THE NEW MUGHAL : PART III
Prologue
The renovation of Rang Mahal was almost complete. The din of electric saws, welding machines, hammers and motors, would be over soon.
Externally, there was a fresh coat of paint on the walls, heavily tinted glass covering all the balconies on the second floor, and solar power paneling along the walls on the third floor and the roof. But internally, the changes were, well, many.
First Floor. The Bank Guest Rooms were as it is, as they were occupied during the renovation. The other two rooms had been made into one large dormitory, with partitions for bachelor tenants, with a larger kitchen as the base for Parvez's catering business which would also cater for all the occupants of Rang Mahal. The floor gave a feel of a college hostel.
Second floor. The entire floor had been converted into a single hall with three longitudinal sections. One section was converted into a gym, with electrically moveable glass panels such that once drawn close, the persons inside could not see out but could be observed from the outside. The second section had a Turkish Bath cum Spa for casual visitors and gym users. The lift opened into this section and terminated here. The third section was a lounge with bean bags, water mattresses, thick cushions, and heavy drapes, and a transparent elevator for access to the top floor. This section was secured by biometric access and could be entered by a select few. It was thickly carpeted with heavy sound proof paneling.
The top floor could be accessed only through the transparent elevator. The four rooms on the top floor had been redone in four different styles -- Mandarin, North Indian, Arab and African -- but with one overall theme. This was where Yakub planned to indulge his fantasies.
Over the last seven weeks, Yakub had successfully utilized the expertise of Salim, Ravi, Abhay and Kirpal. He had also abstained from any form of sex. While Abhay had monitored the civil engineering aspect, and Kirpal had implemented electronic requirements, Salim and Ravi had managed the overall project. He had let Parvez to work on her fitness under Smita's guidance. Bindu's pregnancy had stabilized, and she was active in Parvez's catering business, giving Parvez ample time to continue visiting her beauty service customers. With the college going to be closed for two summer months, he was eager to put his plan into motion.
But his immediate need was urgent release. And today his target was Bindu, for which he had a scenario in mind.
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Chapter 9 : 17 May
It was almost 4 pm as he entered the gate of Rang Mahal. Yakub had completed his second year exam the previous day, and today he got late because of the send-off party for the college seniors which he could not (or did not) want to miss. Abbu was at the shop, working his beads. Salim and Kirpal were standing next to Ravi, who was on the phone. He patted the dog, and then approached the tenant trio.
R : ....... going to make the payment only when the complete work is done. (pause) but I have given you a post dated cheque (pause) who told you funds are insufficient? (pause) OK, meet me at the bank right now (pause) Fine, I will pick you up from your house and we will go to the bank together.
Y : (as Ravi hung up) What happened?
R : That crook contractor has not completed the work in the gym and spa. Now he wants the complete payment in advance. I am going to sort it out.
Y : I will come with you.
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Chapter 10
Fifteen minutes later, Yakub and Ravi were sitting in the house of the contractor. Known as Thambi, the contractor was a pot bellied man in late forties, who had funded the entire renovation on zero percent loan. He was being repaid from the profits of the grocery shop and tenant rent left after routine expenditure. Yakub had extracted major concessions from Thambi, courtesy his mental prowess, but the control had weakened and required renewal. That was why Yakub had come along, although a bystander would assume Yakub was Abba's proxy.
Before Yakub could make eye contact with his victim, Thambi's wife entered with water for the guests, as is wont in South Asian hospitality. Yakub's eyes filled with lust as she approached. She was clad conservatively in a dark blue saree, with only her fore arms and neck exposed. But it could not hide her hourglass silhouette. As she neared Ravi and bent forward, offering water to Ravi and her side profile to Yakub's stare, Yakub took in her fair skin, light make-up on her face and fairly large boobs.
To Yakub, everything now appeared to be happening in slow motion. He was deaf to the conversation between Thambi and Ravi, as she straightened and turned to him. When she made eye contact with him, she was considering him as a harmless teenager. But then Yakub initiated his magic. And by the time she bend forward, her defences as a woman had been breached.
Bindu could wait. Yakub would develop his fantasy scenario in Thambi's household.
Y : (whispering softly) What is your name?
Woman : Hema.
Y : Hema, go to the bedroom and wait.
As Hema retreated, Yakub turned to Thambi, who seemed to be saying something to him.
T : ......... is not sufficient. I .............
Yakub made eye contact and sent a forceful suggestion for Thambi to freeze. As Ravi watched impassively, Yakub turned Thambi to mush.
Y : My child, I am your family deity. I was impressed by your family's devotion to me. So I have come to bless you all in person. I came with Ravi to save you from a grave sin, and also to save you from the embarrassment of not recognizing me. Your wife recognized me immediately, so I have sent her away.
Yakub was aware of the fact that all members of Thambi's community were God fearing idol worshippers. Their women folk were especially entrapped in religious customs and traditions, and undertook several fasts and rituals. As a result of their gullibility, they were notoriously prone to financial and sexual exploitation. Now was Yakub's turn to live out this fantasy.
T : My lord, everything I have is yours. Command me, and I will obey.
Y : Where are the other members of the household?
T : My elder daughter Anju has gone out with her would be husband and will be coming back soon. My younger daughter Chitra is inside, preparing for her medical entrance exam day after tomorrow.
Y : My son, you are blessed to have three apsaras (translation - heavenly nymphs) staying with you. They all will receive my love and blessings. But you? While you have done well in resisting some entrapments of worldly vices, you have committed a few serious sins. However, your wife's penances will atone for them. She is as pure as Ahilya, who was delivered by me from the pains of mortal life. If you do what needs to be done, I will be free of my commitments and am able to return to my heavenly abode soonest. So make a careful note of what I say now.
There was silence for next ten minutes as Yakub 'coached' Thambi. Once he had finished, Thambi was the second cuckold under Yakub's control.