There was a charged silence in the room as Navneet stormed out of their flat and Amy shut the door behind him. Both Shalu and Akki fidgeted uncomfortably next to each other neither knowing what to say. Both looking guilty at having insulted a guest who has come over for a visit. Amy however had no such qualms.
“Shalummaaaa……” she squealed delightedly and rushed to Shalu and threw her hands around her neck. “You are going to be starring in a freaking Omkari Ad? Thats amazing. Congratulations.”
“I haven’t decided that yet Amy. “ Shalu said with a grudging smile unable to fend to Amy’s infectious enthusiasm.
“What is there to decide? Please don’t tell me you are actually bothered by what Navneeth uncle said.”
Shalu sighed. “Its not because he said it Amy. The concerns he raised were things that were dalready nagging at my mind. What he said about this ad potentially changing my public image is all true. And if that image is vulgar it is going to affect all our lives. Especially mine and Akki’s. The last thing I want is to see is the day he will feel ashamed for being my son.”
“What the hell Mumma? How could you even think that I would ever be ashamed of you? ” Akki protested. “I don’t care if doing this ad negatively impacts your public image, which I highly doubt it will. The concept is sensual for sure and is beautiful. But I find nothing vulgar in it.”
“Exactly Akki.” Amy piped up. “Its sensual and beautiful. There will always be dimwits who will see such beautiful things through vulgar eyes. We don’t need to live life on their terms. We only need to do right by ourselves. Don’t worry about us Shalumma. We are behind you 100% on this. You should take the offer. Its too good a offer to let go”.
“Yes Mumma you should.” Akki encouraged.
Shalu looked proudly at both her kids and wrapped them both in a hug. She had raised them well. “Thanks a lot for your support dears. Still I have to think through this well before committing.”
“Hmm if you are still feeling uncertain why don’t you have a talk with Arjun uncle Mumma? He is a fashion photographer. Isn’t he? He knows the media world well. He can give you a better idea on what to expect.”
Arjun was one of Shalu’s best friends from college who ran a modelling studio. “You know what Akki. You are right. I will give him a call. Infact I think I would do it right away.” Shalu said excitedly standing up and going back to her room.
Amy sighed dreamily feeling both proud of Shalu and a also little wistful at the same time. Maybe if Shalu decides against doing the ad she can suggest herself in her place? She was lost in thoughts when she suddenly felt a sharp pinch on her waist. Ouch !!
“What are you standing there and daydreaming about Amul baby?” Akki asked with naughty grin.
“Was dreaming about throwing you from the top of the building, you little….” Amy started while picking up a throw pillow from the sofa and swinging at his head. Akki ducked and ran taunting “HA !! Like your weak ass can even touch me. !!”. Amy jumped up on the sofa, took aim at running Akki’s head and threw the pillow like a giant shooting star and found her mark.
**********
Meanwhile in Shalu’s room she was dialling her best friend.
Shalu: “Oye Arjouu….” Shalu started as Arjun picked up the call. “Please tell me you are somewhere within the state.”
“Missing me that badly Shalu bee?”Arjun laughed. “Well guess what? I am indeed in Banglore. Landed just yesterday. I have a project here. So I’ll be around for probably a week. What’s up?”
Shalu: Arrived yesterday and telling me only now ha? Idiot ! Wait! If I hadn’t thought of calling you just now, would you have told me at all?
Arjun: Woa Woa….hold it there. The only reason I haven’t told you yet is because I have been planning to come there and surprise you. Come on, do you really think I would come to Banglore and leave without meeting the sexist woman here?
Shalu: Yea yea, nice buttering. Anyways listen Arjou, I wanted to talk to you about something important. And I would rather not do it over a call. When can we meet?
Arjun: Woa ! That important?
Shalu: Potentially lifechanging.
Arjun: Damn !! Not gonna propose me. Are you?
Shalu: In your dreams. Get serious idiot. This is important.
Arjun: Alright! Alright ! (*laughing*). I am staying here at Hotel Velvet Vista for the week. When do you wanna meet?”
Shalu: Cool, I always wanted to visit there. Shall I come over at Saturday?
Arjun: Sure. But small warning though. Another mutual friend of ours is also coming over that day. The one with whom you haven’t talked in years.
Shalu: Oh! Marcus? He is in Banglore as well?
Arjun: He is and has been here for the past couple of years Shalu bee. He works here now.
Shalu: Really? I didn’t know that. He hasn’t told me. And neither have you. Why am I only learning about this now?
Arjun: Geee why do you think? Because Marcus asked me to ofcourse.
Shalu(sadly): I see. So he still haven’t forgotten anything.
Arjun: I doubt he will forget that whole fiasco in this lifetime. Shall I give him a headsup you are coming as well? Or you wanna meet at a different day?
Shalu: No No. Just…don’t tell him yet. I have been wanting to meet him too for a long a while now. Things got so awkward and complicated between us ever since that fiasco that happened at Chithra’s wedding all those years back. I guess its hightime I make it upto him for what happened. Let it be a surprise. If he knows beforehand I am also going to be there, he may duck out.
Arjun: Fair enough. So see you on Saturday then Shalu bee. I gotta run now. I was in middle of a shoot when you called.
Shalu: Oh ok ok. See ya!
Shalu sat back down on her bed after disconnecting the call deep in thought.
“Marcus….” She whispered.
Marcus used to be one of her best friends during her college days. He was a scholarship student from Nigeria. Being a big black boy with african features and unfamiliar with the local language he used to be an outcast in college. That was until Shalu and her two best friends Chithra and Arjun decided to give him company and made him part of their little gang. Being two of the prettiest girls in college Shalu and Chithra had no shortage of admirers and stalkers in college. But after they began hanging out with big black Marcus, guys would think twice about bothering either of them. Though he looked like a wild bear who could rip you apart with his bare hands from outside, only Shalu and her friends who knew him closely knew that his actual nature was like that off a cute teddy bear. Innocent and protective.
Arjun who was a flirt and ladies man always used to be tangled up in some affair. And Marcus would protect him whenever he was in trouble. Being so easy around women in general, Arjun was very carefree around Shalu and Chitra as well. Whenever he was with them it wasn’t unusual for him to casually put his hand around their waists or to playfully tease them with pinches and tickles. Mostly it was Chithra who has been the subject his teasings as he has always been a little preferential towards her. Marcus on the other hand has always been more drawn towards Shalu. Probably getting inspired by watching Arjun’s interactions gradually he also started holding Shalu casually by her hips during the times they hang out together. He only did it with Shalu though and never with Chitra. He was always extra loving and caring towards Shalu. At times she even suspected if he harboured a secret crush towards her.
All was well until Shalu started dating Navneet. Navneet has always been jealous of Shalu’s closeness with Marcus from the start. And the cosy nature of their relationship irked him to no end. Initially he used to bottle them all up in his quest win over Shalu. But he began to show his true nature once they got married. Shalu at first thought his possesiveness and jealousy was cute and used to assure him he have nothing to be worried about and that Markus was just a friend. She would even try to keep her distance with Marcus without making it obvious for Navneet sake. But still she refused to cut Marcus totally from her life like she knew Navneet wished.
The boiling point of Navneet’s jealousy reached its peak at a incident that happened during Chithra’s wedding. Shalu in her sexy lehenga was an eye-candy for everyone that attended the wedding much to the dismay of Navneet. Marcus who was also present at the wedding was mesmerised by how sexy she looked and was tagging alongside her all through the function, getting touchy and casually holding her bare waist while taking photos and everything. Shalu who knew of Navneet’s jealous nature requested Marcus to keep the touchings to a minimum in a jovial tone. Markus who didn’t grasp the seriousness of the matter didn’t pay any heed and continued the behaviour.
Navneet who have been getting increasingly agitated all through the wedding finally lost it when he saw Markus trying to tease Shalu jokingly by throwing a flower at her navel. He came unhinged grabbed Marcus by his shirt collars and yelled at him in front of everybody. Shalu alarmed and embarassed dragged Navneet away before the situation escalated. Once they were in private he turned his wrath towards her instead and said very mean and demeaning things about her nature and diginity which hurt her deeply.
She knew what happened was not really Marcus’s fault alone. She did give Marcus such liberties in the past and was embrassed to communicate with him clearly that her situation have changed post her marriage. So she knew it was partially her fault. Still she couldn’t bring herself to face him all through the rest of the wedding. Nor could she bring herself to call him afterwards in the coming days with a explanation or apology. She simply cut him off from her life. At the time it seemed like the easier thing to do for the sake of her marriage. And Marcus who was deeply hurt by what happened never tried to talk to her after that either. Infact that wedding was the last time she saw Marcus. A few months later she heard from Arjun that he had gone back to Nigeria.
And now after all these years she was going to meet Marcus again. Hopefully they can restore some semblance of the friendship they once shared. She made up her mind and went to find the kids to tell them she will be out over the weekend.
Amy was holding a protesting Akki’s head in a sleeper-hold and messing up his hair when she found them in her room. “For God’s sake Akki and Amy, don’t you two have anything better to do than fighting all the time?” Shalu asked exasperated.
“It not my fault. He started it first” Amy protested reluctantly letting go of his head.
Shalu just shook her head and said. “Listen. I will be going to to visit Arjun on Saturday. I maybe out all day. You two will be on your own. Please don’t destroy the house while I am gone. And eat from outside or order in if you don’t feel like cooking. ”
“No worries Shalumma. We will be fine. Have fun” Amy said. Akki just gave a thumps up as he was still catching his breath after Amy’s chokehold.
As soon as Shalu left the room Amy turned to Akki and whipered excitedly. “Perfect. So Saturday is going to be the day we go and get my navel pierced, while Shalumma is away.” Akki just repointed his thumps up towards her.
**********
Saturday Morning
Shalu didn’t hold back at all while getting ready for her visit to Hotel Velvet Vista. She wore a sexy black transparent saree with golden prints and a sleeveless golden blouse with netted shoulders. She brought it years ago out of impulse when she came across it in a boutique, but never quite dared to wear it owing to its sheer nature and eye-popping looks. Velvet Vista was a posh 5-star hotel with a new age party vibe to it. If this wasn’t a suitable place to wear it, she didn’t know what was. Besides she was going to meet her two male besties. One with which whom she had a lot of making up to do. And by years of life experience she knew that there was no male heart that can’t be melted by sight of a sexy woman in saree.
Akki who have been sitting idly in the living room , sipping his coffee while watching Amy doing her morning yoga spat out his latest sip and started coughing when the door to Shalu’s door opened and she walked out ready to go. Amy who has been balancing herself on one leg doing a tree pose lost her balance and fell flat on her ass.
Shalu was taken aback by their overreaction. “Is it that bad? Should I change?”
“Goodness no. You look amazing Mumma.” Akki said in awe.
“Holy Crickets…Shalumma !!! “ Amy gushed from her sitting position on the floor astonished. “You look hot as hell. Are you planning on giving Arjun uncle a heart attack or something?”
Shalu blushed. “Is it vulgar?” She asked feeling very self-conscious now and adjusting her pallu pointlessly, whose sheer material had no effect at all in hiding her gorgeous navel.
“No. Not at all. Its classy sexy. Not vulgar sexy. “ Amy reassured her.
“Well then. I’m heading out guys. I need to start driving now to get there in atleast 3 hours through the Banglore traffic. “ Shalu said getting her bag and keys. “Be good. House should still be in one piece when I get back tommorow.” She warned by the door in mock anger before leaving.
“Who would guess she is mother of a 15-year-old looking like that?” Amy said dreamily looking after her.
“Yep. She is a real-life Santoor Mummy.” Akki said proudly.
**********
“I am going to order from McDonalds from breakfast.” Akki announced shortly after Shalu left. “You want anything Amul Baby?”
Amy who was still doing her yoga routine looked at Akki disgustingly from her lotus pose. “Who eats McDonalds for breakfast? You are mad. Eat something healthy idiot.”
“Eat whatever healthy shit you want. I am going to order french fries and bucket chicken.” Akki shrugged and left the hall.
A few minutes later Amy became acutely aware of the utter silence in the room, she tentatively opened one of her eyes through her meditation routine and surveryed the living room. Akki was nowhere to be found. He was probably playing one of his stupid video games early in the morning now that Shalumma was not here. This was the perfect opportunity for her to try out that elusive 5 minute backbend she have been trying to do for weeks without him bothering her.
She silenly set her stopwatch timer to 5, paused and then increased it again to a good 10 minutes before gracefully positioning herself on the yoga mat. Who knows. Perhaps she may actually be able to last that long. She extended her arms overhead, reached towards the floor behind her, while her feet found solid ground, firmly planted and pointed upwards. And in one fluid motion, she lifted her hips off the ground, creating an alluring arch with her body.
DING DONG !! The doorbell rang just a few minutes into her bankbend. Amy swore under her breath as Akki rushed into the living room yelling “FOOD IS HERE” and went to get the door. Akki collected the packets and was on his way to dining room when he noticed Amy. “Looks like my table is also set” Akki said sniggering wickedly and coming over to Amy.
“Akki please…please…please….dont put your hands on me for the next few minutes.” Amy begged.
“Alright !!” Akki said simply. Amy was taken aback. He was actually listening to her?
“I will put some sauce instead.” He declared and next second Amy felt her navel filling up with something warm and sticky. “Eww Akki..what the hell are you doing????”
“Eating my breakfast ofcourse.” Akki said casually taking couple of french fries and dipping it into her tomato sauce filled navel and giving a few twists. “Aaaaaaaahh……shalumm” Amy started screaming out of habit. “Your precious Shalumma is not going to come to your rescue today Amul baby.” Akki said enjoying himself . “Mmmmm…..these are the best french fries I ever had.” He moaned savouring the taste in his tongue and dipped another couple of french fries into her navel and pressed it all way to the bottom.
“Aaaaaaaah” Amy gasped again, this time in a more aroused voice as she felt the tip of those french fries pressing against the sensitive bottom of her navel sending tingles through her body and making her weak on hands and legs. Her body began to wobble and her stance began to fail. “Not so fast Amul Baby” Akki said suddenly going down on one knee and putting his other knee under her back, giving her support and balance. While this reduced the tension Amy put on her arms and legs, she had another problem now. She was stuck in this position now with Akki hovering over her belly totally at his mercy. Strangely enough she didn’t really mind, Amy realized. Infact she was feeling rather thrilled at the situation she found herself in. So she remained in her backbend position, protesting weakly as Akki poured even more sauce, this time not just her navel, but all around it as well and began scooping it bit by bit with his french fries.
“Akkieeeeee…..” She screamed. “Get off me, you mad fellow.”
Just then her stop watch alarm started going off. “Wow look at that. You have finally accomplished your backbend goals.” Akki sniggered.
Amy rolled her eyes. “Right !! If its like this I am pretty sure I can do way more than just 10 minutes. Are you done yet?” Amy asked even as she convulsed involuntarily feeling another one of his french french fries trying to scoop up last drops of tomato sauce from the bottom of her navel. “Mmm yes !! That was the last one. Best breakfast I ever had. Thanks for the table top Amul Baby. I am going to release you now. Get ready ! ” Akki said gently moving his knees from under her and helping her lay back down on the mattress. Amy laid back down gasping and grinning up at Akki. “Gotta admit. That was actually kind of fun.” Akki grinned down at her and said “I know. Now get up and get cleaned up, your belly is still covered in sauce.” Amy popped up one her elbows and looked down at her belly. Sure enough her belly was spotted with sauce all over the place.
She looked up at Akki shrewdly and said. “Where are your manners Akki? Haven’t Shalumma taught you to clean your table and plates yourselves after a meal?” Akki’s eyes popped open like saucer as he heard it and looked at her. “Come on. What are you are waiting for? I don’t want even a single droplet of sauce remaining on my belly. Let’s see how clean of a job you can do.“ Amy said with a naughty grin.
“Oh trust me. I will be very thorough” Akki said in a excited voice as he rested his elbows on either side of her waist and leaned in gently scooping up the droplets of tomato sauce with his tongue. Amy laid her head back down and sighed blissfully letting the sensations of Akki’s tongue lovingly painting her belly with his saliva envelope her senses. Akki took his time and licked every inch of belly skin exposed in her sports bra, occasionally sucking and nibbling on her skin making Amy moan and giggle delightedly. Akki slowly licked his way towards her navel in a circular motion, closing in on that gasping navel which was shivering in anticipation with every circle. He slowly drew his final circle along the very rim of her gasping navel, and in excruciating slowness slowly inserted his tongue all the way into the bottom of her navel and kept it still for a few moments letting his saliva drip and pool inside its depths. Amy whimpered, her belly shivering with vulnerable need feeling that wetness enveloping her sensitive navel. Akki slowly started moving his tongue in firm gentle strokes gradually building speed and rhythm. Amy grips his head and presses his head even more into her belly while arching and pressing her belly even more into his face, writhing and moaning. Akki greeted her enthusiasm by rapidly fluttering his tongue inside her navel driving her into oblivion. He pushed deep and worked continously on her navel knot with powerful strokes of his tongue as though it was made out of sweetest of candy.
Amy didn’t know how long she laid like that nor she cared. There were both lost deep in the slippery slope of lust, nether wanting to come back and face the reality. After what seemed like an eternity Akki finally tired himself out and reluctatly rolled off her. And she slowly came back to her senses breathing hard. How long have they been at it? She checked her watch and made a rough calculation – 57 minutes. Wow! They have been at it almost an hour.
She didn’t know what to make of it or what was going on between herself and Akki. The first time this happened a few days back she had been wracked in guilt. But also consumed with a carnal need to feel it again. Now that they had crossed that line two times a row she had no doubt now that they are going to do it again many more times in the future.
“Akki …you do know what we are doing is wrong.. right?” Amy asked in a small voice while laying panting beside him.
“Meh! We are not real siblings anyways.” He replied sounding as though he was trying to reassure himself than her.
“Yeah.” Amy agreed. “That is right. Perhaps its not that bad after all. Its just……harmless fun.”