The Lord Of The House Ch 05

Chapter 5 - Transitions

As soon as they arrived home, Kriti went to shower and change clothes.

A pair of lovely new suits were hanging in the front of her closet, which made her smile. She didn't call for Choti, she wrapped a sari herself and went to find Sunil.

She found him sitting by the pool and perched on the edge of his chaise. "Thank you for the suits."

He kissed her softly on the lips. "You can't wear the same thing every day. I hear it went well."

"From your father?"

"Lowell. He called me himself."

"I have to tell you, Sunil, there's a terrible price--"

"--We pay the price no matter what," he interrupted. "Unless I find a way out."

"Do you want a way out?"

"I can't believe you'd wonder!"

Kriti flashed back to the closet, weeks ago, to Choti's mouth filled with Sunil's cock, her own astonishment. She measured her words carefully. "I think that you've been taught to crave having power over others, taking what you want when you want it."

He looked into her eyes for long seconds, seeming to search. "You aren't wrong. I've also been on the other side of that power. I know what it feels like to be used."

***

The week passed with a spate of work, which Kriti found extremely pleasing. The Thakur rode with her each day to the factory but made no demands, he was absorbed in phone calls, the newspaper, or emails the whole way. Once, he returned with her; twice, Sunil did. Still, she could not relax into a routine, found herself always expecting to be brought to the Thakur's office at any moment. Perhaps that's what he wanted.

One morning late in the week, none of the men appeared at the breakfast table. Having already taken a vigorous swim, Kriti ate her fill with gusto. She was just finishing when Faaz came in.

"Memsahib, I am to take you to the factory when you are ready to leave."

To cover her surprise, she dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. "What time does the Thakur prefer?"

With a little bow, Faaz clarified, "I am assigned to you, with the time at your preference. The Thakur has gone to the club."

How utterly delightful. "I'll be ready in twenty minutes. Thank you, Faaz." He nodded and left. A day at work without her tormentor hardly seemed possible. There had to be a catch. What it might be, she didn't want to imagine.

The ride to the factory was uneventful, completely pleasant. She comported herself with her usual modesty. She could only hope that Faaz understood her bondage. She also took care not to take out her phone. He might be kind to her, but he answered to the Thakur.

Without worry about a specific appointment hanging over her head, she threw herself into work and suddenly, it was lunch time. She looked up and Sunil was hovering in the lab doorway. She smiled at him, reflexively.

"Would you like to have lunch together?" he asked.

She resisted the urge to glance at her colleagues. "Of course!" she replied. Although she felt apprehensive, it wouldn't do at all to reject lunch with her husband, particularly in front of others. Stacking her notes neatly, she followed him out the door.

"I often take lunch on the upstairs terrace if it isn't too warm."

She hadn't been on the roof before. It overlooked the countryside, and the relative greenery provided a cooler breeze. The Thakur had kept the factory remote while still within easy shipping distance by rail and truck.

A sailcloth awning stretched above the table and chairs, providing shade. Two workers were pouring nimbu pani and unstacking tiffins full of fragrant dishes. Kriti found herself ravenous again, but she took modest portions as usual.

They ate in companionable silence for a time. There were so many things that Kriti wanted to discuss, but without knowing

which

Sunil had turned up for lunch, she felt wary.

Finally, Sunil laid his fork aside and drank deeply. He sighed. "The work you're doing is so helpful. I realize, if father doesn't, that we would have spent something like twenty-five percent more for the certification team so far if you hadn't been brought in."

"I'm glad." Quietly, she wished that she could request a salary, the better to increase her future options.

But this is how family works

, she reminded herself.

Glancing to ensure that the workers had gone, Sunil rose and set a chair against the door to the stairs. Returning to the table, he said, "Father sought to shock me with his tale of

success

with you." He put up a hand as Kriti started to protest. "I know. I've tried not to think about it when I'm not forced to watch. It's cowardly. You're the one being... violated, whatever the insane justification in his mind."

Kriti listened without comment. It was better for Sunil to reach these conclusions on his own.

"I have some ideas," he continued. "None of them are quick, save running away."

That didn't sound tragically bad to Kriti. If they fled together, her honor and her family's would remain intact.

"I'm not ready to abandon all that I've built here," Sunil admitted. "That might sound cruel, or at least selfish. If we go now, I'd be starting over. And the Thakur would strive to poison my network to make it even harder."

Kriti considered her words with care. "I would gladly start over with you."

Sunil looked at her a long time, his eyes soft.

She knew he wasn't strong enough. Not yet. "In the meantime," she said, "I'll do the best I can. Please don't hold it against me."

He drew her up by the hand and into his lap. Feeling safely alone, she sank into his kisses. Soon, his hardness pressed through their clothing against her rear. She focused on remembering how attractive he had, at one time, been to her.

His hand glided to the hem of her skirt. "May I?"

The simple question was oddly arousing. "You may."

He shifted the cloth up and caressed her ass. She slipped a hand between them. Sunil groaned aloud. Kriti thought,

Well, we're married, it's the one relationship that shouldn't shock anyone.

Impulsively, she stood enough to straddle him. He quickly wrestled his trousers open. She took him inside slowly, enjoying the sensation, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Ah, you're so wet." Both hands clasped her ass, keeping her tight against him.

"Turns out that I like being asked," she replied.

He smiled and drove up into her. They moved together fast and hard. Sunil wasn't quiet. Kriti swiftly felt the peak rising and she came in record time, clinging to him. Sunil soon followed. They dissolved into laughter trying to use the cloth napkins and water glasses to clean up.

The rest of the workday felt easy. She was full of endorphins, back in the swing of problem solving, and the team camaraderie was her bonus. She felt in an exceedingly good mood as Faaz handed her into the car.

"Is there anywhere that memsahib would like to stop?"

That took her off guard. She thought fast. "Do you know where lunch came from today? Sunil ordered it and the flavors were outstanding."

Faaz thought for a moment or two. "He does have a favorite in the town here."

"Do they sell their spice blends or chutneys?"

"Hm, I believe so."

"If you don't mind, I'd like to bring some back for Cook." It was an innocuous errand that would help establish a pattern, and she'd familiarize herself with the town.

After a quick stop, packages stowed, as Faaz drove slowly through the streets, Kriti took note of the various dwellings, particularly the nicer few. This was likely where Sunil had been staying, close to the factory. She had to admit twinges of jealousy, whether because she hadn't let go of the notion that he was her newlywed husband, or because she envied his freedom. She tried to shake off the feeling before it spoiled her relative contentment, at least for the rest of the drive.

Once home, Kriti took the opportunity in a quiet house to purchase a bus ticket online through a burner email address, and printed it, carefully clearing the internet and printer buffers. It went into a plain envelope and then into her stack of saris. She phoned to preorder a pair of flats from her usual shop in the nearest town and told the clerk that she'd like to try them on in the store rather than have them delivered. Stopping to pick them up would provide cover for grabbing cash. The shop had a restroom in the back and the sundries store next door had an ATM. She hoped that its back door wasn't kept locked.

"Kriti?" Raj called from the hall. She stepped out to meet him, query on her face. He somehow looked excited and dismayed all at once. "That fellowship--I didn't get it."

Her heart fell somewhere hollow in her stomach. "Oh, no!"

"Wait... instead, they offered me a permanent position. Just like that! I didn't know you were sending a recommendation. The hiring manager specifically mentioned it."

She couldn't restrain herself from throwing her arms around him. "That's amazing news!"

They hugged hard and then Kriti realized that Raj wasn't letting her go. "I don't know how I'm going to leave you," he murmured.

She pulled back and clasped his face between her palms. "Silly boy, you were always meant to. It is absolutely the best thing you can do for me. When?"

"They want me there next Wednesday for the start of the annual company retreat. I leave Sunday, Father permitting." His expression darkened.

"Permitting or not, you're going," Kriti warned in a low voice.

He suddenly kissed her, long and thoroughly. It left her a bit breathless. "I've missed you this week," he said, quietly, I know what you're doing, going without, but we only have a few days left."

"Let's not waste them," she replied. "But carefully." She tapped her cheek with a finger. "Come help me, I need to be

presentable

when your father arrives home." Although Raj was less adept with saris than Choti, calling on the girl less in recent days would fit with sacking her tomorrow. Kriti selected a pale (transparent) lilac that the Thakur particularly favored, and boosted her breasts while Raj tightened the fabric. Then, she subtly darkened her mouth and lashes. "Let's go out of the veranda. He can find us reading there over cold drinks."

Sunil arrived home next and joined them, kissing Kriti lightly on the lips, caressing her shoulder. Upon hearing the news, he congratulated Raj with genuine enthusiasm. He also seemed relieved. "This will greatly help our expansion into the US markets," Sunil said, pointedly.

Raj nodded, apparently understanding, but it didn't dampen his grin.

"What is it that will be so helpful?"

They were all a bit startled to hear the Thakur's voice behind them. Raj recovered first. "Father, that fellowship at Arzeda... they're offering a position instead. Signing bonus, full salary, benefits, travel costs covered."

"Competitive fellowships can be prestigious. What title would you have in this

position

?"

Kriti realized that purposefully, Raj hadn't led with the best news, "I'll second the VP of Strategic Process as Director of the department." That was fairly stunning for someone just finished with a Masters degree. She hoped the Thakur would realize it.

His expression was both surprised and clearly prideful, as though he himself had earned the distinction. "Well done, my boy. Well done, indeed. We must celebrate." He called for whisky and glasses.

It seemed that he was already somewhat

lubricated

from his afternoon at the club. He gave each of them a generous pour. Kriti carefully sipped, not wanting to lose her sharpness, while the men tossed theirs back. The Thakur asked Sunil to develop a press release. Neither son attempted to talk him out of it. The sooner it went out, the more irrevocable the decision.

Raj did say, "Father, I should call my contact and accept first."

"You haven't done so?"

"Of course not. I had to speak with you."

That earned Raj a beaming smile and thump on the back. "Go!"

By now, it was beginning to grow dark and Kriti wanted badly for dinner to be called. She shivered slightly in the chill, inadvertently drawing unwanted attention. The Thakur stepped close and thumbed a nipple that had peaked in the cool air. Kriti steeled herself not to flinch or look at Sunil. "It has been an exceptional week so far," the Thakur said in a suggestive tone. "Sunil, I understand that you and Bahu shared lunch today on the roof. And more."

Of course, there were spies. Everywhere. Or cameras. That must be it.

"She

is

my wife," Sunil replied, overly mildly, an eyebrow arched.

"Oh, I approve. I've already enjoyed a replay in the car. I only hope that you've left enough of her for our celebration."

Kriti's face burned. Whenever she started to find her feet, the Thakur found a way to kick them out from under her. He wrapped an arm around her and ducked his head to suck the nipple through the silk. It felt offensive at the same time that she couldn't block the arousing sensation. She could see Sunil rub an exasperated hand over his face--she felt that it was an insufficient reaction for the transgression.

The Thakur amused himself for another minute and then lifted his head. "Appetizer and

dessert

," he purred at her with dark promise.

She had the sense that although he said he approved of the rooftop tryst, he was angry at what had happened between her and Sunil, perhaps angry to be left out or angry that she appeared to have initiated. In any event, her hope of an evening without his attention was shattered.

Kriti was glad for her hearty lunch because she had little appetite during the meal despite the jovial atmosphere. She tried to determine whether it was better to let her outrage show and satisfy his cruel bent early, or whether to start to play along, encouraging him by pretending to enjoy some of the situation. She wished she had asked the boys more about their mother. Had she shared their father's psychopathic nature or was she dragged along until she decided to make the best of it? It seemed likely to be the latter given that both sons admired their mother and had said that she had not (actively) participated in their father's bizarre behavior with them.

But something the Thakur said had stuck with her.

The role of the lady of the house - and you are the lady of this house and this family - was taught to me by Sunil's mother.

Perhaps she had simply tried to elevate the household, creating a mitigating structure around the Thakur's predilections. Kriti suppressed a confused sigh. Tonight, she would just have to be herself and save the research for tomorrow.

Raj apparently knew her well enough to notice her state. He did his best to deflect attention away from her. She was grateful.

But inevitably, the meal ended. The Thakur wiped his mouth for the last time and tossed his napkin across his plate. "I find that I've eaten too much to take dessert immediately." He stood and surveyed the three dutifully remaining seated. "Raj, I'm sure that you'll want to go out with your friends. You've earned it." It was more a command than an observation.

Briefly, Raj looked troubled. Kriti nodded at him. She didn't want him to stay for whatever was next. He put his napkin on the table and stood. "I'll see you all in the morning. Good night."

As Raj left the room, the Thakur stared at them and said, "The two of you will be in my chambers in an hour." He walked out.

Sunil and Kriti sat in silence for a few more moments. Finally, Sunil said, quietly, "Sometimes the rage is so great that I fear I'll burst into flames. I'll wait in the library."

After he had gone, Kriti went to their rooms and changed for the pool. It might be chilly, but this was the best way she could think of to manage her own anger.

She arrived outside the Thakur's rooms in a robe, her hair and skin still damp, cooled in the night air. She didn't see a point to dressing. Sunil was waiting there, still wearing his work clothing.

He reached out and gently touched her cheek. "Please forgive me my own responses," he said, softly.

She nodded. At precisely the one-hour mark, the Thakur's voice boomed. "Enter." They did, moving in tandem.

The Thakur stood already naked in the middle of his room, surprising them both. He regarded Kriti with open hunger. As they stepped forward, the Thakur brushed off her robe, circling behind her and turning her to face Sunil. A hand cupped a breast and fondled it. While her attention was focused there, a hard smack to her ass, open-handed, stunned a yelp from her. Then another.

"Such a satisfying sound on cold, damp skin," the Thakur observed, his voice throaty. He smacked her again and again. She stood still and kept quiet despite the sharp pain. She could see the anger rising within Sunil's eyes, but he made no move to intervene.

"I appreciate that a Sunil can't resist you, but what if someone had seen? What would people say about our family's reputation?" he said without a hint of irony. "Next time, you decide to do something like that, it must be with my permission so that I can make sure it is appropriate." A hand wrapped into her damp locks, pulling her head back hard, forcing her to look in the Thakur's eyes. The other hand delivered several more blows to her tender skin. She couldn't help the tears that welled.

"Am I clear?" he demanded.

"I understand." Kriti gritted out. With a final pull on her hair, he released his hold, and she could again take a deep breath.

"Bahu is brave," the Thakur said to Sunil. "And you enjoy seeing her like this."

Kriti could see that even though Sunil was angry, he was also aroused by the Thakur's ill-use of her. Her own anger burned hotter.

The Thakur pressed himself against her back, his cock laying into the cleft of her ass and small of her waist. He fixed his teeth to the join of her neck and shoulder, sucking lightly, as his hands kneaded her breasts. One of the Thakur's hands went low, dipped inside. "Ah, well, it didn't have the same effect on Bahu, I'm afraid. Maybe this will. Her acceptance of discipline deserves a reward." He started rubbing, fingers sliding on each side of her clit while he rolled a nipple between his fingers. "Look at your husband. So desperate for you. To save you from his cruel father. To have you all to himself. The cub wants to roar like a lion."

Kriti understood what the Thakur wanted. The sooner she gave it to him, the sooner the ordeal would be over. She distanced herself and focused on her husband and how he had filled her so exquisitely earlier that day. She thought about how he felt in her mouth, how she could elicit sounds he never made any other time. A downstroke drove his cock forward, toward her. Pleasure lanced through her. She held back a gasp. The fingers grew wet, sliding. "Ah, now she's ready," her father-in-law said by her ear. Roughly, he released her hands and pushed her toward the end of his bed, down on her face, her feet still on the floor. He parted her and thrust inside, pulling her back against him. He rutted wildly for a minute or so before pausing.

Breathing heavily, he said to Sunil, "As much as she might protest in her head, her body welcomes me, her cunt is squeezing me most exquisitely." He accented with a thrust in. "And Bahu, look how much Sunil likes to see me fucking you. Look." He tugged on her hair to turn her face toward Sunil.

She opened her eyes, which had been squeezed shut. Making an angry noise in his throat, Sunil turned and left without dressing, slamming the door behind.

"Hah. No matter," the Thakur said. He resumed fucking her, slower now. Perhaps without the need to show off to his son, he would be less harsh. But he talked more, which she despised. "I love how tight you are, your young flesh. I've thought about you sucking me, but whenever the opportunity presents itself, I just have to be inside you as soon as possible."