Neha's Story #2 - A Shift in Power

This story continues from the end of the last one, The Professor's New Pet, which is the first story in my series based on the journey of Professor Neha.

Spending the weekend with Alex was just what Neha needed. The two of them, alone in that cozy cabin, sequestered away from the world. Alex was brilliant company. And not just the sex, but overall, as a living companion. He served Neha in any way he could. Whether it was to draw up a cozy, luxurious bath for her, or to help her out with the cooking, or to take charge of the cleaning, he was everywhere. Neha only wished that the weekend could go on longer. But life had to be resumed.

Soon Alex was gone for his new job in NYC. Neha was left alone in CA again, but this time she was not feeling so isolated or lonely. She had made some friends. Not only Alex, but some of her older students who graduated were also keeping in touch with her. They contacted her for advice from time to time. And she helped them all. All of a sudden, the intimidating Dr. Neha Salhotra did not feel so scary at all.

Neha decided to explore her new life in the US. She had a conflict with the choice of her actions. To cheat on Kunal, to cause her to do such an action that violated the sanctity of her marriage. Every time she thought of it, her mind went back to the bathroom in the hotel room when she was putting on the strapon. She had taken a look at herself in the mirror and she couldn't recognize who she was. A married woman, with a supportive husband, cheating on him in a hotel room with someone who was neither exactly a boy, nor exactly a man. Yet her feelings of isolation and loneliness drove her to it. And when she saw herself in the mirror now, she's glad she did it. Alex may have been a femboy, but he was a wonderful human being. He treated Neha with the utmost reverence, whether it was during the sex or outside of it. He helped her get back her smile. Her glow, her cheerfulness, and her spirit back.

Changes were rife in many areas of establishment. Including education. Neha first noticed it when she saw Provost Martinez being replaced. She entered into the provost's office to thank her, only to be met with a completely different man. A rather tall and fat individual with a thick moustache. Around 6'5" tall redhead with a Santa-like gruff, but oddly cheerful voice.

"Hello, is this still the provost's office?" she asked

The man turned around and gave a look of surprise when he saw her, "Ms. Neha Salhotra, am I correct? It is so good to meet you. My name is Douglas Prescott. I am the new Dean of Academics here. I presume you are the exchange program hire we got from Mumbai last year."

"Yes Mr. Prescott. That is me. I was wondering- "

"Oh well it is nice to meet you again Neha. And please, call me Doug." he said. "So, I am dying to know how was your first year here? Oh, go on, tell me. I can't wait to hear it all." He said with a giddy excitement.

"It's been a great year. The students have been brilliant, and honestly, teaching them has been the most rewarding part. And to be a small part of their lives and guide them towards their goals in the hope of a better future feels just so great. For as a teacher, there is no greater reward than watching your students succeed."

Doug's eyes lit up. "That's the spirit. You're a teacher at heart. I like that."

"Thank you Doug. That brings me to ask, would you be knowing what happened to Ms. Martinez? Was she fired?"

"Oh no... no no no no absolutely not.... Martinez just decided to spent some time with her family. Her kids are reaching that mid-teens phase. So, she just decided to take some well-deserved time-off and join them in the home for a while. It's good for them you know... to have their mother around. Children should have their mother around in the house all the time you know. What about you Neha? Do you have kids?"

"Oh no... no I do not have kids. My younger sister has a son. I'm the fun aunt in the family."

"Well, it was lovely to make your acquaintance Neha. I am told that you made an excellent impression in the conference in Chicago. The one they held at Sheritan Grand."

"I try my best- "

"No no no... your presentation on the state of American Healthcare went really viral. While I myself am a proud American myself, I do acknowledge some of the faults that you have stated. They could and definitely should be ironed out."

"Thank you so much for your kind words Doug. I- "

"Will you be interested in heading to another one of those? There is one happening in Yale. It starts the day after tomorrow. We can arrange for travel. But no assistant. We cannot afford a student to leave during the start of the term. It is only going to be for one day though this time. So that should compensate."

"Okay. Yeah... I do have a lot of work here but I can squeeze in a day or two for that."

"Lovely!! I will have a brochure sent out to you. That way you will be able to prepare. By the way Neha, I noted that you are a department head here. We have never had an exchange program staff as a department head here. Plus, one so... It's just... most of our department heads have been here a while. But hey, maybe it's time for something different."

"I get that," Neha said, keeping her tone measured. "For the record, I am 35. Not quite a rookie."

"Holy smokes!! 35? I thought you were like 27 or 28, oh I am so sorry Neha... Please forgive me.... Carry on, please, please."

"It's... apology accepted," smiles, "I became the founding chairperson in my college for the department of Healthcare Management inside 5 years. There was no way I would have said yes to the exchange program had they not said yes to making me the Head of Department."

Doug raised his eyebrows in impressed surprise. "Makes sense now. Well, you've got an optional second-year extension as part of your agreement. Have you decided whether to stay?"

"I have. I plan to trigger that extension and stay here for one more year."

"That's terrific. Would you like me to have the paperwork prepared and sent to your office?"

"Pronto."

"Eccellente!!" Doug starts to clap his hands as he makes a phone call to secure the paperwork. "We are one big family here Neha. I am so thankful to you for choosing us over your college for one more year."

"I am truly privileged to be a part of your family Doug. I'll have to get started with my work. Please have the paperwork sent over when it is done."

"Pronto!!"

Doug laughs as she says that. Neha leaves his office with a cheerful grin as she heads back to her office. Entering it, she took a deep breath. Wow, this place truly is starting to smell like home now. Wonderful.

She sits back in her familiar chair as she gets started with her work. She gets a flurry of emails. Most of them to do with the start of the term, her teaching plans, approval of teaching plans for the teachers in her department, plans for her department's growth, grants, conferences. Conferences? She leafs through them to find out about the one at Yale. Nothing. Her phone rings.

"Hello?"

"Hey there Neha. It's Doug here. Hope you've had a great start of the day. I know I did. By the way, need you to sit through with HR for some of the paperwork. This is about the extension of your stay here by another year that we had discussed. They're ready and waiting for you right now. Bye."

He hung up before she could get in a word. Neha leaves for the HR department, where she learns that a lot of the paperwork is still in progress. But she was then handed a bunch of forms to fill up. She slowly starts filling them out.

After filling up forms till the afternoon, Neha got a brochure of the college staff.

"I already know these people. Have been working here for a year now." Neha held up the brochure to the HR personnel.

"There have been some changes. We have a lot of new faces this year. You are requested to go through the entire brochure and meet the department heads. Please make sure to get their signatures next to their respective name on this form."

"Really? Didn't I do this already last year?" Neha looked puzzled when her phone lights up. It's the brochure for the conference. "Great, I'm now gonna miss the going through the conference brochure now all because of this stupid form."

Reluctantly, she gets on with it. And boy was she in for a surprise. 80% of the department heads have been replaced. Most with outside staff. What's going on? A lot of the regular staff, most of them who she was on good terms with, have also been replaced this year. She took her time to greet and meet all the department heads. But The meetings were nothing like last year's--cold, stiff, overly polite. As if a little warmth might break protocol.

It was 5 by the time Neha was finished with her stuff. She got so late that she had missed her new routine being emailed to her.

She finally opened the email with her new teaching schedule. Her eyes scanned the timetable. Then stopped. Scanned again. Four courses. Two of them graduate-level seminars. One cross-listed with another department. One brand new. "What the hell?" she muttered. Back under Martinez, department heads usually taught two--sometimes three, if they volunteered. Four was unheard of. She scrolled down to the notes at the bottom of the email: "Due to staffing transitions, we appreciate your flexibility this term." Flexibility? No assistant, no prep time, and now four subjects? Were they serious?

Her head throbbed. She hadn't eaten since the salad at noon, and her inbox still blinked like a threat. She walked into her office and ordered pizza. "Might as well stay here and go sort my timetable first. I'll get on the conference tomorrow. This might take the whole night"

She was wrong. For it took till next day's afternoon. By the time she was done, she remembered to go to her home and pack. Damn, she now wished desperately that she Alex by her side. Running out of options she made the call.

"Hello Mistress! How have you been doing? I hear the college is going through a lot of transition this year." A hint of huge excitement and happiness in Alex's voice made Neha smile.

"I've been well Alex; how have you been doing? Listen Alex, I... well, I am in a bit of spot. I need- "

"Your word is my command Mistress"

Neha laughed. "Such a pure soul." She thought. "I need you to make a brief and to the point report on the following topic. I have a conference tomorrow and -- "

"You know my email Mistress. You get ready for your conference Mistress. And leave this to me. I will have it ready for you within the hour."

"Sure. Thanks again Alex."

"Anything for you My Queen!! Bye!!"

Neha forwards Doug's email to Alex and then she takes off to her apartment. Being an international faculty member, she was given on-campus housing. She went into her apartment and quickly had her luggage sorted. By the time she was done, her phone rang.

"Hello Mistress. I have sent you the email. So, it is true, Doug Prescott IS the new Dean at the college."

"Umm yes, he is. Why are you saying it like it is a bad thing?"

"Because it is Mistress. He's a super conservative guy. He even has the Confederate Flag installed outside of his house. And he has been involved in a fair number of controversies. I'd be careful if I were you, that is all I am gonna say."

Her eyebrows went up, "Really? I don't know he seemed very affable to me. Maybe I'll see more as the time goes on. Thanks a ton for this report by the way pet. I'll have my guard up."

"Stay safe Mistress. Please call me if you need anything. I am here for you 24x7."

Neha decides to google Doug. Wow... Alex was not wrong. In fact, he was lenient to say the least. Racist behavior... harassment... a lawsuit from 2019--alleging sexual coercion. Neha stopped reading. How does a man like that get to be a dean in such a big premier institute? Is this a joke?

Neha was now too distracted to read the report that Alex had shared. She was scared. Genuinely scared. But now was not the time for panic. "As long as I keep it formal with him, I hope I'll be fine. If push comes to shove, I'll quit. Get a restraining order against him. What'll he do then? Damn... let's get on with this report."

Halfway through the report, the cab driver calls her on the phone. Guess the rest will have to be done on the go.

Neha called the cab driver to help with her luggage as she locked up. Slipping into the back seat, she rode toward the airport, phone in hand.

She read the rest of Alex's report in her car. Sweet Alex. She loved how much he cared. He highlighted key points and translated the online texts into simpler language for a quicker and simpler understanding. She finishes reading the report by the time she is at the airport. She tips the driver nicely as he carries her luggage all the way to the airport gate for her. She checks herself in and gives the report another detailed read while enjoying a coffee. A pumpkin spiced latte. That was Alex's doing. Before Alex, Coffee for Neha meant espresso. That was it. She gets reminded of Alex again as she sips in the coffee.

She writes a text on her phone, "You're a lifesaver pet. Hope NYC treats you well. Give Stella my regards. Love Mistress." Send.

Neha arrived at the campus, with the cab dropping her off at an apartment. It was very large and well-furnished. It wasn't at all what Neha was expecting. She expected a small temporary place, but this was very posh. It was surprisingly luxurious--spacious, polished, and tastefully decorated. Even the bed had ornate carvings and tall posts that made it look like something out of an old-world mansion. You don't see that everyday. She changes her dress and get to the bathroom. Wow, even the taps are beautifully decorated. Neha changed her dress and got ready for bed. She checked off her messages with Kunal followed by her emails. She had received another email with regards to the conference. An invitation email. Seems rather nice, a little more intimate than what you'd expect from a generic formal invitation email. The name sounded familiar. Ms. Margaret Whitmore. Classic and upper-class. Stately and proper. Possibly elitist. Maybe she had heard of her somewhere, but Neha couldn't exactly place it.

The next morning, she woke up early. Getting dressed up and ready, she headed off for the conference. She wore a knee length Allen Solly dress. It was sleeveless with a round neck and a medium cut. The dress was red in color with 2 distinct black stripes. One that ran across the torso and one that ran across the waist. It hugged her body and gave elevated her hourglass figure perfectly. She matched it with a pair of gold earrings and a very small necklace. She wore a pair of sleek and smart brown boots with 4-inch block heels to finish it off. Perfect.

She headed to the conference a little early and had herself a quick breakfast. Looking around she found a lot of new faces. She met a few people who she befriended last time from Chicago. Amid friendly catch-ups and coffee, one name kept surfacing. A senior faculty member at Yale & one of the leading voices in the conference. The mention of her name carried a sense of fear that she saw in a few people there: Margaret Whitmore. The name sounded familiar. Whitmore, Whitmore? Then it struck her. Eugene Whitmore... the racist professor from Boston University with whom Neha had a heated argument last year. A brother.... or husband perhaps? And then she heard someone say, "Look, there she is."

A hushed silence fell across the room immediately. As it generally happens when someone of importance walks in. Standing at one end of the room, was Margaret Whitmore. She appeared to be in her mid-50s. Standing at almost 5'10" tall, she was a sharp featured woman with high cheekbones enveloped in pale skin. She had a razor sharp, icy platinum blonde hair neatly arranged in a power cut bob that screamed authority. Her pale, icy blue-gray eyes had no warmth in them. She was dressed in a tailored pantsuit topped off by a slate grey coat. She stood in an upright, straight posture. Fit and lean with a medium bust at 34B that she carried with in a posed and commanding way. Expensive gold jewellery, including a chunky necklace and matching earrings, added a touch of authority and old-world refinement.

She shot a look around the room as her eyes met Neha's. She stared at her with an icy, deliberate gaze. Like she was a challenge to her authority. At 5'9" tall, Neha near matched her in height while her curvy looks and full figure gave her the kind of poised confidence that draws the eye without trying.

Neha matched her stare with a stare of her own. Fierce and bold, she wasn't one to back down. Just then she saw a familiar figure walking up her from behind Margaret. It was Eugene. Noticing the two ladies staring at each other, he decided to break the ice.

"So, I guess you two have met each other already. Neha," Eugene moves forward and extends his arm. Neha shakes it in a firm manner without removing her stare from Margaret's. "Meet Margaret Whitmore, my far more successful and smarter sister."

"Thank you Eugene," comes a reply in a low and smooth voice with a dry tone.

Shifting her eyes back to Neha, "Well," came a voice like polished glass grinding against concrete, "aren't you the little firebrand my brother warned me about. I take it that you are the South Asia Initiative?"

Neha smiled faintly. "Neha Salhotra. I'm a panelist."

"Margaret Whitmore," she said, extending a hand. "Chair of the Prescott Foundation. And I am a tenured professor here at Yale as well. As for my foundation, well we fund... quite a bit of what people like you seem eager to tear down."

Neha shook her hand. No warmth. Just firmness.

"I am a department head. I only tear down what deserves it."

Margaret let out a brittle laugh, her eyes scanning Neha's outfit, her skin, her eyes, her lips, her neck, her hair.

"You certainly were... passionate. Though I imagine public shaming comes easier when you didn't earn your place the way the rest of us did."

Neha's face didn't move. She'd heard this before. The subtle coding. The not-so-subtle racism behind the decorum.

"You mean I didn't inherit it?" she replied cooly with a smile

Margaret's nostrils flared just slightly. She stepped in closer, voice dropping.

"Eugene may be too polite to say it, but I'm not. You don't belong in that room. You don't belong on that stage. And I will not have you insulting my family--or undermining institutions better people built--because you think the world owes you a platform."

Neha raised her chin. "I never asked for a platform. I earned one. The only thing I undermine is ignorance parading as legacy."

Margaret smiled now--slow and venomous.

"Enjoy the spotlight while it lasts, dear. But remember: people like you are... replaceable. We've kept the gates closed before. We know how to shut them again."

Neha didn't flinch. "Remember to use reinforced steel. For I come in riding on a tank."

With that, Neha walked away--measured, calm, unstoppable. Margaret stood and stared at her. Her hourglass shape, the way that dress hugs her, her perfectly round butt and those full hips. Eugene was right about one thing. She is a rare and exotic beauty. Fierce, sharp... and entirely untamed. For now.

The panel starts with an elaborate opening ceremony. It is followed by the panelists being introduced by the student committee heads at Yale. After the necessary introductions are over, the moderator kicks off the discussion. The topic: Public vs. Private: The Ethics of Healthcare Profit Models. A senior professor takes lead and begins with a few introductory lines highlighting the contrast between the public and private models of healthcare. He is followed by Neha who steers the topic to the ethical nature of healthcare practices. Neha takes a stand on patient rights, access rights, affordable care. She highlights the need for public responsibility and awareness when he is rudely cut off by Margaret.

"So, you're the new import from Mumbai that everyone is buzzing about lately." Her rude mocking tone draws a lot of gasps from the crowds gathered to attend the conference.

Stunned by the casual racism dropped in Neha questions her. "Excuse me? Was that a question or just an attempt to highlight my background? I believe the introductions were all made at the start. I guess you must be buzzing the most about me then since you are so interested." Her stare fierce, her posture firm.

"Oh! I am not buzzing sweetheart. Just surprised someone from a country that's still so heavily into mysticism and superstition, coupled with worshipping cows, makes it this far into empirical medicine. Just... surprised to see someone whose credentials read more like an NGO press release sharing the stage with actual experts, that's all." A louder gasp is heard. Especially from the student section, none of who can believe what is going on. Their faces stunned in silent horror.

Neha appears a bit angry, but maintains her calm. Her jaws clench up a bit. "Merit and hard work. And for the record, I was invited here Dr. Whitmore. So, someone saw something clearly. Not that you'd recognize it, sitting in your tenured position polishing the nameplate that your daddy bought you." A few laughs from the older professors on the panel and in the crowd as Neha attempts to steer the conversation back to the topic at hand.

"Ethics are a crucial part of any structure. Who is the healthcare for? Who controls the knowledge? Who gets funded and why? Funding models should not favor elitism over- "

"It is truly admirable," cuts in Margaret, "to see someone talking about ethics in healthcare when her entire country is still exporting turmeric cures and wellness retreats in place of medicine." Her voice cold and calm as she addresses the audiences, clearly targeting Neha.

"The data speaks for itself. But I understand--facts can be hard to swallow when they don't align with one's... inherited worldview."

A flicker of something crossed Margaret's face. She grabbed the mic in a dominant fashion as she responded, "Data created by people who are still to this date deeply steeped in animal worship and daily cow urine treatments. Let's not pretend that reflects a rigorous scientific standard. Tell me Neha, is it okay if I call you Neha? You can call me Maggie, everyone does. We are like a big family here." Maggie spreads out her arms to include everybody.

"Tell me Neha," she continued keeping that sarcastic tone of mockery, "How does it feel to criticize American Healthcare? One who's research, institutions, grant money your kind benefit so heftily from?"

Neha is caught off guard by the racism on show. More so by the lack of action from anyone else. "I critique systems, not people. That critique is what improves systems. That why we're gathered here, to-- "

"To hear criticism about the greatest healthcare system in the world from a person who didn't exactly grow up in clinics that don't have electricity." She lets out a small smile. Sly, venomous, and purely sinister.

"Where I grew up, we built solutions with half the resources and none of the corruption your insurance lobbies enjoy. If you'd paid attention to the data instead of my background, you'd know that."

"You see I paid attention. Your little TED talks about equity and humility... this is medical science. Proper medicine concocted from years of painstaking research. Not herbal remedies, burning of incense sticks and chanting nonsensical mantras." She again gets a reaction. All kinds of. From muffled laughter to horrified gasps and everything in between. Margaret surely does have the attention of the room now as she gets up from her seat and grabs the mic. She walks past Neha as she looks scornfully at her with contempt, not taking her eyes off her, "Real work is done in labs and boardrooms. By people who have earned their place, not by those flown in for token diversity."

That one landed. You could feel the hush in the crowd, the discomfort no one dared name.

"Real medicine is what a good healthcare system runs on. One created from years of hard work and sacrifice and distributed by the equally hardworking employees of top companies who work day in and night out to ensure a healthy America. A robust America. A healthcare system that is merit-based efficient." She gets a few nods from the crowd as the mood starts to shift in her favor.

Buoyed by the reaction, Margaret moves on to highlight the top tier hospitals erected by private corporations, the medial innovation and research, the freedom of choice in insurance, the efficiency. By the time she is done, the entire room is strongly in her grasp and they all give her their nod of approval.

Neha and a few others steer the conversation back to ethics. She leads the groups and the panel ends in a civil manner with a lot of applause from everywhere. Then Margaret stood and took the centre stage. Some people from the crowd got up on their feet and applauded her. Neha was dumbfounded seeing that. Applause for what? Blatant racism? Derogatory comments and abuse? Margaret took the mic and started to speak.

"I am thankful. Truly am. Beyond words, beyond- " her voice cracks up a bit before she regains her composure, "This is what it means to live in the world's best democracy. The best doctors, research, infrastructure... and a platform... for everyone. Even for those who come in from other systems and tell us how to fix ours," She says pointing her open fisted hand at Neha, "Let's give it up for everyone!!" A bunch of people in the crowd breaks into an intense applause. But a group of students also stand there in utter shock and disbelief. However, Margaret only sees the faces she is interested in. Neha forces a fake smile. She turns around in anger and storms off the stage. Her tits bounce as she gets down the stairs. Margaret takes a good look of it, licking her top lip in excitement. "I am going to drink every last drop of milk from those brown udders Salhotra. This is just the beginning."

With the panel discussion over, the networking session sees a lot of interaction between different professors and students. It is a welcome break from the tensions in the panel discussion earlier for Neha. She goes to the bathroom and takes a breather. She expected Margaret to come for her, but not this hard. And so brazenly. She felt humiliated. Never has anyone managed to beat her like this in public. And to think that there were a good chunk of people in that crowd who applauded that. But all was not lost still. There were still some people who held back applause. People who were genuinely shocked to hear what Margaret was saying. She regains her composure and washes up a bit. She rejoins the networking session where she mingles with some of the professors and students. Time flies without any warning as it soon is time for the afterparty.

The student council band together to arrange a set and a DJ in one of their decorated halls for everyone to gather around and have a good time. There were drinks, snacks and even a buffet dinner. Neha went to the bar to get herself a drink. Whiskey. Single malt. Meanwhile, unknown to her two pairs of eyes were preying on her in the back.

"Do you think she'll say yes?" Eugene asked, fiddling with the rim of his empty glass.

Margaret shot her brother a glare. "Seriously? Out of everyone here?"

"She's... I don't know. Striking."

Margaret gave a dry laugh. "You're 55. Try acting like it."

He huffed. "So are you. Well, a year older."

"And yet I'm not drooling over a woman who roasted me in public."

"I can't help it sis. Okay, here goes nothing." Eugene lumbers on large frame towards Neha. They talk for a while, but eventually he comes back with a sad face.

"She was really sweet you know... like you went hard at her. Really. And even after all that she was so polite and so nice to me. Her husband must be a very lucky guy." Eugene said continuing to look in Neha's direction.

"Lucky my ass. Here, grab my drink. I'll get her." Margaret steps confidently towards Neha and places her hand on her lower waist as she stands next to her. "Too much for you to handle brownie? It sure is sad to see such a beautiful dusky damsel standing here all alone. Guess you couldn't handle the heat today after all." She ended with a sly grin as she whispered into Neha's right ear.

"Nothing scares me. I have handled much tougher bigots than you- "

"O please. Don't flatter yourself. If you're not scared, then why don't you take my hand and let me lead you to the dance floor. I know you come from India but I am hoping staying in the civilized world for a year has helped you learn a bit, huh? Are you up for it or will you back out brownie?"

Back out? There was nothing like that in Neha's dictionary. "Bring it." She says as she slides her hand into Margaret's cold and slender hand. Margaret picks up Neha's glass and finishes off Neha's drink in one swig before taking Neha's hand up to her lips and planting a kiss on her hand, all while maintaining eye contact with her. Neha kept up with the eye contact. However, she couldn't hide a noticeable blush when Margaret kisses her hand. Margaret's face meanwhile flushes with desire. A desire to break her down, to tame her, to dominate her.

She led Neha to the dance floor. The song being played was a slow, romantic number as Neha felt Margaret's hand slipping onto her lower waist. She placed her other hand on Margaret's slim but strong shoulders. They keep up their eye contact as Margaret speaks first, "You feel quite soft... like a fleshy cushion composed of deliciousness." Her hands explore a little lower on the top of Neha's butt on the last word. "My brother says that your husband must be a lucky man, but I don't know if I am too sure to agree."

"Try me." Neha's look bold and undeterred. She would not let Margaret have the last laugh

"O loosen up a bit. And it's Maggie btw, everybody calls me that. Now you say it."

"Maggie, is that what you wanted to hear?"

"No no... what I wanted to hear from you was Mistress... come on.... Say it!" Maggie's hand slides down further, settling on Neha's left butt cheek.

"That is a word for you to address me by, not the other way around." replies Neha still looking confident and unbothered by Maggie's groping. "No way is she breaking me."

"Are you sure? I think people like you should know your place. And in case they forget, I don't mind letting them know exactly where they belong." Maggie squeezes Neha's ass as she says that.

"That's all you got? Damn that's pathetic." Neha replies with a smirk, belittling Maggie and her mind tricks and attempts to rattle her.

Maggie pulls her closer, her face barely inches away from Neha's. Their noses almost touching. "Oh, come on, don't be such a tease," she says, "We both know where your righteous place is in the hierarchy of human society. And especially with respect to me. And trust me, I would love to have you under my thumb. More than any of these other white girls. I can already see the goods that you're gonna come with. They sure are lovely." Maggie continues to massage Neha's butt in her hand, trying to stick her middle finger in between her cheeks, as she gently takes in a sniff of her perfume.

Neha keeps her stare on Margaret, but is unable to keep her stoic nature intact anymore. She could feel her guard slipping. Margaret was crossing lines -- and part of her liked it. Sure, Margaret said that she would stop it anytime she wanted to and that she didn't have to go along with it. Some part of her -- one she did not want to admit -- wanted this. Wanted Margaret in control. Wanted Margaret to take charge. Her breathing increases as her 38DD breasts, pressed against Margaret, rising and falling with every breath. Feeling that against her body, Margaret leans in and whispers into Neha's ear, "Make your decision fast. Because I am not close to being done with you. I am just getting started. And I am coming in hot." Then, without warning, Margaret leaned in and dragged the tip of her tongue across the bridge of Neha's nose -- a slow, taunting flick that made her shiver.

"Delicious, can't wait to try the rest." Came out her smile as she playfully tapped Neha's ass. Shocked on her forwardness and disgusted by her perverseness, Neha hated herself for putting up with this voluntarily. She refused to sink to Margaret's level -- no matter how much she wanted to lash back. As the song ended, she gave an uncomfortable smile as she tried to push off Margaret's arms off her. Margaret held on just a second too long before letting go, her smile razor-sharp. Her eyes locked on Neha's as she stepped back -- cold, calculated, and lingering with something unspoken. She watched Neha step back from her. "Thank you for the dance." she said as she turned around and left the place in a hurry.

Neha walked briskly towards the buffet. "May I have the dinner delivered to my apartment?"

"Is everything okay? Have you enjoyed your stay here ma'am?" asked the server, who was a student council member.

"Yes, all good. I'm just really tired. The stay's been wonderful -- and the apartment? Honestly, the nicest on-campus place I've ever stayed in."

"Thank you for your compliments Dr. Salhotra. You are staying in her apartment, right?" the server points to behind her.

Neha turns around to see Margaret standing behind her, her icy cold stare still fixated on Neha. "Wh... what do you mean?"

The server mentions her apartment number. Neha confirms it.

"Yes that is Dr. Whitmore's apartment. She had graciously offered to vacate her place for you. She really is a such a great host. We will pack you a standard meal. Please allow us a few minutes."

Neha turns around again and sees Margaret standing behind her, this time much closer, only a few inches away.

"She likes the apartment, huh? Maybe she'll also like the owner? Or maybe.... she'll like the owner to take charge and own her as well?" Margaret's low whisper stings Neha. Makes her feel creeped out and want to jump out of her own skin. "Love your hair by the way Neha." Margaret leans in as she deliberately inhales deeply and loudly, smelling her hair and making Neha as uncomfortable as possible.

"Like I said, this is just the beginning."

She tapped Neha's butt again -- firmer this time. Neha jerked slightly, a tiny yelp escaping her lips.

"This is just the beginning. I am just getting started with you."

Neha stood frozen, the chill of Margaret's breath still on her skin. Then: the sharp, deliberate sound of boots clicking away. Margaret was gone.

The server finished packing Neha's food and hands it to her. She thanks him and takes her leave. This nightmare couldn't end quickly enough.

Neha burst through the door and dropped the food on the dining table. Without a second thought, she rushed to the bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror.

Then the tears came.

She broke down, shoulders shaking as the weight of the evening crashed into her. Dignity and poise -- the two things she prided herself on -- felt shattered. She'd been mocked, violated, and stripped of control in a place where she was supposed to be honored.

Her suitcase sat packed by the door. She didn't even glance toward the bedroom -- the thought of entering it made her skin crawl.

Her phone buzzed. The cab would be there in twenty minutes.

She sat at the table and began to eat, each bite mechanical. The food was fine, but the space around her made her stomach turn. Even touching the furniture made her feel contaminated, like she was swallowing something rotten. But she forced herself through the meal. Swallowed her pride with it.

Afterward, she wiped down the table, the counter, everything she had touched. Not for Margaret. But for herself. Because she wasn't the kind of woman who left a mess behind -- not even in a place like this.

As she finished, headlights flickered outside. The cab had arrived. The driver hoisted her luggage into the trunk as Neha walked quickly to the car, never looking back.

"I can't wait to get the hell out of here," she muttered under her breath.

Tired from the day's events, Neha slept off straight in the flight. Getting home late in the night resulted in a late night's sleep as well. So late that she woke up late as well. Quite a bit late. She somehow rushed to get ready for the college. Today she had the first day of classes as well. She didn't even check her timetable. In all her professional life, Neha has never been so unorganized. She managed to somehow get to the college. But she wasn't prepared for her classes yet. She got in her office and decided to check her timetable.

"Okay. Classes start in two days. That should be plenty time to- "

"Good morning Dr. Salhotra!! I hope the conference was a very big success?" came the unmistakable voice of Douglas Prescott.

"Hello Dr. Prescott- "

"Please, it's Doug. No formalities needed with me. 4 letters, one syllable." He smiles as he claps his hands.

Neha gave a quick nod, "Yes Doug. The conference was good. It was a good panel. I am just getting started on preparing the lesson plan for the semester- "

"Oh, it's not done yet. I was under the impression that it had been taken care of already."

"Um, I'm sorry, done already? What made you think that?"

Doug gave a tight-lipped smile. "Well, Neha," he emphasized her name in a performative way, "the schedule was moved up the day before yesterday. Lesson plans were due yesterday, and classes officially start today. You didn't get the memo?"

"Doug, I was busy with the conference and the HR prep. I must've missed- "

"Oh, come on Neha," Doug raises his voice in anger as if that was not expected, "I expected more from you. Did you even know your first class is at 12:30 today?"

"No Doug. As I said Doug, I was- "

"Oh my God This is ridiculous!!" Doug ran a hand through his hair, now visibly agitated. "I should've known this might happen when I approved your conference leave. Do you even have anything prepped?"

"Doug I can prepare for the class... I still have 3 hours left till- "

"Unbelievable. You're telling me you're going to walk into class without an approved lesson plan?" Doug furiously starts pacing up and down Neha's office room, "Here's what you're gonna do. You're gonna take your afternoon class and then you're gonna submit your lesson plan. And then you shall be suspended," Doug raises his hand as Neha stands up to protest, "suspended from taking any further class until your lesson plan is approved. Is that understood?"

"Yes Doug." Neha's voice was low. The embarrassment stung more than the words.

"Get on to it Neha, you've disappointed me enough today already." He left with a sharp sigh, leaving the door half open.

Neha turned to her screen and opened her email. Sure enough, the updates were all there--sent right in the middle of her busiest week. Between everything that had happened, she'd never gotten to them.

"No time for regret, Neha," she muttered to herself, pulling up her notes. "Let's get this done."

After a lot of work, Neha got through with her class. It wasn't perfect. But it wasn't a bust either. She then hurried back to her office and got working on her lesson plan. Thank goodness she'd already completed almost 70% of it before the HR fiasco. Now she just had to finish the rest and email it to the right authorities.

By the time she was done, it was 5 already. As the students were leaving, she saw some faculty members go towards a large conference hall. She checked her emails again. Sure enough, a staff meeting was called after college hours. She must've missed it while working though her lesson plan. She locked her office and then ran towards that conference hall. "Thank God I decided to go for loafers today." Neha was dressed in a black coloured V-neck full sleeve top and black trousers along with black loafers. The loafers made it easy for her to run. Which was a good thing as she barely made it to the conference room on time.

The room was full of senior members of the faculty. Neha stood out as an outlier in there. She scanned the room--mostly new faces. A couple she vaguely recognized, but none she'd ever worked with. Upon her entry, the Dean stood up and welcomed everybody.

"A very warm welcome to all. Since it's already 5, I am going to keep this short. We have gathered here today to welcome a new face into our midst. She comes in highly recommended. After teaching at many prestigious colleges all over the country, she comes to California all the way from Yale to grace us with her presence. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm California welcome to- "

Neha felt the blood drain from her face. "No fucking way!" Neha muttered under her breath

"Ms. Margaret Whitmore!!" the Dean gets up and starts to clap as everyone gets out of their seat and starts applauding. The door swung open. In walked Margaret, confident as ever, dressed in a sleek black pantsuit and a smug smile.

"It is such an honor to join this prestigious university," Margaret began, " and please everyone, just call me Maggie. I am very thankful to Dean Prescott for having me here. I am very thankful to you all for all the applause and this rapturous warm welcome. I am privileged and humbled to announce that I will be the new Head of Department for Healthcare Management in this- "

"This is ridiculous!!" Neha's voice cut through the room like a blade. Everyone fell silent as all heads turned towards her. "So, you are just going to give away my job to her? Just like that? No warnings, no notice, NOTHING?!! Is this some sort of a joke? Because if this is I- "

Doug rose, slow and deliberate. "Neha, Maggie comes highly recommended. I've had concerns for a while now about your readiness for this role, and recent events have only confirmed them."

"Because of one missed deadline? This has gotta be some kind of a joke, right? Did you know that this woman racially abused me at the conference? And now you're hiring this bigot and giving my job to her. Why because my lesson plan was- "

"Neha it's more than the lesson plan. You're a HOD, right?" Doug's voice rising, "Do you have your department's growth plan ready? Do you have your department's grant plan ready? Have you appointed the final year students' research project counsellors? Have you peer reviewed the current subjects and curriculum? Have you- "

"Doug, relax," Margaret puts her hand in an assuring manner on Doug's right shoulder, "I'm here now, aren't I? I'll handle it. She's young and inexperienced. Never been in a position of actual responsibility in a real educational institute. Cut her some slack. Give me a few days, I'll get her on track."

"She's been in the building for all of 5 minutes and she's already defending you. Maybe you can learn something from her!" Doug storms out of the room and everyone else throws disapproving looks at Neha before leaving.

Neha stayed frozen in place as the last of the faculty exited. Her throat tightened. She didn't even notice the tears until one dropped onto the floor. Suddenly two hands wrapped around her waist and met in the middle. Margaret's head peered through the right side of her head from behind.

"I told you I was just getting started, didn't I?" her whisper -- razor sharp and cold and calculating as ever. Each word deliberate. Unsettling. Making Neha feel like she was being pulled into a corner. Like she was being stripped and studied with her clothes still on.

"Mmmmmhhh... you might be a brownie, one from the curry crowd," Margaret takes in a big sniff as she digs her nose into Neha's neck, "but that scent you wear? Drives me goddamn crazy. Come meet me outside my office. Yes MY office. We'll decide yours later sweetie." She gave a slow, deliberate lick across her neck, followed by a kiss--sharp and proprietary. Then came the spank. Firm. Intentional. Neha yelped and flinched, a tiny jump that only made Maggie smirk.

"Now that's what you call an ass. At least you're good at something, hahaha!!"

Neha wanted to fall down on the floor and lie in a fetal position and cry her eyes out. She's never been made to feel so small and powerless. Utterly powerless. She took out a napkin from the pad kept on the table and wiped away at her tears. The way she got spanked by Margaret.

Why her, God? Of all people?

Why did it have to be her?

Her phone rang. A message flashed across the screen.

"I haven't got all day. Hurry up!!"

She walked towards her office in reluctance and acceptance of defeat.

"Are you done now?" she asked bitterly, "You've got my job, my office. My career is in tatters and I am utterly miserable. Are you done now?"

Margaret did not miss a beat, "Oh come on my spicy curry muncher, I am just getting started." Her voice venomous, her smirk evil, "By the way, I have been given an on-campus apartment for now. Here, this one," Margaret shows Neha the key card

Neha squinted at the label and froze. "That's where the Dean... that's where the Dean and other highest ranking faculty members live."

"Exactly," Margaret replied, her tone smooth as silk. "Some of us -- especially the ones not from your little curry circle -- get special treatment."

Neha didn't reply. She just turned on her heel. "Fine. Let me grab my stuff."

They soon reach a gated community. Margaret flashes her badge as the security let them in. They soon reach her apartment building.

"Fourth floor," Neha said flatly, glancing at Margaret's card. Her voice had gone dull, expression drained.

"Wow, I mean look at this place. I'm sure your housing looks like a shanty compared to mine. Just like your country does." Margaret stands with a smirk, hands on her hips. "Come on now. Carry my luggage to the apartment."

"Get someone from security to carry it. Just tip them well" replied Neha with a blank expression on her face.

Margaret stepped forward, seized Neha's face in one hand, her grip rough and unapologetic. Her voice dropped into a whisper, low and threatening.

"It wasn't a request."

She held Neha's eyes for a second longer, then let go with a shove, stepping back like nothing had happened. "Now haul your coolie ass and pick up the damn bags."

Defeated, Neha picked up the bags and moved behind Margaret. Carrying so much weight made her move slowly. Margaret saw that from the side of her eyes as she enjoyed every single moment of it. The side smirk she had remained constant as she saw Neha lumber along carrying her luggage up to her apartment door.

"I'm.... going to go now.... I... please. No, come on. What more could you want from me?!!" Neha screamed as Margaret stood in front of her shaking her head with a look of utter imperiousness on her face.

"I want you to understand something dothead," she said, voice cold and sweet like venom. "This -- all of this -- is just the beginning of the Margaret Whitmore experience."

She held up her keycard with a flourish. "Now get inside."

Neha stared at her, jaw clenched. But her body moved. She stepped inside and sat down heavily on the couch, trying to catch her breath.

Margaret walked in behind her, closed the door with a click. The silence inside the apartment was thick. Then Margaret spoke again.

"So," she purred, circling Neha like a lioness, "how has it been so far, my beautiful little--"

SMACK.

Neha's hand flew up before she could think. The sound rang out in the room, sharp and clean. Margaret stumbled a step back; her face twisted in disbelief.

"I am sorry you were saying something?" Neha snapped back. Something had broken in her -- or maybe, finally, snapped into place. She wasn't going to take this anymore.

"You dare- " Margaret raises her hand as she catches Neha's second slap before it lands. Neha raises her foot and kicks Margaret hard between her legs, before shoving her hard and knocking her to the floor.

"Still can't hear you" Neha says said, a dark edge of satisfaction in her voice as she stepped forward and kicked Margaret hard in the stomach.

However, instead of a wince, there was a smile. A purely evil smile, baring her teeth. Margaret didn't groan. Or cry out. She laughed. Her lip curled into a grin as she looked up at Neha from the floor.

"My turn now."

As Neha lifted her foot to kick her again, Margaret lunged forward, biting her hard on her left ankle, on the leg that was planted. Neha let out a painful howl as she stumbled back and fell to the ground. In an instant, Margaret caught Neha by her hair as she pulled herself up using Neha's hair, causing her to climb onto Neha's back and grab the two sides of her V-necked top.

"Remember curry queen" she said in that venomous tone, "You started it." She pulled her arms apart and tore off Neha's top in an instant. Horrified by the damage to her top, Neha turned around in even more anger.

However, Margaret had already moved on to the next part of her plan. She pushed her left hand into Neha's bra and caught hold of her right nipple. She then pressed and twisted it with such might that Neha screamed in a mix of huge pain and pleasure.

"Hmmm... you like that don't you, dothead?" She slams Neha's head on the marble floor as she gets dazed a bit. Then Margaret stands and tears off the rest of Neha's top off her, ripping away at the buttons at the sleeves. She grabs her bra next and is about to pull it off as well when Neha gets back to her senses and pulls out a pen from her trouser pocket. She stabs it into Margaret's foot, who howls in pain and falls on top of her bag.

"Ah so we are going to play dirty now, aren't we?" Margaret's voice hissing loudly like a viper ready to strike.

"Try all you want bitch, it is over now. You've pushed me to my limits. You're going down." Neha's eyes lit up as she charges at Margaret, who lifted her right leg up and kicked Neha right in her stomach. Before kicking her again on the chin and knocking her down.

"During the conference, I saw you in that dress. When you were getting down those stairs, I promised myself that I would drink every last drop of milk from those brown udders. To be fair, that dress did do a great job of showcasing them. And I, do a great job at keeping my promises."

Neha gets back to her senses again and charges at Margaret. Adrenaline pumping in her veins, flowing through her body. Then click--¬¬¬ a sharp, mechanical sound. The unmistakable crackle of a stun gun flaring to life.

ZAP.

Pain shoots through Neha's side as Margaret jams the taser into her ribs. Her body seizes up instantly -- muscles locking, knees buckling.

She crumples to the floor, spasming, eyes wide with shock.

Margaret kneels beside her, brushing the hair from Neha's damp forehead.

Margaret: "You should've known better than to start something you can't finish."

Neha's body jerks one last time from the shock before going limp. She's still conscious--barely. Margaret stands, lifts her boot, and without hesitation--kicks her hard across the side of her head.

Neha's vision goes white.

Then nothing.

Neha wakes up after about 4 minutes. Her vision blurry. Her head throbbing with pain. Her ears ringing. A cramp on the muscles near her ribs. She tries to sit up, but she can't. She tries again, but it feels like her hands and feet are now bound to something.

She feels a different feeling too. Looking down she realizes the complete picture. She was naked. Butt naked. Tied to the bedposts. And a double breast pump is now attached to her.

"What was my promise curry queen? Do you remember?" Margaret's cold voice taunting her in tone of pure mockery.

"To drink the last drop of milk from my brown udders uhhhh!!" Neha loses control and moans as a result of the pain in her head and rips along with the suction on her nipples.

"Correct you are... let's see... it will take some more time for the first droplets to come out and, ohh, touched a nerve now did I?"

Neha cries helplessly lying on Margaret's bed. The humiliation and degradation was complete. The degradation of her dignity. She was angry and ashamed with herself for being in this position. As the force on the suction increased, so did her humiliation.

"Why are you doing this? Just because I am from a different part of the world. Born in a different race. A different color. That's not my fault. What did me being like that ever do anything to you?"

Margaret smirks slightly. "Oh Neha. You still think this is about you, don't you? It's not your fault you were born in a swamp of filth and incense and superstition. But then you came here. And you started acting like this place was yours."

She leans in and continues, "You started standing at podiums meant for us. Taking awards meant for us. Speaking in our tongue. Dressing in our clothes. Playing the role of the perfect brown exception." Margaret pauses for a moment. "You didn't hurt me, Neha. You offended the order."

Then her head tilts to the side, her voice dropping darker, "And I don't punish guilt. I punish audacity."

Neha's breath hitches. Maggie lifts a single hand--slowly--and brushes a tear from her cheek with the back of her fingers. Not gently. Like she's wiping dirt. "And don't cry. It ruins the illusion of strength you worked so hard to build."

She then exults in joy. "Oh look! It's ready"

Margaret stops the breast pump and takes it off her breast. Neha groans in agony as her 38DD breasts are now full and engorged. Margaret straddles her and gives her a smile. "I have waited for this moment ever since Eugene showed me your profile. Ever since I laid my eyes on you."

She licks her lips. "Please no- " Neha raises a last whimper as Margaret dives in.

She grabs Neha's right breast and puts the nipple into her mouth. Suckling on it, pulling her nipple harder, she can soon feel the liquid flowing into her mouth. It felt delicate, faintly sweet, like warm milk stirred with a drop of honey. Not heavy or overpowering. There was a softness to it, something intimate. Faint traces of whatever Neha had last eaten lingered in the background, subtle and human. It was rich in a way that didn't overwhelm--more emotional than physical, like tasting something private, something made from the body and meant only for someone else.

Finishing off one breast, she moved on to the other. Moving herself to Neha's left side, she catches a sight of the wetness on Neha's pussy. "Oh, my bad my gorgeous curry doll, I almost forgot."

She inserted one 3 fingers of her left inside of Neha's pussy as she paced the palm on her clit. Probing in, she found Neha's G-spot from her increased moans. She vigorously started to finger her while rubbing on her clit with the palm of the hand. Her mouth went back to Neha's left breast as she repeated what she did to Neha's right breast. Slowly, menacingly and with every intent of malice, she kept her promise.

"Drink every single last drop of milk from those brown udders."

Having Margaret ravage her pussy while she drank off her milk put Neha is a place where she couldn't understand. On one hand, she felt extreme shame and humiliation. On the other, a sense of pleasure and ecstasy that she had never experienced before. Even if it was against her wishes, she was moaning. Moaning very loudly. And with every moan, she cried. More and more tears flowed down her eyes as she realized that she was nearing it.

"No... pleas uhhhh... fuuuck..... noooo. Please Marg.... Maggieee... OHHH!!" she moaned as Margaret's lips curled up in a wry smile she was now done with her breasts. She went south and placed her mouth on Neha's clit as her fingers ravaged and destroyed her pussy. Neha tried to push her off, but apart from tugging against her restraints, she couldn't do much.

The cries and tears increased as the moans grew louder and louder before she twitched. And again. And again, until she started to spasm and convulse. More and more as Margaret continued to eat her out. Her body arched as the wave crested--tight, breathless, electric. For a moment, it all narrowed down to nothing but sensation. Muscles trembled, a soft gasp escaped her lips, and warmth spread through her core as she let go.

Then, there was a flush of wetness--subtle, instinctive, unmistakable. A release like the fading pulse of a firework. Her breath slowed. Skin tingled. And somewhere deep in her chest, a quiet sense of relief unfolded--raw, unguarded, tender.

Then came the feeling of realization and utter shame. Neha cried inconsolably as she realized the full weight of what had just happened. While Margaret tasted it all. Her wetness, her lust, her love juices, the sweet nectar of her release. Her lips curled in an cold, condescending manner with a look of satisfaction and amusement on her face.

Margaret had a mind to use a strapon on her too. But after seeing her current state, she relented. She got up and undid Neha's straps and freed her. Neha immediately sat up and curled herself up. Knees to her chin, her hands covering her breasts. She tried to turn away from Margaret, but the cramps in her rib muscles still hurt. Margaret sat behind her and whispered in her ear, "It's okay curry doll. We are all done. For now." She smiled as her icy stare pierced Neha. She winced at Margaret's attempt to touch her. It was done. Finally. Neha now truly feared her. "What do you say my little spice girl?"

"Th.. th... thank you Margaret." whimpered out Neha.

"No no... not Margaret. What did I tell you to call me when we danced at the conference? What was the word?" Margaret squeezed on in eager anticipation.

"Thank you Mistress." Neha's voice sounding weak and feeble.

"There you go.... Now you're finally there where you belong" Margaret smirks as she pulls out a skin colored strapon. A folded black harness and a lifelike, pale-colored silicone strap-on. Margaret speaks casually, as if commenting on the weather.

"I had this custom ordered. Pale, smooth. Unblemished. Doesn't it look... proper? See, I wanted something that would remind you. Not just of the act... but of the hierarchy. It's not just about power, Neha. It's about order. And this? This is the shape of it." She comes closer and sits right next to Neha holding the strapon as she gently rubs it against Neha's skin. Neha's eyes are now full of fear as heart races from the aftermath of everything that just took place.

Margaret holds the strapon in front of her face as she finishes off, "This color... you see it and flinch. And yet every system you obey, every room you try to belong in--this is what's already inside you."

"Now get back and lie down on the bed. I do not like to be kept waiting." barked Margaret.

He kissed on Neha's forehead as she Neha lowered herself a bit and lay herself on the bed.

"Get some rest for now. Dinner?" Margaret asks curtly in her icy, cold voice.

Neha shakes her head.

Margaret heads out to cook and finish her dinner. She returns to the bedroom and orders Neha to move to the slide of the bed. She complies.

"Good girl." Margaret has changed into her night gown already. "now, time for some dessert.", she says as she pushes Neha's legs wide apart and dives in. This time Neha doesn't say a word. No resistance. She lies there broken and defeated. Her spirit tamed. Not until she came. She moaned, arching her back and grabbing the bedsheets as in the wake of her tender release. Her body, her sense of autonomy, all robbed. Snatched away from her.

Margaret then lay herself next to Neha and places one hand on her breast as if to lay claim of ownership to her. "You taste really good. I enjoyed my dessert tonight. Goodnight curry doll. Today was a very productive day. We made good progress. But we still have a long, long way to go." She wraps her other hand around Neha as well in a manner of cuddling with her as she kisses Neha's bare shoulder.

Then, without any force or any coercion, Neha says the words, "Goodnight Mistress."

Stay tuned for the next part where Margaret's newfound control of Neha forces her to make deeply significant and personal changes to her life. Changes which result in a serious turn.