Hidden Romance: Part 5
On Mondays, my morning is filled with lectures and office hours before I can get some lunch. As I was contemplating where to eat, I received a phone call.
"Hey Zahra, what's on your mind today? Is everything okay?"
"I was thinking about us having lunch together before we go swimming. Are you at work?"
"I am, but I can leave early. I would like to have a lunch with you."
"Meet me at Pho City then. I can be there around 2:30."
"Deal. Do you have a swimsuit and a cap with you?"
"Yes. I'm ready to go to the pool any time you say."
"Good. I'll bring the equipment with me, so we can go there directly after lunch."
I made my way through the busy streets, heading to the Vietnamese restaurant. When I walked in, Zahra was already waiting at a table by the window, waving to get my attention. I approached the table and sat down. The restaurant had some recommendations, one being their chicken curry. I suggested we try that. My fellow diner agreed, and we placed our order. The food was satisfying, but not overly filling. That's a good thing, since you don't want to go swimming right after a big meal.
Once we finished our meal, we paid the bill and made our way towards the subway station, holding hands.
"
I've already told my wife about our affair. I also told her that Zahra and I are also in love. I think we should all act like adults and talk about what we're going to do about this. That means you, Kate, Malcolm, and me.
I suggested a plan where we could all live together, swapping wifes. We'd stay on good terms, while dividing chores like grocery shopping and garbage disposal. No divorce papers will be filed. Kate and Malcolm could use one of their rooms for their sleepovers and intimate moments. I'd use the guest room at number 17. We stop pretending we're happily married. We'll both travel light, as if following the wisdom of Leonard Cohen. Kate and Malcolm could walk the streets with each other and you and me could do the same. We'll ignore any judgment or ridicule from anyone else, including our parents.
"What did your wife say? Was she angry?"
"No. She said she would talk to Malcolm. But her secrecy and infidelity are now out in the open, thanks to you."
"Were Kate and Malcolm really having an affair?"
"Yes, I was right."
"If Malcolm agrees to the peace talks, are you willing to participate?"
"Yes, if you say so. What do you hope will be the end result?"
"We all friendly terms, we plan out the division of necessary tasks. No divorce. Kate and Malcolm may use a room as a sleeping place and for their intimacy. The guest room at number 17 will be mine. We all stop trying to maintain the illusion of a happy marriage. We'll be light, as Leonard Cohen would say. Kate and Malcolm will walk the streets with little shame, as will you and me. We'll all remain ignorant of the opinions of outsiders, including our parents."
"It seems like you've thought this out completely. I'm not sure Kate and Malcolm will accept your plan."
"I can only say I tried."
After our swim practice, I sent this schedule to Shirin1177's account. Afterwards, I swam my own set of 10 times 100 meters medley. After Zahra's hair was completely dry, we went to visit a Chinese dumpling shop.
"Do you think you'll be able to handle all of this? Are you sorry we started seeing each other? Do you miss the quietness of your previous life?"
"All that's a load of crap," Zahra replied. "Malcolm was in love with someone else for months. There was no peace in my old life. As long as we stay together, I'm fine with whatever you'll bring up."
"Tomorrow, I'll go meet the cleaning lady that has the keys to Senad's place. Within a few days, I'll have his studio transformed into a temporary love nest for you and me. If you want, we could go there Wednesday evening after swimming and stay the night."
"Yes, let's do that."
"I'll let Kate know that I'm staying at the studio and she and Malcolm can make their plans."
"Well, these are your plans. So, it's happening."
We left the restaurant and headed towards the pool, arriving before we usually do. There were four empty lanes, so we had flexibility to change our practice plan for the second week. This week, our sessions would be split between two sets of leg drills and two sets of arm drills. I emailed the plan to her as Shirin1177. Once we were done with the practice, I swam through 10 sets of 100 meters medley for my routine. While Zahra's hair was being dried, we headed to a Chinese dumpling shop.
"Can you handle all this? Do you feel regretful that we started going out? Do you miss the peace of your previous life?"
On this occasion, we strolled side by side from the tube station to our street. There was just one couple who were walking their dog. I couldn't help but wonder if they were married or simply casual lovers. Malcolm's house was completely dark, as was Kate's. I took it as a positive sign. I was happy and I hoped Kate was pleased with her decision. I kissed Zahra in front of their house. I then gradually made my way to the house that I co-owned, a quarter of which belonged to me. I was compiling a list of items I needed to transport to Senad's studio.
I accidentally came across Kate roughly at 9 pm. We almost bumped into each other, and she wasn't upset to see me. This signified that my message had been well-received.
"Hi, Kate. I hope you enjoyed your time with Malcolm. Did you consider the situation or did you discuss it with Malcolm?"
"Yes. Malcolm agreed to discuss it if you promised to remain a civilized man rather than a violent Balkan thug."
"Oh, did he see me as a Bosnian godfather? Don't you understand Kate? I felt terrible about cheating on you. I'm content now, and I wish the best for both of you. My real intention for initiating these talks is to spend as much time as possible with Zahra, possibly 24/7. My ultimate goal is for us all to walk into a negotiation room as four dissatisfied people and walk out as four content individuals."
"I'll call Malcolm right now and relay your message. I hope we're able to work this out for everyone's benefit. I can still trust you, Damir. You've never lied to me, so I continue to believe in you even now that our shared existence is about to come to an end."
"Thank you, Kate. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Damir."
Due to the occupancy on Tuesdays, I had to hurry to my meeting with Ferida, arriving about ten minutes late. The keys were sitting on an empty table.
"Should we order coffee? It's not great, but it's not terrible either."
"I don't care. I'll have a machiatto. I'm short on time, my child is waiting for me. If you visit someday, I'll prepare you authentic Bosnian coffee."
"Alright, I'm also pretty occupied these days."
"Is that your breakup, Damir? What does it mean that you're moving here?"
"Yes, in a certain sense. I'll spend some time here and some time in our house. My wife has a lover, a Brit, and I'm involved with his wife, who is originally from Iran."
"No way!"
"No, I'm not kidding, it really happened."
- Great film material.
Until now, please give me a chance to stop talking about this. However, please inform me if you're still available to attend the meeting every Wednesday morning. I'll pay for your time. For around two hours, if I know correctly."*
"No problem. I arrive at around 9 am and usually leave at 11 pm 00. You may leave the money on the table."
- We have a deal. Let's raise a toast to it with some coffee.
(PS: No, I'm not really directing it as a film material.)
I signaled to the waitress for her attention. She sauntered over and I requested we order some coffees. Ferida and I continued chatting about our mutual friends, delving into juicy gossip. There were whispers that Senad and Ferida were more than just friendly - they might even be back together. Someone spotted them strolling hand-in-hand in a small city named Zenica. It's a tight-knit community, and showing affection toward an ex-spouse is reported to all diaspora gossip circles around the western hemisphere. Staying in touch with Ferida brought me back to reality, making me realize how I'd neglected my countrymen during my marriage. I'd allowed Kate to be the social glue, so my conversations were primarily with successful English women and men, not with Bosnian students, poets, surgeons, or nurses. I resolved to call Ferida more frequently and involve her in our lives. Additionally, I decided to introduce Zahra to my Bosnian friends and invite her to come along to their cultural gatherings.
"Hello, Damir here. Can you talk?"
"Yes, I'm just making my way home, alone."
"It unfolded as I envisioned. Ferida arrived promptly, so I have the keys now. We sipped some coffee and caught up on our friends' lives. I want you to become a crucial part of our social circle. Most of my Bosnian friends in the UK arrived as refugees in 1995. Are you up for meeting some of them? I'll present you as my wife. You'll always be my top pick. If anyone doesn't like you, they can shove off into the woods. I'll disassociate with them in an instant."
"I'll go where you go. I have a feeling it'll be fun."
"I'm going now to assess what's in Senad's apartment and what we need to acquire to transform his studio into our love nest. See you tomorrow."
"See you. Bye."
The studio was impeccably clean, clearly owing to Ferida's meticulousness. I scrutinized everything, opening all drawers, taking notes. Upon returning home, Kate wasn't around, so I drove to the shopping mall and procured all the items on my list, omitting sex toys, which were scheduled to be delivered at 10 o'clock the following day while Kate was at work. I had no lectures that Wednesday, so after the delivery guy left, I transported all my acquisitions to Senad's studio. I arrived home around 1 o'clock and contacted Zahra to coordinate our meeting at Pho City at 3 o'clock.
I composed a brief message.
Fardah1177:
Regarding our swimming session:
10 repetitions of kicking off and returning to the wall
10 sets of 25m kicking with a board and snorkel
10 swims of 25m as we flutter kicked on our backs in bullet position
10 sets of 25m freestyle catchup with snorkel
10 sets of 25m single hand line pull backstroke
After we rounded up our swimming and changed, I proposed we head to Senad's studio after dinner and spend the night there.
"Do you have the keys?"
"Yes, but I'm sensing some apprehension in your voice. Are you not quite ready for this?"
"It's not what you think. I'd enjoy your company, but I'll need a day to gather the necessary items: an extra pair of underwear, pajamas, and a toothbrush. I'm also uncertain as to how Malcolm might react if I don't get back home in the evening."
"These are reasonable concerns. What I mean is that as adults, we need to establish boundaries. I could not care less if Kate spends the night at Malcolm's. If she sleeps with him every day forever, I wouldn't mind. Your hesitation is understandable."
"I'm sorry. I can be quite complex."
"No, it's fine. I had two days to get everything ready."
"Today, I will gather my possessions. Tomorrow, after lunch, we can travel to Senad's place."
"I suggest a code word for our secret location. I'm proposing 'Atelier,' turning it into TA for short."
"Agreed."
"By the way, I took some photography equipment to the TA, so we can engage in some erotic photography if you want. You can bring along your own equipment. If you also toss in a swimsuit and cap, we can capture moments on the streets and parks, each with a camera."
"I'll bring two large suitcases. Can you give me a ride there?"
"Of course. Tomorrow, we meet at the Vietnamese eatery. We'll walk home together, you collect your suitcases, I'll retrieve my car, and we take off."
The following day, I turned up at work early, as my first lecture started at 8 o'clock. This afternoon, my wildest daydreams were about to become reality. I was fully prepared. I'd meticulously imagined the first encounter so that I knew it by heart. We met at the Vietnamese restaurant, which had become a preferred eatery for us. Their menu was simply extensive and enjoyable, ensuring we'd never get tired of it.
Following lunch, we visited Malcolm's residence. Unfortunately, he was absent, likely spending time with Kate. I hoped they had a lovely experience together. I drove back to our place to collect my car. Zahra's bags were particularly enormous and hefty, so naturally, I grabbed both of them and placed them in the trunk. I launched the engine and we embarked on a new excitement. Our erotic journey was set to begin that day.
I navigated to Senad's workshop, clutching Zahra's hand. Traffic was perpetually slow, as anticipated. Upon arrival, I handed over the key to our temporary sanctuary before taking both luggage up to the attic where it was situated. Zahra unlocked the door, and I brought the suitcases inside. I stowed them in the corner of the living room.
- Shall I unpack them now?
- I don't think so. There's no need for them immediately.
- Alright.
I approached her, gently captured her head between my palms, and raised her gaze toward me.
- I'm going to fill the bathtub with warm water. It will take some time, so we can clean our teeth in the meantime.
I stepped to the bathroom, turned on the faucet for the bathtub, headed back to the sink, and cleaned my teeth. Zahra proceeded to the suitcases, extracting her toiletry kit for the bathroom. She brushed her teeth while I adjusted the temperature of the tub's water. The sound of rushing water resonated through the room. Zahra halted and directed her attention toward me.
- There's one more thing.
I exited the bathroom, flicked on the kitchen light, reentered the bathroom, clicked off the bathroom light, and stepped inside. The bathtub was now nearly half full, so I turned off the water. I faced Zahra and embraced her, planting a passionate kiss on her lips- our first genuine erotic kiss, long and sweet.
- Am I allowed to undress you?
- Yes.
I removed her wrists and hoisted her hands upward before gently pulling off the top of her Norwegian sweater.
I gradually depopulated the buttons on her garment. Her bra bore a crimson hue. I invited her to face the mirror. Our silhouettes emerged through the darkness.
- Can I undo your bra clasp?
She nodded. I deposited the bra where her garments had been, then turned around to the mirror. Our eyes locked, and I chuckled, prompting her to chuckle as well.
- I think your chest looks marvelous. May I touch them?
- Yes.
I placed my palms on her stomach and led them to her breasts, carefully cupping them. I pillowed her erect nipples with my thumbs, lightly rubbing them. Zahra cooed like an unsatisfied kitten in need of food. I bent down to kiss her neck. Her chest was firm and willing to respond.
- May I unbutton your skirt?
- You don't need to seek my permission every time. I trust you. You may do whatever you want.
I unfastened the single button of her skirt and embarked on its journey to the floor. Her underwear had the same crimson tone as her bra and glasses. I kneeled and whisked away her stockings, placing them alongside her other garments.
- The time has come for a bath. Let's examine every part of your body.
She stepped into the bathtub, took a seat. I procured a soft sponge and a bottle of soap. I first cleansed her feet, followed by her calves and knees. Zahra rose to allow for thorough cleansing of her thighs, buttocks, vulva, and stomach. When I was satisfied with this, she resumed her seated position. I drenched a palm in soap and commenced to caress Zahra's bosom, finally fulfilling a long-cherished desire.
- Do you enjoy this?
- Oh, yes.
- May I continue?
- Are you still teasing me?
- No, just a little.
Once again, my hand returned to her chest to gently cup her breasts. When I finished this, I shifted my attention to her neck.
- Can I also wash your hair?
- Yes, please.
I coated her scalp with a dollop of shampoo before massaging it with my fingertips. Her wavy, thick hair was black in color. Upon completing this, I reclaimed the sponge and washed her back, armpits, and hands. Then, I used the shower head to cleanse the shampoo and soap from her body. On Wednesday, I had also brought a bathrobe, which I plucked from the hook. Zahra stepped out of the tub, and I wrapped her in the robe, nearly dragging the fabric along the floor.
- Come.
I took her hand, leading her to the couch.
- Lie down on your stomach.
I switched off the light at the entryway and knelt beside her head. We started to lock lips. I discontinued the kiss and whispered in her ear.
- Relax and let go of concerns. There won't be any penetration today. The saying "no pain - no gain" is wrong in both swimming and anal sex.
What's the title for today's session?
I can suggest something. How about "Analysis Sex Session 1: Cleaning Every Inch You and Drill 2: Kissing Every Inch of You"?
That sounds enticing. Will you genuinely kiss every inch of me?
Yes. There's no need to rush.
I began kissing her feet and toes, then gradually moving up her legs. I lifted her robe up, revealing her curvaceous bottom. I started kissing every inch of both of her cheeks, then lightly pulling them apart to kiss her delightful rear entrance. Her breath and soft moans suggested she enjoyed it. I pulled the robe over her head, exposing her back to my kisses. As my kisses ascended up Zahra's spine, her moans grew louder. I removed her robe completely and let it fall to the floor.
- Turn around, please.
- Sure, master Damir. (She spoke playfully) Your command is my command.
- Are you a student of One Thousand and One Nights?
Instead of responding, I placed my lips on her right nipple and lightly sucked on it. I elicited a soft moan from her, so I moved to kiss her neck, breasts, and abdomen. I put my mouth on her Pleasure Button (clitoris) and circled it with my tongue. Her breathing became more rapid, but I removed my mouth, kissed briefly her Persian Delight (her vagina), and proceeded down her thighs. When my kisses finally reached her feet, I took her toes in my mouth and gently bit them with my teeth. She was ready for the grand finale.
I instructed her to lie on her stomach again. I took her left hand and placed it on the edge of the couch. I guided her right hand below her, so her fingers were touching her sex. She understood immediately and began to rub herself. I repositioned myself and kneeled near her hips. I placed my hands on Zahra's ass and gently pulled both halves apart, granting me access to her rear entrance. I started to lick the area around it, stimulating all those thousands of nerve endings. Her moans became increasingly louder. In less than a minute, we both brought her to an earth-shattering orgasm.
It took her about five minutes to regain her composure. I lay down on the couch next to Zahra.
- Hello, ass pleaser.
- That was an exceptional experience. It might have been the best sex of my life.
- But how about you?
- What about me?
- Do you seem dissatisfied? Should I help you in some way?
- No worries. There's always next time. I appreciate that you enjoy what I do to you. You know how I teach your swimming lessons. A bit of going back to basics and then learning a new trick. I hope we can have an extended lovemaking session 2 this weekend. Let's eat something simple first. I bought two instant noodle cups. I'll drive you home. Tomorrow, we'll go to the pool as we always do on Fridays. On Saturday morning, I want us all sitting in our living room and discussing everything maturingly. No more hiding, no more secrets. I intend to spend the night here in our haven.
Zahra nodded in agreement. I picked up the robe and we went to the bathroom. She took a shower while I stood nearby, admiring her chemistry-free body. I handed her the robe and she dried herself off. I used a hairdryer to dry her hair in the same way I do after each swimming lesson. After the water had boiled, I poured it over the noodles. I knew she was skilled at using chopsticks, so I acquired several pairs. We sat on the cushions around the table and ate our chicken noodle soups.
When I dropped her off at home, I was driving with one hand while caressing her right thigh. Both houses were still dark, so her spouses were presumably still engaged in their activities. I parked in front of their house. Zahra kissed me.
- Thank you so much for today and all other days.
- Our love story is merely beginning. There are many beautiful days ahead of us.
- Damir, be honest with me. Do men truly have less respect for women who agree to anal intercourse?
- Only if they're jerks. Anal intercourse with the proper approach can be something beautiful. It doesn't require using a condom. The perfect contraceptive method. If you clean up properly, the Rosebud (rear entrance) can even taste nice. It feels primal. Raw sexual desire. Something that husbands and wives never do. It's too wild.
- I can see how Malcolm might respond with "You're being a bit crazy, woman" if I told him I want to learn anal sex. Fact is, do you think Rosebud tastes better than Persian Delight?
- No, that's not it at all.
- Truth. You wanted to have sex with Kate, but she wasn't into it.
- True. It's fine as long as what you're doing is consensual. I enjoy licking your Rosebud, and you love what I do to it. Even after today's session, Kate's not too keen on butt-touching and Malcolm's not keen on it either. My plan is to convince the three of us to swap spouses so we can live happily ever after.
- How are you going to pull that off?
- I want us to sit down for breakfast in our kitchen, like grownups, discussing things. Senad has an inflatable mattress and some bedsheets in his studio. The only issue here is there's no washer there, so we'd have to work out a deal for me to use the guest room in Kate's place and you to use the guest room in Malcolm's.
- Do you actually think Malcolm and Kate will just go along with that?
- I need to be ready to make my case strongly. If they say no, I'll have to deal with that. The plan B would be to move into Senad's studio and find some public washers. We could also rent a tiny apartment. We've got stable jobs and decent salaries, so we'll manage fine.
- So when are we meeting again?
- I'll see you tomorrow at Pho.
- What time should we meet?
- Half past three should be great for you.
- Sounds good. Goodnight.
- Sleep tight. Zahra kissed me again and went inside. I parked my car and entered the house. I took a shower, brushed my teeth, and changed into my pajamas. I left a note on the kitchen table that read "Kate, I think we should all gather for Saturday morning brunch at our kitchen. Think about it and call me tomorrow" and headed to work.
