Eleanor's comradely hand on his shoulder, the warmth of her form, and the intoxicating scent of her perfume only served to intensify the flames that Aurora had so playfully ignited. Lost in the alluring fragrance, Anirudh jolted at his aunt's words, turning to her with an expression of utter astonishment.
"Poppycock, you're on the verge of turning twenty. You're at an age where you crave the solace of a woman, both emotionally and physically. You can't keep leaning on your auntie for everything, now can you?" Eleanor's thoughts turned to the pearly evidence of Anirudh's virility that morning, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
This young scamp was just too full of life. If she didn't find him a partner soon, and something were to happen from all this pent-up energy, how could she face Anirudh'uncle? He was the last branch on the family tree!
Anirudh itched to tell her that her help was more than welcome, but the words stuck in his throat. Once he was certain Eleanor was committed to aiding his romantic quest, Anirudh's eyes flicked slyly around the private room.
Aurora was a foregone conclusion; it seemed a matter of when, not if, they would become entangled. It was unmentionable, and not just because she was the eldest present, older even than Eleanor. To voice such a thing would surely earn him a stern rebuke from his aunt.
His attention soon settled on Rosalind. Rosalind was stunning, her beauty rivaling that of his aunt. Her raven-black hair fell loose across her shoulders, framing a complexion that was as delicate as it was radiant. Her eyes, dark and sparkling, were like twin onyx jewels. Her lips were a thin, crimson slash, the epitome of sensuality, the kind that beckoned to be kissed with a fiery passion.
She was attired in a rich purple-red cheongsam that accentuated her exquisite silhouette, her figure so well-proportioned it seemed to epitomize the golden ratio. Even as she reclined on the sofa, her waist maintained an alluring slenderness, the kind of figure that would be a pleasure to hold close. She was the epitome of a goddess, the kind of woman who could effortlessly ensnare the hearts of many.
Her occasional smile, complete with the charming dimples that danced at the corners of her mouth, only served to augment her allure. Even Anirudh found himself momentarily spellbound. He had been oblivious during dinner, but now he realized just how strikingly beautiful she truly was.
Beyond Rosalind's radiance, Laila too was a paragon of beauty, yet her aloof demeanor was not what Anirudh typically found appealing.
Amy, Aurora's younger sister, was next in line. Her raven-black hair cascaded around her, framing a visage that was no less lovely. In a world devoid of Rosalind's transcendent beauty or Aurora's intoxicating charm, Amy's countenance and figure would certainly place her among the elite of beauty. However, she lacked the dignified grace of Rosalind and the seductive maturity of her sister Aurora.
The thought of Amy as a girlfriend was not unappealing. The prospect of dating her while clandestinely romancing her sister was an enticingly scandalous notion.
As for Estella, this youthful lass with an ageless face and an impressive figure, disregarding her years, would make an ideal girlfriend. Her vivacity and playfulness, coupled with her voluptuous curves that incited both desire and envy, made her the object of many a man's desire...
At that moment, Anirudh found himself in a quandary, unsure of how to decide. He looked to his aunt with a hint of trepidation and whispered, "Auntie, does it really have to be anyone?"
"Without a doubt, with Auntie on the job, I'll make it happen for you... So, spill, who's the lucky girl? Auntie will go and get her tipsy for you..." Eleanor declared, thumping her chest confidently.
"I like all of them..."
"All of them? Ah..." Eleanor was momentarily taken aback, but once the words sank in, she gazed at her nephew with an expression of utter astonishment. This young scamp, his heart is set on quite the harem, isn't it? To think he likes them all?
However, the thought crossed her mind—what if her nephew could indeed sweep all these ladies off their feet? Wouldn't they all be calling her 'Auntie' then? If her nephew were to become their beau, wouldn't that be preferable to them entangling with other men? Keeping it all in the family, as they say, a cunning smile crept onto Eleanor's lips.
"Alright, Auntie will help you win each one over, but that old dear, Aurora, is absolutely not an option. She is technically still a married woman, and even though she and her husband have been living apart for years, my precious nephew couldn't possibly consider courting an older, married woman, now could he?"
"Ah..." This time, Anirudh was left dumbfounded. He immediately regretted his words. Did he really say he liked all of them? Wouldn't that brand him a flirt? What kind of impression would that leave with Auntie? To his surprise, before he could even think of an excuse, his aunt had agreed to his indecisive wish.
"What's the matter? You can't possibly have a fondness for that old dear, Aurora, do you?" Noting Anirudh's stupor, Eleanor wondered if her nephew was discontented with her decision.
"No, no, no, I didn't expect Aunt to be so kind to me? Aunt, I absolutely adore you..." Anirudh was brimming with excitement and bestowed a kiss on Eleanor's delicate cheek, but in his heart, he added: Actually, Aurora is also quite nice, I genuinely like her too!
But he would never dare to voice that sentiment.
"Alright, alright, who else would Aunt love if not you? Aunt will create opportunities for you first, and then you should seize the moment..." Eleanor gave Anirudh a sidelong glance and, after speaking, led Anirudh towards the group of women.
"Have you and your nephew finally finished your little chat?" Aurora teased as Anirudh and Eleanor approached.
"Go away, your words are always so indelicate..." Eleanor gave Aurora a fierce look. This woman's remarks were becoming increasingly audacious.
"Haha, just a joke, just a joke. Come, let's toast to our handsome Anirudh once again..." Aurora laughed, already raising her glass. Everyone else smiled and raised their glasses as well. Anirudh, with a helpless expression, also picked up his glass, clinked it with the ladies, and then drained it in one go.
Two glasses of wine had gone down, and he was already feeling a bit lightheaded, so he quickly sat down, leaning back against the sofa. He, who would usually get drunk after just one glass, had already broken his record today.
Meanwhile, Eleanor had already sat down to drink with Aurora and Rosalind. These women seemed elegant and composed, but who knew they would be so daring when drinking wine? They were guzzling such expensive red wine as if it were water, which made Anirudh's heart race with anxiety.
If it were him, he would have probably passed out by now, right?
Estella was the karaoke queen of the night, commandeering the mic and belting out one electrifying song after another while dancing energetically. Her little "bunnies" bounced joyfully, and her blue pleated skirt swirled up with every leap, occasionally revealing her white panties, leaving Anirudh parched with longing. If it weren't for Amy stealing glances at him now and then, he would have loved to keep his gaze fixed on Estella's skirt.
She looked stunning…
Meanwhile, Laila sat quietly in the corner, occasionally tapping away on her phone. It was hard to believe that such a composed girl could fit in with this group of wild women.
"Anirudh, do you play games?" At that moment, Amy joined him with a glass of red wine, a smile brightening her face.
"What games?" Anirudh was taken aback, surprised that Amy would strike up a conversation