Avanti

A week later, I lay on our bed, engrossed in a novel, the pages flipping rapidly beneath my fingers as I lose myself in the story. Alok sits beside me, hunched over his laptop, fingers flying across the keyboard as he works late into the night, as usual. With a heavy sigh, he finally closes the laptop, turning to face me.

"Sanjana, I didn't know you liked reading," he remarks, his voice tinged with mild surprise.

I snap the book shut, a sharp edge to my tone. "Alok, you don't know many things about me. Reading is just one of them." I know I'm being petty, but I can't seem to help myself. Our relationship has been on a downward spiral for far too long.

Alok notices my prickly demeanour and realizes I'm not in the mood for conversation. In the past, he would have tried to coax me out of my foul mood, but lately, it seems he simply doesn't care anymore. With a shrug, he tucks himself under the duvet and rolls over, turning his back to me.

I stare at his retreating form, a bitter taste filling my mouth. Is this what we've become? Two strangers sharing a bed, going through the motions of a marriage long since dead? The thought fills me with a deep ache, a longing for something more.

After placing Alok's laptop on the table, I rise from the bed and head towards the washroom, needing to relieve myself. Once inside, I pull down my leggings and panties, settling onto the toilet seat.

As I sit there, I take out my phone and scroll through my messages. A goodnight greeting from Raghav Ji catches my eye, and I smile, sending a quick thank you in response. He doesn't reply, likely already fast asleep. Scrolling further, I see that Amir, our young driver, has also sent a message. I roll my eyes and ignore it; he's been acting like a horny teenager lately, which isn't surprising given his age.

The next message is from Avanti, inviting me to a music show. Apparently, she knows someone with a spare pair of tickets. I pause, considering the offer. A night out with Avanti could be fun. Plus, it would give me a chance to spend some time with her outside of our shopping trips, maybe even get to know her better.

I quickly reply to Avanti, asking about the date and time of the show. To my surprise, she responds immediately, telling me it's next Sunday evening. I smile, pleased that she's still awake, and ask if she's headed to bed soon.

Avanti sends back a selfie, but it only shows her head and shoulders, along with the bare back of a sleeping man behind her. The caption reads, "Nope, still sore." I blush, realizing just how forward Avanti can be. It's clear she's no stranger to casual hookups.

I stand up and finish my business, then reply to Avanti's question about picking me up. After a moment's thought, I agree, and she confirms that she'll come get me. Her next message makes me smirk." Also, wear something sexy. It is going to be a very special night."

A few minutes later, I exit the bathroom and see Alok snoring softly in our bed. I slip under the covers beside him, but my mind is still buzzing with thoughts of Avanti and our upcoming plans.

---

Sunday Evening, I stand in front of the mirror, applying the finishing touches to my makeup. Glancing at the clock, I see it's nearly 5 PM. Avanti should be arriving soon.

I grab my handbag and exit the bedroom, finding Alok sitting in the hallway, watching TV. His eyes widen as he takes in my outfit - a special red top that clings to my curves. For a moment, he seems frozen, desire flickering in his gaze. But before he can act on it, the doorbell rings.

Alok blinks, shaking his head as if to clear it. "Must be your friend?".

I nod, a small smile playing at my lips. "Yes, its almost time it should be Avanti."

He reaches out to adjust a strand of my hair that's fallen loose. "Look nice," he murmurs.

The doorbell rings again, more insistently this time. "I need to go," I say, stepping back from Alok's touch. "I may be late, don't wait for me."

I hurry to the door, eager to escape the charged moment with Alok. As I open it, I'm greeted by the sight of Avanti, looking stunning as always. But my jaw drops at her attire - a pink jacket , a bralette and form hugging jeans.

"Sanjana!" Avanti exclaims. "What took you so long?" She stops short, noticing Alok standing behind me. Her eyes widen in surprise and confusion.

Alok, already charmed by Avanti's beauty, steps forward with a smile. "Hi, I'm Alok," he introduces himself. "Sanjana's husband."

Realization dawns on Avanti's face, and she looks at me with a mix of shock. I cringe internally, remembering her assumption that Raghav Ji was my husband.

I shoot Avanti a pleading look. To my relief, she simply smiles and plays along.

"Oh, so you're the lucky guy married to my lovely Sanjana," Avanti purrs, batting her eyelashes at Alok. "She's told me so much about you."

Alok laughs, clearly charmed by Avanti's flirtatious demeanor. "Ha ha, well, I am indeed a lucky man," he agrees, squeezing my hand possessively. He turns to me, a curious expression on his face. "Sanjana, I didn't know your new friend was so young. You never mentioned that."

I force a strained smile, my heart pounding in my chest. "Maybe I forgot," I mumble, desperate to change the subject. "Alok, it seems we're getting late..."

He nods, his gaze flicking between Avanti and me. "Yes, you should go. But where's your ride? I don't think it's safe for you girls to use unfamiliar transportation."

Avanti steps in smoothly, saving the day. "Don't worry, Alok," she says with a wink. "My friend is coming to pick us up. We'll be perfectly safe."

Alok seems satisfied with this explanation. He turns to me, giving me a quick peck on the cheek. "Stay safe," he says, before heading back inside.

As soon as Alok disappears inside, Avanti turns to me with a mischievous grin, her eyes twinkling with barely contained glee. "My, my, Sanjana," she purrs, stepping closer. "I didn't know you had two husbands."

She leans in, her breath hot against my ear as she whispers conspiratorially, "I want to know all about it. Every juicy little detail."