Photograph

The phone buzzed. Without even thinking, Nandhini answered the call, and almost immediately regretted it.

Etienne. 

She was not ready to speak to him but now it was too late.

"Finally!" Etienne sounded relieved. 

Nandhini asked him how he was doing. She realised that she missed him a lot more than she thought she had.

Etienne wanted to meet her. He apologised again and said he would explain everything to her when they met.

Reluctantly, Nandhini agreed to meet him, but only for a short while. After work, she took the train down to Paragon Mall. She was surprised to see Etienne there, waiting with a huge bouquet of pink roses. A smile slowly crept onto her face. 

Etienne passed her the flowers, then kissed her. That alone was enough to melt Nandhini. They walked towards their favourite quiet cafe around the corner of the building.

The waitress recognised them. " The usual order?" she asked with a smile. Both nodded. After ordering, Etienne looked at Nandhini. He looked a little nervous.

He took out a photograph. 

Nandhini recognised the girl in the picture. It was Swetha. She kept quiet and looked at Etienne with a blank expression.

"This is Swetha."
"She was the girl I dated for a few months when I was in India."

He paused, waiting for a reaction from Nandhini. Nothing.

He continued to tell her about Swetha and how they were and what kind of girl Swetha was. He certainly was mesmerised with Swetha, Nandhini thought, a little jealous.

Then, he began to tear. Nandhini, reacheed out to him and held his hand. She felt awful for putting him through this.

Etienne continued. "She died. My Swetha died.."

"Oh baby, you don't have to do this. It's alright I don't need to know. "
She got up and stood next to him, hugging him and planting a kiss on the top of his head.

The photograph lay on the table. She looked at the innocent face staring back at her. As much as she wanted to know what had happened to Swetha, she decided it was best to leave the past alone - at least for now.

Online Research

For the next two days, Nandhini avoided Etienne's calls. He called and left text messages, apologizing to her many times. He even sent her flowers to the office. Nandhini was not mad at him, she just needed her space to think.

She tried searching for information about him but nothing came up. She looked up the small town he had come from but - nothing.

Nandhini was constantly on the laptop researching something. There was no topic that was not of interest to her. She loved learning something new all the time.

This time her research was Etienne. She wondered what she could find out about him and of course Swetha.

If she was going to stay with this man, then she definitely had to find out more so that she wouldn't have any doubts.

She did manage to find his classmate and his email address. She took the risk and wrote to him.

Dear Brian,

I am currently dating Etienne from your hometown and since we are getting married soon, would you be kind enough to share with me any information you have about him. I would like to surprise him with a gift for our wedding and honestly I've only known him a short time. Any suggestions you may have is greatly appreciated.

You will definitely be invited to celebrate our special occasion!
Thank you 

Regards, 
Nandhini.

Now she had to wait and hope she got a reply. It could be a start. As for Swetha, she had no idea where to begin.

Nandhini

Nandhini may appear to be a conservative girl from a traditional Indian family. 

She definitely grew up with good values, as well as a good education. Her parents believed that gender did not matter in terms of  opportunities. 

She had always been a very chirpy girl. Tons of friends while growing up. Nandhini was not only good academically but she was a dancer. Dance was her passion. She never had time for boys because she was spending so much time on her dance.

Nandhini was always busy with her studies and when she had left school, she was constantly on the laptop researching something. There was no topic that was not of interest to her. She loved learning something new all the time.

This time her research was going to be on Etienne. She wondered what she could find out about him and of course Swetha.

If she was going to stay with this man, then she definitely had to find out more so that she wouldn't have any doubts.

Mysterious

The next morning, while preparing breakfast for Etienne, Nandhini had images of Swetha appearing before her.

She didn't think she could wait till Etienne said something about it, so she thought she would somehow bring it up. But how?

She could not possibly tell him that she had gone through his personal belongings. He may never allow her into his apartment.

But her head would explode if she didn't ask him.

"Etienne.." she hesitated.

"Yes, dear?"

"Tell me about the girls you have dated," she could almost swear that his face turned pale. 

She immediately regretted. Maybe she brought back some really awful memories.

"Why do you need to know that? I don't ask you about your past!" Etienne yelled at her.

Tears welled up in her eyes. No one had ever yelled at her before. She ran to the room to get her bag and turned to leave. Etienne was at the doorway of the room. Tears flowed down her cheeks like a river. She began to sob when she saw him there, not quite sure if she was hurt or it was anger she felt towards him for treating her in that manner.

"I'm sorry baby, " Etienne apologised. " Yes, I dated someone but things didn't work out. Her family did not agree to the marriage and so we could not be together. Her parents arranged for her to marry someone else.

Nandhini looked right at Etienne - puzzled.

Why was he lying? Why didn't her mention the incident

"What was her name Etienne? If you don't mind telling me."

"Her name was Swetha."

Nandhini just excused herself and told him she needed to get back home. Right outside his apartment, she was trembling. 

Her feminine instincts told her there was more to the story of Swetha...

Love is forgiving

Nandhini tossed and turned in bed. She could not fall asleep. She was confused. 

Maybe I'm not blinded but I just believe that we'll overcome anything if we are truly in love.

She could hear the soft snore coming from the other side of the bed.

She carefully climbed out of bed and put on her clothes. She then sneaked out of the room.

Her heart racing a little. What was she expecting to find?

The knob turned and the room was exposed!

The study. 

She walked In, not quite sure what to look for.

She walked over to the teak table and sat on the huge office chair. She turned on the lamp. The dim light was all she needed.

Without a second thought, she tried to pull open the drawer. She was quite shocked that it opened. 

There was a diary inside.

Should I?

She picked it up and a photo fell out.

A sweet smile from a girl not much younger than her. She was holding Etienne.

Nandhini's heart skipped a beat. So this was what jealousy felt like, she thought.

Who was this girl? Why didn't Etienne mention her? Did he even have to?

 
A million questions swarmed in her head all at once.

She dug through the drawer some more. A newspaper article was lying buried deep under some documents.

'Girl eaten by man eating beast!"

Below the headlines, was the same girl!

Nandhini covered her mouth - shocked! 

Obviously it must have affected Etienne, maybe that's why he didn't mention the girl. They seemed  close in the picture. Was she his girlfriend?

Upon reading, Nandhini found out her name was Swetha.

My poor Jaan!

He has suffered too many losses. That explains why he didn't want to lose me as well.

She just had to wait for the right moment to ask Etienne about Swetha. She returned to the room and slid back next to Etienne under the covers, placing one hand across his chest. She just wanted to hold him close.

Knowledge is power

The shadows danced around the walls in her room as Nandhini stared at the candle flame flickering. She loved to dim the lights and be left alone in her thoughts. She didn't want anyone to know she was still awake.

She was thinking about Etienne. She was so in love with him. 

Etienne was a sweet, kind man. But then, the other side she saw that evening left her a little perplexed. Could she live with someone insecure and jealous?

Anyway, what did she really know about him? 

Her brother's words rang in her ear. Be careful Nandhini, don't get hurt.

Her heart was with Etienne but her logical mind was telling her that she had to know the 'real' person before she gave her heart. 

She needed to get to know him better. They have not gone past that 'honeymoon' stage.

You think you know someone by spending time with them, talking to them but how do we know what goes on inside their head? 

First, she needed to go over to his place, maybe seeing him in his own surroundings would get her to understand him better. 

She called him. "Hey Love, I'll come over tomorrow, cook dinner maybe," she offered.

Silence.

" Yeah, alright. Sorry about this evening Nandhini, I don't know what came over me."

Maybe she was overreacting. It was probably a natural reaction to feel a little jealous.

Next day, Nandhini went over with some groceries and they had a nice time preparing dinner together. After which Etienne poured her a glass of wine. They stood in the balcony talking and enjoying the cool breeze.

Nandhini felt a little chilly and moved closer to Etienne. he looked at her and pulled her closer. She knew what was going to happen next. She felt his lips as his arms embraced her so naturally.

'Why do I fall for this time and again?' She asked herself.

Nandhini pulled back gently. She walked inside the apartment. They sat on the sofa. There were some photos on the table top. She walked over to get a closer look.

" Is this your family?" she asked. "Where are they now?"

"They are dead.!"

"I don't wish to speak about it. Yes, that's my family. We were not too close; Dad left us when I was only ten!"

Nandhini immediately regretted asking. She walked over to Etienne and brushed her fingers through his hair. He looked like a lost little boy. She leaned forward and kissed him on his forehead, " I'm sorry Jaan."

Etienne wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer, burying his face in her flat warm stomach. He slowly lifted her blouse and kissed her belly. Nandhini could feel the tingly sensation all over her.

This time she didn't pull away. They kissed and he lifted her up and walked into his room and placed her on his bed, ever so gently. 

He pulled his shirt over his head and threw it aside. Nandhini's eyes followed his every move.  He was soon lying on her. Nandhini couldn't take the pleasurable pain she felt when he bit her. She liked it. She loved the feeling of his teeth nibbling at her here and there. And she finally exploded with sheer desire.

Although Etienne's intention was to take a bite of her soft flesh and devour her; make her his. 

Something stopped him from going further. When Nandhini moaned aloud, all he could think of was her pleasure. Strangely, he could not bring himself to hurt this affectionate young woman. She meant too much to him. 

Nandhini wasn't like the rest. She wouldn't leave him, would she? Or was she going to hurt him as well? 

Etienne wasn't going to hurt her, Nandhini chided herself for overthinking. He was a hurt soul without family. She should just love him and take away his pain.

They both stared into each other's eyes, each lost in their own thoughts...
 

Jealousy

When Nandhini woke up, it was already 5 am. She got dressed and left for home. she had to get home before anyone woke up. She took a minute to admire his chiseled face looking so calm and didn't have the heart to wake him. She scribbled a note and left. They would be meeting for dinner anyway.

"OMG! Nandhini!! It is really you!"

She turned around to see a familiar face smiling at her. 

His boyish looks hadn't changed since they were in school!

Sean was an athlete in High School. Her classmate. He was not just good in sports but also the top student every year. He didn't miss a year receiving an award for outstanding student. They kept in touch for a few years after they left school and then Sean left for overseas to continue his university education. They kept in touch a little on Facebook but that was it.

Now here he was!

She didn't know he was returning home. Nandhini had a secret crush on him before, which girl didn't?

In a way she still blushed when he looked at her too long. What she didn't know was that Sean too had always admired her, but never said anything for fear of rejection. In his eyes she was still the perfect girl.

They spoke for awhile before deciding that they should just sit and have coffee and catch up.

Etienne was supposed to meet her at 7pm. She still had time. 

They talked about old times and before you know it, it was time for her dinner date. She had told Etienne to meet her at the entrance of the mall. Sean waited with her till he arrived.

That wasn't the best idea.

Etienne didn't seem too happy to see her with another guy. His expression was quite clear about that. Sean said hi and excused himself.

The dinner was quite solemn. Nandhini tried asking him what had upset him but Etienne didn't utter a word.

"Sweetheart, I don't like the idea of you hanging around with another guy, especially without me around," he said without a smile.

Nandhini was taken aback but before she could reply he stood up and walked away.

'I should make sure she never leaves me,' Etienne kept repeating in his head as he got into a cab to go home. 

Interrogation

When Nandhini woke up, it was already 5 am. She got dressed and left for home. she had to get home before anyone woke up. She took a minute to admire his chiseled face looking so calm and didn't have the heart to wake him. She scribbled a note and left.

When Nandhini stepped into her house, her brother was awake. He had just returned home. This was another unusual occurrence, Siddharth thought. His sister sneaking back home at that hour.

"Now, you have to tell me what's going on with you, "

Nandhini had the biggest grin on her face. She had been caught red handed. Her brother was going to interrogate her now. She might as well tell him everything. Well, maybe not everything but the important bits that she could share with him.

After she changed and came back to the kitchen, they sat down with a cup of coffee and she updated him on her life. Siddarth was glad that his sister had met someone and she was obviously happy. However, he was a little worried since Etienne wasn't from here and it was Nandhini's first actual serious date. He told her to be careful and not get carried away. He asked her how much she knew about him, If he has anyone who knows him here, who are his friends and family. Nandhini felt like she was being interrogated but she knew its because her brother cared way too much about her. Eventually, he realised what he was doing to his sister-ruining her happy moment.

Siddharth stopped his interrogation and told her he was going to bed, gave her a big hug and left her with her coffee for company.

Nandhini pondered over some of the things her brother had brought up. He did make sense. If she was going to continue this thing with Etienne, she would have to find out more about him.

Hot Chocolate

Late Friday night, Nandhini received a text message, just as she was about to get ready for bed. She had no plans that night. On a normal Friday, she would be out with her friends watching a movie or hanging out at a cafe with her usual cup of hot chocolate. They would have girly conversations for hours.

She wasn't expecting anyone to text. Nandhini was surprised to see an invitation to go out dancing. It was none other than Etienne. Her heart quickened its pace. Without thinking, she replied, 'Yes.'

She got dressed and met Etienne at a hotel lobby. He suggested going to a club there. The place was packed with so many good-looking men and women. The music was great. They managed to squeeze their way to the bar and got a drink each. Nandhini suddenly realised how close she was standing next to Etienne. She was practically inhaling his breath. He smelt so good, her tummy was doing flip flops.

After a few drinks and lots of giggles, Nandhini had loosened up and begun dancing close to Etienne. Her back rubbing against him. He had his arm around her waist and moving along with her. Etienne hardly danced. He actually enjoyed dancing with Nandhini and she smelt like a flower to him. He leaned towards Nandhini's neck and kissed her - from her neck up to her ear. She froze. Not because of fear but it felt so good. She turned around and while still dancing, she kissed him. Slowly and passionately, right there at the bar, not caring who was around her. Her movements slowed down and she was swaying her hips against Etienne. They decided to leave and go back to his apartment.

Nandhini was so tipsy with drinks that she was not even thinking. All she knew was that she wanted to be with Etienne. Her little crush was blooming into something more. She didn't mind spending the night with him, something she normally wouldn't do. She was finally ready for this.

Back at his place, it all happened as she had imagined. It was an amazing feeling and it all happened so naturally. This was better than having hot chocolate she thought with a smile as she drifted off to sleep in Etienne's arms 

Continuation from letter A

Growing Up Gory

Etienne had a pretty normal family, until he was 10 years old that is, when his mother walked out of his life. Etienne had no clue his world was going to shatter on a very ordinary Sunday afternoon. His only memory of that day was hearing his parents argue while he was playing in the garden.

 

Next thing he knew, his mother had stormed out of the house with her luggage. Tears stained her usually rosy cheeks. She kissed Etienne on the head and disappeared from his life for good. Etienne remembered the anger he felt towards his father. It was all his fault! He was constantly picking on her while all she cared about was pleasing him.

His early teen years were spent in frustration. Etienne kept to himself; no friends and never had a single girlfriend. Whenever he was overwhelmed with emotions, he would walk into the woods not too far away and hunt rabbits. It was the one thing he had learnt form his father. 

Once caught, he would rip the rabbit apart with his bare hands and let the blood drip all over his bare body. He would pretend to be some Jungle warrior and paint his face with the blood. He loved to lick it off his hands and savour every drop of it. He would sometimes even eat the rabbit's meat - raw! This was the only way he distracted himself from the pain that ate at him.

Etienne didn't think anything was wrong with his behaviour. He thought he was only venting his frustration, after all people do hunt rabbits and it was not unusual to eat its meat. No one else was aware of this strange habit. His father had taken to drinking and would neglect Etienne to enjoy his whiskey. 

However, what Etienne didn't realise at that time was his passion for meat, ripping and tearing raw meat with his teeth gave him such pleasure. It was simply orgasmic. Being one of the most good looking young men in his school, he never had a lack of admirers, and he was 18 when he was in his first relationship.

He was finally happy after a long time, but that too would be short-lived. Marianne left him after a 6 month relationship. He was even more broken, for all that did was to show him that no one stayed! No one cared.

Lucky for Etienne, he had the opportunity to travel in college. His focus changed. He became too involved in travelling and social work. Who would have thought there was another side to him. He turned his attention to extreme sport as well and that was his way of curbing his desire to kill.

Etienne lost touch with his father, not that it made a difference.

It was during one of his trips to India, that was a turning point in his life. His cannibalistic side emerged from the dark corners of his soul, triggered by a very simple, very sweet young lady. 

That was when Etienne found out that in order to keep the woman with him, he had to eat her flesh, so that they became a part of him and never ever leave.

Continuation from letter A

Fantasy (AC?)

Meanwhile..

Nandhini was lying in bed. She was glad that when she had returned home, everyone was already in bed. She just didn't feel like talking and wanted to be left alone to savour the events of her date.

She was so worked up over what had happened after her dinner date. What had she missed out on all these years? Times when her friends talked about their dates and the sinfully exciting things they'd tried she switched off. She believed in waiting for that special someone. Was Etienne that someone?

If his lips alone were sending this tingly sensation throughout her body, imagine what his hands against her bare skin would do, she thought to herself. Her imagination ran wild.

Nandhini imagined them going back to his place. In the elevator, Etienne coming so close to her that she could feel his hot breath on her. His hands grabbing her waist and pulling her towards him. She could feel him growing as he pushes himself against her. Her breathing accelerates as she closes her eyes and tilts her head back. His lips press against hers. She could feel his tongue slowly making its way to meet hers. The doors of the elevator opens and they walk to his apartment, the one he's renting for his stay here.

He shuts the door and she's forced back against it. Etienne stares into her eyes and then he's kissing her neck. She didn't realise her zip had been undone as her dress slowly slips off her. She's standing in front of him, in front of anyone for that matter, for the first time with barely anything on.

In her bed, Nandhini is already experiencing something very new to her. As her chest heaved, she could feel a strong urge. There.

Should she? No. She'll wait. She'll wait to experience her first time with Etienne. She was sure it was going to be worth it.

Continuation since letter A

Etienne

Back home, he poured himself a drink. Whiskey. On the rocks. Just how he always had it. He had picked it up during his travels, and it became his drink of choice. Walking towards the balcony with the drink in his hand, he stood to admire the view. He took a sip from his glass and stepped out, taking in the cool breeze on his face.

Etienne sat down on the wooden chair in his balcony. The breeze was like a lullaby. He closed his eyes and Nandhini appeared before him. Her silky smooth skin. Oh those curves, even now made his body react. But what excited him more was wondering what she'd taste like.

Her lips were like running his tongue over soft peach. She certainly looked like something he had never tasted before. The hunger in him grew as did something else.

His thoughts drifted off to two years ago when he had met a girl on one of his volunteer trips. Swetha. She was only 19. Her dusky skin, brown eyes and long dark hair still got his heart racing. Swetha was Etienne's first. Never in his wildest imaginations did he think he was capable of doing what he had done to Swetha.

Few days before he left the country, Swetha had insisted on meeting him. She had to secretly sneak out of her house, giving some excuse of meeting a girlfriend. After dinner, Etienne was driving her home when Swetha insisted they stop the car along a quiet street with tree plantations on either side. No one was in sight. 

Swetha and Etienne both wanted each other so badly. They kissed passionately in the car, then decided no one would see them in the plantation, besides it was exciting to be out in the open. He can still remember how her lips tasted. Warm, moist and there was this certain sweetness about this dusky beauty, like honey. He had to make sure she was his.

Only his. 

There was only one way.

While making love, Etienne got carried away, the thought of not being with her for a long time or worse, losing her to someone else got to him and he bit her on her neck. Swetha screamed in excruciating pain. Instead of stopping, Etienne pinned her down, knocked her out cold  and ripped a small piece of flesh out in his mouth. It tasted so good. 

It was like something had taken over him and he was oblivious to his surroundings. All he could think about was making Swetha a part of him. As the red liquid glistened under the moonlit sky, he licked her, all over, tasting every bit of her and her sweetness. He took out his pocket knife to cut off  a piece of her. 

He savoured this exquisite delicacy. Now, she will always stay with him. Be a part of him. Swetha took her last breath and Etienne drove the rest of her back to his home, to make every inch of her his over the next few days.

She was his first and he thought the last, till now - Nandhini.

etienne

The Date

Throughout the week, the non-stop texting did nothing to curb Nandhini's urge to meet Etienne again. He was such a sweet man. So intelligent. It was something she admired. More than good looks, Nandhini had always been attracted to a man who was smart. Etienne had many interests. Other than writing poems, which he sent her daily, he loved to travel and had passion for adventure. Etienne also volunteered in India whenever he travelled to that part of the world, which was at least once a year. He seemed too perfect to be true.

They planned to meet over the weekend. Nandhini suggested a nice restaurant by the river. He let her decide. "I just want to spend a wonderful evening with this lovely woman", he said. The way he said it, made her blush. Thank goodness he can't see it, she thought.

She picked a deep red cocktail dress, the colour of a fresh rose. The silky smooth dress felt so good against her skin. It clung to her showing off her curves, and ended mid thigh. Nandhini had gorgeous long legs which the dress wasn't shy to show off. She wore her favourite pair of diamond loops on her ears and stone studded stilettos to match. Her dark tresses flowed down to her shoulders like a veil. She was absolutely stunning.

Etienne was already at the restaurant when she arrived. His heart skipped a beat when he first had a glimpse of her. He stood up and pulled the chair out for her. Nandhini had to force her eyes away from him. In his black formal shirt and pants and neatly trimmed goatee, he looked like he had just stepped out of a movie set. She had to take a deep breath before she sat down.

They ordered their meal and over dinner continued their conversation. He shared with her stories of his travels, his family back home, his work. The topics were endless. And just like the first meeting, they lost track of time and didn't realise that they were the only ones left in the restaurant. The manager was nice enough to allow them to stay a little longer.

After finishing up with their drinks, they decided to take a walk down by the river. Was it the wine? Nandhini was feeling warm and her heart was racing a little. She could sense that something was about to happen, something she had been waiting for, for a long time. She felt Etienne's hand on her arm. He gently turned her toward him. She stared into his eyes for a split second before she felt her mind go blank. She could have sworn that her heart had stopped for that moment. His lips were pressed against hers. His arms now lay on her hips, pulling her closer. She naturally placed her hands on his chest, not quite sure what she was doing.

Etienne then pulled back and smiled at her. Nandhini could feel herself blushing again. Is this what it was like to kiss? She wanted to giggle but stopped herself. She had that goofy smile on her face again. She wanted more but Etienne just took her hand and they continued walking in silence under the starlit sky.

Story continued from Letter A

Colour of love

Pink and gold salwar with a pink rose in her hair. Bangles to match and her signature jumkas. Siddarth knew his sister loved her earrings but to see her all dressed up for a simple dinner was something he was not used to. There was a certain glow about her. Not a girl to love make up other than dark khol for her eyes and occasional lipstick, Nandhini had a natural blush today.

They were close enough for him to know someone must be the reason for this change in his sister. Whether or not their parents had a sixth sense for their offspring, the siblings didn't have to speak to communicate.

Seated next to Nadhini, Siddarth leaned over and asked her, " So?"

She avoiding his questioning gaze, just smiled. She was dying to just blabber everything right there and then, but no way with her parents around. She did have a close bond with her mother but she wasn't ready to share with her just yet. Amma would just get all excited, like any typical Indian mum and start planning her wedding.

They were at a Chinese Seafood restaurant. It was a place where they were regular faces. The restaurant owner knew her dad and many special occasions were celebrated there. They ordered the usual dishes and over dinner had a good conversation.

Siddharth was always back home late from work and Dad worked shifts. This was a good time to catch up, just like old times, where dinner was a time to discuss the day's events.

Nandhini's phone beeped.

'So?'

She texted her reply. 'Yes, I met someone. Need Advice. Talk later.'

Siddharth grinned at her. This conversation will have to wait. It was her brother's special day and precious family time.

Best Brother Ever

On the way home, Nadhini could not help replaying the incident at the restaurant. She had this sheepish grin on her face the entire time - throughout the conversation with Etienne and now in the bus. People must think she was silly.

They had talked over tea, completely oblivious to their surroundings and the people. Although her intention was to stay only till the rain stopped, she had lost track of time. How could she not? She was lost in his eyes. There was something about his eyes. The way they looked right into her soul. unlike the men who stared at her chest, Etienne paid close attention to her every word and his eyes never left hers. They only stopped their conversation because he had to attend a play which he had already bought tickets for. They agreed to meet up again over the coming weekend. Exchanging numbers, she reluctantly said goodbye. He even kissed her on her hand - like a princess.

The phone interrupted her thoughts. It was her brother. She almost forgot. It was his birthday the next day. He was calling to ask her if the reservation had been made for dinner. Nandhini could not wait to share this piece of news with him.

Siddarth was the best brother ever. He was her listening ear, her best buddy from the time they were little kids. They shared lots of secrets, went through good and bad times together. he was always there for her. She was so excited about Etienne, she needed his advice so she doesn't ruin this chance of getting to know this beautiful stranger. Is it possible to fall in love at first sight? Is it possible to get this excited over someone you just met? Nandhini had been single all her life. At 24, she now felt like an excited 16 year old.

Where is this heading? Something told her that she was going to see more of Etienne.

"Etienne," she whispered the name to herself, and a tingly sensation ran through her as she continued her journey with that same old goofy smile.

 

Amour in Aanandha Bhavan

The heavy drops landed hard on her head, soon turning her luscious curls into a limp state of messy strands. The peacock-coloured kurta clung on to every curve on her very womanly body - Indian woman's body.

A small crowd began to gather under the only available bus stop in front of Tekka market. Nandini was simply too tired to stand around and wait with the drenched bodies. she desperately needed a cup of Chai. Masala Chai was her favourite! Nothing can beat the aroma and taste of her favorite Indian tea.

She dashed across the road, which wasn't an unusual scene in this part of the country, and got to her regular vegetarian restaurant. Nandini placed her hand on the metal handle to push the door open when another hand landed right on top of hers. Almost instantly she pulled back, natural reaction for someone as shy as her. The dark intense eyes looked at her, and whispered an apology. She had never seen anyone who spoke with their eyes.

They entered the restaurant. Strangers. Both looking for a place to sit and enjoy an evening snack. There was only one table available. They saw it, then glanced at each other and smiled.

"Would you like to order first?" The brown-eyed stranger asked Nandini. " I'll save a seat for you.''
She nodded and went to wait in line. All this while, he could not help staring at this Indian beauty with her innocent doe eyes and curves too dangerous to even let his eyes ride upon. What got to him most was the way her wet hair framed her smooth flawless face. He was so tempted to reach out and push it behind her ears, which had cute little jumkas dangling from them.

While in the queue, the very single Nandhini had silly girly thoughts about the Frenchman whom she was going to share her table with, little did she know that this was the man she was going to fall in love with on this rainy day in Aanandha Bhavan.

A to Z challenge

Ok, so I signed up. I have no idea if I can keep up with the writing but definitely going to go further than last year.

Technically, I did not participate in 2014, well i didn't sign up for it but tagged along and wrote the blogposts anyway just to join my friends.

No theme for now cos I just want to leave it open to talk about what comes to mind each day. With work and the kids, I don't want to add on to the stress!

I already know what I'd like to talk about for A, so let's see how it goes

That's it for now!!

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