Ana was a very polite coworker at the client's place where Manas and Garima had been working for a week now. She had been very reserved at first, but had later become very friendly to both Manas and Garima. Ana had been married for a couple of years, but she seemed to have a fun streak when it comes to life.
Manas, who was generally very bad when it comes to identifying people who flirt with him, even he had felt that Ana was trying to charm him. She would always find a reason to keep coming to his desk with one or the other pretext. She usually wore a very low-cut blouse and would always stand with her upper body resting on her elbows on top of his cubicle separator, giving him a very good view of her cleavage. She was a petite lady, with fairly big boobs, giving her a very attractive cleavage; also, she never seemed to wear a bra underneath as he could never spot one.
Garima had noticed how Ana would talk to Manas and be around him. It was very clear to Garima that Ana had a crush on Manas. It made her a little possessive, but also proud that she is the one who gets to be with Manas, and not Ana. Especially after the incident with the massage, she had been wanting to make the next move, but Manas had been avoiding anything other than work talk with her. He had also refused walks on the beach, or any other activity she had suggested on their way back from work the following week. He looked to be a little embarrassed, also a lot more reserved. Garima wanted to somehow break this and get back to the comfort zone they were in before the day at the spa.
31st December was just around the corner, and Garima was trying to think of how she could convince Manas to go out to celebrate the new year. She did not want to spend the night at a hotel, especially in this party town, when thousands of people would be having a great time welcoming the new year. She did not know how to breach the subject and make it not appear like she is asking him out on a date.
The office was deserted today as many people were out of office enjoying the holidays, and even those who had come to work had left early, leaving just a few behind. Garima and Manas were discussing something official when Ana walked in.
"It's good to catch both of you together. I am having a small party for the new year at home. I would like to invite both of you to the party; it is not a fancy one, it's more of a private gathering with a few of our friends. My husband Carlos has heard a lot about you, Manas, from me; he has sent a special invite to you!" invited Ana.
Manas was surprised that Ana had brought him up at home, especially with her husband; he thought maybe Ana is just being polite about her invitation. Garima was happy that now she would be able to party, even though not in one of the clubs she had in mind, but still, it is better than spending the night alone in her room. She was considering the prospect of dragging Manas out to one of the clubs on their way back from the party.
Manas was inquisitive and he asked Ana what sort of party they were planning and would it be out of place for him to attend, as he did not know any of Ana's friends.
Ana was quick to persuade Manas, saying he wouldn't feel out of place at all; it was a small gathering with just two more of their friends, along with Manas and Garima. She also mentioned she lives very close to the beach and also not very far from the hotel where Manas was staying; they could easily walk to her place.
Manas looked at Garima, and Garima instantly accepted Ana's invite with a beaming smile. "We would be very happy to visit you," declared Garima.
Manas was actually surprised how liberally Garima had used the pronoun "we." It actually brought a smile to his face.
Ana looked very happy with the outcome. She gave Garima a hug and playfully mentioned, "Be ready for some exciting games, you two."
It was the 31st of December, and the party was supposed to start at 8 pm. Manas was ready by 7 pm. He was wearing a casual tee along with blue jeans. He always felt comfortable in this attire, and also his traveling wardrobe was pretty light when it comes to casual clothes. Manas and Garima had agreed to meet at 7:30, so that they can walk to Ana's place in time for the party. Manas was ready 30 minutes early, as he usually is. He texted Garima he is ready.
Garima instantly replied, "What?, it is just 7 pm, I haven't even started getting ready."
It was a partial lie. She had been shopping in the morning, finding a nice dress for the party, and also had visited a beauty salon to get her nails and hair done. As she was shopping for a dress, she was smitten by a pair of lacy hipster panties, which she had grabbed without even thinking. She was looking forward to dressing up for the evening and had been working on her outfit and her look all afternoon.
"I will go for a stroll on the beach and be back by 7:30," said Manas's text.
Manas stepped onto the beach; it looked really early; there were hardly any partygoers. He could see a bunch of people setting up their shacks and eateries. Manas reflected on the year and how far he had come that year. He remembered his conversation about Garima's boobs in the cafeteria, his embarrassment, the incident with the saree draping, and of course, the massage. He was married and had been faithful to his wife, but the incidents in the recent past had been tempting to say the least. His wife Sanjana was more of an adventurous kind, who looked forward to spicing up their sex lives; however, Manas had always been a sober kind.
Manas was back to the hotel at 7:30 pm; there were no signs of Garima at the lobby as decided earlier. In fact, the lobby was empty other than the receptionist.
"Where are you?" Manas was a little annoyed as he asked Garima on the phone.
Garima, knowing Manas's punctuality, was almost ready and she told him she would be down in 5 minutes.
Garima had carefully chosen every item of her look, and she felt satisfied as she looked at herself in the mirror that day. What she looked forward to more was Manas's reaction.