Rahul and Rohini's house wasn't very big but it had enough space for us. The millennium year eve was fast approaching and we had started our packing. We scheduled the move on the January 2nd of the New Year. Neither of us, however, wanted to sacrifice the New Year celebrations.

I knew that sooner or later we would enter the so-called "open relationship" with them, where in Mansi would finally become Rahul's mistress. We had made amazing progress in the past six months. Mansi was very intent on marching into this new relationship with the first year of the next millennium. Just a day before the New Year eve she started this conversation as both of, pretty exhausted with the packing chores, hit the bed.

"We owe a favor to Rahul and Rohini," she started.

"Yes we need to repay them, somehow," I replied agreeing with her.

"What better way than to repay by helping Rohini during her pregnancy," she said. We had realized that Rohini could use our help during her pregnancy and were looking forward to assist her during her first child birth.

"Yes, she needs our help," I thoughtfully responded.

"Neither of Rahul's or Rohini's parents is visiting," I justified.

"Yes, you could help Rohini with her regular chores," she replied and then a bit hesitantly added, "while I help Rohini with her bedroom chores."

"By becoming Rahul's surrogate wife?" I asked her nervously. Although, we both subconsciously knew that Mansi would end up helping Rohini in her bedroom duties, we weren't willing to discuss it openly till now. She nodded her approval to my question.

We were indeed obliged for the favor they extended but this is not the price I was willing to pay. If it wasn't for pleasure then it just meant that I was whoring Mansi out. But then I thought we were, perhaps, using this as an excuse to enter such a relationship -- where we were largely submissive to another couple?

It reminded me of the just a *reason* that Rohini was referring to a few months back. Was this the just *reason*, I wondered. I realized that we both needed a just a *excuse* to enter such a relationship. Our upbringing and our culture prohibited us from entering such a despicable relationship. We were able to satisfy our hidden fantasies under the garb of repaying favor to Rahul and Rohini!

Realizing that the time had come to enact our fantasies, both of us were now opening up. Mansi had already made up her mind and I had made up my mind long time back, although, I frequently oscillated between the two extremes. Having already launched my relationship with Rohini, it would be unfair to intervene in Mansi and Rahul's relationship, I thought.

We had discussed this concept for quite some time and vaguely understood what it meant for Mansi to become Rahul's mistress but nevertheless, we had to arrive at a common understanding, one last time, before we stepped into this new relationship. And I asked Mansi to elaborate on her role as a surrogate wife.

"Well, how should I put it?" she said pondering over it.

"As his mistress," she started.

I was alarmed with that word since that was the word that Rohini had been using. She had plans of making Mansi, Rahul's mistress. I wondered if Rohini clearly elaborated on the role she had envisaged for Mansi. It was clear that Mansi was comfortable using this word.

"I should spend few nights a week with him."

"It would be mostly during the nights in the city," she elaborated, "But don't be alarmed if he needs an additional session over the weekend."

"After all it is his house," she justified.

"Even our marital bed should have place for him!"

"Rohini can't reciprocate this favor, though," she quickly added, urging me to understand the circumstances.

"And neither should we insist on that!" said Mansi emphatically.

"We are repaying a favor and not swapping partners," she clarified.

"You might be able to enjoy her fruits, whenever luck favors you," she said consoling me. It was clear that Rohini had kept her word and didn't discuss the things that had transpired between us.

"Are you suggesting that I should vacate my bed for him, if he insists?" I asked surprised by her suggestion.

"We need to preserve decorum of our relationships," she quickly retorted.

"So, such a thing would never happen."

"Instead, you should subtlety pave ways for our mating," she elaborated; It was as if I had been discussing with Rohini.

"He is sexually frustrated right now."

"Accommodating him now, would aptly repay their favors," she added.

"I didn't understand how I should be paving ways?" I asked purposely wanting to know if she would be spending entire night with him while at home.

"You would understand that as time passes," she said.

"If you suspect we two are up to something, then assume so and don't intervene."

"Take the cue and offer us more privacy."

"Rohini will help you, if required," she added.

"When do we start repaying the favor," I asked.

"I was thinking of tomorrow night," Mansi eagerly replied.

"What better way to enter the new millennium," she excitedly added.
(TO BE CONTINUED)