Chapter 35

“Priya! Stop fidgeting! This is great.” Neha eyes her handiwork.

“I don’t know about this…” Priya said as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.

Neha had spent all afternoon primping and prepping Priya.  She decided that Aman needed to realize just how sexy his wife is, so that maybe he’d realize that looking elsewhere was first of all totally inappropriate and second of all not necessary.  Neha had done Priya’s hair and makeup so she practically looked like a supermodel.  She had dramatic, dark, smokey eyes and a perfectly contoured face.  What was sure to surprise Aman most was Priya’s outfit.  Gone were Priya’s traditional sarees.  Instead she donned a sexy evening gown.  It was a light tan color, made of a silky material.  The neckline dipped slightly and provided an alluring lift to Priya’s chest.  The gown was completely backless and showed off Priya’s wonderful figure.  It was more than Priya had ever dared to bare in her life, and she felt uneasy about it.

“Are you really going to back out after I put in all this hard work?” Neha pouted.

“No...I just...This all seems like too much.” Priya said.

“No! Priya, you need to get over there and flirt with other men.  Show Aman that you aren’t afraid to put yourself out there and get some attention! The jealousy alone will keep him from ever even thinking about cheating on you again.” Neha explained.

“He might get mad.” Priya offered.

“Priya! YOU are the one who needs to be mad.  If he gets mad, tell him it’s all his fault.  He started all of this.” Neha countered.  “He has absolutely no right to be angry with you for wanting to show off your sexy side. I mean it’s what he’s wanted all along.”

“I guess you have a point.” Priya replied.

“I know I do.” Smiled Neha.

Priya arrived at the venue as instructed by Aman.  She walked into the room, and instantly all eyes were on her.  She didn’t like the attention at all.  She saw Neha talking with Nikhil in one of the corners, but she didn’t see Aman anywhere.

“Well, hello.” A male voice said from behind her.

“Hi.” Priya said quietly, still searching around the room for Aman.

“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Tom.” The man politely extended his hand.

“Priya.” said Priya before walking a little further into the room. She pretended not to notice Tom’s extended hand.

“Why don’t you let me get you a drink?” Tom suggested.

Priya’s eyes met with Neha.  Neha was giving her an enthusiastic thumbs up upon noticing Tom and the attention he was giving Priya.  Priya furtively shook her head from side to side, indicating her reluctance, but Neha would have none of that.

“I don’t dr-” Priya started to say.  She spotted Aman walking in with Hiten.  “I mean, I’ll have red wine.”

“Classy.” Tom commented.

“Always,” Priya offered him an inviting smile.

Tom sauntered to the bar to get Priya a drink.  Priya kept her eyes on Aman, who was greeting a few businessmen.  He hadn’t noticed her yet.  Tom swiftly came back with drinks in hand.

“So, Priya, what brings you here?” He asked, taking a sip of some whiskey.

“Oh you know, business ventures.” Priya covered.  She couldn’t let Tom know she was married just yet.

“Yeah, same here.  It’s so boring.  You know what the worse thing about coming to these functions is?” Tom asked.

“What?” Priya inquired.

“Not having any pretty women to dance with...until now.” Tom said.

Priya paused.  Dancing with another man.  She remembered how well that went the first time.  She simply didn’t feel comfortable in another man’s arms.

“No thanks…” Priya said unsurely.

“Come on, Priya.  The party hasn’t started yet, but when it does, I would be honored to be your first dance of the evening.” Tom persuaded.

Aman looked around the room, searching for Priya.  Hopefully she still intended to come.  His eyes landed on her figure, her very exposed figure.  She stood near the bar, clad in a sexy backless gown, talking to another man.  Aman’s mouth fell open as his eyes wandered over Priya’s bare back and scrumptious curves.  He felt jealousy rise in him as he watched Priya talking with another man.  He stomped over to her, not sure if he was angry or aroused by Priya’s change in behavior.

“I...just don’t like to dance.” Priya said, taking a step back.

“With anyone besides her husband, she means.” Aman interjected, placing a hand on the small of her back.

“Oh...you’re married.” Tom looked confused.

“Happily married.” Aman replied, flashing a malicious smile.

Priya felt a charge of energy pass through her as Aman’s hand met with her skin.

“Nice to have met you, Priya. I hope you enjoy your evening.” Tom said, before walking away disappointed.

“Wow, Priya you look…” Aman was at a loss for words.  “Damn sexy!” He said after thinking for a moment.

Priya couldn’t help herself from looking down.  She was supposed to be exuding sensuality and confidence, but in reality, she was shy.  Aman calling her sexy would obviously make her blush.  She ignored his comment, however.  Neha had instructed her to limit the attention she gave Aman that night.

“Priya,” Aman tried again.  Priya looked up at him but said nothing.  Aman realized he was getting the silent treatment and sighed.  This was going to be a long night.

“Bhabhi! Damn! If Aman wasn’t my best friend, I’d whisk you away right now and…” Hiten exclaimed as he and Aditi walked up.

“Hiten,” Aman warned.  Hiten had no filter.

“But honestly Bhabhi, you look hot!” Hiten continued.

Aditi caught on to what was going on pretty quickly.  Though she was unaware that Aman had cheated on Priya, she knew that Priya was angry with Aman and dressed this way to gain attention from other men to prove some sort of point.  Maybe she should join Priya in her little game just to see how Hiten handles it.

“Priya, let’s go the ladies room.” Aditi said, not waiting for an answer.  She grabbed Priya’s arm and pulled her towards the bathroom.  “Okay, spill.” she said once they were safely inside.

“What?” Priya asked, confused.

“Why are you dressing like that? What did Aman do?” Aditi asked.

“He...cheated on me.” Priya admitted.

“That bastard!” Aditi began to stomp out of the bathroom, but Priya stopped her.

“Don’t do anything rash.  I’m handling it...I think.” Priya said.

“Okay, Priya. Let me know if you need me to do something. I’d love to help you get back at Aman.” Aditi said with a grin.

Priya smiled, appreciating the help.  She knew she wouldn’t be able to handle this evening without Neha and Aditi.

“Priya,” Aditi said, “Who gave you this idea?”

“Neha did.” Answered Priya.

“Neha would!” Aditi laughed.

They exited the bathroom and spotted Hiten and Aman chatting with each other in the corner.  Aditi saw two pretty good-looking Indian men, who looked close to their age sitting down, having drinks.  They would be perfect to make Aman and Hiten jealous.  Aditi motioned for Priya to follow her.

“Hey!” Aditi greeted the two strangers.

“Hi!” One of them spoke up.  He seemed the more outgoing of the two.

“We need your help.” Aditi said bluntly.

“Of course, I’m Abhay, by the way and this is my brother Akshay.” Abhay explained. He was the older of the two and quickly took a liking to Aditi.

“Well, we’re trying to make her husband and my boyfriend jealous and we’d like you two to play along.” Aditi replied.

Abhay’s grin fell once he found out that Aditi had a boyfriend.  Akshay didn’t seem to care.

“Sure thing,” Abhay agreed. “Why are you girls trying to make your men jealous?”

“They’re being jerks,” Aditi answered casually.  It wasn’t true.  She didn’t feel the need to tell strangers about Priya’s personal matters.  And she and Hiten were going strong.  She just wanted to have a little fun and see how he’d react.

“What do we have to do?” Abhay asked. Akshay still hadn’t said a word.

“Get us drinks, laugh with us, maybe a dance?” Aditi suggested.

“You got it.” Abhay winked before going towards the bar to fetch Aditi and Priya drinks.

“Hi! You’re Akshay, right? I’m Aditi and this is my friend Priya.” Aditi said to Akshay once Abhay left.

“Hello.” He said.  His eyes were locked on Priya.  Priya smiled back at him.

“Priya sit down.” Aditi said quickly.

“What?” Priya asked,

“Sit down. Aman is watching.” Aditi said.

“Is Aman your husband?” Akshay asked.

“Yeah, we’re...not on the friendliest terms right now.” Priya replied as she took a seat beside Akshay.

“I can’t imagine someone fighting with a woman as beautiful as you.” Akshay smirked.

Priya blushed. Akshay seemed like a ladies man, but much shier than Aman.   He was quite handsome, but not as handsome as Aman.  She wondered if Akshay or Abhay were married or had girlfriends.   If so, she would feel guilty about getting them involved in her and Aman’s argument.  Abhay returned with drinks, and Aditi and Priya gratefully took them.  Priya set hers aside, noticing that it was alcoholic, but Aditi finished hers in a matter of minutes.

“Whoa! High tolerance!” Abhay commented as Aditi finished her drink.  The couples began to laugh at whatever made them laugh.  They ended up actually having a good time even though the whole setup was fake.

“Where did the girls go?” Hiten asked.  Aman’s eyes were fixed on the table that Priya and Aditi were seated at with Abhay and Akshay.

“What the hell?” Hiten said as he saw the same table Aman was looking at.

“They’ve been over there for awhile, laughing away like we’re not even here.” Aman said sadly.

“Aditi…” Hiten pouted.  “Do you think she likes that guy?”

Aman looked at Hiten incredulously.  Even he knew Aditi wouldn’t leave Hiten for someone she met five minutes ago, and here he was already depressed.

“Hiten!  Why don’t you go over there and get her back before she actually does fall for that jerk!” Aman said to his best friend.

“Maybe she’s trying to tell me something…” Hiten was in denial.  “Maybe she wants to break up.”

Hiten looked like he was about to cry any moment now.  He genuinely looked sad.  Aman couldn’t bare to see his best friend this way, especially if it was because of a woman.

He looked at Priya, laughing with some other man.  He felt the jealousy rise in him.  He felt like punching the guy who was talking to Priya.  His presence so close to his wife bothered him.  Aman had no problem admitting that he was possessive of Priya.  Her talking to another man was enough to set him on edge.  The fact that she was clad in nothing but that backless, sexy evening gown did nothing to help the situation either.  He walked over to the table.  He wouldn’t even look in Priya’s direction.

“Aditi, Hiten wants to talk to you.” Aman said, deciding that his friend’s turmoil was more important that his own jealousy.

“If he wants me, he can come over here and talk to me.” Aditi said, turning back to Abhay.

“He thinks you want to break up with him and is giving you space.  If that’s what you want, then fine. Go tell him, so he can go find himself another woman to spend the evening with.  If that’s not what you want, go tell him otherwise his heart will break for no reason.  Either way, go tell him something.” Aman said.  He knew that Aditi had no intention of breaking up with Hiten.  This was a game, a game that Priya was playing to make him jealous.  It was working. He was jealous. She was totally making her point, but it didn’t have to mean that Hiten got hurt in the process.

Aditi looked a little confused for a moment.  Abhay watched her carefully,  secretly in turmoil himself.  He wanted Aditi to choose him, but he would feel guilty if he was the cause of the failure of her and Hiten’s relationship.

“Maybe you should go talk to your boyfriend.” Abhay offered.

Aman immediately looked relieved.  If Aditi had chosen to stay at the table, Hiten would’ve been crushed, and Aman wouldn’t have known what to do.   Aditi stood up, apologized to Abhay and made her way towards Hiten.  Aman watched them. Hiten’s face lit up as soon as Aditi came into his view.  After talking for a moment, they shared a passionate but brief kiss.  Aman smiled.  Hiten was a goner for sure.

Priya grew nervous without Aditi’s presence to guide her.  Aman stood there, watching Hiten and Aditi, his back towards Priya.  She wasn’t sure whether doing this was going too far or how Aman would react once he was done focusing on Hiten and Aditi.

“Priya, would you like to dance?” Akshay asked.  By then, many couples had started dancing.  Akshay knew that this was his only chance to ask Priya to dance.  Priya hesitated.  Should she? How would Aman react? She looked at Aman, who still had his attention turned towards Hiten and Aditi.

“Of course, I would.” Priya said, taking Akshay’s hand.

Aman’s jaw clenched.  He stalked away without giving Priya a single look.  He knew what he did was wrong, and Priya deserved to get her revenge, but this was killing him.  He walked over to where Hiten and Aditi were located and started watching Priya and Akshay as they began to dance.  The occasion was formal, so the dancing was formal as well.  Only couples were on the dance floor, and the music was a tad too slow and romantic. Akshay’s hands wrapped around Priya’s waist, while hers sat on his shoulders as they swayed their bodies to the music.  Aman watched in pure rage as one of Akshay’s hands began to caress Priya’s exposed back.

“I think your husband might kill me by the time the night ends.” Akshay commented as he watched Aman’s reaction out of the corner of his eye.

“He’ll be fine.” Priya said nonchalantly.  She felt more and more uncomfortable as she felt Akshay’s hand explore her back.  She began to regret wearing such a provocative gown.

“I know it’s none of my business, but why are you two fighting?” Akshay asked.  His eyes traveled down Priya’s body.  “Because I can’t find a single reason why anyone would ever be mad at you.”

“He...well...I wouldn’t…” Priya did not know if it was appropriate to divulge intimate secrets about her life to a stranger.  “He broke my trust.”

“Never a bright thing to do.” Akshay commented.

“Are you married?” Priya asked, trying to keep up a conversation.

“Priya, if I were married, I would never have you in my arms.  My wife would kill me.” Akshay replied with a smile.

Priya thought back to what Aman had done.  Here Akshay was saying that he’d feel guilty being a married man and simply dancing with another woman, and there Aman was sleeping with other women with no sense of remorse.  Priya moved her body closer to Akshay’s.  She had her eyes on Aman, who was seething in anger.  Priya looked down unsurely.  Aman had never looked this angry before.   He was clutching the glass in his hand so tightly, it was sure to break any second now.  Priya jerked as she felt Akshay’s back moving further down her back.  She looked at him questioningly, but he simply smiled back at her.  She dared to look back at Aman, who now had a hurt expression on his face.

“I’m sorry.” Priya said as she pried away from Akshay and walked towards the bar, where Aman was standing.  She cautiously approached Aman, unsure why she felt the need to come back to him.  Aman said nothing to her.  He simply looked at her, a mix of anger and hurt apparent on his face.

“Aman, I…”Priya began.

“Will you dance with me?” Aman asked her before she could finish.

“Sure,” Priya said, relieved he wasn’t mad at her.  He grabbed her hand and led her back to the dance floor.  Priya saw Akshay had taken a seat beside his brother.  He watched closely as Aman and Priya started to dance.

Aman placed his arms around Priya’s waist, revelling in the fact that he would have an opportunity to caress her back.  Priya’s arms were securely around his neck.  Her eyes were glued to the ground.

“Why are you suddenly so uncomfortable?” Aman asked.

“I’m not.” Priya denied.

“You seemed pretty happy dancing with another man, and you seem like you’re miserable with me.” Aman said with spite.

“Aman, I’m never miserable with you.” Priya said, looking up at him.

Aman said nothing.  Priya’s answer did little to calm him down.  Anger still boiled inside of him.  Images of Akshay’s hands on Priya crept into his mind.

“You know what kind of attention you’re attracting by dressing like this, right?” Aman said angrily.

“But this is how you’ve always wanted me to dress. You like bold women.” Priya contested.

“And what opinion do you have of bold women, Priya?” Aman asked.

Priya hesitated.  She thought ill of bold women, who used their bodies to attract men’s attention.  And she was doing just that.

“Every man here is thinking about taking you to their bedrooms and having their way with you tonight.  I hope you know.”  Aman said a tad too maliciously.

“Aman,” Priya said.

Aman spun her around before she could say anything further. The music go a little faster, and many of the couples broke out into a waltz type dance.  Aman moved Priya around the dance floor.  His expression was blank.  He wasn’t enjoying himself but he was determined not to create a scene. The music slowed back down and everyone started to slow dance once again.

Aman started to caress Priya’s back as they danced.  He ran his fingers down gently.  Priya shivered.  Aman ran his hand over her lower waist.  He slipped his fingertips under the fabric of her gown and caressed her lower back even more.  He brought his hand up and placed it on the middle of her back.  He pulled her forward so that her body was against his.  His hand moved over to the side, his arm extended over her back almost like he was hugging her.  His fingers slipped under the fabric on the side of her dress, as he tried to caress the skin near her breasts.  Priya pulled away from him.  She tried to walk off the dance floor, but Aman held her hand and pulled her back towards him resuming their dance.

“Aman,” Priya said.  Her eyes wandered around the room, noticing all of the men hungrily watching them as she and Aman danced.  “Can I have your jacket?”  She said quietly.

“Why, Priya? Regretting your outfit choice already?” Aman asked with a spiteful tone.

“Please, Aman.” Priya’s voice quivered as she spoke.  She looked like she wanted to cry.

Aman sighed.  He led Priya off the dance floor, over to the side.  He took off his jacket and put it around Priya.  Priya graciously took it and secured it around her.  She immediately stalked off into the hallways.

“Priya,” Aman went after her. He grabbed her arm once they were in the hallway.  “What’s the matter?”

“It’s all my fault,”  Priya started tearing up.

“What is?” Aman asked, gently.

“Your affair.” Priya answered.

This is pretty long, right! OOOHH Priya is finally dressing sexy, and Aman was so mean about it.  Did anyone enjoy jealous Aman?  Hahahaha Priya’s sexyy evening gown to the right!

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