The following morning, Pooja considered reaching out to her friend Aparna, asking her to pick up her son Aryan from the school bus and look after him until she returned in the evening.
Pooja: (To Aryan) Aryan, mommy needs to take care of something important today, so I'll be late in the evening. Aparna aunty will be here to look after you until I'm back.
(Aparna's apartment is just two apartment away from her. She lied her that she needs to meet her Causin at Mulund)
Aryan: (Curious) What's so important, Mom? Can I also accompany you?
Pooja: (Hesitant) Oh, it's just some work I have to do, Aryan. Don't worry; I'll be home before bedtime.
After Aryan left for school, Pooja felt a strange mix of excitement and apprehension as she prepared herself for the evening.
With her heavy makeup and an exquisite traditional dress, Pooja stood before the mirror, feeling a world away from her usual self. The reflection staring back at her seemed like a woman she hardly recognized. The allure of the forbidden world beckoned her, but she couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at her conscience.
At the R City Mall, Raju's presence exuded arrogance and impatience. He regarded Pooja with disdain, convinced she was just another newcomer trying to make her way in the world he knew all too well.
Raju: (Sarcastically) Took you long enough to get here, new girl. Can't keep the clients waiting, you know.
Pooja: (Resisting the urge to snap back) I apologize for the delay. Let's proceed to the hotel, shall we?
As they continued their journey to the hotel, Raju couldn't resist making a crude remark about Pooja's appearance, fully aware of the effect it would have on her.
Raju: (Smirking) You know, new girl, with a figure like yours, you're going to be a big hit with my clients. They love someone with curves in all the right places.
Pooja: (Blushing and uncomfortable) That's not something you should be commenting on, Raju.
Raju: (Laughing) Oh, come on. You can't deny it. Your sexy figure is going to drive them wild.
Pooja: (Feeling objectified) I don't appreciate your comments, Raju. I'm not here to be objectified by your clients.
Raju: (Dismissive) Relax, new girl. It's just the way things work in this business. You'll get used to it.
Pooja: (Ignoring his comment) Just get me to the hotel, Raju. I don't want to hear any more of your crude remarks.
As Raju continued driving, he couldn't help but share more details about the mysterious client Pooja was about to meet.
Raju: (Chuckling) You know, new girl, this client of yours is quite unique. He specifically requested a married woman, not some young girl.
Pooja: (Blushing) Why would he want a married woman?
Raju: (Grinning) Oh, these rich folks have all sorts of fantasies. It's like they want to experience the forbidden fruit.
Pooja: (Feeling curious) Really? That's strange.
Raju: (Nodding) It might seem strange to you, but it's just how they are. Married women are in demand, and that's good news for you.
Pooja: (Still blushing) I can't believe I'm having this conversation with you.
Raju: (Laughing) Well, get used to it, new girl. In this line of work, you'll hear and see all kinds of things. You've got to be open-minded and adaptable.
Raju's comments left Pooja feeling both amused and uneasy. The idea of being desired for her marital status was something she had never considered before. It was as if she was about to step into a realm of hidden desires and fantasies, where the forbidden allure of being a married woman made her an exotic and sought-after companion.
As they arrived at the hotel, Pooja took a deep breath, preparing herself for the evening ahead. She knew that she was about to venture into a world full of complexities and challenges, but she was determined to face them with strength and grace.