.
She bolted the door and turned to see the empty house. Dark and lifeless. She felt lonely. In the back of her mind, she still had the music beating.  For once, she felt she should have stayed with Prithvi a little more.
 
When Atul came home, there was bad news.
“We can't do the dinner on Friday, baby. I have a client meeting. Let’s postpone the dinner by a day.”
“Client meeting is at night?”
“Of course it’s during the day. But it’s in Mumbai.”
“You are going to Mumbai?”
“Yes. It was decided at the last moment. But it won’t be a problem as I’ll be leaving early morning and will be back by night. So let’s do the dinner on Saturday.”
Anvita talked to Varun and he agreed.
“Don’t change it again. Radhika is going to her hometown on Sunday.”
He said. Anvita was happy.
 
There was a lady named Nandini in the neighbourhood who cooked well for small home gatherings. Atul arranged her service for the dinner. Nandini agreed to go with Anvita and shop grocery for dinner. ‘Thereafter you leave everything to me.’ Nandini told him.
 
Friday Prithvi showed up near the apartment when Anvita was returning home.  She was surprised.
“You were absent today.”
“I was absent at college too. Do you live here? I’ve been here so many times.”
“Really? I live on the fourth floor. Who do you know here?”
“I don’t know anyone here. A friend of mine lives nearby.”
“So what are you doing here now?”
“I had come to meet someone. It’s done.”
Anvita began to walk.
“I have to go, Prithvi. We have guests coming tomorrow for dinner. See you on Monday.”
“Not inviting for coffee?”
“Some other time. I have a lot of work to do.”
“What work? Dinner is tomorrow, right?”
“The cleaning and stuff.”
“Then allow me to help you in that. I didn’t have classes and I am pretty bored already. “
Anvita hesitated.
“Are you not comfortable to introduce me to your husband?”
He asked.
Anvita decided to change her mind. Atul should meet the boy with whom she had gone to the café ‘that’ day. She felt.
“Okay. Come,” She nodded. “I’ll introduce you to him.”
 
 
“You have a ‘wow’ type house here. Just wow. Just two of you stay here right?”
He asked when they reached her house.
“And you never told me about what you have here; an aquarium!”
“It’s not ours; it’s our neighbours. We are just looking after it for a few months.”
“It’s beautiful. You have a beautiful house.”
When she brought some juice to him, he said “Wow. Nice. It’s very good.”
While he enjoyed the drink, she changed to a kurta. And he said, “O my god. You look great.”
Anvita smiled. “You keep saying the same thing. Now tell me something negative about me.”
“There is nothing about you.”
He refused.
“No. You’ll have to say. Otherwise, you’ll have to leave right now.”
“You are somewhat bossy.”
She laughed.
“Somewhat? I am bossy.”
“Maybe I like that.”
“Yeah boys like beautiful girls no matter what they are. How cliché...!”
“Your thinking is actually cliché.”
He retorted.
“Okay, now I am gonna show you my bossy side.”
“How?”
“Get up and help me arrange this hall. It’s a mess.”
“But you can’t be bossy. I am here to help.”
Prithvi soon noticed that the house was already very clean.
“You should actually see my room, and then you’ll be very happy about this one.”
“But it’s not your room. My standard is very high. I want to impress my guests.”
“To impress anyone, all you need to do is to smile at them.”
“Shut up and move that sofa here. It needs to be rearranged.”
She said.
He helped her arrange and set up furniture and articles around the living room. He then began to wipe clean all the things starting from TV.
That’s when Atul called.
“There’s a small delay in the proceedings, baby. I still haven’t got the sign on the deal and I’ll have to cancel the flight.”
He said.
Anvita was disappointed. “Can't you just tell your boss it’s not the day? Tell him you have a family too.”
“It’s not a good thing to leave it in the middle, Anvi. I am very close. Please try to...”
“I am okay Atul,” Anvita said quickly. She knew how much he wanted the deal. Last time he missed it he was so disappointed. “I was just saying... but I can handle it.”
“Thank you Anvi; I love you.”
“Come back soon.”
She said and ended the phone call. She looked at Prithvi dejectedly.
“Shit happened. He’s not coming.”
“Have some manners. I am still your student.”
He teased her.
“What do you say when shit happens to you.”
“I’ll say shit happened.”
“Why? That shit isn’t shit?”
“It’s not about shit but you and me.”
“When the shit happens, it is shit whether it’s you or me.”
“Okay, it’s getting too shitty. Why he’s not coming?”
“Work. He has to stay in Mumbai.”
 
She had started to cook when suddenly there was a sound of a mild explosion from outside and the power went out. The house sunk into darkness except for the balcony side. Anvita switched on the emergency lamp. It was dim and apparently undercharged.
“What happened? Something exploded right?”
Prithvi took a look from the balcony.
“I think there’s a fire breakout.”
“Why the standby isn’t working?”
“The fire. Maybe that’s why.”
 
He was right. The generator room had caught on fire. And there was a blast resulting in the spread of fire. People couldn’t throw water into the power room and it caused a lot of confusion and chaos. Prithvi joined the crowd trying to put it out. There was some sand left around the corner of the parking. He started throwing it to the room and it helped. People followed him. Some of them pulled some unburned materials from the room minimising the chance of further spread. Eventually, the fire was put out.
When Anvita returned to the house, she found the lamp out of charge.
“The luxury of standby power made me lazy. Shit.”
She rued.
“It’s okay.”
Prithvi switched on the torch in his mobile.
Anvita tried to call Atul but he was not reachable. She switched her mobile’s torch on while she resumed cooking.
Then it started raining.
“What’s happening? Power is not coming back for sure.”
Anvita worried.
Power was not restored even after one hour. She looked at Prithvi’s face.
“Who are we waiting for? Let’s have dinner.”
Anvita was silent during dinner.
“What happened? Power will be back by morning. Why are you worrying about something that’s not under your control? Even if it doesn’t get fixed, we’ll find another way. Your dinner won’t be affected tomorrow.”
“I am not thinking about tomorrow you fool. I am just disappointed.”
“But I am not. I have got to taste food cooked by you. It’s fantastic. Like you, it’s sweet.”
Anvita smiled.
“Say something wrong about it. Then I will believe it.”
“There is nothing wrong about it. I am already having it; so you can't threaten me anymore.”
They sat in the low light at the hall later.
“So, what now? Shall I leave?”
He asked. She was expecting that.
“O my God. I will be alone now. Shit.”
“Are you scared?”
“Can you stay?”
“Are you really scared?”
“Can you stay?”
They looked at each other.
“There’s no problem if you can stay. I will definitely feel better.”
She said hopefully.
“So you’re scared.”
“Of course I am scared. Can't you see it?”
She frowned.
“And you are getting angry too.”
“Your parents won’t ask for you?”
“I can tell them; what’s the big issue?”
He called his dad and informed him about the fire and rain.
“My friend’s parents are asking me to stay.”
He made up an excuse and easily got his dad’s consent.
“Wow! What a liar!”
Anvita said when he ended the call.
“Do you think it’s gonna work if I tell him I am gonna stay with my miss because she’s alone in her house?”
“Why not? Wouldn’t he trust you?”
“Yes.” He gave a cheeky smile. “But maybe not you.”
“What!” She threw a pillow over him.
Anvita tried many times to call Atul but he remained unreachable. She wondered if it’s raining in Mumbai too.
They sat on the couch and talked for long. Prithvi later took a shower. She let him use the additional bedroom. When he came out after a shower, he had put on a T-shirt he found in the room.
“I am sorry I’ve just worn your hubby’s shirt.”
Anvita laughed.
“That’s my T-shirt, you idiot.”
“Really?”
He looked at himself.
“Oh yeah, now I can see why it’s so loose at the chest.”
He laughed, and she was embarrassed.
“Take it off. Take it off.”
She tried to pull it off him and succeeded in it.
“I am glad you didn't find my bra.”
“Stop making fun of me and give me a shirt.” He demanded.
Anvita gave him one of Atul’s shirts. It was very large on him.
“It’s horribly misfit. I’ll better cover myself by a bed sheet.”
He said.
“It’s not my fault you are so lean like a pencil.”
“It’s not my mistake that your hubby is a bodybuilder.”
“He’s not a bodybuilder. He’s a normal human being. He’s just lean but not a pencil like you.”
“Solution, please...”
On an impulse, she handed him her T-shirt back.
“Okay. Wear it.”
“Sure?”
“Yes.”
He wore it and she kept smiling.
“Stop simpering.”
“Turn around.”
She said. When he turned she laughed.
“You look like me from sides.”
“Don't lie. I know I don't look like you in any angle.”
She kept laughing.
“You know the only thing I feel better is the smell of it. It has your smell. Sweet.”
And she felt her laugh stopping. Then his mobile went off, leaving them in complete darkness.
“O, God!”
Anvita panicked.
“It’s okay.”
She heard his voice, comforting her.
“Your mobile is still there, right?”
“It’s already dead.”
“Okay; still no worry. You have me.”
He said. She felt his hand reaching for her and she clung to it readily.
 
 
               ------------------------------------000-------------------------------

[krish_999]

Chapter 20

Atul

 
Atul had dozed off a bit when he was waiting at the New Delhi airport lounge. Luckily he was woken up by another passenger in time and Atul was able to board the flight. It landed at Mumbai at the scheduled time.
 
Chetak Engineering Ltd was at forty kilometres from the airport. The office was a building with gorgeous looks. At the front desk, he saw a beautiful face - Sadhna. Atul liked her before she opened her mouth and welcomed him with a pleasing smile. He introduced himself.
“I have an appointment with Ridhima Sachdev.”
He tried to hate Sadhna when she asked him to wait though politely.
He thought of the key points to cover during his presentation to Mrs Sachdev while he waited in the lobby. He was then told that Mrs Sachdev was busy in a conference and he tried to hate Sadhna even more.
“I had an appointment,” he argued.
“I know. But the conference has the priority, sir. Inconvenience is regretted.”
These girls have mastered that trick – they tell you all the disappointing news and still manage to keep you stay cool with it. Atul learnt.
Mrs Sachdev turned out to be quite a busy person. Atul walked up to Sadhna many times seeking a positive reply that never came before lunch. At a quarter past two Sadhana brought him the good news and he was ushered to Ridhima's office.
 
Ridhima Sachdev was expectedly a forty-something businesswoman who mostly looked good except for the spectacles that annoyed him. It added years to her and he immediately judged her as a job oriented brain head.
So this was the person with whom he had been communicating for almost nine months with no fruitful response. He instantly formed a stubborn desire that he must derive a positive outcome of this meeting. However, his quest was put to rest in a few seconds.
“I am extremely sorry Atul. I kept you waiting; it’s been a very busy day. And I have worse excuse to give you. I have some very important, unavoidable guests at home waiting for me. My life depends on it, and I must attend it. All I can do is to assure you a guaranteed meeting tomorrow.”
That ‘tomorrow’ was going to be Saturday and Atul was sure her office would not be open. Hiding his disappointment behind a bright smile he leaned forward and extended his hand to her.
“Forget it Miss Ridhima. I am very glad to meet you in person. Finally, we meet.”
We shook hands and he saw the eyes behind those thick glasses growing wide in surprise. She stood up.
“Atul! I am so sorry. I forgot even the basic etiquettes. It’s been such a crazy day. You must be disappointed by our meeting.”
“Well. I would be lying if I said otherwise. But I can understand your situation, Miss Ridhima. I am looking forward to our next meeting.”
He assured her.
“I promise it won’t be same next time. We don’t work on Saturdays but we can meet if you...”
“I’m afraid I have my return flight this evening.”
“Oh!”
She looked genuinely sad.
“Then it’ll be very rude to send you back like this.”
She thought a long moment about it.
“Let’s do one thing. Let’s do it now. We just have to rush.”
If he rushed it, it would certainly end up a flop show. He knew and he needed time.
“Thank you for saying that, Miss Ridhima. Anyways, it’s okay. I will come another day. You have people waiting for you at home. That’s more important now.”
“Are you sure, Atul?”
“We have had a lot of communications in the past; it was great to meet you finally. I’ll take it that way. You must go home and meet your guests.”
Her face became bright.
“Actually, it’s not the kind of...” She paused, “It’s a bit personal to share. It’s not that kind of a lovely family gathering but a serious... you know...” She was unable to find words.
“Then I would suggest you leave this chair now and run. You don't want to mess with your family.”
She laughed. “Are you married?”
“If I had met you at least one year earlier, I would have invited you for that,” he said.
Ridhima gave him her personal number before she left.
 
Atul was disappointed. It’s another day, another flop show.
After one hour, he phoned her.
“Can I see you later, if you are okay and comfortable with time schedule? My flight is late into the evening.”
“I wouldn’t mind that at all, Atul. But I am afraid I can't tell you now.”
“Can I expect a call, if it’s possible?”
He was really counting on her soft behaviour. And she agreed. “I will call you later. Even if it’s a no I will call you and tell you.”
That was definitely a positive reply. He got her address from Sadhna and headed to it. It was at least twenty kilometres from the office.
Eventually, he got her response. “Can you come over? I hope it’s not too late.” She said.
He liked her instantly. She is a good person.
She began to give him her address of the apartment in front of which he was already waiting.
“I am already at your gate, Ridhima. I am just coming in.”
He said calmly.
 
Fifteen minutes later, he was walking into her flat on the seventh floor. It was quite spacious – a 4 BHK, he guessed – but far from a luxurious one he was expecting. Its simplicity actually amused him. Filled with minimal objects and decor the most attention-grabbing thing was indeed Miss Ridhima herself. She wore a sleeveless lightweight top and a printed pyjama and looked younger than her office version. She had done away with her spectacles and he had to admit she had beautiful eyes. She welcomed him with an elegant smile and they sat on the adjacent sofas in the large square living space.
They talked briefly about family while he got his laptop ready for presentation.
Ridhima was married to Sudhakar Sachdev, a businessman. He had many shops in the city and he ran a travel service also. They did not have children. She had earlier thought about adoption but Sudhakar was decided against it for he believed in blood relations. Ridhima laughed slightly when she said that.
“Blood relations.”
“What happened?”
Atul asked.
“I have one brother. And I don’t remember the last time when we had smiled at each other.”
“The same sort of thing goes with me too. My dad and I never get along.”
“How about your wife?”
He smiled. “Anvita. She’s one of the best things ever happened in my life.”
“Love marriage?”
“Yeah.”
“Not surprised. You are very handsome.”
He was surprised at her comment. He spoke briefly about his love story and Ridhima was a good listener.
“It’s so bad I missed it. We should have met earlier.”
She said. Atul went on to mention Saturday’s dinner at home too, implying the need to reach home in time. She read his mind and asked him to present the proposal.
They were in the middle of the presentation when the doorbell rang. The servant, Neelam, opened the door and a man stormed inside. The visitor was a half bald head with a grey moustache and beard. He walked in with a sense of urgency and authority and sat on the couch facing Ridhima. Atul looked at Ridhima and she gestured him to remain seated. The man certainly did not enjoy it.
“Who’s this?”
He asked scornfully.
“He’s a friend. “
Ridhima said coldly.
“Friend from work?”
As though trying to be sarcastic, he threw a stern look at Atul as if the latter was his daughter’s boyfriend. Atul hated him instantly.
“Okay, listen. Wait outside until I finish with her. Come on...”
He ordered. Atul hated the man even more and he slowly turned his face to Ridhima.
“Let him stay. What do you want to say?”
“Tell him to go outside.”
“Why?”
She sat up, clearly in an attempt to put up a resilient posture. He dismissed her and threw Atul a hateful look.
“Boy, I’m her husband. Get out!”
He looked comical to Atul now, despite his seriousness. He slightly raised his palm.
“Okay.”
He nodded and looked at Ridhima. “It’s okay ma’am; I’ll wait outside.”
“Sit down Atul. You’re not going anywhere. And don't call me ma’am. Call me Ridhima.”
“Tell him to go.”
Mr Sachdev raised his voice.
“What’s wrong with you, Sudhakar? He’s my guest and you’re insulting him.”
Ridhima asked furiously.
“I know what you have come to talk to me; every single word of it. Listen to me carefully, Sudhakar; I am not gonna let go of that villa. No matter how many times you push my brother to me. They were here an hour ago. Why didn't you come with them?”
“If you think you can ditch me for nothing, I’ll make you pay for it.”
“You can't do anything Sudhakar. You have had a lot of chances to redeem yourself. Not anymore. You can leave.”
He jumped up, his eyes blazing.
“You’ve insulted me in front of your friend. You insulted me, I will never forget it. Pfuh!”
He ranted and stormed out of the house.
 
Ridhima sat back, her palm over the forehead.
“I can't believe how he’s turning my life into a hell.”
“I’m sorry Ridhima. I chose the wrong time to be here. I didn't know...”
Atul said apologetically.
“No. It’s not your fault.”
She let out a sigh.
“It’s not even my fault. It’s fate.”
She shook her head disapprovingly.
“I don't deserve this; none of it.” She was lost in thoughts after that. A small smile formed at the corner of her lips; perhaps laughing at her own destiny. Atul just looked on, thinking.
“Let’s continue with the presentation.”
Ridhima said finally.
Atul shook his head.
“I can't be that selfish. Sorry, Ridhima. You need some fresh air.”
She stared at him.
“I know. And I know I look a sorry figure now, right?” She asked honestly.
“You look far from what I saw at your office. But no, you don't look a sorry figure even now. You are a tough woman.”
“I act tough. In reality, I am a very simple person. Sometimes I feel like I should leave all this and just run away.”
Atul did not know what to say.
“But don't worry Atul. I won’t run just like that. At least I will make myself sit through your presentation.”
Presentation.
He was running short of time with the presentation already. He was constantly checking the watch and it was taking away his concentration. He knew he needed more time.
On an impulse, he folded his laptop.
“It’s nothing, Ridhima. All you need is some fresh air; not a presentation.”
He said.
“I don't know where to find it, Atul.” She seemed lost.
“Let me figure it out. Let’s go out.”
He said.
I will miss the flight.
Ridhima was now paying him her complete attention. “Don’t you have a flight to catch?”
“That’s not the last one for sure.”
He said quickly. She was at loss for words.
“I... I don't go out like... I mean...”
“That’s very good. I am sure you’ll enjoy it.”
Ridhima stared into his eyes for long before she nodded.
“Okay.”
Atul packed his laptop and got up.
“I will pick you up at seven thirty. Is that alright?”
She agreed.
 
Atul hired a cab and went for some quick shopping and then asked the driver to take him to a nice hotel; ‘Regal plaza’. When he reached the hotel he called Anvita.
“There’s a small delay in the proceedings, baby. I still haven’t got the sign on the deal and I’ll have to cancel the flight.”
Anvita was disappointed as expected, but he managed to convince her.
“I can handle it,” Anvita assured him, in the end.
“Thank you Anvi; I love you.”
“Come back soon.”
She said.
 
Atul googled and decided on the dinner place. Then he took a fine shower and got ready, wearing the faded blue jacket over the white and black striped round neck casuals that he had just bought.
 
 
He picked up Ridhima on time. She wore a white and navy blue sleeveless sheath dress that ended right at her knee. She had a wonderful body that showed she worked out regularly. She carried an innate sense of dignity around her. She was elegant and elite and Atul was impressed in every way.
It is just a casual date. He reminded himself as they sat together in the car.
“You look fabulous.”
He said.
“Thanks.” Ridhima flushed.
“You got rid of your specs.”
“I was trying to cut down my age.” She smiled. “I have a young man’s company. I don't know how I should do it.”
She looked anxious, making Atul wonder why. She held a position that apparently commanded a long line of smart men. Is there a shortage for smart men in Mumbai?
He placed his palm over hers.
“Go?”
“Yeah, go!”
She said, smiling.
Ten minutes later, the cab was on the road.
For one moment, Atul thought about Anvita. On an impulse, he pulled out his phone and put it on flight mode. If there was one thing he didn’t want to do, it was to answer a call from Anvita and lie to her in front of Ridhima.
“I am sorry I messed with your plan... work... I promise I’ll surely look into your...”
Ridhima began to say and he grabbed her hand as if to interrupt.
“Ridhima, tonight we don't speak work at all. Is that alright?”
“Alright.”
She smiled.
“There is a difference between how we deal with things in and out of our workplaces. In the office, we listen to our brain. Tonight, you are going to follow your heart.”
He said.
Atul held on to her hand throughout the drive and Ridhima never tried to move hers. It was almost like they were exploring each other’s cognizance without asking anything. Even though Atul was constantly aware of it in the beginning, it became a normal feeling as they arrived at the place an hour later. Atul felt like he knew her for long. In some sense, it was true. Over a hundred emails had been exchanged in the span of two years before the fallout between Wallzec Systems and Chetak Engineering.
The night turned out to be exciting.
In fact, Ridhima turned out to be exciting. She was mature and she had proved herself playing boss to a large group of employees than any boss Atul had known of, yet she was down to earth to accept how excited she was to find herself on a dinner date with a man she had just met that noon. She was not an adventure-seeking freak but a person embarking on a genuine friendship.
The hotel was on the first floor. We were promptly guided to a fine spot by a waiter.
Atul suggested they start with drinks. Ridhima chose vodka for her and readily confessed him she never in the past had gone beyond three smalls.
“Promise me you’ll keep me in check.”
She said.
“That’s actually good.” he declared. “It shows you are very healthy.”
“I am forty-one year old. I know I am just as healthy as that.
She said blatantly.
“I can't believe you have just revealed your age to me.”
“I am truly following your advice. Go against what my brain tells me; and listen to my heart.”
“What makes your heart so honest with your age? I thought it’s strict ‘no’ for ladies.”
“I am disturbed by the fact that I am much elder to you. The last thing I want to do is to fool around with you. I am not a match to you.”
“I am happy that you took my advice into your heart. And I want to confess you one thing. I am really attracted to you not just because of your good looks, but the way you carry yourself. After our drink, I am going to ask you to dance with me out there, and I want to hold my hands around you, assuring you in every sense you are a match to me. And yes, we are definitely not fooling around.”
“Honestly I don't know what to say to that.”
“We are way more honest than necessary on a first date. If we keep this pace we’ll end up sharing the story how we lost our virginity.”
She laughed, “Seriously? Then I say we keep the pace for sure.”
Drinks arrived soon.
They chatted with their eyes locked into each other’s until they found it became a topic itself.
“It’s my second drink only but I think I am already drunk. I am really staring into your eyes.”
Ridhima said.
“I have a feeling that actually it’s me doing that.”
“Do you think? Then why are you doing it?”
“I was thinking about what you said earlier; about your age. I have a strong feeling that you were lying. You look much, much, much younger than that.”
“I am not so drunk that I can't see how you are flattering me now.”
“You know you look younger than that, don't you?”
“I have put on some makeup.”
“It’s not makeup.”
“You should have a closer look then.”
“I am having a closer look.”
“Not enough closer.”
“Fine.”
Atul leaned forward and reached for her hand. She clung to his fingers.
“I still find you same. Beautiful eyes, nose, and lips, everything…and yes, an arresting smile.”
She flushed.
“We are not actually drunk otherwise I would have gone on to describe every other feature I have noticed about you.”
She parted her lips as if to say something juicy and then held it back. Atul said nothing more and kept his eyes dove into hers.
“Isn’t it a bit awkward that we are staring into each other like our juniors?”
“Then I say we keep drinking.”
He quipped.
 
Towards the end of the third drink, Atul returned to the subject.
“Are you comfortable with my eyes now?”
He asked.
“Why not?”
“Then let’s lock it into each other like our juniors.”
“Like our juniors?”
“Like our juniors.”
It was quite silly but it was what they sought at the moment. They played with their eyes until she looked away, laughing. Atul reached for her hand across the table.
“Let’s go to the dance floor.”
Ridhima panicked at the word.
“O no!” She looked at the dance floor where nobody was dancing despite a tempting romantic track being played at the moment. “Not a chance.”
 
Ten minutes later they were at the centre of it, facing each other, feeling each other’s breath, and their eyes locked.
“I feel awkward.”
She whispered.
“Me too.”
“You too?”
Her eyes widened. He slowly placed her right palm over his chest.
“Check my heartbeats.”
“Yeah! I can feel it.” She said with her mouth wide open. “But my heart is beating harder.”
“Isn’t it amazing?”
“I don't know.”
“How often do you feel it this way?”
He asked and her eyes shone brighter. She didn't say anything. When he showed her how to move her body she followed and learnt it quite well.
“You are making me dance. Is it this simple?”
She wondered.
Atul placed his arm around her and she allowed herself to move closer and they almost rubbed each other’s nose together.
“I can have one more drink.”
She said when they returned to the table, “Actually I need it.”
“You were splendid. You outshone every one there.” Atul said.
“But there was nobody.”
Ridhima was amused.
“There have been many, Ridhima. Believe me, you were spectacular.”
She flushed.
“I owe you for it. How did you know you can teach me all this?”
Her voice was genuinely filled with excitement. Atul patted her on the arm.
“If I told you that, you’d accuse me of flattery.”
“No, I won’t.”
“You have a perfect body; perfect like a professional dancer.”
“Ok, that’s flattery.”
 
Ridhima finished her fourth drink with comfortable ease.
“Why am I not feeling drunk today?”
She wondered.
“Then we should hit some other place.”
Atul made out.
They exited the place and he took her to the pub at the rooftop. She grabbed his hand at the sight of the maddening crowd.
“Oh shit. These are much younger people. I’ll be an outcast.”
 
 
“Not to me.”
He said pleasantly.
“You have no idea how gorgeous you look right now, Ridhima.”
She looked at him unbelievably.
“Where are you taking me, Atul?”
He led her to the bar where they took shots of tequila.
“It burns.” She yelled at his ear.
He drew her closer. “Let’s go dance.”
He guided her to the centre of the dance floor and they danced. This time it was Bollywood style jumping and bumping. He showed her the moves and she emulated him. She was as energetic as any youngster on the floor.
When they took a break she threw her arm around him.
“Can we have another of that drink?”
He was amazed. “Sure. And that’ll mark your third drink of the day.”
“I need a check-up. I don't know why I’m not getting drunk at all.”
She said innocently and moved back, only to trip and fall into the hands of a man sitting comfortably in his seat.
“O my God!”
Ridhima was laughing silly.
The man got up quickly, carrying her in his arms. Atul blinked as he felt the face familiar. Ridhima was quite easy with the situation for a long moment and then she realised what was happening.
The man looked up to the ceiling and then to her face.
“You must have come from heaven. I am so happy you chose me.”
She was embarrassed.
“Will you put me down for heaven’s sake please?”
“Yes. You must be. You look heavenly.”
He smiled at her and looked at Atul.
“Does she belong to you?”
Atul was actually watching the fun.
“Yes, she belongs to me.”
The man walked around his chair as if she weighed nothing in his hands, and then put her down in front of Atul.  Ridhima gasped and joined Atul’s side with an embrace.
The man looked like a Salman Khan. Beefed up arms and shoulders; must be a bodybuilding freak; Atul thought. Suddenly a light memory flashed in his mind. Isn’t this the man who woke me up at Delhi airport?
He was.
“We meet again, young man!” he said.
Ridhima looked on, still embarrassed, as the men nodded at each other.
“I am so sorry.” Ridhima blurted out. She had felled his drink on the floor.
“Don't be,” he said lightly. He had brooding eyes. “This was the first time these muscles have come for any sort of real help to the world.” He joked. Atul and Ridhima couldn’t help falling for his apparent humbleness. Atul shook hands with him and invited him to have a drink.
“Let the lady ask.”
He insisted.
“I am asking.”
Ridhima said boldly. She grabbed Atul’s hand when he turned to make the order. Atul looked at her eyes.
“Last one.”
She whispered in his ear.
“Are you sure?”
Atul asked.
She leaned to him. “I trust you” and she kissed lightly on his cheek.
They had another round of tequila with the new friend and Atul was now beginning to worry about Ridhima.
If she decided to have another one, I will have to get the help of the bodybuilder friend one more time, in order to take her to the car. He calculated.
Their new friend was a simple fun loving guy. His name was Maniesh Sain.
“It’s nice to meet you, Atul. And...”
He looked at Ridhima with a smile. “...and of course, your heavenly belonging.”
“Nice to meet you too, Dwayne Johnson.”
Ridhima retorted.
Maniesh wished them a very romantic night before vanishing into the crowd. Atul and Ridhima returned to their silly banter.
“He just wished us a romantic night. How wonderful a guy he is!”
Atul remarked. Ridhima clung to him.
“Yeah, and he called me your belonging!”
“Heavenly.”
He added.
“Am I?”
She dared him. He had a hard time avoiding it.
“Well, he’s got a great body, right? He was really Dwayne Johnson.”
“You know when I was watching him I wanted to hit him on his stomach.”
“What? Why?”
“Just like that. He’s tough. He can take it.”
“And guess what you actually did. You fell into his lap like a lamb.”
“Shut up. Somebody had pushed me from behind.”
“I wish someone did push you to me too.”
He joked blatantly. She bit her lips like a teen.
“Really? You want me to fall into your lap like a lamb?”
Suddenly they were staring deep in the eyes of one another. Slow and steady, some unknown force pulled them closer, and then they were kissing. Her lips were soft and warm. It took them a moment to realise what they did after it passed.
“It’s alright.”
He was the first one to speak. She bit her lips and looked away and then smiled.
 
Half an hour later, they found themselves sitting at a dosa selling street vendor. They sat among a small crowd of customers, face to face, and ate from the only plate that he held in his hand. They exchanged gazes and were unable to look away. On an impulse, Atul took a bite of dosa from the plate and fed her. She was stunned at the gesture but readily accepted it, sucking on the tip of his fingers. And she looked on as if to watch what he would do with it. He couldn’t take his eyes off hers and he brought his fingers to his mouth to lick it clean, and he watched her eyes go down. Her face flushed. She was beautiful than ever. He fed her four more times, and every time he allowed her to suck on his fingers and then pleasured himself tasting it. He tasted the sweetness of her tongue, and he tasted her.
 
They walked along the street later, hand in hand like a couple. Though they spoke nothing, the sensual tension between them was on a rise. They sat on a bench at the far end of the street.
“It was a beautiful night.”
Atul said. He kept her palm to him and played with its softness. She was thoughtful.
“What are you thinking?”
She looked at him.
“I was replaying it all...”
Her eyes mesmerised him.
“It was unbelievable. I never thought I would fit in that crowd. I thought my time for such things was over.”
Ridhima said.
Atul laughed.
“You have no idea how many are out there in that crowd who’d like to have your company for the whole night.”
Where are you taking it, Atul? His tongue had slipped.
He rose to his feet before she could say anything.
“Well, it’s getting late. I should drop you home safely.”
Her face paled.
“Oh yes.”
She looked at him as if she was woken up from a dream.
I belong to Anvita, my dear. I am sorry.
She had been silent until they found a cab and then asked. “You don't have to come along. Where are you staying?
He told her the place as they sat in the car. “It’s close. I’ll drop you home safely.”
Ridhima nodded.
“And I will see you in the morning,” he added, reminding her about the proposal presentation.
“I will be waiting for you.”
Her voice was low. Atul took her hand.
“Do you want to come with me?”
Don't do it, Atul.
“Your place is a long way,” Atul added, as though trying to deceive his own conscience. Ridhima clung to his hand.
She’s going to say no.
“Yes.”
He could now sense the sudden change in her voice.
“My place is a long way.”
Their eyes were hooked. Through the corner of his eyes, he watched her lips slightly parting. All he needed was a little push. And their lips met. A moment later, we were kissing madly, sucking into each other’s mouth. Her arms wrapped around him and her tongue darted into his mouth. He was devouring her lips.
When they stopped finally, she whispered in his ear.
“Yes.”
Atul’s face paled and his heart sank.
Ridhima was a woman he had met half a day ago. And he was now taking her to a hotel to spend the whole night. He looked at Ridhima once again. She was smiling at him as if in a dream. Perhaps she was beginning to dive into a beautiful one.
Suddenly Atul thought about Anvita.
No. I belong to Anvita. Atul knew.
Will you be able to face Anvita when you return home? Atul thought of Anvita’s beautiful, innocent face, full of love and happiness and what she would do if she ever knew.
I wouldn’t live to interrupt you, Atul. I would jump off the building that I am at.
Atul thought of her words. He thought of her lifeless body awaiting him at home.
Atul tapped on the shoulder of the driver, “Please turn to the right. Regal Plaza.”
 
 

-------------------------------------000--------------------------------

[krish_999]

Happy New year Krish
Thanks for the update.

Same to you, bro.

Happy New year to all the readers here.

[krish_999]

Well said. opinion of many.

Have given up on story.. not worth waiting for another unclear-ending   update
almost 20 chapters and nothing remains except our expectation of something will happen 

anyway, to be in piece and be far way from this,  have un-subscribed this thread 

Byeeeeee

Sorry bro, that I disappointed you. And I'm disappointed to hear you've given up on the story because 'something' did not happen.
Well, I want to tell you that when it happens, or if it ever happens, or wherever happens, it should happen naturally. Even though there are many dramatic twists there in the story, if you look closely, none of them happened 'suddenly'as Fasterboy had suggested earlier. 
For example, Atul's Mumbai trip wasn't a sudden twist. It was coming since Shreyas had a conversation with him in an earlier chapter.
All the events might look like they happened suddenly but in my opinion, they are just the usual things that can happen in anyone's life. All I do as a writer is to put them where it catches your attention the most. 
So my plan is to go for that 'something' too in a natural way. It won't happen just because the readers are demanding it, but will happen when/if Anvita goes for it. Keep looking for the clues.
I hope you'll come back to the story. I'm glad that you didn't hold your concerns in your mind. Like I said in the past too, I'm open to criticism and compliments alike.
Thank you all for the wonderful comments.
Keep reading and keep posting.
Wish you all a happy New year.
Krish.

[krish_999]

I apologise for the delay in update. The next update is a bit longer than usual and I need some more time. It should be ready by tomorrow and I'll be posting it on Sunday.

[krish_999]

Sorry guys. It was a big update and it took more time than I thought. Finally it's here. In a couple of minutes.

[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.

---------000----------

[krish_999]

Chapter 22

Anvita

It was so dark in the hall that Anvita could not even see where Prithvi was looking.

“I can't even see you.”
She reached for his hand and grasped him.
“Let me find a way.”
Prithvi got up.
“Where are you going?”
Prithvi went out and brought candles from a nearby shop. He lit one candle and brought light to the hall. Anvita smiled.
“Thank you so much.”
“I knew you were really scared. That’s why I chose to stay.”
Prithvi said.
Anvita prepared soup and they sat in the balcony. The rain had stopped. The sky was still cloudy and dark. Every other building around them had been lit up.
“It seems we are stuck in the stone age, and we are the only one.”
Anvita blurted.
“It is not as hopeless as you imagine. It is actually a beautiful night.”
Prithvi was right. It was calm and peaceful after being dominated by rain. Now the rain gone, only a breeze stayed with the night.
“Let’s go sleep.”
Anvita got up after the soup.
“You are not scared of sleeping alone, are you?”
Prithvi joked. She just smiled.
“Good night.”

Anvita lay straight at the centre of her bed. Sleep eluded her even after one hour. She wondered if Prithvi would have slept.
You are not scared of sleeping alone, are you?
No way.
The truth was, had Prithvi not stayed, it would have been a scary night. No light, no phone, only darkness.
Holy shit!
Anvita thought over the possibility of being scared of sleeping alone and Prithvi offering company to her in bed.
Prithvi and I, sharing a bed.
Anvita felt cold and she pulled a blanket over her. She still felt cold. She felt like nude, under the blanket.
If he was inside this, what he would do?
Stupid, stop thinking! Anvita disapproved of herself. She tried to divert her mind. She pondered over the possibility of Prithvi disturbed by the same kind of thoughts. After all, he’s wearing my T-shirt. If he’s a boy, he will be having a hard time to find sleep. Anvita decided.
She felt thrilled for unknown reasons. She turned to her right and pulled a pillow close to her chest. It was warm now.

Anvita woke up early and prepared breakfast. She had to wake Prithvi up. His eyes were disturbed.
“You didn't sleep well?”
She asked.
“I slept very late.”
“Why?”
“Uh... Crazy thoughts.”
Anvita’s eyes widened.
“Crazy thoughts about what?”
“You!”
He admitted sheepishly.
“What!”
“I was worried if you were really scared but not having the guts to tell me...”
Anvita was smiling.
“Thank you for caring for me. And what did you do then?”
“I was thinking of ways to help you. It left me sleepless.”
“Stop cooking up stupid stories. Get up; let’s have breakfast.”
She said.
She knew he wasn’t cooking up any stories. The boy’s eyes were honest.

Soon after Prithvi left, Anvita went to market with Nandini and ran into a familiar face in the morning crowd.
“Hi, Anvita! What a surprise!”
Shreyas smiled pleasantly.
“Surprise is mine. How come people like you are in a market?”
“How can I sit home when people like you are already in the market?”
“Why do you care about people like me?”
“I have no idea. I just end up doing so." 
He shrugged. “Some people leave us helpless.”
He kept looking at her until she gestured a ‘what?’ to him.
“Oh! I am sorry!”
He said embarrassingly and pretended looked away for a moment.
“You are alone? Where is Atul?”
“You don't know where he is?”
She questioned. “You are his boss, really, aren’t you?”
“Hasn’t he come back?”
Shreyas was surprised.
Anvita recollected Atul’s phone call. It was possibly his decision to extend the tour.
“No. He’s coming today. Evening.”
“Oh, that's really unexpected. I thought he is home already. I apologize for the difficulties you had to face because of our...”
“It’s okay. It’s not your fault. I can understand.”
“Do you mind if I take you out for lunch?”
His proposal was out of blue and Anvita thought he was joking.
“Are you trying to compensate for anything?”
“If you want to take it like that, it’s alright. Otherwise, it’s entirely my wish to take you out on lunch. I know a place nearby. The food is really great.”
Have you taken your wife there already?
Anvita wanted to ask.
“Thank you. Another time, with Atul, I promise.”
"With Atul and Anjali, there will be another. Right now it's only you."
"Only me?"
"You're the one who truly helped me. I'd be blind not to see it."
"Thank you. I promise you, later."
“You are most welcome.”
He walked a few steps with her along the busy market. She was sure he was disappointed.
“In case you change your mind, don't hesitate to give me a missed call.”
He said before he left.
Why would I change my mind?
Anvita thought.

When they returned, the lift was working. The power in the apartment was restored.
Anvita met Rajat in the lift.
“Hi.”
He said, eyeing her from top to bottom, deliberately. She merely forced a smile.
“When is Atul coming back?”
He asked.
How the hell he knew of that? Anvita thought angrily.
“Evening.”
Her face was straight.
“It seems you got a guest tonight. Or is that yourselves?”
Anvita wanted to tell him to mind his business. However, Nandini's presence prompted her to be polite.
“There are some guests.”
The lift had reached their floor. Anvita hurried outside.
“Why so hurry? Isn’t it too early for cooking?”
Anvita heard him asking Nandini. Before Anvita could say anything, she replied.
“We are not cooking now. I’ll come back in the afternoon for that.”
Anvita turned and Rajat gave her a long gaze. She was forced to look away. She knew what he would be thinking.
He is going to see it as a chance.
Anvita foresaw him knocking at her door and standing there with a friendly smile. Asking for help, or offering some help; whatever maybe the trick, the job is to get inside. I won't let him walk into my house. He knows that I can hurt him with just a phone call. Anvita was confident.
He is going to see it as a chance. 
But I am not gonna give him a chance.
She thought of an alternative escape plan. One face that immediately flashed in her mind was that of Shreyas. She put her mobile phone on charge. It took a while to show a white screen. She hurriedly switched it on and thought of the risk of dialling a call while charging. Two minutes later she was making the ‘missed call’. But he picked up right away. She initially thought to put on speaker and then decided against it. A sense of secrecy had sprung up in her.
“Hi.”
She heard his excited voice.
“Shreyas...”
Anvita couldn’t decide on what to say. Her heart was now pounding hard.
“Anvita, you are coming, right?”
His voice was vibrant. What is he expecting from me?
“Yes.”
“Shall I pick you up from your home? If you give me a time...”
“Right now!”
She disconnected the phone immediately.
Her heartbeats were soaring.
What is happening to me? She wondered. It’s just lunch. It’s about food. It is a device to escape from Rajat. It is not a damn date.
She opened her wardrobe and scanned through her clothes. It’s not a date. I can wear anything.
She pulled out a T-shirt and jeans.
No. He’s more than forty years old. It won’t suit if I show up as a young girl.
She pulled out a saree. It was a new one. She had never worn it.
No. It’s a restaurant. It will look odd.
Her eyes fell on a red kurta. It was one of Atul’s favourites.
‘I won’t complain if somebody is staring at you nonstop when you're wearing this dress...I mean it’s not their fault.’ He had said.
Anvita wore the red kurta and stood in front of the mirror.
Will he stare at me nonstop?
She hesitated a moment before touching her makeup tools. He will notice it; he will think I have put them all for him. Then she thought otherwise: there will be many people. The last thing I want is to end up like I didn't bath today.
Be you, Anvita. She sat down. I’ll do some light touches only.
 
I’ll do some light touches only.
 
She suddenly thought about Atul and grabbed her phone. There had been no contact with him since last evening; he had no idea about the fire in the apartment.
The phone rang at the exact moment. It was Atul. Anvita told him about the fire and she said nothing about Prithvi. Atul said he would reach by seven o’clock.

The doorbell rang. Anvita walked to the door and looked through the peephole. It was Rajat. It was expected, but Anvita still panicked.
Why is he coming?
She did not open the door. She telephoned Shreyas.
“Where are you?”
She did not think twice before asking.
“I am reaching there.”
“Do you know the address? I was wondering...”
“I know. Thank you, Anvita. Here, I have reached; I am entering your complex.”
“Okay. I am coming down.”
She cut the call and opened the door carefully.
Rajat was surprised to see her dressed up.
“Hi, beautiful. You going somewhere?”
She stepped out and closed the door first.
“Yes. What happened?”
“May I know where you are going?”
“None of your business, Rajat.”
He pursed his lips disappointedly.
“You are angry at me.”
“Shouldn’t I be?”
“I'm not a bad guy, Anvita. You know that I can't be so, don't you?”
She gave a furious look at him and stepped into the lift.
"I'm worried; you have no idea how much fun you're spoiling for yourself!"
He said.
His fake smile were the last thing she saw before the lift door was closed.

Shreyas was stunned to see her.
“Oh my god. You look gorgeous.”
He said.
Anvita forgot to smile. She was still furious at Rajat.
“Thank you.”
He opened the rear door for her and she sat in. He walked around to the other side of the car and sat next to her. Suddenly the reality hit her. She was sitting inside a car, with her husband’s boss.
What if someone saw you?
She worried and watched around dreadfully. Luckily nobody was seen.
In a few minutes, the car was in the busy traffic.
“Thank you for coming, Anvita.”
Shreyas said. She smiled at him.
Forty minutes later the car was pulled into the parking of a restaurant. Shreyas helped her to the dining hall.
It was big, spacious, and luxurious. Anvita wondered if she ever thought such place existed.
“It’s a beautiful place.”
Anvita said.
“Food is even better, let me tell you.”
Shreyas was elated.
They sat across a table and ordered food.
“Atul had told me you are taking a break for now, but if you are ready to reconsider I can find you opportunities,” Shreyas said. “Tell me whenever you are comfortable.”
“Definitely I will tell you. Thank you so much.”
Anvita replied politely.
Food was superb.
“It’s really great here. The food, the decor, everything. Do you come here often?”
“Yes, like once in a month.”
“With Anjali?”
“Uh... no... She doesn’t like going out.”
“Why?”
“She is... uh... It’s her nature. She prefers the food parcelled.”
“Oh, that's very sad. She has no idea how much fun she’s spoiling for herself...”
Anvita suddenly thought of Rajat leaning against the wall and leering at her. What have I just blurted out?
“I mean... It’s really a great place to visit.” she added.
“You have enjoyed?”
“Very much!”
“Your smile made my day.”
Anvita finished the food with ice cream. She took ice cream with the spoon and swallowed. It tasted amazing. Shreyas had finished his gulab jamun. He watched her and she felt shy. Her nervousness grew as she kept eating the dish silently. She couldn’t even look up to his eyes. She knew he was watching her mouth when she put the spoon into her mouth and swallowed. She was aware her lips were his point of attention. When the ice cream was about to finish, she somehow managed to look up. He smiled.
“I’ve never been a fan of ice cream. But you make me reconsider my choice.”
Anvita licked her lip.
“Shall I order one for you too?”
“No, it’s okay. I will have some other time.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
She took the last spoonful of ice cream and ate it; this time she kept her eyes on him. He smiled.
“What are you thinking?”
“I am thinking Atul is so lucky. Everything about you is beautiful.”
Everything about you is gentlemanlike. She thought.

The lunch with Shreyas was surprisingly satisfying for Anvita. He had not only chosen a lively place for it but also behaved very gentlemanly throughout the meeting. He dropped her home right before four o’clock.
“We’ll invite you and Anjali for lunch one day.”
Anvita promised him. She wondered if Anjali would come.
She remembered Anjali watching her dance with Shreyas in the party. There was something wrong with the woman. I knew it. Anvita thought.
Next time when Shreyas ask you for a dance, what will you say? She asked herself when she stepped inside her flat.
It will be good for sure.
 
Right then Atul called.
“Anvi, I don't know how to tell you this. There’s a problem. I can't explain it. It’s too much bullshit.”
He was stressed.
And there was a problem. He needed to stay back in Mumbai.
“If you are so sure, then you should stay. It’s okay. I think I will manage the dinner.”
Anvita said in the end.
She called Varun and explained him the situation. He was disappointed.
“But don’t change your plan. You should come as you promised.”
“It is not nice Anvita. We’ll do the dinner some other time.”
“No. I can be a good host. Don't show me formality. It’s between us.”
“Hey! Formality between you and me...? No way...!”
“Then be here on time. I can't wait to see your new friend again.”

Varun and Radhika arrived at eight o’clock. Radhika looked beautiful and vibrant. She had a lean and perfect body and a cute smile. She wore a blue jacket over a blouse and a chiffon white skirt that ended below her knees.
For one moment, Anvita wished Atul was there, like magic.
"Welcome, guys!"
She said with a pleasant smile.
“Thank you, dear.”
Varun said.
Radhika was more than impressed with Anvita and the was she has kept her house. When Anvita apologized to her for what Atul had done to them the other day at the parking lot, Radhika brightly took Atul’s side.
“Initially I was angry, I'm not denying it. But then I thought about you.. I can't blame him; you are such a gorgeous girl no men would like to ignore. All he did was to care for you and protect you from harm.”
“But you must have felt so bad then.”
“Of course I did. I was...”
She paused. “When I heard why he did what he did, I understood.”
“Atul would have loved to hear this from you.”
“No problem. We’ll come again.”
“Sure we’ll invite you again.”
Radhika observed the house and watched the aquarium with joy.
“You have a beautiful house, Anvita.”
Anvita served them juice.
“How did you guys meet? I didn't ask you other day.”
Anvita asked later.
“It was pretty straightforward. I wanted finance for buying an Audi and that’s how I happened to meet her. I immediately fell for their staff.”
Varun said.
“That’s cute. But you don't have an Audi yet. You didn't get the finance?”
“That is the catch. I fell for her first, and then her boss said they have a policy that bars them from giving a loan to partners of their staff.”
“What! Really?”
“He’s joking. Don't fall for it.”
Radhika said.
“You can see the proof. I have no Audi. I have the girl only.”
“It’s okay Varun. It’s worth more than an Audi.”
“Yeah, that why I have no regrets.”
Varun pulled her closer and Radhika welcomed his embrace.
Varun poured wine to the glasses. As they neared to finish the bottle he became playful with Radhika. Initially, Anvita ignored it. At once she was coming from the kitchen with snacks and Varun had pulled Radhika to him. They were cuddling in the couch.
Anvita cleared her throat and Radhika moved away.
“Behave, gentlemen.”
Anvita cautioned them.
“Are you uncomfortable?”
Varun asked.
“No. Why should I?”
“Then?”
“She’s uncomfortable...”
“She’s not.”
He grabbed Radhika again and kissed. It was deliberately noisy. His arms ran up around Radhika and Anvita looked away. An uneasy feeling was unearthing inside her.
After dinner, they watched TV for some time. Varun was increasingly getting naughty around Radhika. Anvita was annoyed.
“Let’s call it day, Varun. You seem to be in a hurry for everything.”
“Yeah, I am in a hurry, for sure. Show me our room.”
“Room? What room?”
Varun stared at her. He did not utter a word.
“I mean, uh.... are you staying?”
“Or what else do you think? We are gonna leave you alone? We can't do that!”
“No, no. I am okay. I was alone yesterday too.”
“No way, Anvi! I won’t do that, Atul will ask me and what will I say?”
“He won’t say anything. He know...”
“Are you disturbed that we are staying at your flat? Okay, then we will leave.”
He rose to his feet. “Come to Radhi let’s vacate her space right now.”
“Oh no! That’s not what I meant, you idiot!”
Anvita jumped and stood in front of him. “I didn't mean to offend you in any way, Varun. Only thing I thought...”
Varun moved closer and placed his both hands on her shoulders. He smiled. “Okay, I understand. “Now show me our room.”
Anvita looked away for a moment.
“Alright. Alright. That room is yours.”
Varun turned exactly to the other room.
“This one is your bedroom, right?”
“Yup, why?”
“We are gonna take that; then.”
“Are you crazy?”
“Tell Atul we took his room, and he will guess the rest.”
“Don't be rude, Varun.”
Radhika tried to stop him.
Varun had made up his mind. Anvita took out her essentials and let them in.
“This is bullshit; you should know that, Varun.”
She said bitterly.
“This is my silly revenge. You must tell him. It’s for our friendship. Good night!”
Varun said and shut the door.
“Idiot. Stupid.”
Anvita blurted and walked to the other room. She sat on the bed and tried to calm down.
How can he be so rude to me? She thought.
No. The revenge is not for what Atul did. It’s for what I did.
Had Anvita not met Atul, it was possible to have Varun won her over. She would have been in place of Radhika.
 I and Varun. No. We were never in love. But.
Anvita felt thirsty. She went to the kitchen and slowed in front of her bedroom.
Oh shit! What are those sounds?
It was a woman’s breathing; moaning.
Anvita almost ran to the kitchen. She could not believe the noise can be so audible outside her bedroom.
Or, are they doing it deliberately?
That was not probable.
Anvita felt ashamed of having heard of their most private moments. However, at the same time, the thought of two people having sex in her bed seemed to have awakened an unexpected sensation deep inside her. She took the water bottle and walked back slowly. The noise was still coming out of that room. Radhika was moaning nonstop.
What is he doing to her? I never behave this noisy.
Anvita stopped exactly in front of the shut door.
“Aaah... oh my God... mmm...”
She heard well now. Then there was a pause.
Anvita panicked and walked away. She closed the door and sat back on the bed, heartbeats soaring.
She lay on the bed and closed her eyes. There was no way she could shut her ears.
“Aaah... oh my God... mmm...”
Radhika’s voice was echoing inside her head. There was nothing she could do to.
Ten minutes later, Anvita got up once again.
I am going to have water.
She assured herself. But it was a lie. She already had the water bottle in her hand when she walked towards the kitchen. She halted by the door.
And there they were. Heavy breathing, periodic moaning, and rhythmic bed squeaks.
“Aaah...aaah... aaah...”
It was too obvious to miss what was happening.
He is fucking her.
Radhika’s breathing became heavier and faster.
Why isn’t he stopping it? At once moment Anvita even wanted to break into the room and pull them apart. Finish it now!
Then she heard a scream from Radhika.
“Aaah... oh my God!”
She was crying out of pleasure. Anvita knew what it was. Radhika’s cries stopped abruptly as the bed squeaking resumed. Three minutes later, Radhika screamed again.
That is how a woman hit orgasm. Anvita cried silently.
“That was so good let's do it again.”
Anvita heard him. The shaking of the bed would resume; it would sound more brutal and unbearable to listen. She could not endure this punishment any more. She returned to her room and lay sleepless in her bed. But she still heard Varun bringing Radhika to more pleasure and Anvita writhed in pain; pain that arose from disappointment.
She hated Varun. She hated Radhika. And she thought she knew why.
And for one moment, she hated Atul also. For reasons Anvita never knew.

 

 

-----------------------ooo--------------------------

[krish_999]

Chapter 23

Atul

Atul had sunk into the couch, eyes closed.

Everything was a blur.
Maniesh was his boss. Or among the bosses. How could I never think of it? He knew the name but he had never seen him before -not even his photo- in order to recognise him. Non-executive directors usually don't expose themselves to the middle and lower level employees of the company. For Atul too, it was not important to know a non-executive director.
"Wallzec is a great company. I have my faith invested in it. Actually, I hold some stocks in that one."
Maniesh had told him. And he had joked that Maniesh could be his boss. How foolish.
Before going into that room, Maniesh had the brain to ask Atul who was the one compromising. From his side, everything was perfect. A perfect night.
A perfect night with a perfect woman.
Atul shook his head.
Yes, it's a perfect night for him. 
But for Atul, it was going to be different. He foresaw the consequences of the night. He foresaw Ridhima feeling cheated, accusing Atul to be a partner of Maniesh to con her. She could very well allege that Atul knew Maniesh before the night and he was planning their meeting to favour his boss. 
What will she think of me? A pimp?
It was inevitable. And she would thereby cancel the promised deal. More than that, their friendship will be lost.
No.
And what will Maniesh lose? Nothing.
He will have already fucked the woman. And will he have any concern about the deal with Chetak Engineering? Not likely.
No.
Atul shook his head and got up.
No. I won't let it happen.
He got up and walked to the door. He was already imagining the unthinkable. What if she's already welcomed his dick into her hole? What if she asked me to get out? What if he asked me to get lost?
He peeped inside with his heart pumping harder than last time. Atul saw Maniesh still on top of Ridhima, his face above her breasts. He was sucking her nipple. They were brown and erect - Atul noticed within half a second before his eyes drifted to his hand. His heart nearly stopped. Maniesh's hand was moving in a quick rhythm. He was drilling her with his finger, and Ridhima was seemingly on the verge of an orgasm.
Atul backed off and rethought one more time.
Will she listen?
Odds were already against him, he calculated.
Then he grabbed himself and knocked on the door. "Ridhima... Maniesh...!"
He was going to play his part.

And he managed to interrupt them. Ridhima was the first one to answer him, as she opened the door. Her dress was in place.
Atul didn't tell the truth. It was not the time to reason. 
"Are you okay?"
He asked.
"Yeah... What happened?"
She was embarrassed.
"I think I slept a little. Let's go. We shouldn't stay here."
Atul spoke carefully.
"What?"
Her face paled.
Atul moved closer and grabbed her hand.
"I'm drunk. We are drunk... We shouldn't do anything we would regret later. Let's go, Ridhima. It's... It's not right."
Ridhima looked at him in disbelief.
"You're not coming?" 
Atul asked slowly.
"I...uh... Yeah... Yes!"
Ridhima turned towards Maniesh inside the room.
"What happened?" Maniesh showed up, dressed up as he was an hour ago.
"We are leaving, Maniesh. My friend is not feeling well."
Ridhima said.
"What?" Maniesh looked at him as a stranger. Atul ignored him and walked back to the hall.
"You can stay here. I have plenty of space here." He heard Maniesh telling Ridhima. However, she refused to relent and followed Atul.
When Maniesh came to the hall, Atul gestured him to the coffee table with his eyes. Maniesh saw the booklet lying atop and his face stiffened. Atul nodded at him when he looked up.
"We'll see you Maniesh. Later. We've had a great time with you. Thank you for everything."
He said.

Twenty minutes later, Atul was sitting in a cab with Ridhima at his side. She was silent since leaving from Maniesh.
Atul grabbed her hand slowly to turn her attention to him.
"I know I've disappointed you but I did it for a purpose."

Ridhima was shocked to hear Maniesh was a top guy at Wallzec.

"What?"
"This is the truth, Ridhima. And I'm a fool, I didn't recognise him at all."
Ridhima sat looking straight, thinking a lot.
"He was trapping us?"
She asked after a long silence.
 Atul shook his head sideways.
“No. I hadn’t discussed him where I work, not until very late. He knew it...uh... When you had gone to the washroom... Do you remember?”
“Are you sure? How do we know he’s not trapping us?”
Her voice was wary.
“Why would he do that?”
“To keep the deal...”
“The deal was already done. He has no gains from it apart from the collective success.”
“But he should have told me what he is; at least when he learnt you are one of his employees.”
Ridhima said bitterly.
“What if he thought...”
She dismissed Atul and called Maniesh immediately. Atul foresaw a fight. He wanted to stop her but it was her choice.
“You belong to Wallzec, don't you?”
She asked in a heated voice. Atul assumed Maniesh's response as very calm though he couldn’t hear it.
“Why didn't you tell me?”... “I told you everything about me”... “Do you?”...” Are you?”... “He saw your name on a booklet”...
Her anger was fading away with every word she spoke and it ended like a normal conversation.
“What did he say?”
Atul was anxious.
“We worry too much," Ridhima smirked. "He never mixes business with friendship. He didn't tell the truth only because he learnt it very lately, and he didn't want us to feel cheated. He said he didn't see you as an employee but a close friend. He believes in natural ways. He was just looking forward to us finding out on our own to find out who he is. In due course of time.”
“Do you believe him?”
“He’s believable.”
“I saw that. Your anger was gone.”
“He’s quite charming. I’d say.”
“Is he?”
Atul leaned forward.
She blushed.
“I don't remember much.”
“Yeah, I know that.”
They laughed together.

Atul took her to his hotel. Ridhima went to the washroom to freshen up and Atul thought about calling Anvita. He wasn't ready.
Ridhima later sat on the edge of the bed and turned to him.
"I let you down, didn't I?"
"Why?"
"I couldn't really think about it then. Now it's coming back to me. Oh my God...!" She pushed her face into her palms. "What have I done? What I was doing?"
Atul stared at her for one moment. Ridhima looked up.
"I am sorry, Atul. I know, I put up a desperate figure, didn't I?"
"You were drunk."
"I let him touch me right in front of you."
She shook her head, guilt-ridden.
"I was sleeping."
Atul reasoned.
"But I shouldn't have."
"Ridhima." Atul walked up to her and cupped her face in his palms. "You do not belong to me. You are free. You are not like me. I have someone to answer conscientiously. You don't have. And in that way, you didn't offend me."
"But I behaved like a whore. I went to bed with a man I barely met."
"Yesterday we were doing the same, but you were able to sleep peacefully in a bed like this."
Atul patted on her cheeks fondly.
"Yeah, but I would have slept with you too if you weren't conscious about your family."
"If you were what you worry to be, you'd have made it happen. You chose to leave. You are not a whore, Ridhima. You are a woman who's in control."
Ridhima looked at him for long, and her eyes shone with gratefulness.
"Thanks for everything. You're one of the best I've ever met. I don't know how to put it into words."
She said. 
Atul and Ridhima slept in the same bed.
When he woke up, the first thing Atul did was to try to make out how he had fallen asleep the night before. He could not remember.
Ridhima was sleeping beside him, under the same blanket over him. Her face was peaceful. Calm. Without a bit of makeup. That was the real Ridhima. Atul felt.
Ridhima returned home after breakfast.

Anvita was happy to hear Atul's deal was a success.
"I'm so glad you stayed for it."
She said. Atul suddenly wanted to see her and feel her warm body in his hands. She was his love. He was glad he still had the privilege to love her.
“How was the dinner?”
He asked.
“It was good. When are you coming?”
“I will be there by evening, baby.”
"I will be waiting for you, Atul."
Atul felt so good hearing her voice. He was grateful to God that he didn't end cheating on her. But he was also annoyed to realise how close he was to lose everything.
He had kissed a woman. He had shared a bed with a woman. He had dreamt of a woman.

Atul packed his luggage by noon and reached the airport by 3 pm. Ridhima had come to see him off.
“Thanks for giving me a wonderful weekend. I feel like a new person,” she said. “I can't stop thinking of it all...”
Atul nodded. "There's a lot to think, isn't it?”
"When will we meet again?”
"We are not going anywhere. I'll be there, at Wallzec."
Atul fondly squeezed her hand. Ridhima smiled. She looked cute. Atul kept looking at her.
"You look younger now."
He said.
"I know."
"You can have a young company, now."
"Like you?"
"Like me."
"I doubt there would be anyone like you."
"All you need is to keep your eyes open and see."
"Are you hinting someone?"
"I am suggesting it."
Ridhima looked down for a moment. Atul squeezed her hand again.
"He's fun. I have no problem with him. You have spoken to him. His side is logical. And...and he's pretty good in there, I know that too!"
Atul wanted to see her face shrink in embarrassment. She hesitated.
“You know, the last time when I had it, it was like many years ago. It was nothing to remember. Yesterday was like... like I had become a virgin again... and it was really... you know...”
“Awesome?”
"Scary, to be honest...”
"There's nothing there to be scared."
"I don't know."
"He's gonna come back."
Atul said and he saw her eyes shining again.
"Do you think he's gonna come back to me?"
For once, Atul felt his heart stung by her question. He didn't know why.
"He will. And I know you'll like it.”
“Shut up, Atul!” She frowned. "I won't."
They both knew that was a lie.


Anvita welcomed him with a tight hug.
“I missed you a lot, honey.”
Atul cupped his hands around her pretty face and kissed her. He couldn't believe he missed her so much. 
“I love you, Anvi. I missed you too.”
He asked her about the dinner with Varun and Radhika.
“It was good. I told you.”
Her voice was somewhat cold.
“What happened? What did Varun say?”
“Don't mention his name to me. I hate him.”
She was furious. Atul was surprised.
“Tell me what went wrong.”
She told him the truth.
“Varun and Radhika stayed overnight. They slept in our room. They were very noisy.”
“Noisy, what? They were quarrelling?”
Atul asked innocently. Anvita was annoyed.
“Don't you know?”
“What...”
Then he got it. "You mean...?”
“Yes. Exactly.”
“Oh. No.”
He laughed aloud. “I can't believe you are angry for that!”
“I hate him.”
“Why?”
“Is it a bloody hotel or something?”
“You invited him and he stayed.”
“I didn't ask him to bed his girlfriend.”
“Come on. I ruined his party other night. I owe him one chance, don't I?”
She looked at me.
“That’s okay. But he was so loud.”
“He could have done it the quiet way.”
“Maybe she was too good in something.”
He joked.
“She was the one making all the noise. She was crying and laughing. Bitch!”
“Oh!”
Varun was yet another gentleman who was too good at pleasing his woman. Atul felt. An image of Maniesh on the verge of diving into the softness of Ridhima flashed in his mind.
After dinner, Atul sat on his bed and ran his hand over the bedsheet.
"So they were very noisy here, in this bed, right?"
He asked and saw Anvita frown. He winked at her. “Why don't we try to give them a reply for own on sake?”
He suggested.
Anvita’s eyes widened.
Ten minutes later, Anvita was lying in that bed. She was shy. She was nude. Atul sucked on her nipples one by one and licked around her navel. Her nipples tasted sweeter than ever. They were erect and Anvita was smiling all the way. Atul was leaking precum before he knew. When he pushed inside her it went in smoothly, thanks to the moisture inside her. She let out a gasp in delight.
“Honey...”
He bent down and kissed her. She pushed her tongue into his mouth. Her arms were wrapped around him and she pulled him down to her. As he began to move, memories crept into his mind: Maniesh, about to make Ridhima cry in his king size bed; Varun, having Radhika inside his car, Rajat pounding Neeti in his imagination. Atul tried to imagine Varun on top of Radhika in the same room, same bed. Then there was Anvita lying under him. He began to move faster and faster and then drove off the cliff. With a loud groan, Atul spurted a huge load of cum into Anvita. He felt it lasted more than he had ever done in his life, and he filled her. Anvita didn't cry aloud, but she was seemingly pleased.
“You’ve flooded me.”
She said before running toward the bathroom.

Shreyas was elated when he heard of the good news.
“You should have told me already. We could have greeted you this morning with a grand welcome. You know how important this deal is for us.”
“I thought of it more of a surprise, Shreyas.”
Atul said.
“I would better call it a lifesaver. You just allowed us to breathe normal and this news will definitely leave some people breathless from now. This deal means frequent orders!”
“Definitely.”
"All I wanted you to do was to get them to become friendly to us once again. But you cracked the unbelievable, Atul. Now you should know why I trust you so much!"
Shreyas gathered everyone around and announced the news of winning Chetak Engineering’s trust back.
“Hopefully it will set off a new series of deals for us. So let’s make the first one run smooth and let’s leave a fine impression. And let’s give this gentleman a grand welcome song. This weekend.”
His colleagues walked up to Atul and congratulated him once again. As he was still crowded by them, he saw Shreyas waving at him from his cabin, with his phone in another hand. Atul waved back at him, innocently.
Little did he know who his boss was calling.

-----------------000------------------

[krish_999]

Chapter 24

Anvita

Anvita was relaxing at home when Shreyas phoned her. He was now grown confident in his voice which Anvita could sense easily.
“I wonder whose lucky charm is you, Anvita,” Shreyas said.
“What happened?”
“You do know what Atul did for us.”
“He won a deal, is it really big?”
"It is. All I did was a lunch with you. See, amazing things are already happening to me. And, to Atul too.”
“Are you giving me the whole credit?”
“No way! But you are a part of this.”
“Are you giving him a promotion?”
“Atul is really talented. If such things keep happening, he is destined to reach great heights. And you know we should do lunch more often.”
“So that’s what you make out of it.”
Anvita smiled.
“I can't think of a great way to thank him, and to thank you.”
“You can simply say thank you.”
“I am; this weekend. Atul will tell you. He deserves that right.”
“Thank you, Shreyas.”
“You are most welcome, Anvita.”

Anvita wondered whether she should tell Atul about the phone call. Lately she had been hiding a lot from him. Prithvi's night stay, a couple of coffees and Saturday's lunch with Shreyas, and now this phone call. There were many.
She was sure it would disturb Atul. Especially his relation with Shreyas would become sour if he knew how Shreyas was in touch with her recently. Shreyas had so far remained a gentleman and it would be wrong to say he's after her. Also, Anvita was confident that she could handle him. In fact, she felt good whenever she thought about the submissive attitude of her husband's boss. She wanted to keep him that way.
About Prithvi, she was going to tell Atul about everything. She was merely waiting for the right time.


The weekend party was at the top of the Royal Wings, right under the sky. Atul wore a suit and looked suave. Anvita wore a dress that was purposefully loose on her, but it was thin enough to draw out her curves perfectly. Anvita noticed a few of Atul's colleagues trying to measure her angles with their bare eyes.
Shreyas delivered a speech to praise the efforts of Atul. He hailed Anvita for her support to the husband. Everyone clapped and cheered to his words. They shook hands with Atul and congratulated him again. As the night progressed Anvita noticed how Shreyas was keeping a distance from her. She mentioned it to Atul.
“He’s very shy. “
He said.
“It’s unbelievable. He's the one who gave that speech over there; he’s your boss, isn’t he?”
It was a familiar question. Anvita knew.
“That’s also true. But he’s very shy in front of a woman outside the professional circle.”
“Shall I go and talk to him?”
“Sure. But don't intimidate him. I am very close to him.”
So am I.
Anvita quipped in mind and slowly walked over to Shreyas.

Shreyas seemed to be in a deep conversation with the person in front of him. However, he turned to face Anvita at the exact moment she approached him.
“Hi.”
She smiled.
“Hello, Anvita.”
“My husband said his boss doesn’t mingle with women outside his professional circle. Is it true?”
“His wife knows better of me.”
“It’s not his mistake to think about you like that. You deliberately make everyone think that way. But yes, I know better about you.”
He stood there watching her.
“I was wondering why you were not coming to me,” She added.
“To be honest, I was waiting for you to be alone.”
He smiled.
“Alone, for what?”
“I don't know. It feels good.”
“You talk to the wives of your colleagues alone only?”
“I don't talk to them at all.”
Where is he taking it? Or is it me taking it somewhere?
“Then Atul was right about you.”
Anvita looked into his eyes. He didn't look away.
“I think you are very special, Anvita. You are very unlike... of any... I’ve ever met.”
“I hope you are not trying to flirt with your colleague’s wife.”
She said with a smile and watched his eyes become panic.
“No. I was just being honest.”
“I know how honest men can be.”
“If you want to deny what I think of you, you’ll have to say you are not gorgeous, not fun, not exciting, not kind, not amazing, not cute, not intelligent, and so on.”
Anvita chuckled. She was somehow starting to feel warm.
Maybe it’s the wine.
Anvita took a sip and finished her drink. Shreyas gestured a waiter for another one.
“Have you thought about what I said? About having a job?”
Shreyas asked when her drink arrived.
“Yeah, I thought. Not now.”
“Why?”
“It was already decided. I needed a break.”
“This is really a good offer. You’ll soon be earning as much as Atul.”
“He’s not gonna have a pay rise already?”
“It will go up when the time comes.”
“When will that be?”
“It is not done randomly. Those recommendations are done periodically.”
“I can't believe I am discussing my husband’s pay rise here. It’s embarrassing.”
She said with a cheeky smile.
“But I am very happy that you are discussing it with me.”
“Why?”
“That makes me feel close to you.”
“My husband is watching you, no matter how close you feel.”
Anvita turned to see Atul, and he was nowhere near.
“We are not doing anything stupid. We are just keeping friendship and enjoying it.”
She wondered if he meant something out of it.
No, he’s just honest.
“How’s Anjali? I was expecting her.”
“She’s home.”
“Did you tell her about our lunch last week?”
“No. Did you tell Atul about it?”
Anvita smiled.
“No.”
They stared into each other, caught in a pregnant pause.
“I should leave. See you.”
Anvita began to turn around.
“Where are you going? Atul is not around.”
She looked around.
“Then I should be looking for him.”
“Why don't we stay together until he shows up?”
He suggested.
“Let’s find some space, away from this crowd. We can go to that side; the view from there will be great.”
He pointed to the farthest end of the open area.
Anvita walked in the front with her drink. Shreyas was right behind her. She felt he’s watching her from behind. She was suddenly self-conscious about it. She thought of her back and tried to walk as calm and steady as possible. She felt a tide of warmth creeping inside her skin and spreading all over her body.
It’s the wind, stupid.
She assured herself.
The view from the top was mind-blowing. She remembered when Varun had shown her one. The thought of Varun brought in her yet another memory; a moaning woman and her endless screams; a woman finding her orgasm again and again.
“It’s picturesque. Right?”
Shreyas was asking her.
Picturesque is all about seeing. What about feeling? What does it feel to have an orgasm like the one Radhika had? If I ever got one like that, would I cry like her?
“It’s worth screaming as high as you can; from this height. But it’s a party. We have to behave, haven’t we?”
Shreyas asked.
Relevant.
Maybe I will be screaming when I hit one. I will scream like a whore.
Anvita looked at him and smiled. She moved slightly to her left, and her forearm rubbed against the side of his.
A moment later, she sensed slight moisture erupting somewhere down inside her. She turned her head and looked at behind them over her shoulder. People were too busy in their small crazy world. And Atul was seen nowhere.

-----     -----      -----     -----

Anvita woke up with a hangover; with broken images from a titillating dream still flashing in her mind. She looked at Atul. It was tough to decide if he was sleeping or was simply unconscious.
Anvita moved a little and felt cold.
What the hell!
She sat up and felt her body trembling.
What have I done? Have I slept with someone else?
She had visions of a man on top of her, caressing her body with his hands, kissing her on the lips, sucking them slowly. She had visions of him pushing himself down on her, but he wasn’t stretching her. He was just pumping.
Why I wasn’t feeling anything?
Anvita shook her head and caressed her forehead. She noticed her fingers.
Dirty.
Oh shit! Anvita felt ashamed.
It was a dream. A shameless dream.
Why did I dream of making love to Shreyas?
She had dreamt of him, in her bed; he was with her, in her bed, loving her. He kissed her and whispered in her ears how much he loved her. “I’ve been waiting for you; you complete me, Anvi...”
And then she had let her hand worm inside her panty and dive into her centre. She was dreaming, but she was awake. Otherwise, it would not feel this much alive. It was Shreyas on top of her. And he was giving her all the love she could take. Until she was molten.
Anvita couldn't believe she did not scream.
Or did I?
She prayed she did not. That was all she could do now.

Anvita was in the kitchen when Atul woke up.
“What were you discussing so seriously with Shreyas?”
He picked up the coffee cup and took a light sip. Anvita couldn’t really remember anything serious.
It was nothing.
“He was asking me to take up a job.”
“A job?”
“Yeah. He said there is an opportunity that he thought might suit me.”
“What did you say?”
“What would I have said? I am not looking for one!”
“I think you should.”
Atul said quickly. She turned to him, surprised.
“But we had a word on this already.”
“Yeah, it's been six months. You have had enough time.”
Anita thought about it.
“I was so happy like this, Atul. So much time. When you come home from your work, tired, I wish to open the door for you.”
Atul put the coffee cup down and took her in his arms.
“That is so lovely of you. But who knows, maybe you can do a job and still open doors for me when I come home?”
Anita smiled.
“Are you sure?”
“I am damn sure, sweety. It's time.”
Finally, Anvita agreed.
“But I will talk to Shreyas. He made the offer to me. You don't need to talk to him. It will be odd.”
“Hey, there is nothing odd. I am a friend to him. But it’s okay, you talk to him as you wish.”
Perhaps I am more than that, dear. Anvita thought first and then corrected herself. Stop kidding, stupid.
She turned her attention to cooking.
“So when are you going to call him?”
Atul asked.
“You seem to be in a hurry. Yesterday I refused him on his face. Let’s give him some time to cool it off.”
Atul stared at her. She smiled and touched his face.
“Relax, baby. I will call him and talk to him; today itself.”
For unknown reasons, she did not want to call Shreyas in Atul’s presence.

When Atul went out at noon, Anvita decided to give Shreyas a ring.
“Hello.”
She heard a female voice.
Anjali?
“Hello, Anjali. This is Anvita. Remember?”
“How can I forget you Anvita?”
Anjali’svoice was cold enough to alert Anvita.
“How was the party yesterday?”
“It was fun, thank you. Only thing is that you weren’t there.”
“I am old enough to be left out of such parties.”
There was an odd note in her voice.
“That is not true. You don't know how you were missed.”
“Thank you for trying to cheer me up. But I am not a...”
She was interrupted and after three seconds, Anvita heard Shreyas' voice.
“Hello.”
“Hello, Shreyas. How are you doing?”
Anvita began slowly.
“I wanted to talk about that job offer. I hope I am not disturbing you, am I?”
“I’m sorry, Anvi. I don't have it anymore," Shreyas said. "It’s gone to someone else!”
Did he just call me Anvi?
“Oh. I got late I guess.”
Anvita said.
“Anvi...”
“It is okay... Bye.”
She said quickly and hung up the call.
He just called me Anvi. She swallowed.

When Atul heard of the development, he laughed aloud.
“That Shreyas! How can he be so careless about such promises? Yesterday he promised you a job and today he doesn’t have it?”
“Actually he had told me about it earlier also.”
Anvita revealed.
“When?”
Atul looked at her. She could not face him for a second.
“Earlier. But I am not sure if he was talking about the same job.”
“Then it was his trick to earn your attention. He’ll probably tell you about another one next time.”
“Really?”
“Make sure you say yes on his face.”
“Sure, I will.”
Anvita wondered if Shreyas would ever come up with another one.

They went for a movie in the evening.
Monday evening Anvita found Prithvi waiting for her outside the institute.
“Who was with you at the movies?”
He asked.
“What?”
“In the movies, Saturday, I saw you and... Who was that?”
“That’s... That's Atul. My husband.”
“Don't lie!”
He snubbed.
“What!”
“He was very young. That was not your husband.”
Anvita laughed.
"His photo was there in my bedroom. Didn't you notice?"
"I did not enter your bedroom."
Anita showed him a photo on the mobile phone.
“Do you believe me now?”
Her amused face confused him. “No.”
She stared him for long, still smiling.
“Then who do you think my husband is?”
“I know. And it's not him. Your face is telling me you are trying to fool me. And he was very young.”
“I am also young, ain’t I?”
“He was younger than you.”
Anvita looked away and laughed. She felt it really funny. Atul will definitely like this.
“See, you are hiding me something. Who was that?”
Anvita began to walk.
“Where are you going?”
“Are you jealous?”
She asked. He stopped.
“So you are not telling me?”
“Okay. His friend. Just like you.”
“Like me?”
“Are you not a friend?”
“You and I never went to movies.”
“I don't see him as often I see you.”
She said in the hope of comforting him and suddenly he was at ease.
Okay, today he believes lies only. Strange!
Prithvi silently walked along with her.
“What are you thinking? You wanna meet him?”
“For what?”
“I'll introduce you to him. Next week we'll be watching the same film, same show, once again. It's actually a good film I'd like to see again and again...”
“No.”
“Why, you don't like him?”
“No. There’s nothing like that.”
He was definitely uncomfortable.
“Then? Why not?”
“Can we go for movies this weekend?”
He looked at her hopefully.
“No.”
“No?”
“What will I tell Atul?”
“What did you tell him Saturday?”
“I didn't tell him. He was not home actually.”
Anvita was now finding it funny enough.
“Isn’t that cheating?”
“What!”
Her face turned red.
“No, I was just asking...”
“No, you can't ask such stupid questions.”
“But you went for movies with someone else without telling your husband. I am sorry I didn't mean to hurt you...”
“You got a dirty mind, Prithvi. Don't talk to me.”
She said bitterly. He stopped immediately. She ignored him and kept walking.
Before turning to her right at the end of the street she took a quick glance at him. He was still standing there, like a statue. She stopped and stared at him. He did not move.
It’s okay. She thought and walked away.

That night when Atul was on top of her kissing her and having his way deep into her, she found her wondering what made him look so younger that people are finding it hard to believe he is her husband.
“I love you.”
Anvita hugged him tight and whispered in his ears. Atul breathed heavily as he just finished a race.

Prithvi was not seen until Saturday when Atul took her for movies again. Anvita did not expect Prithvi to be there, but she was subconsciously looking for him. And he was there, staring at her from the other end of the lobby. Neither of them smiled at each other.
A few minutes later she saw him walking to her, through the corner of her eyes. She turned to face Atul and grabbed her right hand. Atul was totally unaware of it.
The movie hall was opened soon and this time Atul grabbed her hand rightfully. She didn't miss to look at Prithvi; he was a few feet away from her, his eyes burning. She winked at him before walking with Atul.
However, Anvita could not concentrate on the drama on the screen. The movie seemed boring, now. Her life had more drama.



A few days later, Anvita was in the institute, when Varun telephoned her.
“Where are you now?”
“I am at the institute. Why?”
She answered coldly.
“Can you leave now? I am waiting outside.”
“No, I won't.”
“Come on dear. You need to see me now.”
“I am not seeing anyone. I am still in the class.”
She cut the call and resumed her teaching.
When she finished and finally walked out, Varun was still waiting for her, in his newly-purchased Ford Endeavour.
“Why so hatred, darling?”
“I am not your darling. Watch your space.”
She cautioned him bitterly.
“Okay agreed. Will you get in? We will have a coffee.”
“Not today.”
“Come on Anvi. I’ve just bought this beast; I wanna take you for a ride.”
“Well, congrats for that!”
“Why so pissed off at me? Have I done anything wrong?”
“I am not angry at you. I am a bit busy with myself.”
“Then get in. You might save more time with me.”
He opened the front door and she sat in.
He drove her to a cafe.
“What happened to their policy now? How did you get the loan?”
Anita asked.
“I was kidding Anvi. There’s no such policy.”
“I knew that.”
“Tell me why are you so pissed off after that day? You jealous?”
“Jealous for what?”
“I know I am very good in bed. Radhika was very loud. I am not blaming her.”
“What are you saying?”
“I thought you might have heard some of her screams.”
“Fuck you bastard!”
She had raised her voice and suddenly looked around. A few girls turned their head to them and laughed.
“Careful what you wish for...”
He warned her, still smirking.
She was annoyed.
“Then why are you so annoyed?”
“I will throw this coffee on your face if you spoke like this again. I am not fucking pissed off you.”
Her voice rose again and she ignored the girls deliberately.
“I have a husband and he is far better than what you can ever be, I can promise you that.”
She barked at him and stormed out of the cafe.

For the whole week, Anvita’s life was nothing short of hell.
She had fought with Prithvi and Varun. She had embarrassed herself by fantasising her husband's boss. She had just boasted of her husband’s sexual prowess to someone- a fact that felt bitter because she knew it wasn’t true; she knew Atul was nowhere there.

That weekend, Atul’s long distance uncle and his son visited them for latter’s job exam interview on Monday. Though Anvita’s life got busier, she found the rhythm back when she diverted most of her thoughts towards leaving a fine impression among Atul’s family.

When the guests left on Tuesday, Atul was a happy man. His uncle was so pleased with Anvita’s hospitality.
“If my son gets the job, you will be the first one with whom I will send the good news, my dear.”
Uncle said.

Anvita loved every member in Atul’s family except for his dad. His dad had so far visited them thrice; every time Anvita felt so stressed to behave in front of him. Dad’s eyes were always burning, and Anvita was scared to even look at him. She often felt as though she had committed a big crime that he could find out if she looked straight into his eyes.

Anita didn't even like to think about him. A day after Atul’s uncle returned home, he telephoned Atul. When Anvita talked with the uncle, he mentioned he told Dad about the goodness of his daughter-in-law.
“What did he say, uncle?”
“What will he say? He won’t say anything. He’s an animal. He doesn’t have any feeling. But I think he’ll eventually start loving you. You are a wealth to his family.”
Anvita was very happy. She wondered if Dad will ever speak to her with love.
That night she had a strange dream.

She was sitting at a bus stop, waiting for the bus. Atul was coming. Suddenly it began to rain and she saw a herd of sheep were running panic along the road. They all ran around, only to gather in front of her. It seemed they brought the rain to her, as it started to rain inside the bus stop. She looked up and saw the raindrops falling from the concrete ceiling. The water fell on her and drenched her clothes. She felt cold as her skin was more and more visible.
“Somebody stop the rain, please.”
She cried.
And the rain stopped as someone holding an umbrella over her head.
She turned to the man gratefully, and it was Dad.
“What are you doing here?”
He asked her in a soft voice.
“I am waiting for my husband.”
“I am your husband.”
He said and wrapped his arm around her naked body. She felt warm. A bus stopped in front of them and Atul got down. The bus went back in reverse, and Atul waved his hands to gather the sheep together. The sheep stood closer, merging one into another, and Dad laid Anvita over them. A moment later, he was on top of her. He spread her legs and began to push down, and the rain resumed. She was getting wet again.
“Hurry up, Dad...”
She pleaded.

And Anvita woke up. It was raining outside. The window was open and water drops were falling onto her face.

She was aroused. It was six in the morning. She sneaked inside Atul’s blanket and hugged him. He woke up and smiled at her. She moved and kissed him. She took his hand and brought it to her breasts.
Her hand reached down to his dick. It was limp. But her morning touches were quite enough to wake him up.
“What is happening?”
He wondered.
Anvita said nothing and pulled him to her. He was up now; he climbed on top of her. A minute later, he was guiding his dick into her wet pussy, and he began to thrust harder. Anvita closed her eyes in pleasure, and she couldn’t help but go back to her dream. She was lying on top of the sheep and Dad was on top of her.
Stop it, Anvita.
Anvita tried to open her eyes, in vain. Dad was fucking her and she loved the way his dick was rubbing against her pussy walls. He was going faster and faster and then, she heard a groan. She felt the hot stream of his juice flooding inside her. She opened her eyes as if abruptly walking out of a marvellous dream. Atul panted and kissed her. He kept his hip down as if to fill her with his juice.
But it wasn't just enough; only Anvita knew.

--------------000-----------------

[krish_999]

Chapter 25

Atul

Atul had been eyeing to purchase a new car ever since he had moved in with Anvita. A month ago he had booked a brand new one and he had kept it a surprise for Anvita. It was going to be delivered a month after his Mumbai trip. However, unfortunately for him, his brother Vikas phoned him one day and he urgently needed help. Atul had to help his brother with the money he had kept for the car. He rang up the dealer and asked him if he could cancel the order. The dealer said it would mean forfeiting the advance paid by Atul.
He visited the dealer a week later and met Mr Pradeep, the dealer, personally. He was ready to help him provide a car loan. But Atul thought it would be a burden on him because he was already paying EMI for his house loan. That was when he thought about getting Anvita a full-time job. There was another reason which consolidated his thought.

That day Atul had met Neeti and Mohit at the fruit market.
“How is that we neighbours meet outside only?”
Mohit asked.
“It’s really a shame, isn’t it?" Atul shook his hand, "Let’s do something together to change it!”
Neeti was watching the men closely.

When Atul reached the apartment, Neeti was talking to a street vendor. She saw Atul and walked up to him immediately.
“I want to talk to you. Will you come over to the terrace?”
She whispered and walked away.

Twenty minutes later Atul walked into the terrace.
“Atul. Here!”
Neeti was hiding behind the concrete water reservoir. Atul looked around and walked over to her.
“Atul...” She looked into his eyes briefly and hesitated. “Uh... I want a favour from you.”
She paused again. “Please don't destroy my marriage.”
Atul stared at her.
“I am destroying your marriage? How exactly is that?”
“Don't tell Mohit anything. Please maintain some distance from him. You and him getting closer...It scares me.”
It was apparent that she knew that he knew what she'd been doing with Rajat.
“That is only secondary. The more important thing is, why you are doing this to him?”
It was a doubt Atul had been carrying for long.
Neeti took a long breath. She looked tired.
“It... It just happened. Atul...”
Atul shook his head slowly.
“You repeatedly slept with him, didn't you? All of that happened just like that?”
“Please understand me. I know it’s wrong but I was... Mohit is a good husband but he is not a good lover.”
Her words sunk into his heart.
“You have two children, Neeti. Isn’t he their father?”
His question clearly unsettled her. “They are born thirteen years ago. Mohit hardly notices me nowadays. He is always busy with his work.”
“Is that your defence?”
“It is a reason. I was not looking for men to sleep with. But when Rajan and I mingled together when his wife was away, and you know Mohit himself had admitted to him how rarely we slept together. Rajat came after me. We both were suffering. So...”
“So you decided to cheat on your husband, huh?”
“If my husband is not giving me what I want, what else can I do? I know you will not understand because you are newly married. And I'm hundred per cent sure you’ll be treating Anvita far better than how Mohit is doing to me. I did not have a choice. I...”
Tears were rolling down her eyes.
“I failed, Atul. I know. But please, don't tell anything to Mohit. I will kill me.”
“You are not stopping it, are you?”
She looked down for a moment.
“I know you won’t believe if I said yes. And I don't want to lie. But it won’t last forever, I am promising myself. Pooja will be back in a few weeks. We began this on that promise; we will stop.”
“And then you are going to love your husband as if nothing happened?”
She kept her head down for long, in silence. Below her chin, Atul’seyes fell over her breasts. Never in the past had she given him such a long chance to stare at her like this. For one moment, Atul remembered how annoyed he was when Rajat mentioned he had noticed Atul staring at Pooja. Maybe he was right. I do stare. An image of her completely naked in bed with Rajat flashed in his imagination. His eyes roamed around her cleavage. And he couldn't help but admit Neeti was too hot.
“I can't believe how Mohit could ignore you in the name of work.”
Atul said at the end of eye feasting. She looked up.
“But it is true.”
“Why do you think I will tell Mohit?”
“It will take just a momentary slip out of your tongue. Mohit believes you are a good man; he has told me that many times and I also believe that. I am scared if you would say anything out of honesty. It will end my marriage and life.”
“I am not gonna tell him anything.”
Atul declared. “But it would be better if you stopped seeing Rajat from this moment. What if Mohit catches you by himself? You can also slip, can't you?”
“I am happy to follow your advice. But whenever Mohit goes on a trip, Rajat returns to his flat. And I...” She looked away and shook her head. “I can't stop him. I'm not that strong with my will. I have become his weakness and he, mine. You know what I mean.”
I know what you mean, yes. You can't stop spreading it for him.
“Why do you tell him when Mohit goes out of town?”
“I don't tell him. Mohit does.”
“What!”
“Rajat is always in touch with Mohit. I can't make Mohit stop meeting him.”

Back in his flat Atul irritatingly thought how crooked Rajat was. The man was manipulative enough to win the trust of a husband to learn when he goesout of town, and then invite the wife to his bed. One fact Neeti had revealed to Atul had stuck in his mind. Mohit himself had confessed to Rajat that he was a bad lover. The fact that Atul had come close to following the poor Mohit’s path when he almost decided to discuss his initial struggles to satisfy Anvita and rattled him. Luckily Atul had brought it up as a problem his friend suffered.
What if I had told him I was not giving enough to my wife?
The thought sent chills down his spine.
Atul remembered the other day when he had returned home in the morning. Rajat was at his home.
Atul quickly realised why it was dangerous to trust him, give him the opportunity to intrude your private space. When Anvita mentioned of a job opportunity that Shreyas had suggested, Atul hoped it could be two birds with one shot.

Thursday morning Atul was greeted by applause in the office. Shreyas shook hands with him.
“We got the official response from Chetak Engineering. It’s happening.”
Atul telephoned Ridhima.
“Thank you, Ridhima. Thank you, for coming back to us.”
“Thank you should be my say. Thank you, for coming and finding me.”
Her voice was warm and soft.
How can a woman so powerful be so soft?
“We were destined to meet, Ridhima.”
“We sure were. I might be in Delhi next month. We’ll have lunch. I’ll tell you when.”
She said. Atul wanted to ask about Maniesh. Did he come back to you?
Then he thought: it’s too early. Next time, maybe.

Shreyas had recommended Shriya's name to work with Atul. But Atul chose not to include Shriya, much to her disappointment. After the first Mumbai trip, she was keeping some distance from him. Atul chose to ignore her completely and it eventually threw her into desperation when Atul returned with the deal from Chetak Engineering. And one day she decided to start afresh.
"Atul, can we have a coffee? I mean in a cafe..."
Twenty minutes later they were sitting in a nice café.
"I am sorry, Atul. I was silly." She said straightaway.
Atul sipped the coffee and kept his silence.
"Please talk to me, I was sad and angry in fact when I came to know you refused to bring me in for your assignments. I want to do things that others envy. Everyone wants to be in your proximity, I too want to work with you."
Shriya looked beautiful and smart with the cool specs on. Anyone would have jumped into the opportunity to include her in whatever comes in their way; except for Atul.
"All we can have is a coffee like this."
He said in the end.

-----     -----     -----

Ridhima was waiting for Atul in the lobby when he arrived at the Cafe Decor. She got up and greeted him with a warm hug.
Atul spent a moment to study her. She looked bright and elegant in the dress. Her face glowed. The sleeveless arms simply outshone the ambient light.
"Stop staring, Atul."
She smiled.
"I am paying compliments, Ridhima. You look stunning."
"I know. Thanks. You look handsome too."
"Finally, we meet again. How was your journey?"

Ridhima had come to Delhi for an official meeting. She called Atul and they decided to meet at Cafe Decor. Within a few seconds into their meeting, Atul realised that she was not the bossy woman at Chetak Engineering but the endearing soul he had befriended over a couple of nights.

They chatted and started the night with a light drink before they joined the audience in front of the beautifully set stage where the attraction for the eve was a performance by a musical troupe. It was a beautiful eve. They sat together, hand in hand, and she seemed very emotional to be with him. She was cuddling with his hand and a moment came when she kissed on his cheek. He felt great.
"Are you in love with me?"
He asked in a whisper.
"Yes. I love you. Unconditional. Don't feel it a burden for you."
"I know. I love you too."
He said.
When she was gone to washroom Atul noticed a girl looking at him. She smiled at him and he smiled back. He could not recognise her and he was conscious. Does she know Anvita?
Obviously, Anvita had no idea that Atul was meeting a woman for dinner. For her, he was at the funeral of an old contact.
"Hi."
Atul waved his hand at the girl.
"Hi."
The girl smiled again. Her friend came to her and he stared at Atul. His face seemed familiar but Atul could not recognise him. Atul raised his drink toward them. The boy looked on and the girl reacted favourably and Atul turned his attention to the stage. Even after Ridhima was back, the boy and girl had their eyes on him. It made Atul uncomfortable.
"What happened, Atul?"
Ridhima asked.
"I don't know. Do you see those guys? They look strange at me."
Ridhima observed them and smiled.
"The girl likes you. And it suggests why the boy likes you even more."
Atul shrugged.
"I plead not guilty."
Ridhima laughed.
"Let’s kill it."
She leaned to him and kissed on his cheek, turning her face slightly towards her.
A moment later when Atul glanced at the girl, she along with her friend was not there.

After the dinner, Atul dropped her at her business suite.
"There is a movie playing nearby, in the multiplex. Would you like to watch some classic?"
She suggested.
She was not willing to leave his company. Atul knew.
It was an old classic English film in a cosy, private theatre with recliner seats. The film turned out to be very romantic and they enjoyed it except for the climax where the boy met with an accident and died, leaving the girl alone. It was indeed a touching love story.
"Not everyone ends up with the perfect one, right?"
Ridhima commented as the movie ended.
"We don't know what happened to her, after all."
Atul said.
"Let's go to my suite."
She looked at him.
Her suite was luxurious and spacious. It had a kitchen and a reading room addition to the bedroom and visiting room. It was nothing like Atul had ever spent a night in his life. He felt for Ridhima. The large suite could only magnify her loneliness.
"Do you like a drink?"
She asked.
"No. Thanks, Ridhima. I’ll leave soon."
He said, still not finished watching the decor.
When he turned to her, she was right in front of him.
"Ridhi..."
He couldn’t finish as she placed her lips on his. He froze. She slowly sucked his lips and he stood like a stone. She sensed it and looked into his eyes.
"I know. It’s okay. It’s just..."
She looked down and bit her lip.
"I look desperate, don't I?"
Her voice was hopeless.
"You look desirable."
"But I am not looking for anyone. I'm just... I know you'll be gone in a few minutes."
They stared into each other’s eyes like they were lost. He touched her face and ran his fingers from forehead to eyes to nose to lips to chin.
She was ready. I could lift her in my arms and carry her into that room and she would make love to me for the whole night. She would spread her legs and beg, 'fuck me, Atul.' Or I could push her slightly downwards and she would drop to her knees and allow me to push my dick into her mouth.
He smiled.
"Good night, Ridhima."
She shook her head twice.
"Good night."
He walked back.

When he was returning, his head was heavy.
Why does she long for me like this? It can never be possible.

-----     -----     -----

The following Monday Atul got a message from the car dealer. He went to see Mr Pradeep one last time. That's when he encountered him - the young man he had seen with the girl at Cafe Decor - again. 
"Where is Mr Pradeep?"
Atul asked.
“Dad is away,” the young man smiled pleasantly. “Please be seated and tell me what happened.”
When Atul told him the issue, he was immediately ready to help.
“Don’t worry. I’ll cancel the order and provide a full refund of the advance. I’ll tell my dad you promised me that you’ll buy the car from us when you plan to buy one in the future. You will do that, won’t you?”
Atul smiled.
"Yeah, why not? Sure."
He thanked him. It was mere luck that they met at Cafe Decor. Atul thought. He shook hand with him before he got up to leave.
"My name is Prithvi."
The young man introduced himself.

Three days later Atul got the message and he went to get the refund cheque. Mr Pradeep himself handed Atul the cheque.
Atul walked over to Prithvi and thanked him.
"If I hadn’t met you here last time, it wouldn’t have been this easy."
"Well, we had met a couple of times. Last time if I remember it was CaféDécor. Remember?"
"Yes, I do."
Atul shook his head. Prithvi led him to the visitor's room and ordered coffee.
"How’s your friend?"
Atul asked casually.
Prithvi smiled.
"You are very good with woman. I see. What does make it so easy for you?"
Atul laughed.
"I’m afraid you have a very decent image of me."
"Every time I saw you, there was a woman with you and that woman was looking at you like she wants to kiss you right away. Even my friend Deepshikha was drawn to you the other day. What magic do you have?"
"Come on. It just happens."
"Do you mind if I gave your number to my friend?"
Atul was surprised for one moment.
"Deepshikha had seen you somewhere else later. She'll be happy if I did that."
Prithvi added.
"No. Don’t do that!"
"Why you are interested only in the elder, I mean mature women?"
Atul knew whom he was referring.
"She’s just a friend, okay?"
"Another day I had seen you with another one, during a movie a few weeks ago. She’s not much elder to you though. Who was that?"
Suddenly Atul was alert.
"Which movie?"
"Oh, are there many?"
"Are you chasing me?"
"This is my dad's shop and I often come here. And I had seen you here. That's how I started recognising you in the first place. And another thing is that you are always accompanied by beautiful women. Especially the one at the movies. When I saw you at Cafe Decor I wasn't surprised when you impressed Deepshikha just like that. How do you do it? Give me some tips, please."
"Tips for what?"
"Tips to talk to them and to draw them closer."
"Do you have someone in mind?"
"Yes."
"Then approach her. You've got nice communication skills, dude. You have nothing to worry."
"But that's the difficult part. She’s elder to me."
"How older?"
"Like.. five, six years, I guess."
"That’s not much difference. But you are very young for now. Are you studying?"
"Yeah. BBA."
"And what about her?"
"She was my teacher."
"Wonderful!"
Atul laughed. Prithvi pushed him lightly.
"Stop laughing, dude."
"What do you wanna do with your teacher, marry?"
"No. Uh...she’s already married."
"Then it’s a waste of time."
"I know. But give me tips so that I can get close to her. She doesn’t teach me now. I am not in her class."
Atul nodded understandingly.
"Okay. I think it’s very simple in your case. You are a student. She’s a teacher who doesn’t teach you anymore. Do you see that flower shop?"
Atul pointed across the street. Prithvi shook his head.
"Buy a gift from there; a bunch of beautiful flowers. And present your teacher with a surprise gift. Tell her how much you miss her after the classes are over. And the next day you ask her what she did with it. If she takes it home and keeps it somewhere it is visible to her until it goes dry, it means she has feelings for you, even though it may not be too romantic."
"Will she accept it?"
"She will have no chance to deny it! You haven’t stolen her purse when you met her last time, have you?"
Prithvi stared at him and then at the flower shop.

Next day, when Atul reached home after work, he found a neatly packed flower gift on top of Anvita’s makeup table. It was beautiful.
And it remained there for two days until it went dry.

----------------000------------------

[krish_999]

Chapter 26

Anvita

Even though Prithvi did not show up for a few days after their differences, Anvita was sure he would try to mend with her, sooner or later. She knew he had some special liking toward her. However, she later feared that her snub at the movies might have repulsed him. She had no plan to reach him and fix things either. She had no intention to prove him what Atul was to her. She hoped Prithvi learned it by himself.

After three weeks, however, he showed up and apologised.
"I didn't mean to hurt you. It was my mistake."
"Why did you take so long?"
He held forward the flowers he was hiding behind him.
"Please accept this."
Anvita stood and stared at him for a few seconds. Slowly her eyes descended to the flowers. Her eyes widened.
"What’s this? Is it a proposal?"
"Tell me I am still your friend. And if I happen to commit any mistake with you, you will scold me, you will punish me, but you will never say ‘don't ever talk to me’. Accept this, please."
Anvita accepted the flowers.
"Okay. I accept. But when I punish you, it will be tough."
She warned.
They had coffee in a cafe. She thought he would ask about Atul. But he never did.

When Atul came home he noticed the flowers. 
"Whose gift is this?"
Anvita smiled, "How do you know it was gifted?"
She asked. He was clueless.
"You mean you bought this?"
Anvita laughed, "I was kidding dear. It was gifted."
"Friend...or student?"
"It is a gift from a student."
"For what?"
Atul was serious.
"For what?"
Anvita shrugged. “He’s from the previous batch. He said he missed our teaching sessions."
Atul grabbed the flowers and smelled it.
"But it has a different smell."
"Really? Is it damaged?"
"Not that, dear. I think he likes you too much."
"Yeah, he does. He was very sad when his batch ended."
"You should invite him for tea. He knows you are married, doesn’t he?"
"Of course, he knows. He has asked me many times to introduce him to you."
"Do you see him often?"
Atul asked, pretending to be careless.
"Not so often. Before today it was like a month ago."
"Next time ask him to visit us for a coffee. On a holiday. Such students must be appreciated."
Anvita was pleased with how positively Atul took the gift. She though felt she should have told him the whole story. But it was too late to open up now.

A day after, Prithvi asked her out to watch a film. Anvita politely turned him down, saying Atul would not agree.

Next day Anvita got a call from Shreyas.
"I was wondering to whom I should break the news first. You or Atul?"
"Atul is right there in your office. Still, you rang me up. You have already made up your mind, Shreyas."
Shreyas laughed a little.
"It’s good news. Whoever receives it must offer me a very personal treat."
"Then it has to be me. I owe you one already. Tell me the news."
"I have a very good job for you. I know the guys there, so you consider yourself selected."

When Atul heard the news in the evening he wondered why Shreyas did not tell him.
"Your boss likes me. You know that?"
Anvita declared.
"What! Really?"
"But he is very bad in talking to ladies."
Anvita said carefully.
Atul laughed.
"It is no secret in the office. There are stories when he pissed in his pants."
That is outrageously exaggerated. Anvita was sure.

The job at Teckpo Int. was not designed for a beginner like Anvita. But Shreyas's recommendation did it for her. All she needed to do was a private interview. It was more like a briefing.
"Anvita, we understand that you are a beginner and you would find it a bit tough in the beginning. But Shreyas has seen some potential in you and we are exactly after that. We hope you’ll prove your worth and turn to transform yourself into a reliable member of our team. Do you understand?"
Her boss Shashank was calm and mature. His briefing was often focused on the future.
"For a few weeks, you’ll be working with Bobby."
Anvita shook her head.
"Thank you, sir."

The office of Teckpo Int. was more than forty kilometres towards the north of the city. It meant no random meeting with Prithvi. When he heard of her new job, he was expectedly disappointed though he did not show it.

"That’s great. Isn’t it?"
"I have told Atul about you. He is keen to meet you."
"Me? why?"
"He wants to know his wife’s follower; who's giving gifts to her."
"How does he know I am following you?"
"I told him. And your present is evidence."
Anvita was trying to tease him.
"Will he beat me up when he sees me? He's got a strong body."
Anvita was surprised.
"You've seen him? When?"
"I've seen him once. He had come to the Institute for you. And you guys went to Jazz."
"Jazz?"
"Jazz the pub; don't you remember?"
Jazz the pub. It was the pub Varun had taken her to meet Radhika. Now Anvita understood why Prithvi refused to believe that Atul was her husband.
"But...but how did you know it was my husband?"
"He was wearing the shirt we selected for him."
Prithvi's eyes shone. Anvita couldn't stop laughing. That shirt!
"What's so funny?"
Prithvi wondered. Anvita shook her head.
"Okay; now I understand how big a fool I was to lie about him!" Anvita said. She was thrilled about seeing Prithvi's face if he learnt the truth. "Well, I suggest you keep some distance from him. He may not be happy with your gift to his wife."
"I know you are joking!"
He laughed.
"So when are you quitting the institute?"
"This weekend. Two more days."
"From next week we won't be able to see often. Maybe never. Right?"
Anvita knew he was right. The office of Teckpo was on the other side of the city. She wouldn't be coming this side of the city any more.
"Can we go for a movie this weekend?"
He asked. Anvita stared at him.
"You can ask your hubby."
He added.
"You think he will allow that?"
"Then tell him your institute is giving you a party on Saturday."
"Do you want me to lie?"
"I want you to come with me. It's the last chance I have got to spend time with you."
Anvita was not sure if she could fulfil his wish. She though had decided to invite him for lunch at home one day. He'll be dead with surprise.
Prithvi promised he would visit her one day.

Friday Atul telephoned her from the office and asked her to get ready for dinner outside.
When he came home, she was ready wearing a magnificent dress kurta. Atul watched her with a smile.
"Wow, you have beautiful legs!"
"Only legs?"
"Obviously not only legs but your dress is definitely turning my attention towards your legs. You look absolutely fantabulous. It’s too cliché to praise your beauty now."

He took shower and got ready before the cab arrived. When he told the driver the place, Anvita looked at him.
"Which restaurant is there?"
"It’s not a restaurant, baby. It’s Radhika's flat."
It turned out Radhika and Varun had invited them for dinner at former's flat. Atul had kept it a surprise for her.
When they reached the place, Anvita’s smile faded as she saw Varun.
"Welcome, Anvita."
Radhika hugged her and brushed her cheek against Anvita. Radhika was in awe of Anvita and she showered her with compliments. Anvita ignored Varun’s welcome.

It was a standard two-bedroom flat that Radhika rented together with another girl named Komal. Komal had gone to her hometown for the weekend. Varun had suggested a nice restaurant for dinner but Radhika was adamant that they dined at home. She confessed to Anvita that she wanted to replicate the arrangements made by Anvita at her home. However, they weren't even close. The food was ordered from outside.
Atul was a little embarrassed to face Radhika. But she was very cheerful and helped Atul move on easily.
Everyone was soon engaged in a fun chat. They cracked jokes and emptied drinks after drinks. Anvita and Radhika chose to drink vodka. Varun mixed a cocktail for Radhika and it backfired. She passed out and Varun ended up helping her to the bedroom.
"I doubt if he’s gonna come back at all."
Anvita mentioned.
"Why?"
"See what happens."
She said, eyes toward the room. However, Varun returned soon after.

For the whole night, Anvita was not going to entertain Varun's friendliness. If she was subtle in expressing it in the presence of Radhika, she turned downright hostile from the moment Radhika passed out. Anvita even spent a moment to think about how Prithvi had misconstrued Varun as her husband, only to hate him further.
In the middle of it all, she scolded him for not straightaway rejecting others' claims that she was his girlfriend.
"You never proposed me, let alone me considering it. You have no right to call me your ex."
That's when he threw a grenade.
"Fact is that I never cared to propose you because I knew you were interested in your professor!"
"What the fuck!"
Anvita's voice rose. She couldn't believe he said it.
It was indeed breaking news for Atul.
"What?" He asked.
"His name is Manhas. You forgot?"
Varun smirked. And Anvita declared war with him for his statement.
"Don't deny it yet," Varun said confidently. "I can prove it. I can prove you had hots for him."
"Really? Then go ahead. Prove it."
"What if I did prove it?"
"Go ahead. Prove it."
"What if I did?"
"I will do whatever you say."
"If I proved it, you will give me a hand job, right now, in front of Atul your dear husband."
He challenged.
Atul froze. But Anvita was unpretentiously unfazed at his demand.
"I give you my word, you moron! But if I am right, and I proved you wrong, you will sit here and watch while I give my dear husband a blowjob and you'll hold your thing in your hand like a prick. You understand?"
Atul's facial expression revealed how surprised he was to hear the words from his verbally conservative wife.
"Is that really needed, Anvi?"
He expressed his doubt.
Anvita looked at him.
"Yes. I need to teach this moron a lesson about himself. He’s a loser."
She grinned at Varun when she said the last word.
Varun accepted. He was perhaps dreaming of something already. Anvita knew. And she was unshaken.
"I’ll start by asking your friends," Varun said. Anvita gave him her friend Namita’s phone number.
He called her and asked her about it. His phone was put on speaker.
"Manhas sir used to favour Anvita and I know she always took advantage of it. Not because she needed his favour, but because everyone feared him. Honestly I was really scared of him and I don't know how Anvita cracked him. It could help her focus in her study as no one else would disturb her. And Anvita succeeded in that. She was not troubled seriously by anyone throughout the course."
Namita said. Varun ended the call and shook his head in disagreement.
"She's a loyal friend of you. That's why she’s hiding it."
He argued.
He called a couple of friends more and none of them gave him a reply that he wanted to hear. And Anvita did not let him call his friends.
"They will lie. They will say anything but the truth."
Anvita said.
"You lost, loser."
Anvita pushed him down to the couch.
Finally, Varun accepted his defeat.
"Okay. You win."
He held his hands up in surrender. Anvita returned to her seat.
"Okay now, don't sit there. Go to Atul; give him what you promised him."
Varun said.
"I will give it later. It’s my choice." She said.
Varun sat up now.
"No. That wasn’t the deal. You said now, while I watched. A promise is a promise."
"You're a loser. I have no regret to break a promise with you. No way!" Anvita responded.
"Come on! Have some guts first and then talk about who's the loser!" Varun teased her and turned to Atul. "She promised it. A deal is a deal. You agree with me, don't you?"
Anvita looked at her husband and he smiled.
"I was wondering it's the drink that got you gutsy. But I think you ain't got that high yet. You need to drink a little more."
Varun snapped, "See! He said it, Anvita! He meant you have no guts to keep your words and okay, you don't have to do anything. You were just blabbering like a stupid child, you didn't mean anything worth caring for. Let's finish this drinks and wind up."
Anvita had her eyes fixed at Atul for a long moment. He shrugged. 'What did I do?'
"Okay, then!" Anvita took a long breath and nodded many times, on her own. You banged your girlfriend in my bed; now I'm gonna get it even. I'm gonna please my husband in your couch.
"You men win," Anvita declared. "Let's see who's gonna stand tall." She got to her feet and knelt in front of Atul, right between his knees. "I have no problem to put you in your place!" She looked at Varun, as her hands reached up to Atul's pants and begin to undo his zip.
Varun was staring at her, as he forgot to respond to her sudden reaction. That's all you can do, loser! Anvita suddenly felt thrilled at what she was going to do.
"Stop staring at me like that; you really look pathetic. And if I remember, you're supposed to do something when I'm doing this!"
Anvita said. She pushed her hand inside Atul's pants and touched him; he was hard and ready, and Anvita stole a glance at his face. His eyes were fixed on her and they told her how astonished he was. Anvita grinned and slowly pulled down the top edge of his Jockey.
"Do you mind?" She whispered but waited for nothing as she slowly caressed around his crotch with her left hand while she allowed her right-hand slip inside and wrap around his pole. Then she turned her face to Varun.
"Don't freak out, now. Pull it out, pull it out!"
And she watched as Varun swallowed and then slowly pulled his semi hard penis out of his pants. Anvita didn't want to look at it. However, she saw it the moment he held it out and her eyes stayed a bit longer on it than she intended. She saw the confident grin on Varun's face and she hated him even more.

Anvita quickly turned to Atul and pulled out his hard member. Her casual touches had turned it harder and its tip was already oozing precum. When she finally opened her lips and sucked him, Atul could not help but let out a moan.

                  --------------000----------------

[krish_999]

A thought by me that this happening is not sudden due to alcohol. It is planned by anvitia-varun-radhika trio earlier on dinner night to get even to atul, so why they could met together neutral without guilt in future.

His stories are very much Indian, fast paced and much erotic. Which is a rare talent. 

It is like addiction the more you read the more you want. 

and Hatsoff to his sincere efforts.

I agree with you truly that krish_999 is one of so talented author of very few of them who write Indian erotica. Krish_999 is only author who wrote indian erotica with so much emotion successfully which connects readers with him as indian happenning.

What? Where? How?

Yes he is one of the best in Indian eroticas

So many comments... Sooo pleasing to read. Thank you  very much guys. I'm really honoured to see how much you're following my story. I feel I'm not finding the right words to express my gratitude to all my readers and commenters. I just wanna say your response is truly inspirational.

Keep reading and keep posting.
And keep contributing to Xossipy.
Thank you all.

[krish_999]

Chapter 27

Atul

Atul had sunk into the couch. Anvita had used her palms cleverly to cover her mouth to obstruct Varun's view. But it was pretty obvious that she was taking his dick deep into her mouth.
Initially, Atul was a bit annoyed about how Anvita had stared at Varun's dick as he exposed it. But the moment Anvita pushed her face between his legs, he was helplessly seduced by the pleasure she brought with it. She wrapped her soft lips perfectly around his dark-skinned, stiff pole and Atul was watching as in a broad daylight how she was doing it. Her saliva turned it shiny and her tongue turned it hot. Atul's breathing was rising and he wanted to ask her to go slow. But it wasn't his game. At the back of his mind, he had a feeling that he was receiving it undeservingly. And his part was just to sit back and relax.
Anvita kept moving her head back and forth like an expert, forcing him to admit she's a master in this game. If they were alone, he would have teased her about it.
Atul was becoming helplessly weak as she sucked him nonstop for a few minutes, and very soon he was there.
"Ahhh..." He opened his mouth as if to say something and it was a groan that came out. "Anvi..." He touched her head; he was ready to cum. Anvita didn't stop and moved her head a few more times, and Atul let out another groan.
"Aaahh... I am there... I'm there..."
He cried and shot inside her mouth.
"Mmm..."
Anvita made a sound, with his dick still in her mouth, and pulled out as soon as he filled her mouth with his juice.
And she ran to the washroom leaving his erect cock in full view of Varun. And when he awkwardly turned to Varun the first thing he noticed was his erect penis. Varun was holding it, his fingers wrapped around its base, leaving its bulbous head completely exposed. It took Atul just one moment to panic; the one Varun was holding looked way bigger than the one shrinking between his legs.
Atul was ashamed to acknowledge that he had completely forgotten Varun's presence while getting a blowjob from his wife. 
It was awkward.
"What has just happened here?"
Atul blurted out.
And he quickly readjusted his pants to evade further embarrassment. Varun followed suit, albeit with no hurry.
"You know what has just happened, dude," he grinned. "You've just got a gorgeous blowjob from your wife!"
Atul didn't know what to say.
"I can't believe what you've turned her into, man! I thought she was the cutest thing out there; now she seems the hottest one...uff! She brought you there in a couple of minutes, wow!"
Varun was impressed. And he was not shy to express it. "I really envy you now. That's all I can say now. She let you shoot in her mouth. Had you delayed it for one more minute, I would have hit mine without doing anything. It was so hot!"
His comments eased Atul's awkwardness.

Anvita returned soon and she looked at Varun.
"You happy now? Loser?"
She sat by Atul and he was watching her lips. Lipstick was gone. But nothing could take away the charming redness of her lips. Atul wanted to hold her close and eat her soft lips. He was already thinking to ignore Varun and jump on her.
"I know why you're angry, Anvita. I'm sorry for hurting you the other day," Varun said. "I was just teasing you that day. Even Radhika was angry with me after that."
"So?"
Anvita's face was rigid. Varun stared at her for half a second.
"Come on Anvi, why so much enmity? I'm apologising for my mistake. Can't we be friends again? I have got punished."
"Punished?" Anvita smirked. "You were enjoying the show, you moron!"
"But it was your hubby receiving it. Look at him; he's very pleased. I know he's at my side. I was helpless to watch. Did I have any choice?"
Anvita did not say anything. She took her drink and took a sip. Varun walked over to her and knelt in front of her.
"What are you doing?"
She was puzzled.
"I'm going to hold your feet and see if it helps. You're my friend; I don't mind it."
"Ohhhh no!" She jumped up. "Don't do this."
"Then tell me everything is alright."
"Everything is alright, moron!"
She said, finally.

Varun got up and hugged her. Atul sat there and watched as he wrapped his arms around his wife and pressed her to him.
"I'm sorry, dear."
Varun whispered.
That's how he had reconciled with her. 

The incident proved helpful for Atul as the sex between Atul and Anvita since then got very active compared to what it used to be in the past.
The cock sucking in front of Varun’s eyes was totally out of comfort zone for both of them. Next night she touched him and played with his member while he lay still. It was something she had never done in the past.
“What are you doing, Anvi?”
“Nothing. I am just playing with it. Why only you have all the fun?”
She questioned.
He wanted to ask her to take it in her mouth. But he thought it would be rude. He hoped she would start doing it very soon.
She played with him nights after too, many times bringing him to discharge with her hands itself.
The moment he does that, however, it was a mess. The night at Radhika too, he had cummed very early and in her mouth, and she had to run to the washroom. Atul was quick to believe that she did not really like to see it or taste it.
It was slightly disappointing but the thought was really arousing. He often found himself daydreaming of cumming inside her mouth and making her willfully swallow it.

From Monday Anvita joined Teckpo Int. and life became busy for both, quite expectedly.
Anvita too had to leave in the morning now.
And she would reach home just fifteen minutes ahead of Atul.
Anvita was tired in a few days.
“No problem honey. You still are opening the front door to greet me in the evening.”
Atul encouraged her.
He indeed helped her lending a hand in the daily chores. Anvita had decided against opting for domestic help.

Atul was waiting for a contact in a coffee hut when he spotted Prithvi with his friends.
“Prithvi!”
Atul was curious to know if there was anything he did not know. And there was plenty.
“I was looking for you.”
Prithvi said.
“I gave her the flowers and she loved it. And last Saturday we went to a film. Thank you."
“Film?”
Atul was surprised, if not shocked.
Isn’t he really talking about Anvita?
“Yeah. She was evading my requests for long. She got a new job recently and now we can't meet so often. So she agreed to come with me.”
It is really about Anvita.
Anvita had gone out on Saturday saying the institute staffs were giving her a send-off lunch. Atul remembered.
How could she lie to me?
Well, everyone has their right to have secrets. He thought. And she would have thought it wouldn’t be appropriate to tell me. After all, watching a film with a student after so many requests does not sound that bad.
It took Atul only a moment to make out.
Well, I will have to talk it with her for sure. He decided.
“So are you happy now?”
Atul asked with a sense of satisfaction he derived from himself.
“For now, yes. But I won’t be able to see her anymore."
The disappointing tone of his voice pleased Atul.
“How’s your friend Deepshika?”
Atul asked.
“Deepshika...mmm... She's fine."
“Good to hear that.”
“I will tell her you asked about her.”
Atul laughed, "You are just friends with her?"
“No. She’s a great friend, you know. She understands me well.”
“You should see her more. She’s really cute.”
“I’ll tell her that too.”
“Why don't you tell her it’s your opinion?”
“No. No. I am not after her. I am after my teacher.”
“Are you serious?”
“If you see her, you will instantly fall for her.”
Atul was amused.
“What’s her name? I think I should meet her once.”
“No man! I’ve seen you how you draw women into you. I’ve seen it.”
Atul laughed.
“I am not what you think. Tell me her name at least.”
“What do you think you are then? You don't date those ladies I saw with you?”
“Who are you talking about? How many have you seen with me?”
“One is the lady I saw you in the movies.”
“In the movies?”
Atul pretended thinking over it.
“I mean not in the film but...”
“Anvita! Are you talking about Anvita?”
“Yes. I am talking about Anvita.”
He spilt it. He was looking at Atul’s eyes.
“And you think I and Anvita date each other?”
“You don't?”
“Come on man! She’s married.”
“How about the woman I saw you within the music night?”
“She’s also married.”
“You are dating her?”
“I can't speak about it.”
Prithvi stared at him surprised.
“You can't tell? Why?”
“I will tell you. But not today...”
“Okay. Okay.”
He shook his head repeatedly.
“Then, tell me about Anvita. How close are you with her?”
“She’s not at all close," Atul didn't think twice to lie. "It’s nothing like you think. I ended up in movies with her, just like that. It was a casual meeting.”
“Then how did you know her?”
“We were college mates. And she’s a friend of my sister.”
Atul thought about Vrinda.
“So there’s nothing going on in between you?”
“Why are you so concerned about her?”
“Okay. I am going to tell you the secret.”
Oh boy!
“Tell me.”
“You know Anvita is a teacher?”
“She’s a tea...what!”
Atul put on a face and widened his eyes.
“Wait! You mean to say... is she...?”
Prithvi shook his head slowly.
“Yes. She’s the one.”
“Shit! You can't do this!”
“Why?”
“She’s married, man. And she’s very much plain. If she has watched a film with you, then she sees you as a student only. Nothing more!” Atul declared with utmost sincerity. “You have absolutely zero chance with her!”
The hell with you and your one-sided love story. Atul thought ruthlessly.
“That is the reality. But reality can change any moment.”
Prithvi said.
“How! Not this one.”
Atul shook his head.
“By the way, what do you want to do with her?”
“I want to be her lover.”
Atul stared at him for a moment. His heartbeats were beginning a rise and he struggled to remain calm.
“But I don't think you’ll succeed. She’s married.”
“Your date at music night was kissing you. She was drawn into you. And she was married.”
“There is a difference, dear. She is forty years old. She’s got a husband who’s not caring enough for her. She can be vulnerable...you know. But it’s not the case with Anvita. Her marriage is young. Her husband is very caring...”
“We don't know that.”
I know that, idiot.
“Let me tell you one thing. Anvita is very young. If she was desperate for love and care, there would have been clear signs.”
“What signs?”
“You will understand it when it happens. It’s not rocket science.”
Prithvi shook his head.
“And there is one more thing. If I had tried something foolish like a kiss or something while watching the film with her, I am damn sure I would end up with a slap. It is one thing to watch a film or have a coffee... and it’s entirely different to go beyond it. My honest advice is... you just be friendly and wait. If she needs you, she will turn into you.”
“How is she like, with you?”
“She’s very good to be with. That’s enough. How was she with you?”
“She was absolutely fun. There is a feeling that comes from inside when I was sitting next to her. I wanted to hold onto her hand. I wanted to keep looking into her eyes. I wish she let me do that and keep smiling at me. I want to hug her.”
Atul kept watching him. He was done talking.
No matter how desperate the boy may be, his dreams are not going to become true. He’s just a clueless boy. Atul thought.

Atul was not ready to keep his passive stance at home. He confronted Anvita.
“You had gone to the Institute on that Saturday saying there’s a send-off party. Where were you gone actually?”
Atul was studying her face and there was no trace a shock.
“Where do you think I had gone?”
“There was no such party. You went to watch a film with someone instead.”
He alleged.
She stared at him a moment. Then she pointed to the showcase.
“Do you see that gift? Where do you think it came from?”
He had seen the packet. It was a present she got from the send-off party. It had her name written on it.
“Do you think I bought it myself?”
“You tell me, Anvita?”
“Of course I didn't buy it. There was a party.”
“But one of my friends saw you at movies with someone.”
“A boy! He was a former student at the institute. I have told you about him.”
“Whoever it may be! You should have asked me. You didn't tell me you went for bloody movies with him!”
Atul’s voiced rose.
“Watch your mouth, Atul. Watching a movie with a boy isn’t a crime as you are making it up like."
"I am making it up?”
“When I came home that evening, I tried to tell you everything starting from the party, didn't I?”
Atul shook his head, “So?”
“Yes. But you hardly paid any attention to what I was saying. I told you to set up the gift on the showcase; it’s an electrically operated decoration lamp. You had no time to listen to me. So we dropped the subject altogether.”
“But then you didn't tell me about the boy at all.”
“Why the hell I should tell you that? It was not so important to me. I watched a film with one of my best students; it was the last chance as I had quit the job and I would never see him so I couldn’t refuse him. What is the big deal?”
Atul had no reply to her arguments. She went on and finally, Atul had to bow.
“Okay. Okay. It was my mistake I questioned you baselessly. Forgive me, my queen!”
Anvita smiled.
“Okay. This time I forgive you, only because you are very cute. Next time I won’t be so generous.”
She put her arms around him.
He forgot everything and his mind was suddenly fresh, full of love. They kissed and cuddled a lot before they ended up in bed.
“I think we should find reasons to fight more often.”
Atul commented as he fell next to her, completely exhausted.


Everyday Anvita came home with stories of her colleagues. There were stories about Prerna, Susheel, Sanya, Dhananjay, Stephan, Rony, and her supervisor Bobby. Anvita saw very less of her boss, hence the stories about him were rare. Prerna, an unmarried girl who had joined Teckpo Int. a year ago would become her immediate friend.

Anvita wanted to thank Shreyas for the job. They invited him and Anjali and they dined at Fine Dine.
Shreyas thanked Anvita for her gratefulness. He said Anvita is a bright girl who has the potential to go lot ahead in her career.
“Only thing you need to do is to keep your face and mind pleasant, and keep smiling like this.”
Anvita was very happy for his encouragement. She thanked him for his support.
Anjali was constantly smiling at their conversation.

A week later Atul's grandma came to stay with him for a few days. Anvita took four days of leave to be with her. Grandma was already impressed with the respectful behaviour of anvita. And now, it only got stronger.
"I've told your dad how lucky his son is and how lucky himself is to get a wife and daughter-in-law like Anvita. One day he'll believe me. Then he'll give you all the love he's not giving you right now."
She told Atul.
On the third day, Grandma suffered chest pain and Anvita took her to hospital. Unfortunately for Atul, he was attending an important meeting and he was not going to reach home until late that night. He was worried and was going to skip the meeting.
"You don't have to do that, Atul. I'll manage."
Anvita said.
Grandma was recovering and she was going to be discharged in the next morning. When Atul returned and reached the hospital, Varun and Radhika were there. 
Atul was grateful.
"Thank you so much, guys."
He hugged Varun.

Atul was really pleased with the way his life has been progressing. He had found enviable success at work. He had cleared his wife from the proximity of her dangerous admirers. Rajat the neighbour could never walk into his house, for whatever reasons, when Atul was away. Prithvi the student would never see her at all. After all, he was more like a fan of her beauty, his dreams were mostly about having a coffee or holding onto her arms. Varun the friend had found a girl for himself.
And Anvita had easily landed a credible job on top of it all.
Everything was perfect.
Life is beautiful like this. Atul thought.
Little did he know how ironical his judgement was.

-------------------------------ooo-------------------------------------