"Wish I had time for romance, bro! New York is filled with singles who are fine to hook up with if you have the money to spend. However I prefer hanging out with the guys I know at work, we grab some pizza and Bud Lites and play poker. Whenever the Yankees are playing the Red Sox or the Orioles those boys always drag me along to watch the game. If they are busy I visit Sara and her flatmate. Andy is completely an outdoors person and if the weather is fine  we go camping in Upstate New York." Randhir and Sharad were on the roof, the most reasonable place to smoke in a house filled with people. 

"So, you've been fooling around with two girls at the same time! Lucky bastard!" Sharad remarked.

"Shut up, man! I've not slept with either nor with anyone else in NY. You never know what bug anyone can give you. It is safer to watch the action on the laptop and then find release in the shower. But what's going on between Tapur and you? Come on, give me an update!" Randhir had a knowing look on his face while Sharad's face registered resignation.

"That girl is so elusive! I am not complaining, I have a rocking sex life! She's an insatiable goddess in bed, but she's been avoiding going steady. Randhir, man, tell me how I can convince her to stick around. She'd rather keep her options open!" Sharad had been dating Tapur since Arohi's monsoon wedding but she was somehow not ready to commit yet.

"Do you really want to begin a serious relationship with her?" Randhir asked his cousin earnestly.

"I'll graduate from B-school in a few months, after that I'll be practically buried in work in Dadu's office. Where am I going to find another girl like her, bro? Besides, her family had the right connections too! There would be no looking back if I manage to net her!" Sharad was obviously keen on Tapur, that much was clear.

"Ok, I'll see what I can do to help! But trust me, don't fall in love with her yet unless you want to be heartbroken!" Randhir issued a casual warning. He could not tell Sharad about how Tapur had been eager to get into bed with him a few months ago.

"If she cheats, two can play the same game! In any case monogamy is impractical for the times we live in, unless it is serial monogamy!" Sharad sighed, sounding uncertain.

"Right, well, whatever floats your boat! Hard to explain this to the kids once they come along. I think your kids would rather have their parents keep the sanctity of their marital bed." Randhir recalled Dadu's affair with Rosa and how it had affected Didima. 

"You are talking about parenting kids like a family man when I cannot think beyond a horizon of a year. What's going on, bro?" Sharad seemed suspicious.

"You know Mom! She's probably charted my life graph. I cannot afford to upset her. So family man is my future mantle, there is no escaping the ineitable. Gives me a strong reason to avoid casual flings. Let's go down now, the rituals may be beginning!" Randhir and Sharad put off their cigarettes before going back to the main hall. From the corner of his eye Randhir could see that Sanyukta had changed into a royal blue chiffon saree with a silver brocade border and had paired it with a black velvet blouse. Vidushi had taken pains to transform her look to a rather glamorous one with the right accessories and makeup. He gave her a quick nod of approval before looking away. 

Sanyukta remained by Aman''s side during the morning rituals like she had promised him. His head had been shaven and he was wearing saffron robes of a medicant. The previous night they had the gaye holud anointing ceremony and a bachelorette party and dinner for Vishakha and him together, when everyone fed them the choicest savoury and sweet morsels. The menu had included Vishakha's favourite bhetki fish rongpuri fry and kosha mangsho, a rich meat dish. Shailaji had made Aman's favourite goshtaba, the melt in the mouth Kashmiri meatballs simmered in yoghurt and spices.

Sanyukta watched with maternal pride while Aman did as he directed, solemnly offering ghee to the sacramental flame while the priest chanted Sanskrit hymns. He looked adorable in his saffron dhoti and the sacred thread-the yagnopavit around his shoulder and torso. After the Gayatri hymn had been chanted and spiritual advice given to him, he was asked to spread his jholi to receive symbolic alms from a line up of women. Aman was excited, after the unfathomable rituals and chanting which he barely understood, getting gifts was easily to relate to. 

"Do I get to keep all the money  and presents?" He asked aloud innocently inviting laughter from the assembly.

"Of course you do!" Nobin da gave him an affectionate pat on the back. As the guests began to line up for lunch in the shamiana Sanyukta gave Aman a warm hug and kissed him on the forehead. 

"You are a grown boy now, we cannot share a  plate anymore. And I am not supposed to feed you with my hands!" She said to him with a smile.

"Nonsense, you will always be my Mom, I don't care what the holy books say. You will not change anything, promise me that!" Aman insisted.

"As if you will need me anymore after you get a wife! Come on now, we cannot keep the guests waiting. And tomorrow is a busy day too, what with Vishaka getting married!" She lead him to his place at the table. Aman sat in between Sanyukta and Shailaji and Vidushi settled herself in between Sanyukta and Renuka. The presence of Renuka still made Sanyukta nervous but she was careful not to let her anxiety show.

As the staff served the lunch Aman first attacked the bhaja of fried vegetables and the payesh, rice pudding made with the season's new date treacle. In fact the nolen gur made an appearance in almost all winter sweets because of its short harvest.  Sanyukta was afraid she would put on weight if she did not watch her diet. Unfazed by her concern Vidushi tucked into her lunch, chatting with her mother and Sanyukta at the same time. The men sat across from them. It was difficult for Sanyukta to avoid looking at Randhir. She tried to concentrate on her food when she felt Vidushi pass her phone to her. It was a text from Randhir saying he was avoiding dessert as he was hoping to have it in his room after lunch. 

"Don't keep him waiting!" Vidushi whispered in her friend's ear. Sanyukta watched wistfully as Randhir gave her a look and turned to go up to his room. Vidushi dragged Sanyukta by her arm until everyone was out of earshot.

"No way, it is too dangerous!" Sanyukta whispered back.

"Shut up, enjoy the forbidden moments while they last. I'll come to the room with you. You can then slip into his room like you did last night!" Vidushi grinned at her shamelessly.

"We did it last afternoon and later he barely let me sleep at night. How hungry is your brother Vidu?" Sanyukta felt the same desire but she was apprehensive.

"I have already asked everyone not to disturb us during naptime. You have a couple of hours with him easily. And don't pretend like you don't want it too!" She teased her.

"Vidu, I am scared someone may notice!" Sanyukta looked worried.

"Only if they have X ray vision and can see through doors!" They had reached the room. Vidushi bolted the door quickly and pushed Sanyukta in through the side door. 

"Remember, don't be heard, you two!" She warned them and asked Sanyukta to close the side door from the other side. Vidushi slipped out of her clothes and donned a tee and track pants before hitting the sack.

"Chiffon, huh? It shows off your curves very well. I barely ate during lunch, saving my appetite for you!" Randhir swept the pallu off her shoulder and undid her blouse.

"Hello kittens!"He greeted her bosom, burying himself into it, teasing the tips with flicks of his tongue. 

"Kiss me!" She said urgently, and he obliged. He pushed her on the bed, looming over and caressing her all over. He was about to peel her saree off her when there was a gentle knock on his door. Alarmed, Sanyukta rose, struggling to button up her blouse. As she rushed to the door between the two rooms he stopped her. 

"Get under the bed, I'll see who it is and send them packing!" He told her and she lifted the edge of his counterpane and slid under the bed.

"Tapur, what is it?" Randhir was surprised to see the girl standing at his door. Her sheer saree and tiny blouse was typically provocative and she pushed her way in shutting the door behind her.

"Needed a cigarette. I know you smoke!" She spoke in a voice that sounded like warm honey. It was obvious that she was offering herself once more.

"You shouldn't be here, Tapur!" He had to get her out of the room as soon as possible. God knew what she was capable of!

"I know, but I was desperate for a smoke and there are people everywhere. Sharad is still with his parents. I could only turn to you! Don't act like I intruded anything, I know you are alone here!" She persisted.

"But my sister's taking a nap next door, I don't want anyone to get ideas!" Randhir clarified as he offered her a cigarette and a light. She pulled on it for a few moments, and blew out a plume of smoke. 

"Here, join me!" She offered him the cigarette with a deep red lipstick stain on the filter end.

"No thanks, I'm good!" Randhir responded.

"Why are you always pushing me away, Randhir? It is beginning to piss me off!" Tapur let her saree slip off to offer him a good look at her wares. She knew she was irresistible to most men.

"You paint a pretty clear picture of your intent, Tapur. But I know you are dating Sharad and I cannot betray my cousin's trust. This is just not done! I want you to understand something. You know how much the Sanyal group is worth. Sharad is a Sanyal while I am a Shekhawat. He is a direct descendant while I am the son-in-law's heir. Who do you think stands to inherit a bigger stake in the Sanyal group? If I were you I'd mull over this and try not to fool around. Besides, the boy is in love with you. You break his heart and you'll be forcing him to replace you with someone who'll come into the huge fortune instead of you. In any case the Sanyals will insist on a pre-nuptial agreement to protect their rather large interest. I hope you understand what's at stake if you cheat on him!" Randhir knew he had driven the message home as he saw her face harden.

"Of course I know that and don't get ahead of yourself. I was only here to smoke in peace. By the way, you will inherit a part of the same fortune, won't you?" She asked, curious to know his net worth.

"The chairman of the board will always be a Sanyal, provided his credentials are right and he has a sound mind. I may be invited to be a director but Sharad will always call the shots." Randhir was telling her what she needed to hear rather than the truth but there was no way she could verify this information and discover anything different. Tapur's phone buzzed. Sharad was trying to reach her. She crushed the lit end of the cigarette into the ashtray and rose to her feet.

"Thank you for the cigarette, Randhir, I'll see you downstairs in the evening. I think Sharad is waiting for me in his room!" She muttered, her face a mask.

"Great, and I look forward to being the best man at Sharad's wedding, whoever the bride. Be good Tapur and lady luck will smile on you always!" Randhir opened the door flamboyantly and stepped aside to let her exit. He could hear her footsteps as she sashayed her way to Sharad's door on the same floor. Randhir smiled as he locked the door behind him. Meanwhile Sanyukta slid out of her hiding place and glared at him.

"What the hell, Randhir, why are these women always throwing themselves at you?" She sounded upset.

"They think I am into money, honey! Besides, they don't know I'm already taken. Cannot blame them!" He pulled the saree off her and tried to peel off his clothes at the same time, getting himself hopelessly tangled. Taking advantage of the situation she threw him onto the bed, undressed quickly and straddled him, undoing the strings of his garment. Her hands caressed his hardness till he moaned. Just as he freed his arms she slid her wetness over his taut shaft and began moving her hips in a steady, practised rhythm. 

"Nice view!" He said before slipping his hand in his mouth to lubricate it and then between her legs to massage and pleasure her there. She responded by building up her tempo and his fingers matched it till they climaxed together and she fell over him. His lips found hers and they kissed each other deeply, feeling on top of the world.