Chandni's Navel - "Tangled Darkness"

The Crossroads

As Manu hears the vigorous knocking at the door, he rushes to open it and finds Jagan in a semi exhausted state. Jagan looks at Manu, confused as he was not expecting Manu to be home at that hour. Chandni was standing just a few feet behind Manu, with a baffled look on her face, and her saree improperly worn as he could see her pallu barely holding itself on her shoulder. Hoping Jagan won't cause unnecessary issues by saying something he should not in the presence of Manu, Chandni rushes to the door and tries to intervene, "Jagan!... Yes... Yes... I haven't forgotten... You.. You are here to find out about the money... I am sure... Don't worry.... The... The packet you gave me is safe... I will get it done in time for the party." says it with all sorts of uncanny facial expressions.

Jagan responds with a distorted voice, "That... That is it... Yes... That is why I came... I wanted to make sure you do not open it... We cannot use it for the prize since it is part of the campaign."

Manu chuckles a bit, "You two are getting worked up over the campaign arrangements... Imagine if you ever had to be part of a real election campaign... Ha ha... It would be funny to see you both run around causing panic among your team."

Chandni looks at Manu, "My dear husband... This is an important event too... and we are just making sure all the arrangements are perfect." She pushes Manu further inside the house as she steps out and gently shuts the door behind her.

"What are you doing here??.... shouting my name like that... have you lost your mind???" Chandni whispers in Jagan's ear with aggression.

"So sorry Chandni... I.. I had no idea Manu was home... I just wanted to let you know that Balveer is asking tough questions after he saw us in that awkward position..." Jagan says that showing concern, as he was not able to evade Balveer's inquisitiveness.

Jagan stares at Chandni's semi exposed waist, remembering his intimate moment with her belly earlier that afternoon. Chandni waves her hand in front of his face, prompting him to snap out of his dazed moment, "Didn't you have enough of it this afternoon?... So stop staring like you are seeing my belly for the first time.... We both know you will get many more opportunities...." as she gently shove him pointing towards his apartment, and assures him that they will meet in the morning to address Balveer's situation.

As Jagan walked back to his apartment, his mind was consumed with thoughts of the moment when he would be able to touch Chandni's navel once again. He imagined all the wild things he would do during their next encounter. With these thoughts in his mind, he opened his door and stepped inside.

Next morning

Chandni sat across from Jagan on his couch in his apartment. They were discussing the business deal they had struck the day before, talking about the exchange of cash, when all of a sudden Jagan's expression turned grave.

"You don't understand... see the deal between you and me is secure.... but... but... this Balveer's situation is not something to ignore... I'm worried about him finding out what's going on between us... He... He asked some bizarre questions... Trust me I somehow managed to brush him off... but I feel he is not going to give up.. Knowing him.... He will dive into this topic again...." Jagan said, looking at Chandni with concern.

Chandni shifted uneasily in her seat, unsure of how to handle the situation. "I'm not sure what to do about it ..." she admitted.

Jagan leaned forward, his eyes slightly distracted by the view of Chandni's waist, he suggested "Can't we just tell him something... I mean something of benefit... and maybe... or.. or... ... should we just do something to get him off our back?" he asked.

Chandni thought for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Yes... you could make up any excuse to avoid arousing his suspicion," she suggested "But it might be better if you also evict him as your tenant and cut all ties with him," she added, hoping it would solve the issue once and for all.

Jagan leans back on the couch scratching his forehead creased with worry, he gathers his thoughts before finally speaking up.

"Chandni.... what if we try to bring Balveer into the same deal?... the one you made with me?..." he suggested, in a wavering voice, "If we convince him to join forces with us... he could be an additional source of income for you... I... I am only... I mean this is only going to benefit you... And.. and.. All you have to do is offer your navel... Just think.... "

Chandni's eyes widened with surprise at Jagan's proposal. She had never thought of bringing Balveer or anyone else in the same kind of agreement that she has with Jagan, but his idea had credibility. Still, she couldn't help feeling a bit hesitant.

"I'm not sure if it's a good idea... Jagan!..." she said, her voice in doubt. "What if he spreads the word around?... I am worried Manu will get a whiff of this... No.. No... I think... it could jeopardize everything." she gets up and starts to stroll back and forth in hesitation.

Jagan nodded, understanding her concerns as he noticed her beautiful belly that was displaying itself in front of him, her belly's untamed attitude was helplessly grabbing all his attention, and her navel with an inviting attitude, forced Jagan to stutter as he struggled to focus, but he quickly managed to somehow suppress the feelings brewing inside him, not wanting it to affect their conversation, "I know... I know.... but if we don't try... we'll never know... Also.. if Balveer pays you for... I mean if he does what I did to get a few minutes with your navel... He will try to hide his own name too... to avoid defamation for himself ..." in a firm voice "Let's at least consider it as an option..."

Chandni thought about Jagan's words for a moment. It was a risk, but if they could bring Balveer into the same deal, it could be a worthwhile opportunity to make extra income, she cautiously nodded in agreement "Yes... Ok.. I think it's possible... I mean.. not a bad idea... if Balveer agrees to our terms ..." Her mind is already racing with possibilities "Let's explore it further... and see what we can come up with ..."

Jagan nods "Alright... so it's final... we will explore that option," his voice full of determination "But before we involve you, Chandni, ... I'll talk to Balveer myself and gauge the level of his interest and sincerity ..."

Chandni nodded, feeling relieved that Jagan would take the lead on this. She trusted his instincts and judgment, and knew that he would approach Balveer with tact and discretion.

"Thank you ... Jagan" she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I appreciate your help with this ...." without making an attempt to cover her exposed belly, she gives Jagan a subtle look, and smiles gently accepting Jagan's glance towards her belly with a welcoming expression.

Jagan smiled back, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "No problem ... Chandni" he said. "We're in this together... and I'll do everything I can to make sure it works out for you." as he watches Chandni graciously exit his apartment.