Chapter 3: Planning the secret meet.
Its Tuesday. Vijay plans to drive to the East on Wednesday. He gets ready as usual, has a suitcase with his stuff, says good bye to kids and Sharda. He is on his way to a 2 day work trip to the North.
After dropping off Sharda and children to school, he started driving to Norfolk. It was a 2-2.5 hours drive. He was curious and nervous at the same time. As he parked in a motorway services at about 10.30AM, he pinged Sandhya on Whatsapp.
"Hi Sandhya"
"Hi Vijay"
"I am travelling to Norfolk for work", Vijay was lying. Thought if you are free, would be lovely to meet you.
Sandhya was excited a little, but nervous a lot. She had seen his messages, but chose to think through before replying.
The excitement in her heart was palpable, but she was also wary of the potential consequences of such a bold move. She hesitated as she stared at her phone, her fingers hovering over the keys.
"Ohh nice. Msg me when you arrive here."
"Okie dok". Vijay continued to drive.
His mind wandered to the exciting adventure that awaited him with Sandhya. He couldn't help but think about her long silky jet black hair and her vibrant personality.
Vijay arrived in Norwich late morning, eager to begin his adventure with Sandhya. He booked a hotel room and quickly got settled in.
Later that evening at about 4.15pm, Vijay's phone chimed. It was a message from Sandhya.
"Hi Vijay, are you here?"
"Yes, I am in the hotel, just about stepping out. I have got a car. can i pick you up anywhere?"
Vijay asked, a smile on his face as Sandhya's message lit up his phone.
"Meet me at the Tescos car park", Sandhya replied.
Vijay felt his heart race. The thought of meeting Sandhya, alone and away from their everyday lives, filled him with excitement and anticipation. He freshened up and headed down to cloths. After getting ready, he drove to the address Sandhya had sent him.
Vijay was meeting Sandhya in real after more than a decade.
He drove to the Tesco car park, his heart pounding in his chest.
As he pulled in, he saw Sandhya standing at the entrance, looking radiant as ever. She wore a long wool coat and a fluffy scarf, wrapped around her neck to protect against the winter’s chill. Her long, silky hair cascaded down her back, catching the golden rays of the evening sun.
Vijay got out of his car and walked towards her, feeling like a nervous teenager.
Sandhya's eyes lit up when she saw him approaching, and she walked towards him with a warm smile.
Sandhya: "Hey, Vijay! It's been so long." You look good, as always."
Sandhya blushed, the compliment warming her insides. She glanced at his car, a blue suv.
Sandhya hugged Vijay, giving him a cheek kiss. Something Vijay was totally not expecting.
A shiver ran down his spine as he felt the warmth of her body, realizing instantly how much he had missed this feeling. The scent of her perfume took him back to their days in the office, and he was hit by a wave of nostalgia. He couldn't help but smile like a fool.
"It's only been a while, Sandhya," he replied, his voice hushed and shaky.
They stood there for a minute, embracing each other, the hustle and bustle of the world seemingly disappearing around them.
Vijay pulled back, his hands resting on Sandhya's shoulders as he looked into her eyes. "You look absolutely stunning, Sandhya. That coat, it suits you."
Sandhya smiled, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. "Thank you, Vijay. I'm glad to see you too."
Vijay opened the door for Sandhya, gesturing for her to get in.
She slid into the passenger seat, removed her jacket and placed it on the rear seat. she collected her hair and dropped it in front of her right shoulder.
She turned to look at him again, and they locked eyes for a moment. The chemistry between them was palpable, but Vijay felt a pang of guilt hit him, thinking of his wife Sharda. He quickly broke away from Sandhya's gaze.
As they made their way towards the car, Vijay's hands trembled slightly from the excitement of being so close to her again. He cleared his throat and tried to keep his tone casual.
Vijay started driving to the secret place he had in mind. sun had set and night was approaching. tiny snow flakes had started to fall.
Vijay turned on the heat and switched on his indicator, making a turn onto a picturesque country lane. The tall trees on either side arching absently created an enchanting tunnel of ice-covered branches. Soft music played on the radio, filling the car with a soothing melody. Vijay glanced over at Sandhya, her eyes glued to the passing scenery.
Vijay: "Almost there."
Sandhya nodded absentmindedly, still mesmerized by the sight of the falling snowflakes.
As they drove deeper into the countryside, Vijay eventually pulled over into a secluded spot by the river. The tall trees arched majestically over the still water, creating an intimate canopy.
The only source of light was the car's headlights illuminating the area, offering a hint of protection from prying eyes. But the lack of privacy added an exhilarating thrill to their rendezvous, heightening their senses.
Vijay's heart pounded in his chest as he shifted into parking.
Vijay broke the ice. "So, Mohit drives?" Does he pick you up daily?
No we don't have a car. In fact, this was the first time in months i am in a Car.
"Ahh okay", Vijay said. Time was 17:40. Do you have to pick your daughter up?
"No, Mohit has gone to New Castle to his aunts place and has taken our munchkin with him"
"Ah, lucky you," Vijay said with a small chuckle, trying to keep his excitement for the impending adventure hidden behind his words.
He couldn't deny the relief that washed over him at the knowledge that the two of them would be alone, unburdened by the responsibilities that often came with family life.
Sandhya turned to him with a playful smile, her eyes shimmering in the dim light. "You're right.
It is pretty spectacular," Sandhya agreed, her gaze lingering on the serene beauty of the river. "I can't remember the last time I just stopped to appreciate my surroundings like this."
"For me, the gorgeous beauty (Sandhya) inside the Car takes up all my attention over the british beauty outside" Vijay said, turning towards her.
Sandhya smiled, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. "Oh, stop it, you!" She giggled, her laughter like the sound of wind chimes ringing in the cold winter air.
Vijay felt his heart race as he took in her beauty. Sandhya's intoxicating laughter filled the car, and he couldn't help but feel drawn to her. The connection between them was palpable, and the attraction that had always lingered between them was stronger than ever.
You look really pretty. I can't say you are a mum if not for your body whose attraction has exemplified.
I can't imagine how beautiful you will look after you become a mother." Vijay said, complimenting her.
Sandhya giggled and blushed at the same time, her cheeks turning a bright red. "Vijay, you are such a flirt!" she exclaimed, trying to sound annoyed but failing as she couldn't help but enjoy the attention.
Vijay couldn't help but feel a thrill run down his spine as Sandhya replied, her playful tone and flushed face only adding to her allure.
"So is this how you flirted and made Sharda started loving you " asked Sandhya
, her voice playful and light.
"No," Vijay laughed, "I never really had to flirt with Sharda. We sort of just fell in love. It was different with her."
"Oh, I see," Sandhya said, nodding her head.
They both fell silent for a moment, the sound of the radio and the falling snow providing a soothing background noise.
Vijay turned to Sandhya, his gaze intense. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course, go ahead," Sandhya replied, turning to face him.
Vijay hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should bring up the subject that had been on his mind. But he knew that he couldn't keep it to himself any longer. He had to know.
Does Mohit know we are meeting?
Sandhya shook her head, and her hair cascaded around her shoulders. "No, he has no idea. And I'd like to keep it that way. I mean, it's nothing wrong, right? We're just two old friends catching up."
Vijay felt his heart pounding as he processed her words. He knew they were crossing a line, but he couldn't help himself. He wanted to spend more time with Sandhya and find out if what he was feeling was real.
As they sat in the car, just a few inches apart, the sexual tension between them had grown palpable.
Sandhya tried to remove the seat belt from lock but she couldn't. Vijay said "Let me try to help", as he leaned towards her. As his hands went over her lap to the seat belts, Vijay's lips were close to Sandhya's face.
Vijay witnessed Sandhya had her eyes close when Vijay was that close.
He inhaled a deep breath, feeling the closeness of her face, smelling her shampoo: sweet and fruity. He froze when the tips of his fingers met hers. The touch sent a shiver down his spine and left him with a burning sensation in the pit of his stomach. The electric current that passed between them was impossible to ignore.
"I can never understand why you switched to this side of England," Vijay said, pulling away, clearing his throat and breaking the awkward silence between them.
Sandhya's eyes opened, revealing dazedness and excitement.
Vijay's hands were still resting on her lap, aching to explore further. But he held back, knowing he had to respect his friend and the boundaries they had set for themselves.
"I guess the grass is always greener on the other side," Sandhya replied, breathlessly, as she leaned back on her seat.
Vijay swallowed dryly, forcing himself to look away. "It's getting dark. We should head back," she said, reluctantly.
Your hair smells amazing. Did you shampoo it recently?
It smells like orchids," Vijay asked, taking in a deep breath as he strained the final locks.
"Yes, I just washed it this morning," Sandhya replied. "It's hard to find time to do it when my daughter is running around, so I prefer to take care of it when she's at school.
"Nice. I didnt expect your hair to be this long. It looks well down to your lower back. It is touching your thighs as you are sitting down. And your bangs. they have grown.."
Vijay remarked, carefully avoiding looking directly at Sandhya.
Sandhya playfully lifted a section of her silky hair and let it fall gently, "Yes, I really need to cut them soon.
Mohit's not good with a pair of scissors so I don't trust him to do it," she continued with a giggle in her voice.
"Oh I can imagine!" Vijay replied, trying to mask his longing and focusing instead on the ridiculousness of Mohit cutting Sandhya's hair.
The air in the car had grown thicker, charged with a desire that Vijay longed to explore but knew he shouldn't.
The thought of Sharda, waiting for him back in London, flashed through his mind, and he sighed heavily.
Sandhya, noticing his change in demeanor, asked, "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, it's just...this is all a bit overwhelming, you know?" Vijay admitted, betraying a hint of vulnerability.
"Being here with you like this, it feels like we're stepping back into the past and rediscovering a part of ourselves that we thought we'd lost."
Sandhya turned towards him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of dishonesty. "But how can that be, when we've both moved on and started families of our own?"
"I don't know," Vijay sighed, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I just know that I can't shake off this feeling.
Sandhya asked "Does Sharda know you are here"
Vijay hesitated before answering, "I told her I had a business trip planned for a few days.
She doesn't know about this, I just wanted to get away and clear my head."
"mmm", Sandhya was in thoughts. brushing aside her bangs which were thick and to the nose tips.
A slight breeze entered the car and Sandhya's long silky black hair danced gracefully around her like streamers. She tucked them behind her ears and leaned back to continue their conversation.
"Yes, Mohit has always been amused by my long hair, I've had it since I was a child. He knows I wouldn't cut it, even if he tried to force me," Sandhya said, amusement in her eyes as she reminisced.
The silence between them grew heavy.
Can I confess? Sandhya said "Yeah.."
"I have got a thing for womens hair and haircuts. Its called hair fetish". Womens hair, especially lovely hair like yours attracts me..
I know it's strange, but I can't help it." Vijay confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't believe he had just told her his secret, but it felt right.
Sandhya looked at him with wide eyes, a mixture of disbelief and curiosity etched on her face. "A hair fetish?" she repeated, letting the words roll off her tongue. "Wow, I've never met anyone with that before."
Vijay couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed at her reaction.
He had never talked about his hair fetish with anyone before, let alone someone he had been pining after for years.
Sandhya examined his face, trying to gauge whether he was serious or just joking around. "Really?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
Vijay nodded earnestly. "Yes, really. It's always been a part of me, this fascination with women's hair and haircuts.
From the first time I saw my classmate's freshly trimmed bob, all the way back in primary school, I was captivated. And now, as I sit here with you in this beautiful setting, watching your hair flow like a waterfall, I can't help but feel drawn to it.
Vijay's revelation left Sandhya speechless for a few seconds. She had never heard of such a fetish before, but she was intrigued.
"So, what does this hair fetish entail, exactly?"
Sandhya's curiosity piqued, and she leaned in closer, trying to understand the depth of his fascination.
"Well, for one, I love watching women run their fingers through their hair. It's such a simple act, but it holds a profound effect on me. I love the feel of a strand of hair between my fingers, the way it shimmers in the light. The textures, colors, and lengths, all intrigue me.
Haircuts and trims are like foreplay, building anticipation and excitement, and the moment of cutting, the release of all that tension created beforehand, is like nothing else.
Vijay noticed Sandhya's subtle change in expression, the curiosity in her eyes as she listened to him talk about his hair fetish. It was a taboo and one that not many people understood, but it was a part of who he was. He hesitated to tell her more, but the words poured out like a flood.
"When I see a woman with long, flowing hair, I picture tracing my fingers through each strand. Watching the way it ripples and reflects light. I imagine combing my fingers through it, feeling the silkiness between my fingertips. I'm drawn to the way it moves and flows, the way it frames a woman's face and brings attention to her beauty. It's a powerful attraction."
Sandhya sat quietly for a moment, absorbing his words. "Wow," she finally said. "I had no idea.
It's such a unique fascination. I've always loved my hair, but I had never considered it from that perspective before," Sandhya said, her voice filled with wonder. "But are you telling me that this fascination, this hair fetish, is what you felt when you worked alongside me all those years ago?"
Vijay took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I wanted to tell you so many times, but I could never find the right words.
It was one of the things that drew me to you, Sandhya. Your hair was so beautiful, so captivating. It was a constant, tantalizing temptation that I had to fight against every day."
Sandhya looked at him with a mixture of fascination and understanding. "I always noticed the way you would look at my hair, the way you would study it. I didn't understand why at the time, but I found myself feeling drawn to you because of it. It was almost hypnotic."
Vijay couldn't believe they were having this conversation.
It was a conversation he had never anticipated having, but at the same time, it was liberating.
"You know, I've never told anyone about this fascination of mine before," Vijay said, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.
Sandhya reached over and placed her hand on his, her touch comforting and warm. "I'm honored that you chose to share it with me," she said sincerely.
Vijay gave her a tentative smile. "Thank you.
I really needed to get this off my chest," Vijay said, returning the warmth of Sandhya's touch.
The car's interior had grown cozy as the night grew darker and the heater's warmth enveloped them.
Sandhya smiled at Vijay, a question in her eyes. "So, what do you think of my bangs? I've been meaning to get them trimmed for days now."
Vijay's eyes lit up. This was the perfect opportunity to explore his hair fetish.
Vijay hesitated for a moment, unsure of how Sandhya would react. But sensing her openness and desire to learn more, he plucked up the courage to suggest it.
"Would you... Would you be comfortable with letting me cut your bangs for you?" Vijay asked, hoping she wouldn't be offended.
Sandhya looked taken aback for a moment, but her expression quickly morphed into curiosity. "Really? You want to cut my hair?"
Vijay nodded, his hands trembling slightly with excitement.
"If you'll let me, I'd love to.
Just to trim your bangs, nothing more. I promise."
Sandhya studied him for a moment, her eyes searching his face for any signs of hesitation. But seeing none, she slowly nodded in agreement.
"Okay, I trust you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vijay felt a thrill run down his spine as Sandhya agreed to let him trim her hair. It was a small step, but for him, it was a significant one.
Vijay had never openly shared his fascination and now that he had, a weight was lifted off his shoulders. Sandhya's open-mindedness and curiosity had put him at ease, and he was grateful for her understanding.
The night grew colder, and the occasional whisper of the wind filled the car. Vijay turned off the heater, not wanting to disturb the intimacy of the moment. He looked into Sandhya's eyes, the reflection of the moonlight shimmering in her beautiful brown irises.
"I never thought I'd get this opportunity. So thrilled. But I need one favour from you. a big one", Vijay said.
He then continued, "I need to know that this stay is a complete secret and Sharda doesn't find out."
Sandhya gave Vijay a reassuring look. "Of course, I understand. I wouldn't want to be the cause of any harm to your relationship."
Sandhya took a deep breath. "Same with Mohit too if you know what I mean.." blushing.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away. In that shared gaze, the weight of their confessions hung heavy and the promise of the unknown lay ahead. The pull towards one another was tangible, and Vijay couldn't resist any longer.
Sandhya's phone rang.
It was a call from Mohit, asking about her whereabouts.
Sandhya: Hello, Mohit. Yes, I'm fine. Just catching up with an old friend.
Vijay shut his eyes as he heard Mohit's name. His heart was racing, his palms were sweating and there was a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Mohit: Who? Do I know this person?
Sandhya hesitated for a second before replying -
May be. maybe not. This is someone I used to work with. Her name is Asha.
Vijay felt, was Sandhya making this all up?
Was Asha even real? He couldn't shake off the doubts that cropped up in his mind.
But as he turned to look at Sandhya, he could see the slight pink tinge on her cheeks. She seemed nervous, fidgeting with her hands, and avoiding eye contact.
Vijay's curiosity was piqued. He wanted to know more, particularly who this Asha was. But he knew he couldn't push Sandhya into revealing anything she didn't want to.
Sandhya looked at Vijay.
"Yes, he's still on the phone. He wants to know more about Asha."
Vijay raised his eyebrows. "Asha? That's an interesting name. Is she someone I know?"
Sandhya shook her head. "No, I don't think so. I created her on the spur of the moment. I couldn't very well tell him I was with you, could I?"
Vijay's heart skipped a beat. He felt a mixture of guilt and excitement at the realization that Sandhya was covering up for him.
He knew he should feel ashamed for lying to Sharda, but he couldn't help the thrill that surged through him at the thought of Sandhya wanting to keep their secret.
Vijay: "Asha, huh? Well, tell him she's just an old friend from work. Nothing more, nothing less."
Sandhya nodded, repeating his words into the phone.
Mohit: "Alright, just make sure you're home by 9. The babysitter leaves soon."
Sandhya: "Of course.
Don't worry, I won't be late."
Vijay couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt as he listened to Sandhya reassure her husband. He knew he was playing with fire by keeping secrets from Sharda, but he couldn't resist the pull towards Sandhya.
As Sandhya hung up the phone, she turned to Vijay with a sheepish grin.
Sandhya: "I'm sorry about that. I didn't know what else to say."
Vijay smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry about it, I understand," he said, shoving the guilt to the back of his mind.
Sandhya sighed, looking out of the window and watching the snowflakes fall gracefully onto the windshield.
After a few moments of silence, she turned to Vijay, her voice soft and hesitant. "So, you were saying something about a favour...?"
Vijay's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the favour. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should even ask.
But he already knew the answer.
He wanted to see her, to touch her hair, to run his fingers through it and feel its silky texture against his skin.
Vijay took a deep breath and turned to Sandhya, meeting her eyes.
Sandhya looked at her watch. It was 20:40. I think I should be going. Vijay nodded in some light dissapointment. He started driving towards her home.
As they approached her house, Vijay felt butterflies in his stomach. He threw a quick glance towards Sandhya, who seemed lost in thought.
"We're here," he announced softly as he parked the car outside Sandhya's apartment. The snow had stopped falling, leaving behind a crisp, white blanket that covered the trees and the lawn.
"Thanks for bringing me here, Vijay," Sandhya said politely as she unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to look at him.
Vijay couldn't help but admire her stunning features. Her long, super silky jet-black straight hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her big brown eyes glistened under the dim light of the car's interior. He wasn't sure if he was more drawn to her or to the idea of exploring her hair more closely, but he knew he couldn't deny the growing attraction between them.
Sandhya stepped out of the car. Just before she closed the door, she asked. Hey do you want to may be join me for a drink?
"A drink?" he echoed, trying to hide the excitement in his voice.
"Sure," he said, keeping his cool.
Okay. stay in the car. I'll message you in a few minutes if that's okay.
Vijay nodded, unable to take his eyes off of her as she closed the door and walked towards her apartment.
His heart was racing as he thought about the possibility of spending more time with her, of being alone together in her home.
He tried to calm himself down, taking deep breaths and focusing on the present moment. He reminded himself that Sandhya was a married woman, and that he had no right to have these feelings for her.
But he couldn't help it. From the moment he met her, he was drawn to her magnetic personality and her stunning beauty.