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

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.