Lilies Unbound | Desi Sapphic Oneshots

01. Rani

Flashing lights and slow music were Anika's abode, the only place where she thrived, where she belonged. Of course, with it came the unsavoury bits of the job -- greasy old men throwing themselves at her -- but it was something she was willing to withstand if it meant she could sing her heart out.

It was the same as usual, one in the night was when she usually started her show. She had come to the club earlier than usual, still having half an hour to spare before she had to start.

Seating herself beside a table in the far corner of the room, hidden even from people who came there to find partners for the night.

She turned to the performance, watching the girls jump and swirl, their dresses flying up just enough to give the customers a view of their thighs, so close yet so far.

Loud cheers erupted every few seconds, drowning out the music. The frequent clinking of coins onto the stage interspersed with the performers' sounds and the music proved to be too much for Anika.

Checking her watch, she picked up her drink and purse and made her way towards the green room. Inside, it was sweltering, filled with chattering voices and the sweat of the performers.

Anika fanned herself with the end of her dupatta, weaving her way through the crowd of glittery costumes and wigs. Reaching an empty table, she set down her purse and threw the empty drink can in the trash before opening the closet to put on her dress.

"Anika!" came a cry of recognition just as Anika sat down to do her makeup. Turning, she saw Gowri, one of the performers before her. She had joined a few weeks after Anika and had taken quite a liking to her.

"Hi, Gowri!" Anika smiled, waiting until she came next to her to start on her makeup again. Heat rolled off Gowri in waves -- it was evident she had just changed after finishing her performance.

Gowri dragged a stool next to Anika and took a seat next to her. "So..." she started, a faint pink blush colouring her bare face. "Do you want to come home tonight?" she asked, looking down at her interlaced fingers.

"Hmm..." Anika hummed, looking intently at Gowri. "I don't know..." she hummed, placing her hand on her chin and rubbing it as though she were thinking hard.

Gowri's crestfallen face made her feel bad, so she hurried to remedy her little prank. "Of course, I will!" she cried, placing a hand on Gowri's hands. "Pick me up?" she asked, using her 'cutesy' voice that always made her sick to use with customers.

"Of course!" Gowri cried, clutching Anika's hand in hers. "Wait for me, okay?" she said, getting up.

Anika nodded and saw Gowri tell her byes to everyone. The manager came in and the same old routine began once more, but this time Anika was excited -- Gowri would be there, in the corner, watching her in her tight, curve-fitting sequined dress, watching her sing and watching her squirm under her gaze.

She sang a different song today, one she knew Gowri liked, taking extra care to make sure the musicians were playing properly. Her performance ended, and she bowed, waving goodbye to the people who hooted and cheered.

Walking down the steps to the green room, she allowed herself to blush fiercely. She could still remember Gowri's gaze on her, burning hot as she followed her every movement, every curve and groove in her body.

The green room was almost empty, three people excluding her preparing for their performances. Stripping quickly and cleaning her face, she slipped on her kurti, pants and dupatta, almost unrecognizable from her on-stage, glittery persona.

She opened the door and walked out, adjusting her bag. A cold hand gripped her wrist, and she jumped, clutching her bag. Out of the dim lights, she could make out the face of a drunk man, his breath carrying the scent of heavy liquor.