Keshav felt his chest tighten. She’s admitting it. The quiet evenings. Dad travelling. She’s lonely. The image of her recording those teasing videos for a husband who was probably too busy flashed in his mind. He shifted on the bed, his erection now fully hard and pressing against his track pants. She made those videos because she wanted to feel wanted. And now she’s talking to me — to Aryan — because I’m giving her that feeling without being crude. He typed back, his hands slightly shaky.
Aryan Malhotra 1:52 PM You’re not old at all, Professor. And you don’t need to thank me. I genuinely enjoy talking to you. Your perspective on books and life is refreshing. If the evenings feel quiet, I’m happy to be someone you can message whenever you want — about books, about Pune, or just whatever’s on your mind. No pressure, no expectations. Just conversation.
He sent it and lay back, staring at the ceiling. His mind was a storm of questions. Am I doing this for her or for myself? She seems to like it. She’s opening up. But I’m lying to her. She’s my mother. If she ever finds out… The thought of her finding out made his stomach twist with shame, but his cock throbbed harder. What if she found out and didn’t hate it? What if she liked that it was me? He pushed the dangerous thought away.
The chat continued in small bursts through the afternoon and evening. Kalpana seemed to have more time now that Holi was over.
Kalpana Rao 3:14 PM That’s very sweet of you to say. I don’t usually open up like this to strangers, but something about the way you write feels safe. I’ve been teaching for so long that sometimes I forget what it’s like to just talk without any agenda. My daughter is busy with her MBA, my son lives in Bangalore… the house feels bigger some days. Your messages are a nice change.
Keshav read the part about her son living in Bangalore and felt a sharp pang of guilt mixed with twisted excitement. She’s talking about me to me without knowing. He replied honestly, keeping “Aryan’s” voice steady.
Aryan Malhotra 3:29 PM I can imagine how that feels. Family spread out, routine taking over. It’s easy to feel invisible sometimes even when you’re surrounded by people. I’m glad my messages feel safe. You can always message me if you want to talk — about anything. I’m a good listener. And I mean that.
Kalpana Rao 4:05 PM Thank you, Aryan. Truly. I might take you up on that. For now, I should finish some reading for tomorrow’s classes. But this has been… nice. More than nice, actually. Have a good evening.
The chat paused there for a while. Keshav spent the evening with the family — watching TV, having dinner, helping clear the table. Every time Kalpana smiled at him or touched his shoulder in passing, he felt the double life pressing on him. She smiled at me like that while she was messaging Aryan earlier. She has no idea. After dinner he went to his room early, claiming tiredness.
Around 10:15 PM his phone lit up with a new message.
Kalpana Rao 10:15 PM Aryan, are you still awake? I finished my reading earlier than expected and the house is quiet again. I don’t want to disturb you if you’re resting, but… I enjoyed our chat today. More than I thought I would. It’s been a while since I had such a respectful and engaging conversation with someone new.
