Observing Anirudh's shy countenance and the innocence of his plea, Eleanor was initially taken aback, only to be overtaken by a fit of laughter, her mirth so profound it set her into a delightful dance, her bosom trembling with each peal of laughter, which left Anirudh utterly captivated.
"You scamp, you're all grown up now, and yet you still wish for Auntie to assist you in your ablutions. Don't you feel the slightest bit of embarrassment? Make haste and bathe yourself..." As her laughter subsided, Eleanor bestowed upon Anirudh a flirtatious glance, laden with affectionate admonishment.
"Nay, I desire Auntie's assistance in my bathing..." Anirudh persisted in his petulance, donning an expression of wronged innocence. In his youth, whenever he adopted such a visage, Eleanor would find herself powerless to resist, invariably conceding to his every wish!
"Very well, very well, Auntie shall assist you in your bathing... Auntie shall assist you... First, go and draw the bathwater, whilst I change into something more appropriate..." Indeed, this time was no different, Eleanor found herself once again at the mercy of Anirudh's whims.
Anirudh's joy knew no bounds, and he dashed into the bathroom to prepare the bathwater. Meanwhile, Eleanor shook her head with a tender smile, murmuring under her breath, "This boy, still as playful as ever..." As she spoke, Eleanor had already discarded her final undergarment and ventured into the wardrobe, selecting a regal purple, low-cut nightgown to adorn herself. She then proceeded to Anirudh's chamber, where she discovered him standing stock-still.
"What are you about? Why have you not yet disrobed?"
"I wish for Auntie to assist me in removing my garments..." Anirudh continued his shameless charade, having decided to embrace his audacity without reservation. Anirudh's audacity was boundless, in fact, back in his village, many a townsfolk had dubbed him "Shameless Anirudh!"
Eleanor's eyes rolled heavenward once more, yet recalling the countless baths in his youth where she had undressed him, she harbored no reservations and approached Anirudh, commencing the task of disrobing him with a motherly grace.
As Eleanor approached in an elegant purple nightgown, Anirudh obligingly raised his arms, the very image of a compliant child awaiting disrobing.
With a gentle smile, Eleanor stepped before Anirudh, her delicate hands deftly unfastening the buttons of his attire. Standing at an impressive five feet seven inches, Eleanor's stature was nonetheless overshadowed by Anirudh's six feet one inch frame. Gazing upon his aunt's proximity, inhaling the alluring scent that enveloped her, Anirudh felt his spirit threaten to take flight. The low-cut nightgown she wore did little to conceal the ample curves that strained against the flimsy fabric, the outline of her form leaving little to the imagination. As Eleanor shed his shirt and knelt to remove his trousers, the creamy expanse of her skin was laid bare, igniting a fervor within Anirudh that was impossible to ignore.
Eleanor, of course, was not blind to the sudden change in the atmosphere, her cheeks tinting a becoming shade of rose at the sight of the evident tenting. Casting a mock-disapproving glance at Anirudh, she chided, "You rascal, what mischief occupies your thoughts?"
"Naught but admiration," Anirudh responded with feigned innocence. "I was merely contemplating the source of Auntie's radiant beauty."
"Pish posh," Eleanor huffed, her tone laced with feigned skepticism. "Remove your own garments and make your way to the tub..."
Rising to her feet, Eleanor's countenance betrayed a hint of warmth, a testament to the tender memories of their past. Though she had once been a constant in his care, the youth before her was now a young man of eighteen or nineteen, his body subject to the natural progression of maturity.
"Please, Auntie," Anirudh wheedled, his voice taking on a melodious quality as he implored, clutching at Eleanor's arm. "You've always been so kind to me. I know you won't turn me away."
Eleanor let out a soft sigh, feeling utterly helpless when it came to Anirudh... "Very well, very well, I shall remove it for you, I shall remove it for you..." With a note of surrender in her voice, Eleanor bent partially, her hands deftly taking hold of Anirudh's undergarments, and then she gently tugged them downwards... Eleanor's heart began to race inexplicably, her legs instinctively drawing closer, a novel and peculiar sensation overwhelming her. Yet, she was suddenly gripped by alarm, what was crossing her mind? This young man was her nephew, how could she allow such a disgraceful thought to surface? Swiftly banishing the preposterous notion from her thoughts, she helped the now unclothed Anirudh towards the bathroom. "Quickly, lie down and immerse yourself, finish your bath promptly, so we can proceed to dinner..." "Why not dine at home? I'd prefer the meals Auntie prepares," Anirudh's voice was pure and innocent, yet his face betrayed a hint of triumph. It was only natural; this was a mark of masculinity, and anyone wielding such a powerful asset would feel a sense of pride, even a woman of experience like Aurora couldn't resist its allure, could she?
"All for the purpose of introducing you to some lovely ladies. They've been eager to meet my dashing nephew since they heard about you..." Eleanor said, as she guided Anirudh into the wave-shaped bathtub...
"Lovely ladies? Are they as beautiful as my aunt?" Anirudh's eyes sparkled with interest.
"Fiddlesticks, I'm well past my bloom, how could I compete with those fresh young things..."
"Pish, who says you're past your bloom? In my eyes, you're the epitome of beauty..."
"You scamp, still with the silver tongue..." Eleanor felt a warmth in her heart, despite suspecting Anirudh's flattery. After all, what woman doesn't relish praise?
"Hehe, this isn't mere flattery, it's the God's honest truth..." Anirudh grinned.
"Enough chatter, or you'll end up with soapy water in your mouth..." Eleanor halted Anirudh's prattle, her hands already placed on Anirudh's chest, ready to begin the bath...