In the serene, tree-lined suburbs of Pune, where old bungalows hid behind high compound walls and bougainvillea crept over iron gates, Mahesh Sharma lived with his 22-year-old daughter, Bhavya. He had raised her alone after her mother left when Bhavya was barely three. Now, fresh out of college and staying home while she figured out her future, the house felt smaller, warmer, and far more dangerous than it ever had. Mahesh was 45, still powerfully built from years in the construction business. Salt-and-pepper hair, strong arms, and quiet confidence. Bhavya had grown into a breathtaking young woman — long, wavy auburn hair, bright green eyes she inherited from her mother, and a body that curved generously in all the right places. She moved around the house in tiny shorts and loose tank tops, completely at ease, unaware — or perhaps fully aware — of the effect she had on him. It began innocently. Late-night movies on the large sofa in the living room. Bhavya would curl into his side li...
It was a warm Saturday evening in Bangalore. We were at Chhavi’s stylish apartment in Koramangala, celebrating Arjun’s 32nd birthday. The three of us had been close since college days. Good wine, laughter, and old memories flowed easily. Chhavi and Arjun had been together for four years now, and I had always remained the flirty, comfortable friend in the group. As the night grew softer and the lights dimmed, Chhavi brought it up again after her third glass of wine. “I just can’t stand doing it,” she said, half-laughing, half-exasperated. “But I know how much Arjun loves it. Anika… you used to like him back in the day, right? Think you could help him out for his birthday?” My heart slammed against my ribs. I felt my cheeks burn, but the idea sent a sudden rush of heat between my legs. I had fantasized about Arjun for years during college, even after he started dating Chhavi. I took a slow sip of wine and met her eyes. “You really want me to?” I asked quietly. Chhavi smiled mischiev...