Adultery The Rural Posting - Shipra's Ordeal

Brewing Trouble

Unknown : "Namstey Shipra Madam, it's only been a few weeks since you joined the Kasegaon branch why are you troubling yourself with petty matters of self help groups and the NGO? Why don't you enjoy your stay here and let the things run as usual."

"Just keep your head down, finish your time here quietly, and head back to your cushy city life like the managers before you. If you want, we can make a deal—just name your price. For a beauty like you, I will personally ensure that you are SATISFIED in every way."

Shipra felt a cold shiver run down her spine as she read the message. Her hands trembled slightly, and her heart pounded with a mix of fear and anger. Never in her entire banking career had she experienced such blatant intimidation. The timing of the message was chillingly precise, making her realize that she had stumbled into something much bigger and more dangerous than she had anticipated.

It was only this morning that she had come across the malpractices pointed out by Sanju. Now, before the day had even ended, this threatening text made the gravity of the situation starkly clear. Shipra realized that her investigation had hit a nerve, and her intervention in these matters had raised alarms among those involved. The offer of a deal, coupled with the cleverly disguised threats, was proof that she was on the right track.

Unwavering in her commitment to uncover the truth, Shipra took a deep breath and replied to the message:

"Let me make it clear, I am not like the previous managers, and I have no interest in making any deals. My sole focus is on the upliftment of the women who have been cheated. I strongly suggest you mind your own business and cease any further attempts to manipulate me"

Unknown : "I am minding my business, Shipra ma'am, and you are trying to ruin it. I'm offering you a deal and being gentle because I find you attractive. If it were a man in your place, I wouldn't be so generous. You're a married woman, and a damn sexy one at that. It would be a real shame if something bad happened to you because you decided to stick your nose where it doesn't belong.

Think about it. You don't want to end up regretting your so-called social service nonsense. Just back off and let things be, or you might find yourself in a situation you can't handle."

The audacity and vulgarity of the threat made her stomach churn. For a moment, she felt a wave of vulnerability wash over her, realizing the gravity of the situation and the potential danger she faced. It was clear to her that the web of malicious activity running through her branch was more deeper than she thought it to be.

Shipra may have been a submissive wife, a gulible friend or a soft person in her personal life but when it came to the rights of people and her duty she never compromised with her ethics. After reading the meassage she was momentarily frightened and taken back by fear but as the initial shock passed, a fierce determination took its place. Anger flared within her, burning away the fear.

How dare someone try to intimidate her into abandoning her principles and the work she was passionate about? She thought of the people she was helping, and the trust they had placed in her. She couldn't let them down. She took a deep breath, as she readied herself not to give in to such a cowardly intimidation. She calmed her nerves and steeled herself and started typing.

Shipra : "Listen Mr, I am not the kind of person who gets intimidated by a coward like you, someone who doesn’t even have the courage to confront me face to face. It’s also clear that you’re a lowlife who has no respect for women. Rest assured, I will expose the corrupt activities taking place within the NGO and reveal everyone involved. You can count on it."

Unknown : "Haha.. you are a fiery one, I like that. Very well, continue with your social service Shipra madam, just remember that I tried to warn you and even offered you a deal."

"And rest assured, I will definitely meet you in person very soon. And when that happens, your confident little mouth will not be running so boldly. It will be too busy choking on my cock shoved down your throat. You won’t have anything to say then beside begging me."

Shipra was seething with anger at the vulgarity of his words. Every fiber of her being wanted to lash back with equal viciousness, to give him a piece of her mind. But she knew better. Engaging with him would only give him the satisfaction of rattling her. With a deep breath, she decided it was best to block him. She didn't need this toxicity invading her space. Setting her phone aside after blocking him, she took a moment to compose herself. The weight of his threats lingered, but she pushed them out of her mind, focusing on the task at hand. She had more important things to do than waste time on cowards hiding behind anonymous threats.

With renewed vigor, she turned her attention to the documents she had collected earlier that day. She carefully and meticulously examined each point, looking for any information that could link the corrupt practices to the NGO. Her determination was fueled by a deep sense of justice; she was resolved to uncover the culprits exploiting the rights of poor village women and looting government funds.

"Ahhh..Ahhh..Ahhhh..Ahhhh......pleaseeee.. I am sorryyyyy... its ..... hurttttingggg.. Ahhhhhh "

'SMACK...SMACKKK..SMACKKKKKK...'

"Ohhh.. Goddddd.. aaaaahhhhhhhh....please stoopppppp!!"

The thick walls of the large spacious room echoed with muffled scream of painful moans and loud spanking sound. In the middle of the room a women laid naked on the bed, her face was buried down into the bedding as a burly figure behind her kept fucking her ass merciless with all his might. He had her on her knees, the upper body was pushed down on the bed and her ass jutting upward was getting rammed by a huge dick with hard powerful thrusts. The intensity of each thrust made the bed creak and caused her to scream in a mixture of both pain and pleasure.

"Shut up you whore, I entrusted you two with a simple task of managing those illiterate women but you both are just dumb bitches unable to control a young girl from blabbing her mouth. Now shut you trap and take your punishment like a good little slut."

"Pleaseeeee.. Ungh...Unghhh... " the women kept screaming but to no avail.

"It didn't work. That bitch is too stubborn for her own good," came a heavy, piercing voice from the shadowed corner of the room. A man sat on the sofa, naked from the waist down, his expression one of frustration. At his feet, another woman crouched, her head moving rhythmically up and down as she sucked his cock with passion.

"I... told you... it won't work," the man on the bed grunted between thrusts, his voice strained yet unwavering. He increased his punishing rhythm, each powerful movement eliciting cries and screams from the woman beneath him. Leaning forward, he grabbed her throat, choking her as he drove into her with wild, rough thrusts. Her gasps and pleads filled the air, mingling with the sound of flesh against flesh. With a final, guttural groan, he drove himself deep into her, his thick shaft buried to the hilt in her ass. As he reached his climax, his body shuddered, releasing a torrent of cum deep inside her.

He withdrew and climbed off the bed, leaving the woman almost unconscious. Exhausted and drained, she slumped onto the bed, her body a picture of the rough handling she had endured. Her ass cheeks were a vivid crimson, imprinted with the marks of rough spanking. Her sweaty back was adorned with dark hickeys, and her face was swollen, evidence of the intensity of their encounter.

"I told you, Saad Bhai, she's not the kind of woman who'll be intimidated by a mere text message. You are overreacting, let her continue her investigation, my work is foolproof. She won't be able to link any of the diverted funds to you or me." Patode spoke with a casual confidence, attempting to calm Saad down.

Patode settled into the adjacent sofa, his demeanor relaxed as he took a big swig of scotch from the glass in front of him. "Just relax and leave everything to me," he said confidently. "In a few weeks, instead of these cheap bitches, I'll have that nosy and stubborn Shipra here in the same room serving your cock while I drill her from behind."

He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of confidence and arrogance. To emphasize his point, Patode delivered a hard spank to the woman crouching in front of Saad Hassan. She flinched but didn't make a sound, knowing better than to protest.

Saad Hasan was the henchmen for the local MLA of the district Ambruj and the head of NGO as well. The same NGO responsible for sponsoring the self help groups, providing training, and aiding women in starting small businesses to become self-reliant. He was particularly assigned by the MLA because of his ruthlessness for collecting funds from the district through various illegal activities, one of which was looting government funds allocated as subsidy for upliftment of SHGs.

This illicit idea was the brain child of none other than Patode, who had grand political ambitions. Patode saw this as an opportunity to gain favor within the political party, aiming for a significant post and, eventually, an election ticket. Leveraging his political influence, Saad pressured government officials to release substantial portions of the subsidies to the Kasegoa branch. These funds, intended to aid in the development of poor backward women, were instead funneled into a web of deceit and corruption.

The two women in the room, enduring brutal fucking, were the coordinators of the self-help groups (SHGs) for the Kasegaon branch. Patode had strategically appointed these women, not for their integrity, but for their greed and willingness to deceive. They were his pawns, chosen specifically to mislead the illiterate women of the SHGs and facilitate the embezzlement of funds without raising suspicion. This corrupt operation ran smoothly until Sanju, a wild and educated young girl from the village, began to uncover the truth. She noticed discrepancies and started gathering evidence, enlisting the help of other cheated women. Together, they decided to expose the wrongdoing.

Hasan was not pleased with Patode's attitude. "I am not overreacting. I am trying to diffuse the situation before it gets out of hand. The elections are just around the corner, and if our little failure comes to light, the MLA will have both our heads."

Patode was about to respond, but Hasan wasn't done. He continued to glare at Patode with an intense, angry look. "On the contrary, I think you’re taking things very lightly, Patode. You assured me everything would continue as usual after her joining," Saad's voice was sharp and accusatory. "Explain it to me," Hasan shouted, his voice rising with fury, "how the hell did that bitch stumble upon our little arrangement despite you being in the branch?" As he spoke, he grabbed a handful of the hair of the woman kneeling between his legs, forcefully choking her with his cock. The woman's eyes widened in fear and pain, her muffled cries only fueling the tension in the room.

Patode sighed, rubbing his temples as he prepared to respond, a little fear in his eyes. "I understand the gravity of the situation, Saad bhai, but I assure you things won't spiral out of control. You just deal with that meddling Sanju girl in whatever way you want, leave Shipra to me. I've already set a plan in motion to take care of that bitch." His voice dripped with cold, calculated malice.

Saad's expression softened slightly, the anger in his eyes giving way to a chilling, predatory look. "You'd better move fast. If she causes any trouble, no one will be spared, not even you Patode," he hissed.

With a final, forceful thrust, Hasan released the woman, who collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath. But Hasan wasn't finished. Without a hint of mercy, he grabbed her by the hair again and dragged her towards the bed. She barely resisted, too weak and terrified to fight back. Hasan threw her onto the bed as if she were nothing more than a toy, his movements precise and unfaltering.

As he removed his pathani kurta, pulling it over his head, the sight of his naked body made even Patode swallow hard. Hasan's back was a canvas of brutality, adorned with numerous injury marks that told stories of violent encounters. Dominating his back was a large, ominous tattoo of a wild, mad bull, its eyes blazing with a ferocity that mirrored Hasan's own.

Hasan's physique was imposing. He was bulkier and much heavier than Patode, with a frame that spoke of raw power rather than athletic finesse. His muscles were thick and unyielding, a testament to his dominance and strength. While his cock wasn't as long as Patode's, it was significantly thicker, adding to his intimidating presence.

Patode watched, a mix of awe and apprehension in his eyes. He knew Hasan's reputation, his ruthlessness, and his capacity for violence. This display of raw power was a reminder of the stakes they faced and the lengths they would go to maintain control.

Hasan's eyes were dark, filled with a predatory hunger as he looked at the women on the bed. Both women trembled, their bodies shaking with fear as they anticipated the brutality they were about to endure at the hands of this savage brute. Their eyes, wide and glistening with tears, darted around the room, seeking any form of escape, but finding none.

The room was soon filled with the anguished cries and desperate screamns of the women, their voices filled with pain and terror. Hasan's grunts and harsh laughter only added to the oppressive atmosphere. Patode, observing the scene with a cold detachment, felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. This display of dominance was necessary to maintain control and instill fear. But even as he watched, his mind was already working on his next step.

As he turned to leave the room, his phone buzzed with a notification. Glancing down, he saw a message that immediately enticed a wide smile on his face.

Namrata : "Fuck Shipra, my room tomorrow evening, I don't care if she watches us."

Patode : "With pleasure my Slut"

"What's up, Alok bhai? Still fuming from our little leg pulling?" said Hitesh, the fourth member of the group who had attempted to defend Alok earlier that day during the teasing.

Alok was sitting in a dingy local bar, drowning his anger and frustration in alcohol. The dim lighting and the smell of stale beer only added to his sour mood. He looked up with bloodshot eyes as Hitesh approached, a scowl etched on his face. "What the fuck are you doing here, you motherfucker? Haven't you had enough fun earlier today? I swear I'll bust your head open with this bottle if you try to make fun of me again," Alok declared, his voice trembling with rage. His grip tightened around the neck of the beer bottle, ready to bash it on Hitesh’s head.

"Whoa, relax, Alok bro," Hitesh said, raising his hands in a placating gesture and taking a cautious step back. "I’m not here to make fun of you. I just wanted to hear your side of the story. I know Swapnil is a lying wimp. Something must have happened between you two."

Alok's eyes narrowed, still suspicious, but Hitesh's calm demeanor and genuine concern began to chip away at his anger. "Yeah, right. You all just love seeing me as the butt of your jokes," he muttered, but his grip on the bottle loosened slightly.

"Look, man," Hitesh continued, his voice steady and sincere. "I know things got out of hand today. But I'm here because I care, and I want to understand what really happened. Swapnil said some things, and honestly, I don’t trust him. You've been my friend for years, Alok. I know you're not the completely lying."

Alok took a long swig of his beer, his eyes still locked on Hitesh. He could see the sincerity in Hitesh’s eyes, and despite his simmering rage, he felt a flicker of trust. "Alright, you want to know what happened?" he began, his voice heavy with resentment. Alokk in his inebriate state told everything that happened the Sunday night to Hitesh.

Hitesh listened intently to Alok’s detailed narration of the events from Sunday night, a mix of amusement and arousal flickering in his eyes. As Alok finished, a cunning smile spread across Hitesh’s face. "I might be able to help you take revenge on Swapnil, if you're up for it," he said, his voice dripping with intrigue.

Alok's eyes narrowed, still seething with anger. "No need," he snapped. "I'm just going to thrash that son of a bitch Swapnil until he apologizes to me."

Hitesh shook his head, his smile widening. "What if you could not only inflict pain on Swapnil but also get to fuck that slut Shipra as well?" he posed, the suggestion laced with temptation.

Alok paused, his curiosity piqued despite his rage. "How so?" he asked, leaning in slightly.

Hitesh's eyes gleamed with a wicked shine. "Listen, we know Swapnil has a crush on Shipra, so the only way to really get under his skin is through her. Here's the plan," Hitesh narrated his complete plan, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

Alok's eyes narrowed, the idea starting to take shape in his mind. "And then we can do whatever we want with him. Make him suffer."

"Exactly," Hitesh said, as they both high fives each other.

Alok leaned back, a twisted smile spreading across his face. "Damn, you
are evil, Hitesh. But I like it. Let's go for it. I'm not a wimp like Swapnil."

"Yeaahhhhh!!!" they both cheered.

Chasm of Choices

"Just keep your head down and complete your rural term, Shipra. Why are you so adamant about doing social service? I'm telling you from experience, no good will come out of it. The bank doesn't care about you or your noble cause." Alok's tone was sharp, his irritation unmistakable.

It was a typical Tuesday morning, Shipra had just confided in Alok about the corrupt practices and fraud she had uncovered at their branch. She had also mentioned the threatening message she received from an unknown number, omitting the vulgar details. She had hoped for guidance and maybe some appreciation for her courage, but instead, Alok's response echoed the same dismissive attitude as the anonymous message, telling her to stop her investigation.

"I care, Alok," Shipra countered, her voice firm and unwavering. "These poor village women are being denied a chance to uplift their lives. Beyond that, lakhs and lakhs of government funds are being diverted through my branch. If I do nothing, wouldn't it implicate me in the future as well?"

Alok, an ex banker who had seen the darker sides of the industry, spoke from his own painful experiences. He had tried to expose corruption during his service years and had been burnt badly by the system. His attempts to root out fraud had only led to career setbacks and personal turmoil. Now, he tried to protect Shipra in the only way he knew—by advising her to stay out of trouble. Although he genuinely meant well, his concern for her promotion and career stability seemed to outweigh his concern for her safety and moral integrity.

"I understand your concerns, Shipra," Alok said, his tone calm and measured. "But based on what you've explained, I don't see any direct loss to the bank. The loan documentation is flawless, the funds are released according to norms, and the government subsidies are provided as per the guidelines. Since the loans are already closed, there's no way you could be implicated in the future."

Alok paused on the other end of the line, searching for the right words to make her see reason. "From the threat you received, it's clear there's some political involvement in this matter. This could be very dangerous, Shipra. I strongly suggest you drop your investigation. You'll be there just for a few more months. Once you leave, things will return to how they were. You alone cannot change the system. Be a little selfish and listen to reason. Don't act irrationally—this could damage the bank's reputation and affect your promotion."

Shipra felt a wave of disappointment and anger wash over her. She respected Alok and valued his experience, but his reaction made her feel isolated and unsupported. He not even once tried to understand her on the contrary demeaned her efforts. She had always believed that standing up against wrongdoing was the right thing to do, and she wasn't ready to back down just yet. Despite Alok's warning, she knew she had to follow her conscience, even if it meant facing the risks alone.

"I understand your point, Alok, but I can't ignore the fraud happening right under my nose. I can't be that selfish. For me, promotion isn't everything. I don't want to regret not listening to my heart," Shipra responded confidently, her voice tinged with harshness.

Alok's tone hardened. "You're being naive, Shipra. This isn't about just one incident of fraud; it's about protecting yourself and the bank. Your stubbornness could cost us dearly. Think about our present situation Shipra, do you think it's worth the risk?"

She didn't realize it, but the conversation with Namrata yesterday about being controlled by Alok had planted a seed of doubt and irritation in her mind. Namrata's words had lingered, subtly influencing her thoughts and emotions. This nagging feeling festered, creating a backdrop of resentment and defiance. As Alok tried to dissuade her from pursuing the investigation, the subconscious impact of Namrata's remarks began to surface. Her responses became agitated and more defensive. Shipra’s words became sharper. "And what about my integrity, Alok? Should I just turn a blind eye because it's convenient? Because it's safe? That's not who I am."

Alok’s frustration was palpable even over the phone. "Integrity is important, but so is survival. You're not just risking your career—you’re risking everything. Think about the bigger picture."

"The bigger picture? All I see is you trying to control me, to make me fall in line like everyone else. I expected more support from you, but I guess I was wrong," Shipra snapped, her disappointment turning into anger.

Alok’s voice grew colder. "You're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. If you go through with this, don't expect me to bail you out when things go south."

"Don't worry, I won't," Shipra shot back, her voice icy. "I can handle this on my own, without your so-called support."

There was a long, uncomfortable silence on the line, filled with the tension of their unresolved conflict. Finally, Shipra hung up, leaving Alok holding the phone, a look of frustration and concern etched on his face.

As Shipra ended the call, she took a deep breath, trying to steady the tumult of emotions swirling inside her. The air felt heavy, almost suffocating, as she stepped out of her car. The sun, already high in the sky, blazed down, casting a harsh light that made the dusty streets of Kasegoan shimmer with heat, intensifying the weight of the decision she had just made. She walked towards the branch, her steps firm and purposeful, her mind focused on the task ahead.

She was determined to prove Alok wrong, and more importantly, to demonstrate to herself that she was not under his control. She could make her own decisions, act of her own free will, and shape her own destiny. This uncharacteristic defiance in Shipra was due to Namrata's harsh words which had struck a nerve.

Throughout her married life, Shipra had always acted in accordance with Alok's wishes. She had justified this compliance by believing that Alok knew best and that his decisions were made with their future in mind. However, deep down, she recognized that Alok's controlling nature often overshadowed her own desires and aspirations. This uncomfortable truth had been lurking in the shadows of her mind, unacknowledged and unaddressed.

Namrata's blunt remarks during their argument had cut through Shipra's carefully constructed defenses. Namrata had pointed out, with brutal honesty, that Shipra had never truly lived for herself but had always followed Alok's lead. This stark assessment hit Shipra hard, forcing her to confront a reality she had been reluctant to face. The realization that she had been living under Alok's control all these years was both painful and liberating.

The need to disprove the harsh reality of Namrata's words drove her forward. She was driven by a fierce desire to assert her independence and to prove to herself that she could make her own life decisions. Yet in her quest to assert her independence, she was unknowingly starting to strain her relationship with Alok.

She failed to see the irony of the situation: the conflict with Alok was boosting her wounded self-esteem as an independent woman, but it was simultaneously dissolving the guilt and shame that had been eating away at her since her rendezvous with Namrata and Patode on Sunday night, a night that had almost led to her cheating on Alok and becoming involved in an extramarital affair. In her quest to assert her independence, the arguments with Alok served as a strange form of validation.

As she entered her cabin, Shipra was startled to find Patode waiting for her. Her heartbeat quickened, and a wave of anxiety washed over her. The sight of him brought back memories of the dreaded Sunday night when she had found herself entangled in a sexual act involving Patode and Namrata, a situation that had nearly escalated into a threesome. Her hands instinctively went to her mangalsutra, clutching it tightly. The guilt and shame of that night had haunted her since, and she had known that a confrontation with Patode was inevitable. Yet, whenever she tried to imagine how it would play out, her mind went blank.

Patode stood near her desk, his expression cool and composed. His presence alone seemed to fill the room with an oppressive tension. Shipra took a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm and collected.

"Good morning, Patode ji, please have a seat." she greeted him, forcing a steady tone into her voice.

"Good morning, Shipra ma'am," he replied smoothly, his eyes scrutinizing her from top to bottom. Shipra was conservatively dressed today in a beautiful light green cotton saree with a matching dark green blouse. Although her attire was modest, the fitting and her fair skin tone contrasting with the saree made her figure stand out. The saree was tied just below her navel, revealing her flat, smooth stomach and her navel, which caught Patode's wandering eyes.

Despite the modesty of her outfit, Patode couldn't help but mentally undress her. He had already seen her nearly naked during that il-fated Sunday night, and now, his gaze lingered on her curves. Her little cleavage, partially hidden by the blouse, and the gentle sway of her hips as she moved gave his cock a jolt of arousal. He masked his thoughts with a composed exterior, but his eyes betrayed a hint of the lust he felt.

"You're looking very beautiful in the saree, ma'am," Patode commented, his eyes lingering on her figure. He wondered what color bra and panties she might be wearing today.

Shipra felt a wave of discomfort under his scrutinizing gaze but maintained her composure. She was determined not to let him see how uneasy he made her. "Thank you, Patode Ji," she replied politely, taking her seat behind the desk. It was still early morning, and no other staff had arrived at the branch yet.

Sensing an opportunity to address the issue without prying ears, Shipra decided to confront him about the events of Sunday night. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation. "I hope you're here to apologize for what happened on Sunday night," she said, her voice firm but controlled.

Patode was prepared for this confrontation. He had anticipated that Shipra would demand an apology, but ever since that night, he had pegged her as having a submissive nature. He believed that backing down and apologizing would allow her to gain the upper moral hand and return to a state of normalcy. Normally, he would have employed cunning tactics to get his way, but today, he was seething with anger at her nosiness, which had landed him in hot water with the ruthless Saad Hassan. Hence he came to the office with a predetermined motive of disturbing Shipra's state of mind. He was determined to speed up his plan to break her spirit.

Leaning forward, he rested his hands on her desk, his posture exuding dominance. "Apologize? For what, exactly?" he smirked, his voice laced with condescension. "From what I remember, you were very much a willing participant in everything that happened. No one forced you or Namrata. On the contrary, you should apologize to me for being such a cock tease and then backing out. If it wasn't for your mangalsutra that night, we would be having an entirely different conversation right now. So, don’t you act like some innocent victim here. You, out of your free will, got involved in whatever game you both were playing and loved every filthy second of it."

Shipra's stomach churned at his words, but she maintained her composure. "Mind your language Patode. That night was a mistake. We were all drunk. A moment of poor judgment on my part. But it doesn't change the fact that it was completely inappropriate and unprofessional, especially considering you are my junior and colleague."

Patode's smirk widened, eager to embarrass her further. "Inappropriate? Perhaps. But let's not pretend you didn't enjoy yourself. You were quite enthusiastic, if I recall correctly. You were frantically looking for that condom, desperate to feel my big cock inside you. Weren't you?"

He paused, relishing the sight of Shipra's face, flushed with embarrassment and guilt. She avoided eye contact, her composure and determination faltering under his vulgar but true words.

"Yes, I could have controlled myself," Patode continued, leaning even closer. "But answer me this, ma'am: for a single guy like me, if two beautiful and sexy women like you and Namrata threw themselves at me, who would be able to resist?"

Shipra's hands trembled slightly as she tried to steady herself. She knew she had to regain control of the situation, but Patode's words cut deep, dredging up memories she had been desperately trying to forget. She took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of strength she had left.

"As I said, Patode, we were all drunk," Shipra began, her voice steady but strained. "I apologize if my actions in that inebriated state gave you any wrong ideas about my character or intentions. I am a happily married woman with a young child. Please, let's forget about what happened between us and keep our relationship strictly professional. I will talk with Namrata as well. I am sure she feels the same way."

"Don't beat yourself up, ma'am," Patode said, his tone taking on a falsely comforting edge. "It's actually no one's fault. You and Namrata are both beautiful and sexy women in your prime. It's natural to have sexual desires and the need for physical intimacy. You don't have to feel guilty about it."

He leaned back in his chair, making himself comfortable as he continued. "Namrata, unlike you, goes after what she wants, and she did the same that night. You, on the other hand, being married, hide your desires. But under the influence of alcohol, those suppressed feelings boiled over. I’ve been with many married women, and I know that married life can become unsatisfactory after a few years both physically and mentally."

Shipra’s face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment, but Patode ignored her discomfort, pressing on with a casual tone. "And if a married woman is as beautiful and elegant as you, constantly receiving attention from men, it’s difficult to adjust to a monotonous married life. It’s only natural to seek out excitement and fulfillment elsewhere. You won't accept it, but your actions on Sunday night were a direct result of such dissatisfaction."

Shipra felt her composure slipping, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "Patode, this conversation is wildly inappropriate. My personal life is none of your concern, and your assumptions are offensive. Whatever happened that night was a lapse in judgment, influenced by alcohol, and it will not happen again."

Patode smirked, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "You can tell yourself that, ma'am. But denying your own nature won't make those feelings go away. Just think about it."

Shipra's hands clenched into fists, her patience wearing thin. "I don’t need your unsolicited advice about my own feelings. What happened that night stays in the past, and I hope it will not affect our work relationship. Now if you don't have any work related matter to discuss you can leave now."

Patode shrugged, his expression one of feigned indifference. "As you wish, ma'am. But just remember, I'm always here if you need to feel some excitement and thrills outside your happy married life. And yes, next time leave your mangalsutra behind." He gave Shipra a lusty look as he stood and made his way out.

Shipra felt a wave of relief as he finally stood up to leave, but she knew this wasn’t the end. Patode had made it clear that he saw their interactions as a game, one he intended to play on his terms.

Just as he reached the door, Patode turned back, his expression amused. "And a heads-up about Namrata: you don't need to talk to her. She and I have decided to continue our little fling. After yesterday's fucking, she's addicted to my cock." He gave Shipra a suggestive wink as he grabbed his crotch stroking his cock before finally closing the door behind him.

Shipra sat in stunned silence, her mind racing. Her suspicions from yesterday were correct: Namrata had lied to her with a straight face. She felt a pang of anger and betrayal, her trust in her best friend shattered. She couldn't believe that Namrata, someone she had always confided in and relied on, would deceive her so blatantly.

Fuming, she picked up her phone, her fingers trembling with rage. She was ready to give Namrata a piece of her mind, to demand answers for the betrayal and deceit. Her thoughts swirled, a mix of hurt and indignation. As she stared at Namrata's contact on her phone, Shipra's mind flashed back to their conversation the previous day. Namrata had seemed so sincere, so earnest in her denial. Shipra had wanted to believe her, had almost convinced herself that her suspicions were unfounded. But now, with Patode's cruel confirmation, the reality hit hard.

Just as she was about to dial, her phone rang. It was Sanju. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she answered the call. "Yes, Sanju."

"Good morning, madam ji. We have a situation here," Sanju spoke, her voice dull and low.

A wave of concern washed over Shipra. The lingering anxiety from her tense conversation with Patode was now aggravated by the possibility of bad news. "What is the issue, Sanju?" she replied, her voice laced with concern.

"Madam, please come to the village immediately. The women are backing out from giving their statements," Sanju replied, her tone filled with urgency and hope.

"I'm on my way, Sanju. Don't let them leave," Shipra instructed. She hung up and quickly gathered her things, her mind racing. This could be a major setback to her investigation. If the women didn't give their statements, the investigation could stall before it even began. The women would be denied justice, and this failure could also undermine Shipra's newfound determination, essentially proving Alok right. Shipra dreaded facing Alok after her little stunt this morning. She hurried out of her office and made her way to the village.

As Shipra drove, her thoughts whirled. The stakes were incredibly high. The investigation was not just a professional endeavor; it was deeply personal. It represented her assertion of independence and her capability to make impactful decisions. Alok's skepticism about her abilities and the tension it had caused between them only heightened her resolve to see this through successfully.

When Shipra arrived at Sanju's house, the atmosphere was tense. Sanju met her at the entrance, her face etched with worry. From Sanju's expression, it was evident she had bad news to share. "What's the matter, Sanju? You were supposed to meet me along with the women who were ready to give their statements. Where are they?" Shipra asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"I'm very sorry. I know I promised, but every woman who was ready to give her statement backtracked. They've been threatened by the goons of that MLA's dog, Saad Hasan," Sanju said, her voice a mixture of anger and guilt.

"Who is this Saad Hasan, and what does he have to do with the matters of the Self-Help Groups (SHG) or the bank?" Shipra inquired, a hint of confusion in her voice.

Sanju took a deep breath and began to explain in detail. "Madam, Saad Hasan is a notorious figure around here and is the head of the NGO sponsoring the SHGs. He's known to be the muscle for the local MLA. He uses his influence and fear tactics to control various operations, including those involving SHGs. Saad Hasan, through political pressure and his gang of goons, siphons off lakhs and lakhs of government funds. His corrupt acts are not limited to the bank madam, in almost all the government departments in whole Amruj district he has his men doing his bidding and looting funds. He is a gangster madam with several bang and mur*er charges but no one dares to speak against him."

"Why didn't you bring this up yesterday?" Shipra said, hugely disappointed at the turn of events.

"I am sorry, madam. I didn't know that the women would backtrack from their stand. I have been trying to convince them all morning. I even told them that you were going to support them, but they were too scared to come forward and left," Sanju explained.

"Take me to their houses. I will personally try to convince them," Shipra insisted.

"It won't work, madam. They are very scared and they want..." Sanju replied.

"What? What they want....?" Shipra inquired.

"I don't want to offend you madam, but..." Sanju said, unsure.

"What is it? Tell me. I'll do anything to get justice for these women. Rest assured I won't get offended." Shipra said determinedly.

"Since you are new here, they want you to involve Patode ji in this matter," Sanju said cautiously, his eyes shifting nervously. "He is well-known in the village and has connections with the local unions. The women don't trust the branch managers because of their prior bad experiences. If Milind Patode ji, your subordinate, could have a talk with these ladies, ensuring his support, they will feel safer and might be willing to give their statements."

Shipra paused, her mind racing at the mention of Patode. The uncomfortable conversation she had with him just a few hours before replayed in her mind, stirring a storm of conflicting emotions. She sank into deep thought, realizing that fate seemed determined to push her towards this man she wished to avoid.

She remembered his changed attitude, his unapologetically vulgar mention of their sexual encounter, and the smugness in his voice. His thinly veiled offer to get involved in an extramarital affair with him had sent a shiver down her spine. Yet, she found herself caught in a dilemma. The more she wished to avoid Patode, the more circumstances seemed to force her to confront him. The village women’s trust in him, despite his behaviour with her, made him an unavoidable figure in this delicate situation.

She now faced a stark choice. She could drop her investigation, as Alok had suggested, apologize to him, and accept the fact that her independent decision had backfired. Dropping the investigation would be a personal and professional defeat, a concession that her actions were misguided and unworthy. It would reinforce Alok’s dominance over her, making it clear that he was right and she should have listened. This path would mean acknowledging defeat and betraying the women who were counting on her.

Alternatively, she could request Patode for his assistance, encouraging his inappropriate advances and giving him more power over her, especially after the near-threesome incident on that ill-fated Sunday night. Working with him in this matter will encourage him to try to seduce her in hope of bedding her along with Namrata.

The weight of the decision pressed down on her. If she chose the latter, she risked her desires and curiosity taking control of her actions, just like on that Sunday evening. It would test her loyalty to Alok, knowing full well that Patode would exploit the situation to his advantage, using every opportunity to manipulate and seduce her. But if she chose the former, she would be turning her back on justice and the women who needed her the most. Shipra's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. She had always prided herself on her integrity and her commitment to doing what was right, no matter the cost. As much as she loathed the idea of dealing with Patode, the thought of abandoning those women was unbearable.

"Madam, Patode ji is a very resourceful person. If he gets involved, I am sure women will come forward," Sanju said, breaking Shipra's chain of thoughts.

Shipra took a deep breath. The memory of her recent argument with Alok surfaced, intensifying the turmoil within her. The scenario of accepting that Alok might have been right was daunting, but it outweighed the risks associated with involving Patode. She was confident that she could keep Patode at bay, leveraging his resources without succumbing to his advances.

"Alright, Sanju," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I'll speak to Patode. But this is far from over. I'll find a way to ensure those women get the justice they deserve, no matter what it takes."

Sanju nodded, relief washing over his face. "Thank you, ma'am. I trust you. I am sure you will get us justice."

Shipra took Sanju's hand in hers, her grip firm and reassuring. "Thank you, Sanju. Your trust means a lot to me. Next time, I'll come along with Patode. In the meantime, you keep the women informed and ready. Their preparedness will be crucial."

She knew the road ahead would be filled with challenges, but she was determined to see it through. Leaving the village, Shipra felt the weight of the task ahead. Her mind was already working through the complexities of her next steps. She needed a clear, decisive plan to navigate the delicate situation with Patode. His involvement was crucial, but she had to keep an eye on him. His influence and resources could significantly bolster their efforts, but she had to ensure that their professional relationship remained just that—strictly professional.​