Vivian approached me, his steps deliberate and heavy, and said in a cold, dark tone, "Are you planning to put on this drama in front of the whole world too?"
Confused and a bit startled, I asked, "What drama?"
Vivian pointed at my mangalsutra, his e...
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As I entered my office, a sense of unease hung over me. I had come with Vivian to Bhatt Group, but he had only dropped me off outside the building. He had other pressing matters-an important meeting at Tri-S Fox with some high-ranking officials who had flown in from Russia. His abrupt departure left me feeling strangely unsettled, but I brushed it aside, focusing on the day ahead.
When I stepped into my cabin, I found Riya and Navya already there, engaged in animated conversation. Their laughter faded as they noticed me.
"Why didn't you come to college today, Aarini?" Riya asked as I placed my bag on the desk.
"She was in Alnvar with Vivian," Navya answered before I could say anything.
The mention of Alnvar sent a jolt through me, and suddenly, images of that night with Vivian flashed before my eyes-moments that had felt surreal at the time but now returned with an intensity that made my heart pound.
I quickly composed myself and settled into my executive chair, forcing a calm expression. "First, you two answer my question," I said, trying to steer the conversation.
"What question?" Riya asked, spinning her chair playfully as she leaned back, her head resting on the backrest.
"Yeah, go ahead, ask," Navya chimed in, mimicking Riya's relaxed posture.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at them both with a mix of curiosity and frustration. "Why didn't either of you ever tell me what else happens between a husband and wife besides just a kiss?"
The effect of my question was immediate. Navya and Riya both straightened in their chairs, their carefree expressions replaced by shock and awkwardness.
"Where were you last night?" Navya demanded, her voice tinged with concern.
"Did Vivian do something to you in Alnvar?" Riya asked, her tone sharp with worry.
"Aarini, if he did anything to you, tell us. We won't let him get away with it," Navya insisted, her eyes narrowing with protective anger.
"Yeah, Aarini, he's not the right guy for you. Don't get involved with him," Riya added, the two of them bombarding me with questions and unsolicited advice, their voices overlapping in a confusing chorus.
"Both of you, stop it!" I nearly shouted, my frustration spilling over. "And tell me why you never mentioned anything about... this."
Navya gave me a puzzled look. "We did tell you that there's... you know, stuff that happens between a boy and a girl."
"Yeah, 'stuff' as in sex, Aarini," Riya clarified bluntly. "What happens between a husband and wife at night."
As their words sank in, everything suddenly became clear to me-what they meant by "stuff," what had transpired between me and Vivian. It was as if a fog had lifted, and with it came a wave of embarrassment and horror at my own ignorance. How could I have been so naïve? The realization made my cheeks burn with shame.
