Aasha

Aasha sighed as Kumar poured his frustration out. She should have just ended it over

the phone, she thought.

“I don’t understand why?” said Kumar, sitting on the bench beside her by the

waterfront in a grey suit, light blue shirt and black tie. “I really thought we had it all.

What went wrong?”

“Believe me, nothing went wrong,” replied Aasha as she let the errant strand of hair

whip her across the face. She had tightly secured her belt to her beige spring coat and

dug her hands in her pockets. “It has nothing to do with everything that we have. You

have everything a woman could dream of. It’s just that I have to go with my heart and at

some level it doesn’t feel right.”

“At the least give me a chance to make it better? Maybe, I can work on something to

make you feel right?” said Kumar.

He had a point, thought Aasha. Empathically, she ought to give him a chance to prove

himself, challenge himself to live up to whatever it is that she wanted of him. But, the

problem was she didn’t know what it is that she wanted from him? He was good

looking, had a successful business and came with a great personality. Yet, there was

something that held her back from giving herself.

“I really don’t want you to think about this too much because it has nothing to do with

you or anything that you have. Like I said, it’s something I cannot put my heart into.”

Kumar let out a heavy sigh turning his gaze to the waters of Lake Ontario and shook his

head. “Unfair, so unfair,” he said, resignedly. “Well, then, I guess, there’s nothing else to

say?” he continued.

Aasha looked at him, a pang of pain sinking her heart. Then, taking her hand out of her

pocket she put it on his.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“Seriously, what is it that you want?” asked Lisa, in frustration. Sitting beside Aasha at

the bar she vented her frustration at Aasha’s latest failed tryst with another boy-friend.

“What do you mean, what do I want? I want to settle down. Period,” replied Aasha,

taken aback at Lisa’s accusatory tone.

“Sure, but, why do you keep pushing people away? What was wrong with this guy? He

had everything a woman could ask for. Cute, smart and grounded.”
“But, he was not there…” said Aasha before trailing off. Lisa took a sip from her glass of

wine. She looked at the mirrors stretching across the back of the bar. Calming herself

down, she continued. “Do you really know what you want? Seriously.”

“I don’t know. Maybe. I think I might just be a little complicated,” conceded Aasha. “But,

just that I don’t want to compromise on things that matter to me most.”

“Which are?”

“Well, same background for one. Somebody who appreciates his culture, two. Smart,

three and delecticiously loveable, four.”

With an Indian background, Aasha, was inclined to find somebody who was also Indian.

She just could not imagine being with somebody who was not.

“What’s the fixation from your own background? You were born and brought up here, in

Canada, right?” asked Lisa.

“True. Call it my bias but being with someone from an Indian background completes me.

It’s just a level of comfort.”

“Yea, me too,” said Lisa. They both burst out laughing. Lisa’s affinity for Indians was not

lost on Aasha. Lisa was naturally blonde but could not get around dating anybody but

Indians. Not that it came as a surprise to the general population in a multi-cultural city

as Toronto but her blue eyes, pinkish white skin and Irish background from a long time

ago made peoples’ head turn whenever she was seen with somebody non- white. She
couldn’t care less as she was never brought up to look at people differently not to

mention based on their background. But, there was something about Indian men that

captured her heart.

“Can I call him?” asked Lisa.

“What?!” exclaimed Aasha. “Call whom?”

“The guy you just dumped.”

“I’ll kill you!” said Aasha.

“Not fair,” whimpered Lisa.

The thudding sound came from far away. Raj turned around and slid the comforter over

his head. It grew louder and louder, followed by the moaning of a woman in distress. He

opened his eyes and focused his attention at the sound. Vikram, he thought. He looked

at the digital clock on the side table. 2 AM.

The moans now only grew louder. Definitely, not in distress, thought Raj. On cue the

woman’s voice turned into a full blown scream. Raj picked up his smart phone and

dialed.

Vikram’s phone buzzed in the adjacent room. “Hello?” he said.

“Can you keep it down?” said Raj.

“Sure. Sorry,” replied Vikram before hanging up.

“I’ll need a new roommate if I keep doing this. He’s going to bail out on me,” said

Vikram.

Carolina giggled as she nestled her head into Vikram’s chest.

“Let’s get some sleep,” he said as he stroked Carolina’s blonde hair with his fingers.

Lifting her head up Carolina kissed him on the lips.

Vikram turned on the coffee-maker still in his pajamas and T shirt. The digital clock on

the wall displayed 10 AM. Carolina had left at the break of dawn. Vikram had gone right

back to sleep. But, not before crossing Raj’s path who was heading out to the gym.

“Sorry about last night,” said Vikram, half awake. Raj, in a white T shirt cropped to the

armpits, with well-toned arms on display and dark football shorts shook his head and let

out a small laugh. “Man, you’re something,” he said. Sitting down on the couch in the

living room he tied his shoe laces.

“No, she was something,” replied Vikram, breaking into a smile as he scratched his

trimmed beard.
“After all that noise, I’m sure she was,” said Raj as he stretched his 5’9” frame up and

picked up his gym bag. Looking in the mirror in the hallway he ran his hand through his

neatly combed hair and two day old stubble; then, with a ‘see you later,’ went on his

way.

Coffee in hand Vikram stepped onto the balcony of the 21st floor luxury condominium

situated in Missisissauga. Located West of Toronto, Mississauga housed one of the

priciest condos in the country. Vikram complimented himself in buying the condo at a

bargain. It was prime real estate.

The warmth of the summer heat crept up on him as the lack of breeze made the

weather hot and humid. He looked down at the Square One mall below with the arteries

of roads and highways meandering around. The sprawling parking lot was beginning to

fill up.

At 29, and a year younger to Raj, he had done well for himself – with a lucrative career

in a startup he had invested his time and effort well. Managing the technical side of the

business he spent long hours at work but when out of it he made good use of his time

and bachelorhood. With his good looks, a well maintained physique and last but not the

least a charming personality he was a fixture in as many social events and parties he

could find his way into.

Like Raj, he was also a work out buff. But, in addition to pumping iron he liked to soothe

his body and ego in designer wear. His closet teemed with custom tailored shirts. Jeans,

brand name sweaters, coats and jackets from high end stores hung from the rack. At six

feet he was a poster boy for his collection, which, incidentally, brought rich dividends in

attention and pretty women. Carolina was just one of the many on his list. “Life was

good,” he mused.

“Are you free Friday evening?” asked Raj as he stir-fried mushrooms and peppers on a

non-stick pan for dinner. Conscious of their diet Raj and Vikram not only ate sparingly

but ate carefully. Limited carb, practically zero sugar and a healthy dose of vegies and

protein shake made most of their daily intake.

“Maybe. Why?” asked Vikram as he dodged a bullet playing Battlefield: Hardline. He

had transformed the plush living room into a video centre. Cables and wires snaked out

of the monitor to video boxes on the floor while he sat on his thousand dollar couch

from Furniture Décor.

“I have an invite to a party after work on Friday. Downtown, Toronto. Want to come?”

asked Raj. “Maybe,” said Vikram.

“I’ll put down for two,” said Raj.

“Any women?” asked Vikram.

“Maybe,” replied Raj, in mock response.

“You think I might get lucky?”

Raj chuckled. “You always get lucky. You know it,” he said.

It was only Monday but Raj thought it best to run it by Vikram before soliciting his other

friends. In all honesty, he was not sure who would be there. One of his friends from

university had text him and being a bachelor with nothing much happening on a Friday

night, he had accepted the invite.

On Friday Vikram’s phone buzzed. Text from Raj: “Bant House @6.”

Vikram had taken his time getting ready for the evening. He had worked from home and

as a result had some time to slink out to the gym at 4 PM. After an hour of working out

he had come home and taken a long warm shower. The steam soothed his wet skin

while his toned muscles tight by exertion gradually relaxed. Finally, stepping out of the

shower he had generously sprayed the Axe deodorant all over his body. It took him

another half hour before he was ready to leave.

He looked at himself in the mirror - pale blue slim fit pants, white cotton shirt and navy

blue blazer. He looked like a million dollars. He put on his watch and ran his hand in his

soft hair. Good, he thought. He had applied a gentle puff of spray to keep it together

and glistening.

Raj had left work a little after 5 PM. shutting down his computer and tidying his desk he

had adjusted his tie and put on his grey coat over his light purple shirt. Brant House was

a ten minute walk from the downtown offices of his investment firm. It wouldn’t do him

harm taking a walk.

A Research Analyst by profession Raj crunched numbers for a living. At times the whole

career thing would get to him. Tired with being glued to the computer he would take a

walk around the block. Or lounging on a bench in the courtyard he would take in the sun

while watching the stream of office goers walking past. He had an eye for women in

power suits. He sometimes wondered what they did for a living. Sales? Marketing? Or

simply dressed to impress? But, he looked forward to the evening. He hadn’t been out

in almost a month.

As soon as he stepped into the club that was filling with people ready to start the

weekend he heard his name called. “Raj!” said the male voice from the other end of the

club. George waved at him. As he walked past groups of people Raj noticed at least a

dozen people around George, who shook hands and power hugged him.
“Good to see you, man,” he said. Then turning around he introduced Raj. “Guys, this is

Raj. A very good friend from University, talented number cruncher and eligible bachelor.

So, ladies, hit him up.” The group burst into laughter at the last remark as Raj could

barely control the blush from creeping across his face. He then took a seat on the far

end of the white couch.

“Hi, I’m Lisa,” said the blonde girl sitting next to him, extending her hand. Raj shook it

formally and said, “Raj.” It didn’t escape him she was in a power suit. She sat with her

legs crossed and held a drink in her hand. The two exchanged pleasantries before the

“what do you do,” cropped up.

“I’m in sales,” said Lisa. When she told him the firm’s name Raj noted that he had done

work for the company. He rattled off a few names that he knew at the firm to which

Lisa’s face lit up. She was genuinely excited that he knew people who worked with her.

The two then plunged right into discussing work, the markets and the industry. Raj

couldn’t help notice she didn’t have a wedding band on. Suddenly Lisa looked up behind

him. Raj followed her gaze.

“Sorry, I just need to grab my purse,” said the Indian girl who appeared out of nowhere

pointing at the space in between Lisa and Raj.

As she leaned forward to grab the red purse at the back of the couch Raj immediately

got up to make room.

“No, no, keep sitting,” she said putting a hand on Raj’s shoulder. Raj immediately tensed

up as she brushed against him. A soft whiff of perfume twitched Raj’s nose. Her face so

close to his he could see the fine design in the silver earrings in her ear. Strands of her

soft hair, touched with blond highlights flirted with his cheek. The entire action, lasting

just a few seconds, seemed an eternity.

Raj could only hold his breath as she straightened up. She wore a clinging knee length

black dress that hugged her figure. A string of white pearls circled her dainty neck while

her soft hair fell gently onto her shoulders. As his gaze moved down from her face, Raj

couldn’t help notice her arms - slender, smooth and sensual.

“Where’re you off to?” asked Lisa.

“Just a quick call,” she replied.

Raj locked eyes with her and smiled. “Hi, I’m Raj,” he said, extending his hand. She

shook it, squeezing it softly.

“Aasha,” she replied, breaking into a wide smile.

And with that Raj felt a wave of anticipation and excitement wash over him. It would be

an interesting evening, he thought.

As she walked away he noticed her hips, tiny and tight, while her legs, toned and

shaved, in high heels, hit the floor with confidence.

Lisa simply ceased to exist. A moment ago where he was fully engaged with her, now, all

that he could muster was a one or two word replies to her inquisitive and ceaseless

questioning. His eyes darted across the floor of teeming people in constant chatter,

trying to find the woman who had in a few seconds taken his breath and attention

away. He looked at his watch. How long was the call, he thought.

For the next twenty minutes he desperately looked around although the pain in his

stomach barely controlled the flames of hope and desire raging inside. Finally, he gave

up. Turning to Lisa he resumed his conversation with her.

As the club began to get crowded so did it become hard to have a normal conversation.

Lisa leaned into him speaking directly into his ear, at times placing her hand onto his

shoulder and at times cocking her ear to his mouth gently leaning into him, rubbing her

breast against his chest. Raj in turn leaned into her while speaking, resting his hand on

the crook of her back as he spoke about the projects he was working on.

Then she asked him. “Can I have your phone number? I would love to keep in touch?”

“Sure,” said Raj. It didn’t seem unnatural at all as all that they had in between them was

a professional, work related connection.

Lisa took out her smart phone from her coat pocket. “What’s your number?” she asked.

Raj took the phone from her hand and typed in his number. Then he called it. His phone

buzzed in his pocket. Taking it out he handed Lisa back her phone.
“Wow! Impressive,” said Lisa.

“Exchanging phone numbers, already?” said Aasha as she leaned in between the two

trying to make her heard.

Raj almost jumped.

“Haha,” said Lisa, a shade of pink sprouting about her cheeks. Raj smiled.

“Aren’t you having a drink?” asked Aasha leaning into Raj.

“You know what? I really didn’t have a chance to get to the bar,” replied Raj, now taking

in the soft perfume. Then, he asked. “Can I get you a drink?”

Aasha paused to think about it. “Sure,” she said.

“Great!” said Lisa in mock reply as she looked at the two. “I chat him up for an hour and

he never asks me for a drink. You talk to him for five seconds and he’s already buying

you a drink!”

Aasha burst out laughing. Raj couldn’t help notice the mock humour.

“I’ll of course buy you a drink,” he said. Placing his arm around Lisa’s shoulders he gave

her a hug and then led her to the bar.

“Cheers!” the three of them clinked their glasses.

“So, what do you do?” asked Raj turning to Aasha.

“Mutual Fund Sales,” she replied. Raj nodded.

“You?” she asked. Raj told her. The next twenty minutes the three of them exchanged

notes on their life in the Financial Industry. Raj was shocked, amazed and dumbstruck at

what came out of the conversation.

“Soul-less,” said Aasha. “I can’t believe I do this for a living.”

“Whoring, for sure,” said Lisa. “The things I have to do to please clients, it’s almost like

selling myself.”

Raj thought otherwise. “Well, in all fairness, somebody has to go out and pitch products,

right? How then can you expect to get things moving?”

“I get that,” said Aasha. “But, when they set unattainable sales targets and simply keep

pushing us to sell more, that kills me. It makes me question life. Is this what I am meant

to do?”

“Oh yea,” said Lisa. “I took out 45k in student loans to study Economics. Now, I’m selling

mutual funds to Financial Advisors who barely understand the concept of interest rates.

It’s so fucked up.”

“So, let me ask this,” interjected Raj. “If you had the opportunity and money to be

something, anything, what would it be?”

“Artist,” said Aasha without batting an eyelid.

“Stripper,” said Lisa. The three burst out laughing. “Ok, ok, fine. Economist.”

“What about you?” asked Aasha, looking at Raj.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” said Raj. “I mean, numbers always came easily to me so it was

natural to follow my interest.”

“But, your day job, do you like it?” asked Lisa.

“Again, there are ups and down. But, I never thought of anything but being a finance

guy.”

“Aww, mama’s little boy. Got himself a great paying job crunching numbers,” said

Aasha, pinching his cheek. “Does she still cook for you?”

“I wish,” said Raj. “She passed away when I was six.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” said Aasha. “I really didn’t mean it that way.”

An awkward silence descended on the group.

“It’s ok,” said Raj, looking away, a tinge of regret sinking his heart. The next moment

Aasha slunk her arms around him and hugged him. Raj was taken aback but oddly

enough, it just felt natural. And he would be lying if he said he didn’t feel good about it.

“Excuse me,” said the waitress as she placed her tray with three glasses of drinks in

front of them. “This is from that gentleman over there.”

They all turned to look. Perched on a bar stool, smiling ear to ear, Vikram saluted Raj

with one finger.

“Couldn’t wait for me, could you?” said Vikram, in jest, once the introductions were

made and he found a moment alone with Raj.

“Wait for what?” asked Raj.

“Well, you know,” he said, gesturing at the two girls now chatting amongst themselves.

“Oh come on,” said Raj, incredulously before continuing. “All yours, man, all yours. You

know it.”

The club filled to capacity pretty fast. With practically no place to stand and a constant

hum of people talking non-stop it became impossible to listen to any of the music being

played let along get into the groove. Vikram had not wasted time - diving right in he had

introduced himself to the girls, taking some of their attention away from Raj. He

zoomed in on Lisa.

“What do you do for fun?” he asked.

“What’s not to do for fun in Toronto,” replied Lisa. “Clubs, bars, dance lessons, yoga.

You have it all right here.”

“I like that,” said Vikram, “especially the dance part.” Holding her hand he twirled her

around. Crooking her right leg to her knee Lisa executed a flawless pirouette.

“Nice,” said Vikram, drawing her close. His nose to hers, he took her hand and placed it

behind his neck. “What else you got?” he asked.

“Don’t you want to know?!” said Lisa, pushing him away, laughing. Vikram let her go,

smiling. The evening was filled with potential, he thought.

Then somebody upped the music. Beats from R&B rent the air. Kent Jones’ “Don’t

Mind,” came on. “…Telling me this…telling me that…” Lisa and Aasha gently swayed to

the tune. Vikram standing beside Lisa pressed his shoulder to hers and the two began to

rock. Then, Lisa turned to face him, closing her body into him. Her arms up by his neck

she continued to rock side to side. She felt Vikram’s fresh breath on her neck. Then the

light dimmed and the strobe lights came on. Vikram reached for her waist and pulled

her close. While they fused their bodies in Vikram brushed his lips against her neck and

felt it tremor. Lisa pressed her body closer. Vikram thrust his crotch forward wedging it

against her thigh. And as the beats thundered down, they moved in sync, fused at the

waist.

“They’re really going at it, aren’t they?” said Aasha to Raj.

“No kidding,” replied Raj.

By now the mass of bodies in the club pressed hard with little to no room to move.

Aasha turned to Raj and taking him by the arm pulled him close. Raj was taken aback

but hardly put up a fight. But, he was no Vikram. With two left legs he was hardly a

mover and shaker like his roommate. Aasha wrapped her arms around his neck and

tossed her head side to side completely immersed into the music. Her hair brushed past

Raj’s face. With a tremble of nerves Raj tentatively placed his hands on her back. No

resistance. Good, he thought. Then taking a deep breath he plunged in. He held her by

the waist and sashayed, moving with her.

For the next few moments as the strobe light bounced off their bodies the two lost

themselves in the rush of the crowd, the music, the surrounding and most importantly

in each other. Raj felt Aasha’s breath as she pressed her body to his. In contrast to

Vikram, who would have taken control of the situation by now Raj waited for Aasha’s

next move. In response, Aasha suddenly turned and pushed her back and tight butt

against him as she leaned back. She flung her arms up around his neck, pulling him

towards her, swaying and rocking to the music all the while. Raj sunk into the comfort of

her touch, her body and the softness of her hair in his face. Closing his eyes he nestled

his nose into her neck as his hands slid around her waist. He felt a flat well-toned

stomach. As they swayed he felt his life sink into her as her presence completely

enveloped his body. Then, the tug at his sleeve brought him crashing down to reality.

Lisa, in one sweep, took him by the arm and peeled him off Aasha.
“Getting way too comfy over there, buddy,” she said. Raj could only muster an

uncomfortable smile. It seemed she had seen through him and read his mind.

As she pulled him away, Raj saw Vikram swoop in and take hold of Aasha. Taking her by

the arm he led her away to the centre of the dance floor. Raj strained to look at the two

above the bobbing heads and dancing bodies as Lisa pulled him further away. Within

seconds he lost the two in the sea of people.

Lisa pressed close to him and held him by his arms. Raj didn’t move. Completely

blindsided by the turn of events he didn’t know what to do. Should he spurn her and

make a dash for Aasha? That would be rude, he thought. He looked up, again, trying to

find the two. No luck. However hard he tried the bustle of people kept coming in the

way. He sighed and looked down at Lisa.

Lisa had her head into his chest and her arms around him. Raj tentatively placed his

hands around her waist. She then looked up and bore into his eyes.

“What?” asked Raj. She shook her head and without a word placed her hand on his

cheek. Raj smiled. Then she hugged him and slowly moved to the music.

Suddenly, a parting in the crowd as a chunk of people moved to the bar. In the distance

Raj caught Vikram and Aasha dancing and laughing as Vikram displayed his dance

moves. Vikram lunged at Aasha as she was about to lose balance. The next moment she
was in his arms, breaking into peals of laughter. A pang of jealousy sprouted in Raj’s

stomach. He sighed and looked away. Unfair, he thought, so unfair.

“What’s wrong?” asked Lisa.

“What?” he said, feigning ignorance.

“You seem lost.”

“No, nothing,” he said, smiling. She lifted her head up and kissed him on the cheek. Raj

didn’t flinch or react.

“Want to sneak out for a bit?” asked Lisa. Raj looked at her, not quite sure where this

was going.

“Let’s stay here for now,” he replied, in quick defence. Lisa nodded an ok. The next

moment she let out a shriek as Raj picked her up and began to spin her around. She

screamed, a peal of laughter cascading over the crowd, bustle and music. Caught

unaware she was enjoying every moment of it. Finally, as he put her down she gushed

between gasps of laughter. “You’re trying to kill me tonight, aren’t you?” Raj laughed.

“And why would I do that?” he asked. Feeling a little off Lisa excused herself to go to the

women’s room.

As Lisa left Raj immediately took the opportunity to look for Aasha. He strained his neck

above the mass of bobbing heads. He looked between the cracks of bodies going in and
out. Nothing. He waded through the crowd onto the spot where he last saw the two

dancing. Nothing. Then, instinctively he looked at the door.

Aasha and Vikram, pushing against the tide of people coming in were heading out.

Vikram, hands on Aasha’s shoulder, protected her from the surge of people coming in.

Raj rushed towards the door, bumping and jostling people on the dance floor. He

ignored the comments as annoyed patrons told him off.

Stumbling out of the club, he looked up and down the pavement; there was no sign of

the two. He heaved a heavy sigh, clearly flustered. He then saw the bouncer at the door.

“Did you see a couple come out a few moments ago? Indian?” he asked. The bouncer

frowned. Then gesturing towards the alley two houses down, said, “That way.”

“Thanks,” said Raj as he ran down the pavement. Short of breath and shaking with

nervousness Raj felt a complete wreck. But, he had to see Aasha, talk to her,tell her

about how he felt about her before anything happened between Vikram and her.

But, then, he paused. Why, he thought. She owed him nothing. She knew nothing about

him. He didn’t even know if she even cared about him.

Turning into the alley he peered into the darkness adjusting his eyesight. He took small

steps along the wall. Then, he stopped as he heard giggles and muffled voices coming

from the darkness. He peered into the shadow and saw the silhouettes under the fire
escape. The woman gasped throwing her head back while the male figure in front

placed a kiss on her chest. His hands cupped her hips as she softly moaned.

Was that Aasha, he thought. It didn’t sound like her. He peered harder at the two dark

figures. The woman suddenly moaned and clutching the man’s hair, kissed him violently

on the lips. Raj’s heart sank. It kind of sounded like her, or maybe not? Slowly slinking

back into the shadows he stood still, back to the wall. He wished he were wrong but he

had no way of telling if the two were Aasha and Vikram. Turning around he headed back

to the club.

Instantly, he pushed against the crush of people, strobe lights and thundering music. He

looked around aimlessly, walking wherever the push of bodies flung him. His heart sunk.

Crushed by the poignant fist of pain, jealousy and defeat he could barely think. The

spark of love that had been momentarily lit seemed to have gone in a matter of

seconds. So close, dammit, he thought. Why did she have to leave? Or why was he not

strong enough to stake claim to her? He let the thoughts roll in total frenzy. Finally, he

accepted the fact. He was, again, second best to Vikram.

“Hey, where have you been?” said Lisa as she came up behind him. “I’ve been looking

for you everywhere.”

Jolted from his reverie, Raj stared at her for a moment. And then without a word he

took her face in his hands, and planted a firm kiss on her lips. Lisa resisted, momentarily;
before giving in without a challenge to his tongue parting her lips and sliding deep down

her throat. Resistance was futile as Raj overwhelmed her completely. Plunging right in

Lisa took in every bit of his lips, mouth and tongue. Lost to the crowd, the two explored,

unabashed and unashamed, as if it was the most natural thing to do. Then Raj pulled

back. “Let’s get out of here,” he said. Grabbing their belongings they headed towards

the door.

Raj closed the door to the boardroom as Lisa flung her purse and jacket onto the leather

chair. She undid Raj’s shirt and unhooked his buckle while Raj unzipped her dress. As he

flung the bra to the floor two luscious mass of pure white breasts popped out, exposing

tight pink nipples. Raj reached down and began sucking on them. Lisa moaned as the

tongue flicked, sucked and explored. She rubbed her legs together as she felt the

wetness erupt and begin to run down her thighs. Raj turned her around and placed her

hands on the wall and cupped her breasts from behind, kneading them till she shrieked

in pain. “God, yes!” she moaned. “How do you like it, now?” asked Raj, heatedly. Taking

both her nipples in his fingers he began to squeeze them. Lisa shuddered as the waves

of pleasure rose and crashed onto her. “Oh God, you’re killing me!’ she moaned. Raj

took his hard on, in reply, and slid it down the crack of her hips.
“No, not yet,” said Lisa as she turned around and dropped to her knees. With a smooth

movement she took his cock in her hand and opening her mouth wide clamped down on

it. Raj groaned as her soft lips slid down his shaft. Then, she went to work, vigorously

sliding her mouth up and down the length of his hard on. Raj gasped and clutched her

blond hair, pushing her face deep into his crotch. Lisa without flinching took his entire

shaft down her throat and then paused. Flicking her tongue on the sides of his head she

teased him. Raj moaned. “Gawd! I’m going to cum!” he groaned.

Lisa immediately stood up and sat back onto the wide table parting her legs wide. Her

wet, pink pussy pulsated in anticipation. Raj pulled a chair and took his seat in between

her legs and then dove right in.

He licked the sides of her soft wet walls. He nipped and tugged the pink petals with his

teeth and closing his mouth on her clit, bit it. Lisa threw her head back and screamed.

Gasping for breath she said, “Fuck me!” Raj got up from the chair and turned her

around. As she lay sprawled, face down on the boardroom table Raj smoothly inserted

his cock into her. Lisa jerked up with a moan before giving in to the pleasure of the long,

thick shaft going in and out of her. Raj slapped her white round butt till it turned pink

and squeezed her thighs. Then, holding her by the waist he pumped and pumped as the

waves crashed over Lisa as her body wracked in spasms of pleasure. Unable to go on

anymore, Raj groaned. “I’m cumming!” And he unloaded into her. The hot thick cream

filled Lisa as she moaned and groaned in utter delight.

The two lay on the office carpet covered by Raj’s coat. Lisa drifted into sleep on Raj’s

arm while Raj stared at the ceiling his hands cupping his head. All that he could think

was of Aasha. Was Vikram fucking her brains out right now? Did she scream, just like

Lisa, begging for more?

Lisa, without looking up, ran her hand along his cheek. Then tracing her finger along his

chest and stomach held his flaccid cock in her hand and played with it. Gripping it, she

gently began to stroke it, up and down. Raj sighed.

“Round two?” she asked.

Raj hesitated, then, said, “Sure.”

Lisa kissed him deeply on the lips then straddling him she traced her lips down his chest

and stomach, all the way down to his cock before taking it into her mouth. Raj gasped as

her mouth closed in, tight.

In the underground parking lot Lisa took Raj’s face in her hands and kissed him tenderly

on the lips. Her hair was a mess; her makeup all but gone while she smelled of sweat.

“Don’t forget to call me,” she said.

Raj kissed her back. “I won’t,” he replied.

“Promise?” she asked.

“Promise,” said Raj.

But, he knew he was not being honest. As he pulled out his BMW X5 onto the street the

soft glow of dawn sprayed the sky pink behind him in the East. He got onto the Gardner

Expressway heading West towards Mississauga. All that he could think was of Aasha.

Raj would be lying if he didn’t admit that he was nervous as hell going up to the condo.

He struggled with his coat in his hand and felt his breath quicken as the mirrored

elevator, bathed in light, slowly made its way up. He looked at himself in the mirror – his

eyes looked tired and his hair was disheveled. He ran his fingers through his hair.

With a ping the elevator doors opened to his floor. Not knowing what to expect he

fidgeted with the key to the door and finally got it to open. The silence was deafening.

The soft light of the early morning filled the living room. Undisturbed, the living room

was the way it was left the day before. Sitting on the couch he removed his shoes. While

putting them away he noticed Vikram’s shoes by the door. Well, somebody was home,

he thought. He didn’t see any other pair of shoes let alone a woman’s. Was that good

news? He dismissed the thought.

Sliding the switch to the pot lights in the kitchen he grabbed a glass and reached for the

water dispenser on the fridge. He froze as he saw the sticky note stuck to the door.

Aasha, it said, with a phone number scribbled below. Raj sighed. Filling the glass with

water he ambled to his room.

Raj struggled to sleep. Tucked under his comforter his mind went back to the previous

evening. He couldn’t believe at the turn of events. He had everything under control –

Aasha was in his arms, his head nestled in her hair, the feel of her soft skin soothing him.

And then, just like that, it had all unraveled. Vikram had swooped in and literally taken

her away from his arms. And now he had her number. This was so unfair on so many

levels, he thought.

Here he was on one side, genuinely interested in her, ready to drop everything for her

and here was his philandering roommate who could at the most only offer her a roll in

the sack. He was not interested in anything serious. And was he, ever? In a few weeks

he would dump her and move on. And, then Aasha would move on too. As for him, he

could do nothing about it. After all what could she expect from a philanderer’s

roommate? As the thoughts played out in his mind, imperceptibly, the shadow of sleep

slid over him.

The voice came from far away. Raj cracked open his eyes to see Vikram standing at the

foot of the bed. His words were faint, as if coming through a barrier of cloud and smoke,

barely audible. Raj struggled to understand him. “….going to LA for a week…on

business….back next Friday….” he said. Raj could only murmur a reply. Vikram kept on

talking. He laughed at some point. Raj didn’t understand why. Still in the thick throes of

sleep he was not ready to come out. “Ya..ok..” said Raj, more than once, not sure what

he was agreeing to. And then the door shut, the darkness and sleep, closing in.

Raj awoke late in the afternoon. He checked his smart phone. There were two unread

texts. Vikram had detailed his departure in the first text. ‘Back on Friday,’ it said. Raj

could only come up with an, “ok. Take care.” The next text had no name, only a phone

number. He tapped on it.

“How are you today?” it said.

Raj tentatively ventured. “Who’s this?”

Pat came the reply. “The lady from the boardroom. :o)”

Raj broke into a smile. “Hi,” he texted.

“Coffee?”

“Maybe later?” said Raj.

“Ok,” she said, not before sending a final text. “It’s Lisa, in case you forgot.”

Raj chuckled. Funny, he thought.

“Did not,” he replied.

“God! Yes!!’ screamed Lisa, as Raj, on his knees, head between her legs ate her tenderly.

Taking her clit in between his teeth he teased it, making her scream. Her pinkish white

legs spread wide she leaned back into the love seat, arching her back all the while

clinging to the back of the seat with her hands. She gasped, out of breath, as her nipples

stuck out, taut and tingly, ready for the sucking. The sweat broke on her brow; her hair,

fortunately, undisturbed, in a ponytail.

The coffee date never happened. With Vikram gone and the condo all to himself Raj

invited Lisa over. As soon as she stepped into the condo the two took off where they

last left off. She barely unzipped her sweat shirt when Raj ripped her white crop top

while she slipped off her yoga pants. Lifting her off her feet Raj had flung her on to the

couch before literally getting down to business.

Raj didn’t know what it was but there was something about her that he found

irresistible. He couldn’t put a finger to it but the attraction was undefinable, carnal,

deep and fulfilling. He knew it was not the sex alone, but, something more, truer,

singular, exclusive.
Standing up Raj took her by her ponytail and thrust his hard-on into her face. She took it

lovingly into her mouth, swallowing the entire shaft. She sucked on it as if it were the

last time she would ever use her mouth again. Raj moaned as she deep throated him

and flicked her tongue on his head, tasting the pre-cum.

Then pushing her to the ground Raj held her by the legs and parted them wide. Leaning

into her he smoothly inserted his cock, filling her up all the way to the end. Lisa jerked

up, tossing her head back. The current of pleasure sent spasms of shock across her

body. She shook in pleasure. Then locking her legs behind his back she thrust up,

matching his rhythm to rhythm while digging her nails into his broad bare back. Raj

thrust his rock hard manhood deep into her. It lasted for a good twenty minutes as Raj

kept hammering away. Both, drenched in sweat moaned and groaned with every touch

of their body, kiss and animalistic dance. Lisa, screamed, unbridled as the hard shaft

tore into her body convulsing her in pure delight.

“Oh baby!” she screamed. “Cum into me!’ But, instead, Raj, peaking, with a sudden

groan yelled. “Swallow it!”

Lisa sprung up and on her knees engulfed his hard-on, sinking it deep into her mouth,

her lips clamping shut at his crotch. As the warmth of her mouth closed in Raj groaned

and the next moment, unable to hold any longer, shot the hot load into her. He came,

spurt after spurt, shooting hard and long while she, unflinching, took the whole load in,

swallowing every drop of the hot thick liquid. Finally, as the cock softened in her mouth
Lisa slid her mouth along the shaft and squeezed the last drop out. With a moan Raj

crashed to the floor.

As they cuddled in bed, Lisa’s head on Raj’s chest she asked. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” replied Raj.

“What’s Aasha’s number doing on your fridge?”

“Oh, that,” replied Raj, as he stroked her smooth back with his nails. “My roommate.”

“Really? That flirt?” asked Lisa.

“Yeah,” replied Raj, breaking into a soft laugh.

“Strange,” she said.

“Why?” asked Raj.

“I didn’t think Aasha went for guys like him.”

Monday morning at the office was nothing out of the ordinary. Throwing his coat on

the couch and straightening his sky blue tie over his white shirt Raj fired up his

computer and logged into his Outlook account. Five unread emails. Not bad, he thought.

Generally, he was used to seeing more on the first day of the week. However, he still

had to go over the budget report one last time before presenting it to the sales team at

10 AM. As he scanned the numbers his thoughts drifted. What a weekend! A small smile
formed across his face. Lisa’s touch, words and presence washed over him. What a

sweet breath of fresh air she was - genuine, caring and funny. But, most importantly, he

realized how his interest in Aasha had waned. She had moved on, and so had he. C’est la

vie, he thought.

‘Coffee @10,’ said the text from Lisa.

‘Can’t. Presentation. Lunch?’ replied Raj.

‘Cool,’came the reply.

The two met at Olivier & Bonacini down by Front Street. Lisa had hugged him, warmly

and genuinely. She wore grey, pleated, wide leg pants with a matching body hugging top

with short sleeves. A gold necklace went around her neck while she appeared an inch

taller in black heels. Her blonde hair was pulled back with her shades strategically placed

on top of the head; she was an epitome of class and elegance.

The two entered the restaurant holding hands. Sitting on the patio, they let the soft

summer sun soothe over them. Waiting for their order to arrive they took off on

discussing the markets, the economy and globalization. Raj couldn’t help notice the

smarts that Lisa displayed. She went head to head with him on numbers, economic

policy and the direction of the market.

“Looks like somebody’s done her homework,” said Raj.

“You’re right, she has,” replied Lisa as she leaned into him and planted a soft kiss on his

lips.

After lunch, hand in hand, the two took a walk round the block. Going against the crowd

heading towards the station they chatted, laughed and pulled each other’s legs, finally

walking towards Raj’s office building.

“Want to do dinner?” asked Lisa.

“As long as you’re cooking,” said Raj, in jest.

“Anytime,” replied Lisa.

Pulling her close Raj asked, “And what else do you want to do?”

Lisa put her hands around his neck and looked into his eyes.

“Whatever you want, babe,” she said.

“Whatever?” asked Raj.

“Whatever,” repeated Lisa.

“Really?” asked Raj, in mock humor.

“Really,” replied Lisa, without batting an eyelid.

“Now?”

“Sure.”
“Seriously, now?” said Raj.

“Anytime, anywhere,” replied Lisa.

“I’m parked down in the underground parking, you know,” said Raj, a naughty smile

playing on his lips.

“Let’s go,” said Lisa, pulling him by the arm.

Raj broke into a laugh. “No, no, that’s ok,” he said. “I was just kidding.”

Lisa put her arms around his neck and pulled him close. “I was not,” she said, in utmost

seriousness. Then, locking her lips to his, she placed a voracious kiss.

“You did not!” said Raj as Lisa laid out two plates of pad-Thai noodles on the table.

“Why not? You think I can’t cook?” Lisa replied.

After work, Lisa had gone home and changing into stretch pants and a workout top, had

come over to Raj’s condo with a bag of food. She rolled her fork into the noodle and

reached out to Raj, who took a bite. “I might sound clichéd but I can’t believe this is not

take-out,” said Raj.

“Nope, it is not,” said Lisa. “100% home made.”

“You’re a healthy man’s dream,” quipped Raj. The two ate dinner and then cuddled on

the couch watching TV.

Suddenly, the sound of a key being inserted in the door startled them and the next

moment in walked Vikram, in jeans and T shirt, rolling his carry-on behind him. He

paused, looking at Raj and Lisa on the couch.

“I thought you were not in till the end of the week?” said Raj, looking up from the

couch. Vikram ignored the question and smiled at Lisa. “What’s up?” he said. Lisa

smiled back. “Good. How are you?” she replied. “Good, good,” replied Vikram.

Turning to Raj, he continued. “Meetings got cancelled so I took the next flight home.”

“There’s pad-Thai noodles in the kitchen if you’re hungry. Home cooked,” said Raj.

“Since when have you started cooking pad-Thai?” asked Vikram.

“Not me. The chef here,” said Raj, pointing a finger to Lisa’s head.

“Cool,” replied Vikram.

For the next hour, while Vikram downed the pad-Thai the three bantered; exchanging

notes on life, work and every other small things that remotely affected their lives.

Finally, Lisa got up to leave.

“Ok, babe, see you tomorrow?” she said, leaning into Raj and kissing him on the lips.
“Sure,” said Raj as he softly sucked on her nether lip. Running his hand into her hair he

hugged her, long and hard.

As Raj locked the door behind him, Vikram exploded.

“Whoa! What was all that about?” he asked, incredulously.

“What?” asked Raj.

“You’re going out with her?”

“Well, just started. She’s nice, isn’t she?” replied Raj.

“What about Aasha?” said Vikram.

“What are you talking about?” asked Raj.

“Didn’t you call her?” said Vikram.

“Call who?”

“Are you deaf? Or dumb and deaf?!” asked Vikram.

“What are you talking about? Why should I call Aasha?”

“Because I told you to?”

“What?” asked Raj.

“The phone number on the fridge. Didn’t you see it? And I told you to call her before I

left, while you were still in bed on Saturday morning?”

Raj clearly remembered Vikram coming in to his room and saying something. But, he

was so wiped he hardly remembered what was said.

“You never said that,” said Raj, hesitatingly. The shadow of a doubt slid up his face. “I

thought the number on the fridge was for you.”

“Why should I stick a note to the fridge when I can program the number on my iphone?”

said Vikram, shaking his head in annoyance.

“But, I thought, she had a thing for you,” said Raj.

“Me? Why me?” said Vikram, surprised.

“The last I saw the two of you was when you were leaving the club together. And then I

didn’t see either of you for the rest of the night.”

“We stepped out to get some fresh air,” said Vikram.

Raj chuckled. “Ok,” he said in mock-jest.

“What?” asked Vikram.

“Get some fresh air, is that what you call it nowadays?” said Raj.

“What are you talking about, man?” said Vikram.

“Never mind.”
“Oh, now I get it. You think something happened between me and Aasha? Yea, no.

Nothing happened.”

“Whatever,” said Raj, dismissing Vikram’s account.

“What’s up with you?” asked Vikram getting visibly annoyed.

“Look, it’s ok. You don’t have to say anything,” said Raj.

“Alright, man. Not saying anything,” said Vikram. “But, she is the one who gave me her

number to give it to you.”

Raj looked at Vikram, confused.

“She wants you to call her,” said Vikram.

“What?” said Raj.

“She finds you cute. Wants to keep in touch.”

Raj’s head began to hurt. “Wait a minute. She gave you her phone number to give it to

me?” he asked, finding it hard to focus on the chain of events unfolding at a pace he

could barely keep up with.

“Yea,” replied Vikram. “Clearly, you played a number on her.”

Raj couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“She likes you,” said Vikram.

Raj was not buying it. “What about you?” he asked.

“Nah, not my type. I think both of us kind of figured out early on we’re not the right fit.”

Raj leaned back into the couch and clenched his eyes shut. Shit, he thought.

“Aasha?” said Raj as the female voice on the other end said, hello.

“Yes?” came the reply.

“This is Raj.”

“Raj?” The questioning tone weighed on Raj’s nerves as his heart pounded in his chest.

Did she remember him?

“Raj, from the club. We met on Friday night at the Bant House?”

“Oh, yes! I remember you,” the voice exclaimed. “How are you?”

“I’m good. You?” asked Raj, totally relieved at the acknowledgement.

“I’m good, I’m good,” said Aasha. “So, what have you been upto?”

“Nothing much,” lied Raj.

It took Raj almost two days before he finally called Aasha. The emotional ride was a

rollercoaster as it tormented him inside. The question that kept on popping up was

whether he was being fair to Lisa? Here he was warming up to her, taking in her touch,

her warmth and her love and now here was news that Aasha had shown interest in him.

In spite of the annoying misunderstanding and miscommunication with Vikram he

couldn’t deny the fact that he felt a magnetic pull to Aasha.

But, it had not been easy to make the decision. Although he had known Lisa for less than

a week, it seemed he had known her forever. They had talked for hours, made

passionate love – the best he had ever had. They had connected at an emotional level, a

mental level and also at a deeper level, of love. Her interest in him was total. She had

taken him for all that he was, completely and unconditionally. Every time they met and

she looked into his eyes he couldn’t believe how longingly and lovingly she looked at

him. It baffled him that someone could be so deeply in love with another. It was like she

almost worshipped him. Clearly, her existence was mired in his.

And yet, she was not his first choice that night.

On the dance floor Aasha had completely engulfed him with her touch and presence.

When she held his hands wrapped around her waist on the dance floor it felt she had let

him in into her life. When she had stroked his face with her long fingers it felt like the

touch of heaven on earth. She seemed to have opened a door only privy to him. And

when she had hugged him it just felt right. He belonged in her arms and she in his. Their
life was destined to be one. And now that she again had come back it only underscored

the certainty of their future together. He had to seize the moment before it was too

late.

Raj found a quiet spot in between the office towers during lunch and had called her.

He would be lying if he said he was not nervous. Aasha had agreed to meet him, on a

date, the following evening after work. Raj had left it to her to pick the spot. Aasha

settled for a Chinese restaurant not too far from Raj’s office.

When Raj stepped into the restaurant he couldn’t help notice the décor. Red, round

paper lanterns hung from the ceiling, masking the light just enough to give the place a

romantic ambience. The vinyl booths were all red, the backs high enough to provide

privacy to diners while at the same time not too high as to impede the open concept of

the place. The tables were of dark Kensington wood with an oriental lantern at the

centre, spraying a gentle light around the table. Large Chinese paintings adorned the

walls. Farmers in pointed Chinese hats toiled the fields while in the distance, clouds

partially covered serene mountain tops. The waiters were all young, dressed in black

and ready smiles. Raj felt good. The place not only looked classy but also exuded an

exotic touch.
Raj was glad he had not skimped getting ready for the date. After work he raced back

home and immediately jumped into the shower. The steam soothed his skin and tight

muscles. Stepping out of the shower, towel firmly around his waist, he laid out a pair of

coat on the bed. Grey and navy blue. Unable to decide what to wear he finally picked

the navy blue and held it to the mirror. He then reached for the white Calvin Klein

button down slim fit dress shirt. Perfect, he thought, as he placed it by the navy blue

coat. He then went back to the brightly lit bathroom and had spiked his hair. Reaching

for the deodorant he generously sprayed it on his six pack and all over his body. Then

with a moist pad he massaged his face, applying a light touch of cream to soothe his

skin. Finally, sliding his coat on top of his Calvin Klein jeans he shrugged his shoulders to

make it fit and then paused to look into the mirror. In every which way that he looked, a

million-dollar man stared back at him.

“Do you have a reservation?” asked the waitress with short red hair and short skirt with

a touch of cleavage peeking from her tight top.

“Yes,” replied Raj, half-confidently.

“He’s mine, Carol,” said the female voice from behind.

“Oh, hey Aasha,” said the waitress. “How are you?”

“Good, you?”
After exchanging pleasantries with the waitress Aasha turnd to Raj. Raj felt his heart

jump in his chest as he couldn’t help notice how mesmerizingly beautiful Aasha looked.

The dark poncho covered her small shoulders. Her hair with blond streaks cascaded

down the back while her eyes in dark eyeliner seemed to suck him in with her look; her

lips touched by a dash of purple lipstick, were perfectly symmetrical. And, finally, when

she smiled he felt the radiance wash over him.

“How are you?” she asked. Throwing her arms around him she hugged him warmly. Raj

held her tenderly and immediately let out a big sigh. For a moment life seemed to stop

as the most beautiful in the world was in his arms. His nervousness, worries, doubts and

everything that had happened since, vanished.

“Same table?” said Carol to Aasha, bringing an abrupt end to Raj’s moment.

“Sure,” replied Aasha. Then clasping Raj’s hand in hers she followed the waitress. As

they sat facing each other Raj took a good look at her, in fact, stared at her while she

looked down at the menu. The soft glow of the Chinese lantern gently shed a soft light

on her face. She looked different from the woman he had met at the club. She was so

much more beautiful sitting across from him.

“What?” she asked, flashing a smile, as she caught Raj staring at her.

“Nothing,” said Raj, shaking his head.

“Tell me. What are you thinking?” she asked, as she placed her hand, open-palmed, on

the table, asking for his. He placed his hand in hers.

“You have no idea how happy I am to see you,” said Raj.

“Me too,” she said, squeezing his hand.

“What can I get you, today,” said Carol as she hovered over the table. Aasha

immediately looked down at the menu, “I’ll have the cashew-noodles with Indian

sauce,” she said.

“Great,” said the waitress and turning to Raj. “And you?”

“I think I’ll have the same,” said Raj, intrigued by Aasha’s choice.

“You won’t regret it. It’s to die for,” said Aasha.

“True,” said the waitress, nodding in agreement. “And anything to drink while you wait

for your order?” she continued. Both opted for water.

“You’re a regular here,” said Raj as the waitress picked up the menu and left the table.

“It’s nice, isn’t it? A lot of things to love about the place. Open 24 hours, great service,

great food. What more could you ask for? ” said Aasha.

The next hour unraveled in the most predictable yet exciting way. The two probed each

other about their interests, family and work.

“You had me when you asked, do you like your day job,” said Raj.
“Sad, isn’t it?” said Aasha. “Most people will be at a job their entire lives for the sake of

earning a pay cheque. Don’t get me wrong, nothing wrong with that, but, I believe there

has to be something more to life, something more meaningful.”

“So, let me ask you, what makes Aasha tick?” asked Raj.

“Haha,” Aasha avoided the question. “I thought you’d never ask. I guess, you’ll have to

wait and see.”

Raj was hooked. All his life, never had anybody challenged him so deeply and honestly.

He had done well for himself. An honour student, a top squash player and now with a

successful career he had everything going for him. In fact, he had thought he had life

figured out - reach for the stars, work hard and play hard, the results would follow. And,

boy, didn’t they? In the final months in university financial firms made a bee line for

him. His starting salary almost topped 100k/year. If anything the world was his oyster.

But, here he was, talking to the woman of his life who in one simple stroke had

shredded his qualifications, success and hubris and brought him down to reality.

“You’re a number guys, huh?” asked Aasha as she picked the noodles with her

chopstick. “How does one fall in love with numbers?” she asked.

“Well,” said Raj, tongue-tied. He had no answer. It’s not that numbers didn’t interest

him but they came naturally to him. And they had brought much comfort in life. He had

no regrets about it but now that she asked him it made him feel worth a lot less.
“Like I said, numbers come naturally to me, so I went with it. There was not much

thought involved. Just a natural thing to do.”

“Dig deeper. I know I sound philosophical sometimes but there is so much to life than

simply whiling it away on making money. ”

She got off her side of the booth and slid in beside him. Raj was taken aback but hardly

dejected. Cozying up to him she ran her fingers in his hair. “You know, that night at the

club, I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I saw you with my friend and you have no idea how

jealous I felt.” Raj couldn’t believe his ears.

“There’s a candor about you that is so attractive,” continued Aasha. Raj looked at her

for signs that she might be joking. Her long unblinking eyes boring right through him,

said otherwise. She then cupped his face in her hands and kissed him softly on the lips.

The next moment her tongue was in his mouth as their lips locked in a clasp of passion.

They dug deep, probing and exploring. Raj’s hand slid up her skirt. The soft smooth skin

quivered at his touch. Aasha squirmed as Raj squeezed it. He ventured further up feeling

the soft fabric of her panties. Aasha held his hand from going further. Stopping to regain

her breath she whispered. “Let’s get out of here.”

Once they stepped onto the pavement Aasha held Raj’s arm and tugged at it, looking up

at him. They closed lips again and kissed, lost to the world. Raj felt his life sucked away
and flung into a faraway land of love, passion and boundless possibility. His dreams had

come true. The girl that he had wished, long and pined for was his.

“Coffee or drinks?” Aasha asked, as she pulled away.

“Up to you,” replied Raj.

“Coffee,” she said.

“Sure, I know of a nice little place a few blocks down…” said Raj before Aasha cut him

off. “No, at my place.”

The ride up the dimly lit elevator was a dance of lust as they necked and kissed unable

to keep their emotions in check. Aasha didn’t live too far away as within ten minutes of

driving she pulled into the underground parking lot of the luxury condominium. As she

put the key into the door Raj thrust his groin into her tight butt. “God, yes! That’s the

way I like it, babe,” she said.

As soon as the door shut behind them, in the darkness of the condo with only the night

light of the city coming in, she took off her poncho and threw it to the ground. Raj taking

his coat off reached for her. With a sudden tug Aasha ripped his white shirt open and

kissed him on the chest, licking at his nipple, while her hand ran down his washboard
abs before stopping at his buckle. Raj turned her around and locked her in a strangle

hold. She gasped. “Fuck me, baby!” she pleaded.

Clutching her dress in his hands, in one sudden movement, he ripped it apart and threw

it to the ground. Aasha gasped. The next moment she heard her black bra rip exposing

her breasts. Raj cupped them from behind and began kneading them with one hand

while the other hand made its way down in between her legs. Raj felt the trimmed hair

and going further smoothly inserted his finger into the wetness. Aasha’s head jerked

back as she moaned, feeling the heat from her womanhood flair up, enveloping her

body. Raj took her nipples in his fingers and squeezed them. Aasha shuddered as the

scream escaped her lips. Then turning her around Raj pinned her to the wall while

closing his mouth on hers. Aasha clenched his hair as she fumbled with his buckle. Then

dropping to her knees she unbuckled him, pulling his jeans down. His hard-on tore

against the fabric of his under wear. Sliding his under wear down Aasha went in for the

kill.

Opening her mouth wide she took in the entire erection in her mouth. Raj let out a

moan as her tongue swirled around his head. Clutching at her hair he forced it against

his crotch. Aasha didn’t flinch as she went deep. Then she went up and down the shaft,

all the while hearing Raj moan. “I’m going to cum!” yelled Raj. “No, wait,” said Aasha as

she got up and lead him by the hand in the darkness. Raj saw the outline of a couch.

Aasha pushed him down and then turning around sat on his cock. Raj felt the warmth of
her womanhood envelope his manhood. He could only moan as she went up and down.

He soon got into the rhythm pushing himself up and down...up and down…then with a

scream he came, shaking, trembling, gushing his warm thick liquid inside her. Aasha

moaned as the hot load filled her inside. She kept churning her hips round and round till

the last drop of cum deeply exhausted in her. Then turning around she collapsed on

him.

The two lay gasping for breath as slowly the darkness of the room started making sense.

In the soft light coming in from the outside Raj made out a coffee table and couches in

the living room.

“So, are you going to turn on the lights now?” asked Raj.

Aasha giggled. “What’s the rush?” she asked as she nestled her head in his broad chest.

The two lay silently in the darkness. Then Aasha got up and reached for a blanket on the

side of the couch. She wrapped it around herself.

“Ready for the light?” she asked.

“Sounds philosophical,” replied Raj.

Slowly the pot lights came on, gently suffusing the living room. As Raj’s eyes adjusted to

the surroundings he let out a soft gasp.

The couches were made out of carved wood, embedded with bright red seats. Multi-

coloured round cushions with tiny mirrors rested in the corners. The walls of the
apartment were painted a bright orange while massive paintings adorned the walls. And

what paintings! The one across from Raj depicted a buxom Indian woman bathing in the

flowing waters of a rivulet. Her hands behind her head she seemed to tie her hair while

a thin veil stuck to her massive breasts. The sensuousness of the image was not lost on

Raj. He looked at the second portrait. A voluptuous Indian woman, naked from the waist

up lay in the arms of a man, her hand stroking his cheek while he seemed to kiss it.

“They’re beautiful,” said Raj as Aasha threw the white blanket over him and cuddled

beside him.

“They are custom made,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. “I have a thing for

Indian culture and art.”

“I see that,” replied Raj. “The little that I have is only celebrating festivities, like Diwali

and the occasional poojas.”

“There’s so much more than that,” said Aasha. “The richness of Hinduism is for

anybody’s taking. The ancient art and culture covers practically everything in life. The

silence of meditation, the passion of the Kamasutra, the knowledge of the scriptures,

the unknown realms of spirituality; name it and you will find it.”

Raj was blown away. That a person of his generation and background, born and brought

up in a foreign land could be so involved and immersed in one’s culture blew his mind.
He placed his arm around her shoulders and drew her close. Then turning her face he

kissed her on the lips - a long, drawn out kiss.

“Listening to you is like listening to a tale from a lost and far away land. It’s

mesmerizing,” said Raj.

“If you want more you’ll have to find a way to stay longer,” replied Aasha, a twinkle in

her eyes.

“Sounds like an invitation hard to refuse,” quipped Raj.

The two then silently gazed at the paintings. Then, getting up Aasha offered her hand to

Raj. Standing in front of him, her naked figure in full display, she looked every bit of an

Indian goddess. Raj kissed her on the crotch as she let out a soft gasp. Then parting her

legs with his hands Raj ran his fingers slowly along her wetness. Aasha shuddered letting

out a moan. Raj stood up and lifted her off the ground while she hooked her legs around

his waist. The two made their way to the bedroom.

Raj couldn’t wait to satisfy her. Throwing her onto the bed he kneeled on the floor and

parted her legs wide. Then slowly he began to eat her. Aasha moaned aloud, squeezing

her breasts. Raj kept on chewing on her soft, wet petals till she begged him to stop. He

would have none of it. Hands firmly placed on her inner thighs he parted her legs wide

continuing his assault. Aasha arched her back and pleaded, half-heartedly, imploring, as

the waves of pleasure crashed around her. Raj without a word kept going. He flicked his
tongue over her clit sending Aasha into spasms. Finally, getting up, still parting her legs

wide in one smooth movement he entered into her. Aasha jerked up as the hard

manhood penetrated deep inside of her. Clinging to his back she thrust upwards as their

bodies coiled, breaking into a dance of lust and passion.

Aasha stroked Raj’s hair as he lay panting, getting his breath back. He had cum into her

and she had taken everything in, without reserve. They were one. Two bodies locked,

fused and melded into one. She kissed him on the cheek as he took her in his arms.

They lay silently in the dark looking out onto the city lights from the wall to wall glass

windows till Aasha broke the silence.

“I need to tell you something” she said.

“Sure,” replied Raj.

“Don’t take this the wrong way but what I’m about to say might sound too direct and off

putting to some.”

“Try me,” replied Raj.

“Ok, here goes.” Propping up on her elbow she kissed him on the forehead.

“I’m not looking forward to dating for long. At this point in life I’m looking for a life

partner. Somebody who can love me and I can love in return, completely,
unequivocally.” She paused. “I want to start a family, eventually. But, more importantly,

whatever people might think, I want somebody from the same culture and background.

What I have seen of you has just been phenomenal. You’re kind, smart, and so much

more than just a pretty face.”

Raj burst into a laugh. “Really?” he said.

“Don’t let it go to your head, mister,” said Aasha, joining in the laughter. “No, but

seriously, I think we could have something here.”

Raj sighed. “Wow!” he said.

“I know,” replied Aasha, “it’s a lot. But, I don’t need an answer right now.”

A thousand thoughts ran through Raj’s mind. Here he was in bed with the most

beautiful woman that he had ever met. Not only was she smart but possessed far more

than any woman he had ever known. Her love for her culture, art and life was mind

blowing; her self-awareness nothing short of extra ordinary. And now she was asking

him to be with her for the rest of his life and father to her children.

“Let me think about it,” said Raj. “You don’t know how madly I’ve been wanting to meet

you and know you. Now that I am here, I am fully convinced that I would be an idiot to

let go of you. Still, I wouldn’t want to make any decision in haste.”

“I understand,” said Aasha.”But, don’t take too long,” she quipped.

“And, of course,” she continued. “You’re a fantastic lover and kisser. So much better

than your roomie.”

The comment hit Raj squarely on the head. He didn’t believe at first that he heard it

right. Did she just say roomie, he thought.

“Excuse me?” said Raj. “What did you say?”

Aasha looked up at him. “I meant, your room mate. Vikram, right?”

“Yeah, but you said, so much better than him?”

Aasha got up wrapping the white blanket around her. “You didn’t know?” she asked.

“Know, what?” asked Raj.

“Well, he gave you my phone number so I thought he must’ve told you about what

happened?” said Aasha.

“What happened?!” asked Raj, incredulously.

“You lied to me!” said Raaj, sitting on the couch, back at the condo, as Vikram stepped

out of the bedroom in his pjs, the first rays of the sun lighting up the sky outside.

Vikram, still half asleep and clearly surprised at the outburst could only muster a, “lied?

About what?”
“Aasha,” replied Raj. Vikram still surprised, asked, “Mind giving me a little more

information?”

“You fucked her,” said Raj. Vikram shook his head. “It’s not what it sounds or looks like,

ok?” he said.

“What should it sound or look like? You slept with her and didn’t tell me?” asked Raj.

“What was I supposed to say? Don’t date her because I slept with her?”

“You could have at least said what happened between the two of you?” said Raj.

“How was that important? If I told you, would you not go out with her? It was obvious at

the club you were totally into her. But, then you took off with the other chick.”

So, it was you in the back of the alley that night?”

“Well, it started there….”

“And ended at her place?!” interjected Raj.

“Dude, you got to chill, ok?” said Vikram. “I told you that we realized we were not the

right type for each other. I mean, she’s into all of this art and culture stuff that I can

barely wrap my mind around. On top of it she wants to settle down. Knowing you I knew

the two of you would hit it off.”

Raj sank further into the couch, lost. “I just wish you would have told me.”
“Ok, I’m sorry. You’re right; I should have laid it all out. It would have been much easier

to get it from me than from her.”

Raj let out a sigh.

“You like her, don’t you?” asked Vikram, taking a seat across from Raj. Raj nodded his

head in reply.

“Then, go for it, man. Don’t let this one incident ruin it for you. In her defence, she

didn’t know you were into her. You went off with the other girl.”

“But, nothing happened with the other girl till the time I saw you leave the club with

Aasha. And nothing more would have happened if you had at the very least made it

clear that she was into me.”

“Hey, her phone number was on the fridge and I also told you before I left that she

wanted to see you. You even acknowledged all that I said while in bed that day.”

“I just wish you would have made it clearer. Man, this is so fucked up!” said Raj.

“Go talk to her. Don’t let things get out of hand. You like her and she likes you. Period.

End of story.”

The entire evening of the previous day passed by Raj. What a time he had had. And then

it had all come crashing down. He was upset, angry and felt cheated. When Aasha told

him about her fling with Vikram, in a huff he had put on his clothes and left; in spite of
Aasha’s entreaties to stay. Racing back to the condo in the wee hours of the morning he

sat on the couch waiting for Vikram to wake up. He simply wanted to accost him and ask

for an explanation. But, now, that he had one, he was as lost as before. He just didn’t

know what to do.

“I think you should call her and let her know how you feel,” said Vikram. “I can tell you

again, there’s nothing between me and her. The two of us are not even remotely

compatible. So don’t let that come in the way. Let me tell you, the only thing good

about that night was the food. We went to this twenty-four hour Chinese place. Man,

the cashew noodle was to die for.”

Raj stared at Vikram. Vikram looked back at him. “What?” he asked.

“You’re an idiot,” said Raj. Vikram shrugged his shoulders and headed towards the

kitchen.

Raj’s phone buzzed on the glass coffee table. He looked at it. Five missed calls and six

unread texts. All from Lisa.

“Where were you all of yesterday? I didn’t hear from you all day?” asked Lisa as they sat

on the patio, the late afternoon sun beating down on the large red umbrella over their
table. She wore a beige skirt and white sleeveless top. Sunglasses shielded her eyes. Her

hair was, as always, immaculately combed back, and tied in a ponytail.

“Family stuff,” replied Raj. He was in jeans and a casual blue V neck top. He also donned

sunglasses to shield the sun and any sign of nervousness that had gripped him since he

woke up early in the afternoon.

After the altercation with Vikram he had retired to his room to get some sleep. He had

called in sick and after hanging up with his boss gave some deep thought about his

situation. All that Vikram had said made sense. He had a terrific connection with Aasha

and she with him, which would be fool hardy to let go over an honest misunderstanding.

Moreover, Aasha owed him nothing from the night at the club. She had made no

commitment to him in any way, so to think that she was somehow in the wrong was

utterly shortsighted and selfish on his part. He had called her and left her a message,

apologizing for his behavior. She had not returned his call. Then, his thoughts veered

towards Lisa. Before things went further he had to tell her and end it with her. Aasha

was the one.

Raj couldn’t blame Lisa for being mad at him that day. After the past few days she had

every right to. They had made love, connected and bonded at a level of two people

madly in love. To suddenly drop off the face of the earth, not returning her calls and

texts was simply inexcusable. But, things had changed now. His heart was with
somebody else and Lisa had to be told, in person, however hard the outcome. With a

heavy heart he had called her and arranged to meet her for a quick drink.

She had hugged him in a way only she could, warmly, though her annoyance showed.

This would not be easy, Raj thought. And he was right.

Within minutes Lisa was back to her old self. He was taken aback how her annoyance

disappeared just like that once he walked back into her life. Holding his hand she

rambled on about her day at work. And in her usual self she leaned into him and kissed

him on the lips, for nothing. Her love simply flowed, spontaneously and fully. She didn’t

hold back anything. Raj’s heart sank. How could he let go of somebody like her?

“So, tell me, what’s all this family stuff?’ asked Lisa.

Raj heaved a deep sigh. “There’s no family stuff,” he replied, looking away from her.

Then, leaning onto the table he took her hands in his and gently stroked her fingers.

“There’s somebody else.” Lisa stared at him, unable to comprehend what was being

inferred.

“Somebody else as in?” she asked.

“I’ve met somebody else I feel might be the one,” said Raj.
Lisa took her hands away. She looked into the distance and then absent-mindedly,

around her, fidgeting. Then looking directly at Raj, she said, “I don’t understand. I

thought we had something going on here.”

“I did too, believe me,” replied Raj. “But, then, somebody I was always interested in

came along and I could not say, no.”

Lisa nodded, unsure what to say.

“Well, then, that’s that,” she said softly, choking up.

“I’m sorry,” said Raj. “I wish things could be different. So that you know, I was falling for

you. Hard. Just that things happened so fast, I had to follow my heart.”

“You can make this different. You just don’t want to,” said Lisa. Then, without a word

she opened her purse and took out her wallet. “Oh come on, don’t do this,” said Raj,

gently pushing the purse towards her.

“I can take care of myself,” said Lisa as she dropped a twenty dollar bill and stood up to

leave. Hooking her purse onto her shoulder she turned to Raj. “Good luck,” she said.

“Don’t you want to know who it is?” asked Raj.

“Why should I? Would it make any difference?” replied Lisa.

“I thought you might want to know?” said Raj. Lisa turned and walked away. She

suddenly stopped and turned around. Coming back to the table she asked, “Is it Aasha?”
Raj sighed and nodded.

“You’re an asshole,” said Lisa. Then, turning around she walked away.

Raj slumped into his chair. He could barely look at Lisa’s receding figure as she made her

way through the parking lot. And the next moment she was gone.

Raj came back to an empty condo. So late in the afternoon he didn’t expect Vikram any

time soon, but, with Lisa officially out the condo felt “empty.” He lay down on the couch

and turned on the TV. With only soap operas doing the rounds he switched to the news.

Nothing much came on except for weather and traffic updates. He made himself

comfortable by placing a cushion to his head as he felt the tiredness weighing upon him.

As he gradually drifted into sleep his phone came alive. He reached for it. Aasha, it said.

“Hello?” said Raj.

“Hi, it’s Aasha,” said the voice at the other end.

“Hi, how are you?” asked Raj.

“Good, you?” asked Aasha. After exchanging pleasantries Raj came straight to the point.

“Listen, I am sorry about last night. I was totally out of line. I shouldn’t have acted the

way I did.”

“Yea, that was bad,” said Aasha.

“I’m really sorry,” said Raj. “But, I hope you understand where I was coming from?”
“Honestly, I don’t,” replied Aasha. “I understand it was a misunderstanding but you

didn’t even want to hear my part of the story.”

“Look, I’m sorry. I totally get it. I had no right to have any expectations of you. We just

met once and I was an asshole to think that you owed me anything. I want you to

understand that from the first time that I saw you I was unable to take you off my mind.

And when we finally met it just felt like I had always known you. You were always a part

of my life. ”

“I really like you,” said Aasha. Then, she paused. Raj wasn’t sure whether he should say

something. “But, I just don’t know after what happened whether it’s worth pursuing

this, “she said.

“No, no, don’t say that,” implored Raj. “I’m so much better than this. Just give me one

more chance. I promise not to let you down.” Another long pause. Aasha sighed. “I don’t

know. I seriously don’t. I’m looking for somebody grounded, understanding and I just

don’t have time or the patience for drama.”

“Please, just one chance,” said Raj. Aasha, again, paused, before she continued. “You’re

a great guy. I love the chemistry between us. And I’m sure you’re not always the way

you acted that night. But, I just don’t have a good feeling about this. Sorry, I cannot

come around to seeing anything long term here.”

“No, please don’t. I know I was a fool, but, that really was not me.”
“I’m sorry. This is not easy, but, I have to follow my heart and gut on this one.”

“I really wish you would re-consider?” pleaded Raj.

“I wish I could. Sorry,” said Aasha as she hung up.

Raj flung the phone across the floor. Fuck, he thought. In one day he had lost two of the

most beautiful, smart and genuine women he had ever met. Talk about screwing things

up!

He walked to the wall to wall glass windows and looked down at the arteries of streets.

Cars crawled, stopped and sped while pedestrians waited patiently for the light to turn.

The world had not stopped. And why should it, thought Raj. Misunderstanding,

mistakes, fuckups, no sense of forgiveness, lack of empathy, lack of love, they were the

everyday facts of his life. Why would anybody care about his feelings or problems? By

no means was he the centre of the universe let alone the world so why should anybody

stop for him? And again, he had come second to his Vikram. He should never have

invited him to the club that night, he thought. Things would have been so much

different if he had gone alone.

Shaking himself out of his despondency he changed into dark football shorts and a white

short-sleeve T shirt. He had to get out of the condo. If there was anything that would get

him out of the dumps it was a good workout or a long run on the trails. Putting on his

sneakers he stepped into the afternoon sun.

Going up and down the trails behind the condo he soon hit his stride. Sweat ran down

his face and drenched his sports shirt as the heat hit him from all sides. His breathing

found a rhythm. Gradually, imperceptibly the sense of liberation set in. The entire

episode that had begun a week ago seemed a distant memory, a black dot receding fast

into the rearview mirror. Finally, out of breath, he stopped to take a break. He stretched

touching his head to his knees followed by deep lunges. Then, he turned around. The

path back was always easy. Familiar landmarks passed by. Reaching the condo tower he

stood outside to regain his breath. He looked up at the sky. Instantly the memories of

the past week came rushing back. So did the despondency. Ok, this won’t be easy, he

thought.

Raj opened the door to the condo and stepped in. Vikram was still not home. Grabbing a

glass he poured water from the dispenser. Then, he heard the sound. It was faint and he

was not sure if it came from a knock on the ceiling. He paused to listen. Nothing. Taking

a long gulp of water he put the glass into the sink. Then, he heard it again, this time

louder. He went to the door and unlocked it.

Lisa stood in the doorway. She was in jeans and a white top. Her eyes were red, maybe,

from crying?

“Hi,” she said.

“Hi,” replied Raj.

“Look, I know I’m not supposed to be here. But I just want you to listen to me. I promise

I won’t take long.” Raj nodded, unable to say anything.

“I know you’ve found somebody else. Aasha is beautiful, smart and can give you a lot. I

have no doubt about that. But, all that I ask is to give me a chance. I know we just met

and that you owe me nothing; but it just feels like I’ve known you forever. Being with

you is the best thing that has happened to me. You have no idea how much you’ve

become part of me. When I’m with you I feel complete. When I’m not with you, your

thoughts keep me awake and I can’t wait to see you again. I know I have no right to

have any expectations of you but …..”

Before she could complete her sentence Raj reached for her face and kissed her. Pulling

her into the condo he shut the door behind and pinned her to the wall as he dug his

tongue deep down her throat. Lisa found herself shocked at this sudden turn of events

but could barely find the physical or emotional strength to make any sense of it. She just

gave in as Raj’s kiss and love engulfed her.

As Raj stopped to regain his breath, he looked into her eyes and said, “Next time, if I

ever come close to breaking up with you, kill me.”

Lisa choked as she flung her arms around him and hugged him. “I love you, babe,” she

said, breaking into a soft sob. “I love you.”