Author's Note: I know it's been a long while. But life caught up big time. Thanks to everyone who gave feedback and support. Apologies for not being able to give you an estimate on the arrival of this chapter. This time, your wait won't be as long. Cheers!
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Surinder Sahni did not know whether to be baffled or proud. He had just returned to London and was now trudging wearily up the stairs to his and Anushka's apartment after a brief stopover at the office. Robert Stevens seemed a very happy man these days. The fact that the company was doing well may have been one of the reasons, but his boss had never been one to remember the Indian festival of Diwali. Surinder had been met by a smiling Robert on the way out of the office and given a 'festival bonus' cheque as well as a package that was supposed to contain a saree for his wife as a token of Robert's affection towards them. The man actually seemed apologetic about not being able to give them a decent leave to return to India for the festival.
He rang the doorbell. It took only a minute before his wife opened it and gave him a small smile. She had her hair open, and the faint flowery scent emanating from it told him that she must have oiled it recently. Her light blue nightgown clung to her and Surinder let his eyes travel down her soft curves.
"Hello ji, I'm sorry I'm late" he said as he brushed past her, tapping her shoulder, "This is for you, Mr. Stevens asked me to pass it on. A Diwali gift, apparently"
Anushka stiffened, quickly taking the package from him. The package was soft and felt like fabric. She hoped Robert had not sent anything provocative to make her husband suspicious. The moment the thought crossed her head she chided herself.
It's not like you're having an affair.
Images of Robert's naked body towering over her assaulted her brain. It had been her hands stroking his manhood, willingly. She had even given him oral sex, had her body covered in another man's seed. And she had wanted it all. She knew trying to lie to herself was no good. They were in too deep now.
She looked at Surinder collapsed on the chair and felt a rush of guilt. It was not his fault. He was looking after her as dictated by his upbringing, and doing it to the best of his capacity. It was all her, she was the one who was not sated by what he offered. She needed something more, and had finally found it. Just not in her husband, not even an Indian. She was attracted, in a very sexual manner to a very well endowed African American. There was no reasoning this out; no one would understand what she saw in him. The quiet power, the physical prowess, the way he touched her possessively. "My cumslut" the words echoed in her head, and she felt aroused rather than revolted. This was a very bad situation.
No, I must try. For this poor man's sake I have to try, one last time, to be a good wife. I owe him that much.
"Shall I make some tea?"
"Yes please. That would be refreshing Anushka ji" his tired voice replied.
"Uh, Surinder ji..? She asked meekly
"Yes?"
"It is Ok if you call me Anushka... I am much younger to you, the honour is not deserved"
As soon as the words left her mouth she wondered why she had not just suggested he call her Anu.
"Uh, as you wish.... Anushka" he seemed confused.
Later, as they sat and watched television, sipping their tea in silence, she ventured a question.
"How long will you be staying ji?"
He responded without looking at her. "I'm leaving In two days time. I'm on the verge of brokering what could be a very successful partnership"
"Oh, I was hoping perhaps we could spend some time together. See more of the city perhaps, it gets lonely here"
He looked at her then, "I am truly sorry, but for a while I must focus on my work. There will be time to relax later"
