LOVE AND DHARMA

16. A BROKEN SYSTEM

As Argha and Riya prepared to leave to meet Tista, the police force lined up neatly in front of them, ready for orders. Argha, with his usual authoritative air, decided to put them through a final drill.

“About turn!” Argha commanded.

In perfect unison, the police force turned their backs to him. Argha then turned Riya towards him with a significant look. Riya, misinterpreting the gesture, thought Argha was making a move. She played along, striking a playful pose.

Just as Riya was about to respond with a flirtatious comment, Argha suddenly slapped her on the butt with a loud smack. Riya gasped in shock, her eyes widening as she spun around to face him.

Argha, unfazed by her reaction, grabbed her butt firmly and began to lay down the rules. “Listen up, Riya. My conditions are simple. You’ll have to follow my orders no matter what. Is that clear?”

Riya, still stunned and feeling a mix of surprise and embarrassment, stammered, “Um, sure. Clear. What do you need me to do?”

“Run!” Argha ordered.

Riya took off, sprinting a few steps before stopping and turning to see if Argha was satisfied. He then commanded, “Hide!”

Riya quickly ducked behind a nearby pillar, peeking out to see if she was hidden well enough. Argha approached her, his hand still resting on her butt, gripping it tightly.

“Is that clear?” Argha asked again, his tone stern.

Riya, wincing from the pressure but knowing she had little choice, replied, “Yes, yes, clear!”

Argha finally let go of her butt, giving it a few playful pats. “Good girl,” he said, a smirk playing on his lips.

He then turned to the police force and commanded, “Turn back!”

The force obediently turned around, their faces a mix of amusement and confusion at the unusual spectacle they had just witnessed. Riya emerged from her hiding spot, her cheeks flushed but her resolve intact.

As they prepared to leave, Riya couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “I’m definitely not used to this kind of leadership.”

The grand hall of Vijay's mansion was alive with music and laughter as guests mingled, danced, and enjoyed the evening. Vrushali, dressed in a stunning sari, welcomed Smriti with a warm smile, her eyes only briefly flickering with suspicion.

"Smriti, it's so good to see you," Vrushali said, extending a hand. "Please, make yourself at home."

"Thank you, Vrushali," Smriti replied, her voice smooth and confident. "It's been too long."

The evening progressed pleasantly, but a shift occurred when the music changed to a slow, sensual tune. Smriti, with a mischievous glint in her eye, approached Vijay and extended her hand.

"Care for a dance, Vijay?"

Vijay hesitated, glancing at Vrushali, who gave a tight, approving nod. Smriti led Vijay to the center of the room, their bodies moving in sync to the rhythm. Vrushali watched with a forced smile as the two danced, her unease growing as Smriti pressed closer to Vijay, her hands trailing seductively down his back.