LOVE AND DHARMA

23. MY ASS IS ON FIRE

Vrushali carefully cleaned the blood off Vijay’s hand, her movements precise and gentle. The bullet had grazed him, leaving a nasty wound that needed attention. She worked silently, her focus entirely on making sure he was properly bandaged up.

“Hold still,” she said softly, as Vijay winced. Despite his tough exterior, the pain was clear in his eyes.

“Thanks, Vrushali,” Vijay murmured, his voice low. “I owe you one.”

Vrushali smiled at him, finishing up the bandage with a final, secure wrap. “Just take it easy, okay? You’re not invincible, you know.”

As she packed away the first-aid kit, the door creaked open, and Smriti sauntered in. Her eyes immediately locked onto Vijay, and a flirtatious smile spread across her face.

"Hey there, big guy," Smriti purred, ignoring Vrushali’s presence entirely. "Looks like you’ve been through the wars. Need some help… relaxing?"

Vijay’s expression shifted from gratitude to discomfort in an instant. “Smriti, this isn’t the time,” he said, his tone firm but uneasy.

Vrushali, sensing the tension, stood up to leave, but before she could step out, Smriti made her move. In one swift motion, Smriti peeled off her clothes, letting them drop to the floor. Completely naked, she climbed onto the bed, positioning herself over Vijay.

“Smriti!” Vijay exclaimed, his eyes widening as he instinctively tried to pull away, but his injured hand made it difficult. “What are you doing?”

Smriti leaned in closer, her voice low and seductive. “Come on, Vijay, I’m just trying to help you feel better. Let me take care of you.”

From the doorway, Vrushali turned back just in time to witness the uncomfortable scene unfolding. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Smriti’s shameless attempt to seduce Vijay, who was clearly in no position to enjoy or welcome her advances.

An idea sparked in Vrushali’s mind, her initial annoyance transforming into a mischievous plan. She slipped away quietly, determined to teach Smriti a lesson she wouldn’t forget.

The bathroom door creaked open, and a cloud of steam billowed out as Riya stepped into the hallway, her hair still wet and clinging to her shoulders. She wrapped the towel tightly around her body, but as she looked up, she realized with a jolt that she wasn’t alone.

Vrushali emerged from the adjacent bathroom, similarly wrapped in nothing but a towel. Their eyes met, and they both froze for a moment, the awkwardness hanging in the air.

“Uh… hey,” Riya said, trying to keep her voice casual despite the situation.

“Hey,” Vrushali replied, her cheeks flushing slightly as she adjusted her towel. Before either could say more, the sound of another door opening made them both turn their heads.

Maya stepped out, her skin glistening from the shower. She had her towel slung over her shoulder instead of wrapped around her, leaving her completely exposed. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Riya and Vrushali staring at her.

“Oh my God!” Maya squealed, quickly grabbing her towel and wrapping it around herself as best as she could. “Why didn’t you guys warn me?”