My mind started buzzing the moment Prof. S. M. Iyer entered the lecture theatre; every circuit threatened to short out. I blinked, looked around, and felt that I was looking at the faces of my M.Phil. Final Year classmates through crazy mirrors. Even the green chalk-board swam in front of my eyes like a water body full of slimy moss. I felt depleted of energy. 

She assessed the lecture hall filled with some hundred-odd students for her first lecture of the semester. Her gaze fleetingly paused at the second left row where I was sitting dazed; or is it that I imagined so? As the lore went in the college her lectures were always scheduled post-lunch, dot at 1:30 pm.

For the last year, she had been on a deputation to Pakistan for some collaborative study on the philosophical tenets of Indus Valley Civilisation or so we students have come to know. We, as the first year post-grad students, had only heard of the legend called Prof. Sri Maya Iyer.  

My hand unconsciously went to the fresh hickey on my neck that I had covered wearing a turtleneck tee. Oh, I felt so exposed!

Anyhow the hourlong lecture ended; of which I cannot recall even a word. The moment I came out of the lecture hall I called Amir and cancelled my ‘shift’ that he had lined up for tonight. I simply wanted to go back to my room and sleep. I felt exhausted after the night’s ‘encounter’. 

***

I double-checked the address and entered the house gate. It was almost 10:30 pm and the roads were getting deserted. 

 As I rang the bell, her voice chimed, ‘Come in.’ 

I entered hesitantly, cautiously. 

As I stepped in, a sweet fragrance engulfed my senses. There were rose petals strewn around the tastefully spartan hall. Somewhere there was music playing which added to the ambiance. 

I looked around and called, ‘Is anyone home?’

She was there, sitting on the dewan; regal in a gossamer gown that was put together by a belt.

She smiled. ‘Humm...I like people who mind the time.’

I too put up my most engaging smile. 

I saw that she was looking enchanting. Her dusky complexion shimmered in the soft light in the room. 

 The sheer fabric accentuated her curves. She appeared mystical, like an illusion. I felt aroused.

‘Okay. So tonight is going to be fun!’ I thought warming up. 

I reached the dewan in a few strides and sat down in the chair opposite her. She looked at me with her deep eyes and took my hand in hers. 

‘You are strong and handsome.’ She touched my arms. 

I felt good at being complimented. 

She stood up and slid her fingers through my hair. Her belt came loose as she bent and kissed me deeply on my mouth. Her hair fell on my face and once more I became aware of that bewitching fragrance. 

She led me by the hand into her bedroom. The majestic bed right in the centre of the big room appeared inviting with a pearly bedspread and soft pillows. There were flowers in vases all around. 

I pulled her to me and she slid into my arms. Her gown slipped from her shoulders. She appeared to be shining in the moonlight that came into the room through the frosted windows. 

I kissed her shoulders and slowly got to work; I was thoroughly spontaneous and enjoying myself.  

She caressed me as I let her take the lead, completely surrendering myself. She was seasoned and arousing me as I had never been. She kissed me passionately on my neck and chest and I felt very wanted. I touched her body as she lay in the bed and could see that she was ready. It was time to move ahead. 

She was wild and her drive matched mine. Her moans and grunts muffled into my neck. Her heavy breathing told me that she was having her money’s worth. And then she was convulsing at every stroke and screaming for me to push harder. Finally, she climaxed and so did I. 

I stroked her hair that had gone damp. She looked beautiful and satiated. Her breathing had gone regular and calm. 

I got dressed even as she looked at me from under the sheets with a deep smile. I kissed her forehead and left the house, pulling the door shut behind me. 

***

As I was wondering whether to go to my room and sleep or have a coffee first, I saw her waving her hand and coming towards me. 

‘Sumit here.’ 

She was looking fresh in a sunshine skirt and blouse. 

I suddenly felt awake. 

‘How are you?’ She asked me feigning innocence. 

‘’Lakshmi can we meet tonight?’ I chose to be straight. 

She smiled coyly. ‘Sumit not tonight. I have some pending thesis work to complete.’

I smiled and touched my neck. ‘When are your parents coming back to town?’