Million thanks to ColetteJulie, my voluntary editor for pushing me to keep the story going with her guidance and assistance. Thanks to all those who read and rated the first part of this series.
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All characters in the story are above 18 years.
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2. THE FESTIVAL IS HERE
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The annual festivities in the village temple were about to begin and the villagers began renovating Angannan's shrine. As per tradition, members of the 'Big House' had to oversee the conduct of the festival. Annam felt edgy and guilty. She wondered if she had the courage to enter the shrine after beginning an incestuous relationship with her son. After their first encounter, Annam and Balu had been living like newly married couples, making use of every opportunity to have sex.
As summer approached, the village priest announced the festival dates and the news sent a shiver down Annam's spine. She felt as if she was a child again, when she used to fear seeing the frightening statue of Angannan. This time however, she had every reason to fear their deity who represented the epitome of virtue.
Balu was his usual self, he stayed out of the house for most of the day and when he returned home in the evening, he looked for his mother and fucked her wherever she was to be found in the big house. The polished wooden staircase; the kitchen; the cattle shed; the haystack; the royal swing; the grocery room - every nook and corner of the house witnessed the animated sex of mother and son. As the festival approached, Balu's incest with his mother became more frequent as he knew that Pushpa, his step-sister and her husband might arrive soon and his nightly adventures with Annam might not be possible.
"Pushpa is smart." Annam cautioned her son, as they lay naked on the master bed. "If she finds out about us, she will never come again."
Annam wasn't convinced her son would control his sexual urges even in that short period of time. The helpless mother had realised that her son had become a sexual beast. However, she had to protect the honour of the house and keep the family intact.
Balu knew his mom was right. But he was wondering how he would be able to stay away from his sexy mother for ten full days. Moreover, as the family responsible for the festival, the male members were required to remain 'virtuous' which prohibited sex with anyone other than their spouse. Balu began to comprehend that he would have to control his deviant urges for ten days every year, if he was content with his mother as his only lover. Perhaps I should get married, Balu thought. As the days passed, both mother and son became restless.
Pushpa and Sundar, her husband, arrived with Suresh, their three year old boy, a day before the festival began. As Annam welcomed the couple, a sense of guilt once again resurfaced in her mind. Reality began sinking in, she was a grandmother who needed to set examples in upholding family values. After a few minutes of uneasiness, Annam noticed changes in her beloved step-daughter.
The few years Pushpa had been living in the city seemed to have brought about some significant changes in her appearance and attire. Her long hair which used to hang down to her bottom had been shortened to almost half it's length. She wore a sleeveless blouse and a lucid saree showing the linings of the blouse, covering her swollen breasts. Surprisingly, Pushpa had applied lipstick, something she always hated before getting married. The gentle enchanting fragrance that surrounded Pushpa meant that she had become used to a few other cosmetics as well.
Sundar wasn't looking bad either. The black hair and thin moustache remained very much intact. He looked more solidly built than last time. Balu left the house after spending a few minutes with his step-sister and brother-in-law. After a few banters, Sundar retreated upstairs for a nap leaving Annam and Pushpa to themselves. Suresh, the little boy was soon fast asleep on his grandmother's lap.
"Balu looks different," Pushpa said in a surprised tone. "It looks like he has become a man. His face has lost it's innocence."
"He will be nineteen very soon," Annam replied, forcing a smile. "At nineteen you became a mother. Not the age to be innocent at all."
"Then find a suitable bride for him," Pushpa quipped with a huge smile. "Don't you want a granddaughter?"
"I do!" Annam smiled. "Tell your husband. I want you to be blessed with a baby girl when you come next year."
Pushpa's face immediately froze and her vivacious smile vanished. She lowered her eyes, apparently to hide the drop of tears which came from nowhere.
"I can't have another child." Pushpa whispered.
"We are destined to be content with just this one little fellow."
Annam was shaken. For a few moments, neither of them spoke; letting an uneasy silence engulf the huge house. Eventually, Annam placed her hand on Pushpa's shoulder.
"Your father's sins keep following us around like a monstrous shadow." Annam murmured. "A woman's curse can stay alive for many generations. It can deprive the descendants of even ordinary moments of happiness."
"That is why I want Balu to get married soon." Pushpa said, dabbing off her tears. "Let him not stray like father and invite any woman's curse. Let him live true to the values our family inherited from the deity."
Annam was dumbfounded, she knew that her son had already belittled every value the family inherited from Angannan. And, more importantly, she was the reason for her son's departure from the family's virtues. Perhaps Pushpa's suggestion was some sort of divine order for the hapless widow to make amends.
"Okay!" Annam sighed deeply.
"I will start looking for a suitable bride for Balu. We can expect to see hundreds of young girls from in and around the village during the festival. Let us find the one who would step into the big house and wipe off whatever darkness that is left."
