The late April sun beat down on the turquoise waters of the Otters Club pool, casting shimmering reflections on the surrounding deck. Veer, his toned physique honed from years of… well, having the ability to shapeshift, moved with fluid grace through the water, supporting nine-year-old Rohan as he practiced his freestyle strokes.
Rohan, a bundle of nervous energy, splashed enthusiastically, his small face scrunched in concentration.
Seated on a nearby lounger, Rohan's mother, Mrs. Mehra, watched the lesson with an intent gaze that lingered a little too long on Veer's broad shoulders and his defined muscles that were wet and had water droplets all over his body, making him more sexy under the sun. She adjusted her designer sunglasses, a practiced smile playing on her lips.
"He's doing so well, Veer," she called out, her voice carrying a husky undertone over the splashing. "You really have a knack for this. And such… patience." Her eyes traced the line of his bicep as he adjusted Rohan's arm position.
Veer offered a polite smile, his focus primarily on Rohan. "He's a quick learner, Mrs. Mehra. Just needs a little guidance with his breathing." He gently corrected Rohan's head movement. "Remember, Rohan, breathe out when your face is in the water, like blowing bubbles."
Mrs. Mehra leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "It must be quite a workout, though, being in the water all day. You have such a… wonderfully athletic build. All that muscle must require a lot of dedication." She punctuated her observation with a subtle, appreciative sigh.
Veer, accustomed to such attention, maintained his professional demeanor. "It keeps me fit, Mrs. Mehra. And it's important to be in good shape to ensure the safety of the swimmers." He lifted Rohan slightly, encouraging him to kick harder. "Good job, Rohan! See? You're gliding through the water now."
Mrs. Mehra wasn't easily deterred. "I was just saying to my friend Shalini the other day, the club really has hired some… impressive instructors this year. So much more… visually appealing than before." Her eyes met Veer's, a playful glint in them. "It certainly makes watching the lessons much more… enjoyable."
Veer chuckled lightly, a practiced charm kicking in. "Well, we aim to please in all aspects, Mrs. Mehra – both in terms of swimming technique and… visual appeal, I suppose." He guided Rohan towards the edge of the pool for a short break.
As Rohan clambered out, beaming with accomplishment, Mrs. Mehra seized the opportunity to approach Veer directly. "You know, Veer," she said, her voice dropping a conspiratorial tone, "Rohan just loves his lessons with you. He talks about you all the time. It's so wonderful to see him so enthusiastic."
"That's great to hear, Mrs. Mehra," Veer replied, genuinely pleased. "He's a bright kid."
"He is," she agreed, her hand lingering a moment longer than necessary on Veer's arm as she gestured towards Rohan. "And you're so… hands-on. I mean, literally." She gave a small, knowing laugh. "It's very… effective." Her gaze flickered down his torso before returning to his eyes, a clear invitation in her expression.
Veer, ever the adept social navigator, picked up on the cues. He offered a charming but non-committal smile. "Safety first, Mrs. Mehra. Gotta make sure they have the right technique." He turned his attention back to Rohan, ruffling the boy's wet hair. "Ready for another lap, champ?"
Mrs. Mehra sighed softly, adjusting her sunglasses again, her attempt to overtly impress Veer having met with a polite but firm wall of professionalism. At one point in between the swimming lessons, she looked at her son's smiling face. Seeing him so happy with Veer brought back some heartwarming memories of her husband, which in turn made her guilty because of her today's action in regards to Veer. This genuine happiness and childishness on her son's face was lost somewhere after his father's death three years ago. Since the day he started swimming lessons with Veer, he started to open up more. She truly wants her son to be happy like this his whole life.
'I shouldn't have done that in front of my son. I… I shouldn't put my physical needs ahead of my son's happiness.' She thought, guiltily. Ashamed of her previous interaction with Veer in front of her son.
When the swimming lessons were over for Rohan, Mrs. Mehra approached Veer. "Veer, can I talk to you for a second?"
Veer, never to deny a beautiful lady, agreed immediately.
Mrs. Mehra stood in front of him, looking down at her hands, rubbing it continuously. She was clearly hesitating to say something. Veer, understanding her predicament, asked her himself, "Is there something you want to say? You can tell me anything Mrs. Mehra, without any hesitation."
Veer's words were like an oasis for a lone and thirsty Mrs. Mehra, travelling in a hot desert, looking for a source of water. She didn't hesitate a second after that and poured her heart out. "I am sorry for my behaviour today. I shouldn't have acted like that in front of my son with you. I am very ashamed of my behaviour. I am truly sorry."
She confessed the whole thing with some tremor in her voice and without looking into his eyes.
Veer sighed but said in a soothing voice, "Mrs. Mehra, please look at me."
She briefly hesitated but looked at his face nonetheless. There were some genuine tears in her eyes. Veer was startled but immediately took her to a nearby table and handed her some tissues and a glass of water. He continued in his soft and soothing voice, "There is no need to cry Mrs. Mehra. I am not offended by your behaviour. I actually consider myself lucky to get attention from such a beautiful lady. Many would kill me if they came to know that I made a woman like yourself cry. I am still young, ya know! I don't wanna die so early."
These few words from Veer were enough to make her laugh, which sounded like a harmonious bell that can melt even the heart of the hardest of the men.
After she calmed down, they sat there for a moment of peace, looking at the wide expanse of Arabian Sea. he turned towards her and said, "I know about your circumstances Mrs. Mehra. And you don't need to apologise for something you have no control over. How about dinner, in your house?"
Mrs. Mehra looked at her watch before answering him with a small smile, "Will 7 pm be alright for you?"
"I have all the time in the world for a gorgeous lady like yourself." replied Veer with a charming smile. Mrs. Mehra took a tissue paper and wrote her address on it. Veer took it from her hand, brushing his fingers with her intentionally. Mrs. Mehra hid her face from him, looking downwards, blushing like a teenage girl falling in love for the first time. Veer was just smiling the whole time, enjoying teasing her.
Seeing her son Rohan coming out of the shower, she stood up to leave. Veer called out to her suddenly, "Mrs. Mehra," She turned towards Veer and he continued in his smooth voice full of warmth " You shouldn't feel guilty about thinking about yourself sometimes. It's perfectly normal to have such 'selfish' thoughts. It doesn't make you a bad mom or a person."
Mrs. Mehra just stared at Veer thoughtfully before turning and walking towards Rohan who was waiting near the exit. Rohan waved his hand towards Veer happily before going with his mother.