Chapter 20

It was just a beginning. They took two more short trips to the dance floor and then to the bar counter; and in between they found themselves kissing and cuddling at the corner. He was drunk and horny and dumb, and he understood it.

"I am drunk."

"What?"

"I'm too drunk. I don't drink this much!"

"Don't worry, you still look handsome."

She pulled him closer with a smile. She kissed him at will.

“Your tongue is very sweet.”

He said foolishly.

“You are a total jerk.”

She complained when they sneaked back to the floor after drink. He didn't really care what she meant.

“Don't tell your friend.”

He said.

“But I like you. A lot.”

“Oh, you can scream it.”

Later they were crowded by Harshita and Rashmi.

When Atul returned to Ridhima, it was half an hour since he had left them, he found her sitting alone. She had the same Grey Goose drink with her, and he guessed it would be round two.

He was worried if Ridhima would be annoyed of his delayed return. To make it feel even worse he doubted she could make out Raveena’s perfume off him. But to his solace, she was really cool with it.

“Where is your new friend?”

He asked.

“He’s gone to washroom.”

“How’s he?”

“He’s very nice.”

“Does he like you?”

“Mmm... He...”

She looked clueless. It pleased Atul somehow.

“What do you think?”

She looked at him.

He was equally clueless. “I only knew about him.”

He thought she did not hear him.

The drinks made him dizzy. He didn't really know when Harshita and co left the scene. At one moment, he was back with Ridhima.

“Are you drunk?”

He heard her voice. It was not coming from her mouth.

Was I dreaming it?

“How about you?”

“Come on guys. Let’s go.”

He heard a male voice. Maniesh? Atul had certainly thought he had left.

A few moments later they were walking out of the gate and Maniesh's car was waiting for them. Its driver opened the door for them.

“Where are you taking us?”

Ridhima was asking as the SUV drove past the night traffic smoothly. She was sitting beside him.

“You’ll see.” He said with a smile.

From the corner of his eye Atul could see Ridhima’s breasts. He wished if they were going to his place.

There I and Riddhima are going to sleep in each other's arms. Peacefully.

He looked at her dress and thought of what she was like under it. He was both thrilled and worried at the thought. He thought of the chances of Ridhima turning really aggressive while in bed later that night.

He knew Ridhima must have forgotten how it would be to receive a man inside her. He thought of Sudhakar making love to her. it was indeed a distant possibility. They wouldn’t have mated for years.

He took Ridhima's hand. She smiled at him.

“You are okay, no?”

“Yes. How about you?”

“I am alright.”

She said.

“Wait a little more.”

He assured himself.

“What?”

Ridhima looked at him.

He couldn’t believe he had blurted it out.

Half an hour into the drive, the car pulled away from the traffic. It stopped at basement of a building that Atul had apprehension as a taller one.

“Where is it?”

He asked Maniesh.

“Home.”

Maniesh nodded at him.

He took them to the seventeenth floor of the building and they found stopping in front of a door by which Atul saw a gold coated plate that read ‘M.S.’. Maniesh Sain. It was easy guess.

Maniesh pressed the doorbell and the door opened instantly as if someone was waiting inside by the door. A middle aged man greeted them.

“Welcome to my space. Feel yourself home.”

Maniesh said, spreading his arms out. If there was something called luxury it was definitely his ‘space’, Atul noticed.

“It’s beautiful.”

Ridhima said.

Maniesh’s housekeeper placed drinks and snacks on the coffee table. Atul wanted to object. But he decide against it for he did not want to be rude and disappoint Maniesh. He looked at Ridhima when Maniesh was not listening, “Are you sure you wanna drink more?”

“I am with you.” She said and pressed his hand. “I trust you.” They sat together.

“It’s a rare thing for me. I have brought home the most stunning woman and her lover for a drink. It has never been so special.” Maniesh raised his drink. “Cheers to our friendship!”

His housekeeper left soon after.

Maniesh was a good host and a jovial man. The way he spoke about anything and everything made Atul realise one thing. He is not a wanderer. He brought it up to him at once.

“You are a surprise package, Maniesh. What are you actually? What do you do?"

Ridhima was equally curious to know it. Her face said it.

“I don't do anything. I let my money multiply for me.”

“You mean stocks?”

“Wherever you can invest. That's what I'm.”

"What do you think of my company?"

"Wallzec? Mmm... It's a really great company. I have my faith invested in it. Actually I hold some stocks in that one."

"Wow, that means you're my boss on paper, aren't you?"

Atul joked and Maniesh laughed aloud.

"On paper."

He said.

“What makes you stay single like forever?”

It was Ridhima. He looked at her and said nothing.

He just stared.

“Spare me from that; I'm off that age.”

She was visibly annoyed.

“Am I teasing you?”

“What else do you think you are doing?”

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

When he came out he was exhausted even though his legs were steady. Maniesh was telling Ridhima a story. It was about the vodka he had poured her.

“Its creator Roberto Cavalli mentions it fashion vodka for black is fashion. Sexy and mysterious; that’s now exactly what I am great fan of.”

“You know a great deal about it.”

“You too, will.”

He was telling her. Atul looked at the narrow shaped beautiful bottle that was dark and sexy. Roberto Cavalli Vodka.

Maniesh had taken Atul's place and he sat on the next one. Ridhima broke her eye contact with him and turned to him.

“What took you so long? Are you alright?”

“I am alright. Perfect.”

“Then take the glass and finish it.”

Maniesh insisted.

He took his glass and took a long sip. The drink was really good.

“Do you like it?”

Maniesh asked.

“I’ve never thought such good things exist around me.”

He turned to Ridhima.

“Did he just say that?”

She gave him an amusing smile.

“You thought only you knew that line?”

Later he took them to the balcony and showed them the night view of the city. It was spectacular. Atul felt the whole city was under his feet, burning slowly.

“I am feeling giddy. Please hold me.”

Ridhima said.

He foolishly began to hold her and she laughed.

“I am joking, Atul. I am all right.”

She moved away from him.

“Actually I was helping myself. This is breathtaking.”

He said, trying to hide the embarrassment.

Maniesh walked around him and stood behind Ridhima.

“Let me show you something...” He guided her to close to the balcony railing and pointed towards some distant point on the ground. “Do you see that road over there?”

“Yes.”

“If one walk over there, we can't recognise him, can we?”

“Right.”

“I can.”

She turned her face and looked at him over her shoulder.

He slowly placed his hands over her shoulders. “...Because I came from there. It’s a different view from down there, looking higher, and I remember every step I walked over to reach here. Here, right where you and I are.”

Maniesh’s muscular body suddenly seemed dwarf in comparison to his personality.

“Atul, you are a lucky man to have this wonderful woman’s company.” He said later. They were back in the hall.

“But now she’s with you.”

Atul joked. She was sitting with Maniesh.

“Are you?”

He turned to her. Ridhima stared at Atul.

“No.”

She said with an amusing smile.

“See, she’s not mine.”

“Then I can't help, buddy.”

Atul laughed.

“Maybe I am not smart enough...”

Maniesh was looking at her eyes, “And rich and good-looking enough.”

She was watching his face.

“Come closer.”

He heard him say and she shifted herself closer to him.

He wrapped his left hand around her and touched her cheek with other. Then he leaned to her and planted a light kiss on her lips. She sat straight like a statue. Atul was frozen. Maniesh looked into her eyes for a long moment. He turned to Atul.

“If you are ready to sleep, you can go to that room.”

He pointed towards the bedroom.

“I mean both of you. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Atul and Ridhima were puzzled alike.

“No. It’s alright. We can stay awake a bit more.”

He said.

“Atul....”

He said.

“I find your woman irresistible. Do you mind if I behave a little freely around her? I just like her.”

What the hell is he asking? What is this ‘little freely’ thing?

Atul felt an urge to get up and ask. But he kept himself to his seat. He was watching Ridhima. She was sitting comfortably with him, his one arm still around her.

Atul was waiting to go to the room and collapse into the bed. He had promised Ridhima a night to cherish. He wanted her to wake up with him and be happy. That room behind him was waiting for him. It doesn’t matter how freely Maniesh behaved, Ridhima and Atul were to walk into that room in anytime soon. The thought was too peaceful.

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

It began precisely when Atul recieved a call from Anvita. Atul walked out to the balcony and talked to her. Varun and Radhika had arrived and they were having a good time. Atul talked to Radhika and he apologized him for the embarrassing incident.

"It's okay." She said. "I'm not angry now. I wish you were here."

Atul had taken enough time before he ended the phone call and he realised it only when he returned to the hall.

The gorgeous vodka was awaiting him, tempting him. He should have realised just because something looks inviting, doesn’t mean it’s good for you. But he did not. He grabbed the Roberto Cavalli and poured another for him.

It was delicious, again.

He was hearing everything Maniesh and Ridhima were speaking but he wasn’t listening at all. Then one line from Maniesh caught his attention.

“If you want, you can go to the room with him Ridhima. I’ll be alright.”

It was pleasingly amazing for Atul to see how this man was ready to push this beautiful woman to him at any random moment. Atul almost had turned his head towards the room, when Ridhima said decisively, “I don't want to go in there. I mean, not yet...”

When he spoke about the room, Atul knew what was awaiting me there.

Going by the trends, the room will be a large one with a king size bed at its centre. The quilt will be smooth and warm. When he would go under the blanket Ridhima would be there with him. He knew.

His eyelids were shutting down.

No. I am not going to sleep. He promised himself.

“Can I use your washroom please?”

Ridhima asked.

When she walked away Atul had his eyes on the leisure jiggling of her bottom. He was already imagining her without her clothes and he couldn't believe how horny he had become. I know it's the drinks.

“Bring your glass down, Atul. Let me fix you another.”

Maniesh said.

When he poured vodka Atul laboured to put two ice cubes each into the glasses.

"We should meet when I'm in Delhi."

Maniesh said.

"We will, for sure."

“Ridhima is a client of Wallzec, right?”

He asked suddenly. Atul shook my head.

“She’s Chetak Engineering. We share a long business relationship.”

“So it’s a fascinating situation between you. I wonder who is compromising.”

“Pardon?”

“You and Ridhima have a very healthy friendship. You have a very strong hold on her. I think someone must be compromising on the quality of the deals to keep it healthy like that. Never mind; just asking out of curiosity.”

His view was valid. Atul was sure that Maniesh was assuming him and Ridhima sleeping together.

“Well, I haven’t compromised at all. I have recently pulled off a deal with Chetak Engineering. My boss would call it a miracle. But I don't think she’s at loss. The deal is really worthful.”

Maniesh gave him a pleasing smile.

“That’s really great! I can see that you are definitely worthy, Atul!”

After pouring the next drink, he rose to his feet.

“I’ll take a smoke. Would you mind?”

When he retired to the balcony, Atul lay back on the couch, watching the ceiling and its decorative work. The whole room span like hell.

Where is the bedroom?

He pushed the door and looked inside. Yes, the bed was there. The quilt was there. Ridhima was lying in bed.

She smiled at him.

“Atul? Where is Maniesh?”

Suddenly the vision blurred.

“What?”

Atul opened his eyes. Ridhima was back from the washroom.

“He’s having a smoke.”

He gestured toward the balcony.

“Are you okay?”

“Tell me when you are ready to leave. I am alright.”

She looked at him and the glass in his hand.

“He will drop us home, won’t he?”

“Yes. He will do.”

Atul nodded. Ridhima walked to the balcony and he closed my eyes.

So I will not be going into that room. Well...

Atul knew when they came back to the hall but he was too lazy to look up. He heard Ridhima laughing. He didn't hear Maniesh for perhaps he wasn’t listening well. Their voice was getting shallow. The light was dim.

Suddenly he woke up with a jerk.

He was alone.

Where am I? What is this place?

He saw the empty glasses. It was a reminder.

Maniesh. Ridhima.

Where's that noise coming from?

He turned around. The bedroom door was half open. Or half closed.

Atul rose to his feet and moved himself. The noise was getting louder and almost audible. He couldn’t make out what they were speaking because they were not speaking at all. They were moaning. Ridhima was moaning.

She was in bed, and Maniesh was on top of her. He had her legs, bare legs, held in a circle shape with Maniesh's shirtless bulky body inside it. Ridhima's dress was off her shoulders to crumble below her breasts. Her bra was not there, and his hand was on it, fondling her breasts. On top of it all, Atul noticed instantly, he was kissing her.

Atul watched for just a second and he felt a chilling wave of air sweeping off his feet. He inner body was dealt with a heavy blow. A truck had run over him. The room had now started to spin faster. He could barely breathe, let alone think of an idea how to respond to that.

“mmm...”

Ridhima was moaning. He took another peep. Maniesh was devouring her mouth, suppressing her moan.

Atul was sweating now.

Shall I interrupt?

He swallowed and turned back. Is this really happening or am I just imagining things? Why my surroundings are not spinning now? Why my underwear is wet? Did I cum? When?

He looked at the couch. He found a small piece of cloth lying on the floor. It is her brassiere?

He rubbed her bra into his face. It had her smell. It was arousing. But not anymore. His date, his friend, his ‘belonging’ was inside that room with her legs spread apart for a man, a monster, who was about to show his dick deep inside her.

“Ahh...!”

Did I hear a scream?

Ridhima.

Is she alright? Is he torturing her?

Atul wanted to run to them pushing his way in and beat the man black and blue.

But, for what?

Apparently, she was enjoying it.

He heard another scream. A scream of pleasure.

Atul could stand it no more. Her screams of pleasure were more torturous than the sight of Maniesh on top of her. He went to the kitchen and had some water, trying to calm down. He noticed the library while returning. He paused, and slowly walked in, looking around albeit noticing nothing.

On the table was a card lying on top of a diary. The logo on the card caught his attention instantly.

He had a close look.

Wallzec Systems Pvt Ltd. It read.

The investor.

Atul thought and picked up a booklet next.

Wallzec Systems Pvt Ltd.

He turned a page; vision statement in attractive letters; below that was the Board of Directors, he ran his eyes through it carelessly until a name caught his attention. The name looked too familiar.

Maniesh Sain. Non-Executive Director.

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