We entered the house

As soon as I pushed the door open and stepped inside, Ma came rushing out from the kitchen. "Arvind! Is that you? Where have you been? Do you have any idea what time it is?"

Everyone always said my mother, Kavita, was a classic beauty. Even in her forties, she could pass for someone ten years younger with her clear skin and sharp features. But when she was angry like this, those same features turned intimidating. Her eyes narrowed dangerously, and I could practically see the full interrogation forming on her lips.

Before she could launch into it, though, she stopped short. Mira Aunty had followed me through the doorway.

"Bhabhi ji!" Mira Aunty said warmly, striding forward and pulling me into an unexpected hug before Ma could get another word out. "Please don't scold the poor boy. He was helping me at the gym. I asked him to come spot me since Sunil's traveling again, and you know how I can't lift heavy without someone there."

I went rigid, completely caught off guard by the embrace. Mira Aunty's body pressed flush against mine, her warmth seeping through the thin, damp fabric of her workout clothes. The musky scent of her sweat filled my nose—not unpleasant, just earthy and real and undeniably female. Having her this close, feeling the soft press of her breasts against my chest and the curve of her waist under my awkwardly hovering hands, heat rushed to my face and lower.

Ma's expression softened considerably at the sight of our neighbor. "Oh, Mira. I didn't realize."

"Yes, I should have sent word earlier," Mira Aunty said, finally releasing me but keeping one hand resting on my shoulder like we were old workout buddies. "It was so last minute. But he was wonderful—such a helpful young man."

Ma looked at me, suspicion still lingering in her eyes but the anger clearly deflated. "You still should have called me, Arvind."

"Sorry, Ma," I said quickly, trying not to think about how warm Mira Aunty's hand felt on my shoulder. "I didn't think it would take this long."

Mira Aunty gave my shoulder a friendly squeeze. "Don't be too hard on him, Bhabhi ji. He really was a lifesaver today."

Ma sighed, her shoulders dropping. "Fine. But next time, you call me first. No excuses. Understood?"

"Yes, Ma," I said, relief washing over me. "I promise."