Indian Spice

"I... can't."

Now my head was in turmoil. The thought of what she seemed to be offering horrified me. But at the same time, stirrings in my body demanded I experience the forbidden.

"You can if you open your mind and accept this is a different world.

We do not speak of menstrual madness, hysteria or moral insanity as your doctors do. We talk of kama. Love, desire and the pursuit of pleasure."

I glanced around. Indeed it was a different world. A strange people I didn't recognise milled around us speaking a language I didn't understand. I saw the lewd murals in my thoughts again and wondered what great pleasures they portrayed that my staid English upbringing had hidden from me. Within the space of a conversation, I'd gone from disgust at her savage world to...

I didn't understand how I could so quickly fall under her spell.

"You have seen but one aspect of the kama sutra. The sexual teaching. But it is much more. It is a philosophy. A teaching of how to find emotional fulfilment. A requirement I sense you are missing in your search for a husband."

I shuddered at her words. Words that touched my soul.

"It covers all aspects of love. How courtship should be conducted. How to recognise desire in both its good and bad forms.

There is even instruction on adultery if that is a route one wishes to pursue."

"I think not."

I was unsure what constituted adultery in her world. How did one define adultery when a man so openly took so many wives and partners for his sexual pleasure?

"Its teachings will enlighten you and help you find the happiness you desire. That is the purpose of the karma sutra. The positions you saw depicted on the walls are but one portion of what you should know."

I felt hot again. Not from the sun, but from the fire within me.

"Will you teach me?"

The words escaped my mouth without my intent. Without a doubt that was the moment I slipped under a spell I felt I might never escape.

I have to admit that with my head full of wild ideas, not to mention fears at what lay in wait for me with Maya, the last person I expected to see was Captain Andrews.

That evening after dinner he called at the ranch and asked that I walk out with him. Blushing I'd accepted and I now found myself strolling in the cooler air of the approaching night with the soldier who had made my heart skip only a few days earlier.

He regaled me with stories of daring as we meandered through the still busy town. Children ran after us, inquisitive at the very English sight of the two of us.

But my mind was still tormented with other thoughts. Ideas that burned my cheeks. Thoughts of his root attacking my notch, filling my cock lane. But interspersed with stray ideas of Mia's fingers replacing him, bringing on that blissful flood I'd felt in my room.

Outwardly I smiled and nodded at the Captain's words. Inside I fought a battle with the devil himself.

"It was very presumptuous of you this evening Captain. It is not the done thing to be seen with a man to whom I have not been properly introduced."

In England, we would have been chaperoned. Indeed Captain Andrew's would have sought a further introduction before asking to walk out. But here the rules of etiquette were more lax. My desire to have him ravish me enforced in my mind why that etiquette was so important. That I, an educated middle-class lady could have such ideas was as abhorrent to my thoughts as it was arousing to my cunny.

"And yet you are here." He straightened his poise and smiled.

"In India, the necessities of polite society are much looser than at home. But you shouldn't fear that my intentions are anything other than honourable."

Now I smiled.

"I had not thought it any other way."

The devil inside me wished it were. My stomach churned and my knees threatened to drop me to the ground any moment with their weakness.

"But you are correct. India is a very different place. In only a short space of time, I have come to realise that.

Tell me. What do you know of the Maharani? I had tea with her today at the palace."

The Captain seemed impressed.

"The palace. They call it a villa. But it is... very grand. You are lucky to have been invited. Few are."

"Have you?"

"Alas no. But I am only a lowly Captain. But by no means does that imply I do not respect the importance of the Maharaja to British rule. We don't subjugate this country. There are so few of us that we couldn't if we wished. Local rule is as important as any from London." He explained.

"The Maharaja is essential to our control of this Provence. His family have ruled over this part of India for generations. He's British educated and loyal to Her Majesty's Government. The Governor maintains a good relationship.

But the Maharani... She is seldom seen. Except at official receptions as the Maharaja's consort. Personally, I've never spoken to her, but she is very beautiful and highly respected by the locals."

"Careful. One might think you have desires yourself." I teased.

"Not at all.

There are some, very few mind, that have a different view."

"How so?"

Now I was intrigued.

"I have heard her described as a Dayan. A witch."

We turned a corner and I saw the ranch house ahead. Given my inner battle, I was pleased. I was far from sure how long I could maintain my outward composure as the Captain's mere presence made my cunny leak like a common Dollymop. This was the influence of the Maharani. She had awakened something within me I struggled to control.

"And do you think she is a witch?"

The Captain laughed.

"Such things are a nonsense. But she is a very powerful woman. Take care that her interests are not opposed to your own."

Another question occurred to me.

"The eunuchs? Are they that way by desire?" I asked with a curiosity of how a man could allow himself to be emasculated.

Captain Andrews visibly shuddered as I imagine he felt the discomfort in his groin.

"Eunuchs are an abomination. Cross-dressers and beggars. They are unnatural."

"So you do not approve."

I hardly thought he would.

"Most certainly not. They are a threat to the imperial enterprise. Her Majesty's Government intends that the practice of castration be stamped out. And of that, I heartily approve."

I thought of the man guarding purdah so professionally. He did not strike me as a threat to anyone. Especially to the authority of our most powerful empire.

"And yet the Maharaja has eunuchs and the governor treats him as a valued friend."

"They are registered and the Maharaja does not permit their contagion to extend beyond his villa.

Why do you ask me of such things?"

"I am sorry. It is just curiosity. We shall not speak of it again if it displeases you."

"It does."

I held his arm tighter to ease his anger with me as we turned toward my temporary home.

Finally, I was delivered safely back to the ranch. The Captain having calmed, graciously kissed my hand and stepped back.

"I bid you goodnight."

"Thank you, Captain. I look forward to seeing you again."

The feel of his lips on the back of my hand had fired my belly. I almost ran to my room, locking myself in. Once again I allowed Satan to satisfy the uncontrollable burn between my legs.

With heaving breath I lay on my bed, fearful of what tomorrow would bring from Mia. I was bewitched, of that I was sure. And yet I could not bring myself to refuse the beguiling Indian Princess whenever she appeared with whatever lesson she had in mind for me.

FOUR

"Where are we going?"

I asked over the clip-clop of horseshooves.

"To see a local family. A young couple who work for the Maharaja."

Maya had collected me from my lodgings at mid-morning. I can't say I wasn't apprehensive of allowing her to lead me into her depraved world. Only my politeness and deep insecurity that'd always plagued me stopped me from turning her away once and for all.

The devil within me had spoken yesterday and I had spent much of the night begging forgiveness and asking for guidance from the Lord. I'd assured myself I would heed the Captain's warning and turn Maya away. That I would end her spell over me. But it'd been impossible. Her eyes and smile were beguiling and withered all opposition in me. I'd followed as a lamb would follow a farmer.

Around us, the housing and animals became more sparse as we left the town. The noisy chatter of people was replaced with the buzz of insects and the chatter of birds. Ahead the horizon opened up to fields of rice. Dotted amongst the stems I could see women with bushels of the crop balanced on their heads, moving slowly in the heat. Here were the farmers of India, scratching a living from the land as I assumed they'd done for centuries. Much of the produce would make its way to the port where along with other commodities such as sugar and tea it would be sent home to Britain or other corners of the Empire. In exchange, manufactured goods would be sent back on the returning steamers.

This was the nature of the Empire. Trade. Raw materials in exchange for the products of industrialisation and good governance.

"We are almost there."

I looked ahead at the tiny dwelling. A simple mud mortar Bhunga with a pitched bamboo and straw roof. The door was open but I could still see its typical intricate decoration. Nowhere near as elaborate as on the large heavy doors of the palace, but still instantly recognisable as Indian.

We descended from the carriage as a young couple came out to greet us. Hands together at the chest. I returned the greeting along with Maya.

"This is Daksh and his wife Nisha."

"I am pleased to meet you."

I don't think they understood my words but they nodded and Daksh said something I took as a thank you.

We followed them inside at their invitation and I took in my surroundings as Nisha prepared tea.

A loosely woven curtain hung over the single window. Enough to keep out prying eyes but still letting the brilliant sunshine illuminate the room.

Sparse, like the hovel of a pauper was my first thought. But at the same time, it had the cleanliness and neatness of a cherished home. I realised I had to adjust my expectations to this new environment. India wasn't a land of materialism. Their wealth lay in a spiritualism that I thought the church offered. I was beginning to understand that real spiritualism was something much deeper than the staid veneer of Sunday prayers I was used to.

"Thank you."

Maya had passed me my cup but I made a special point of addressing Nisha. She smiled demurely and looked downward. I felt it a shame that a peasant girl would feel belittled by me just because I was English.

Both of our hosts were also in awe of Maya, obviously aware of her standing. I could sense the deference to her in Daksh's speech as he held a deep conversation with Maya. Nisha for her part said very little, often looking down or taking occasional glances in my direction.

I drank my beverage quietly but I was becoming more concerned as to what Maya had planned.

"Wait. What are you asking them to do?"

Maya turned to me with that studious look she had.

"To show you how fulfilment with a man is. Here, it is not a man of power. Not subservience. I hope that pleasure displayed between equals will help you understand flesh and spirit are as one."

I swallowed. Suddenly fearful of being so far from the garrison. I was a young girl who had allowed myself to be led away despite all the advice to the contrary. I looked to Maya for reassurance and was met with that captivating smile again.

"Do not be fearful. We are only here to witness.

Let's sit."

I watched as Maya lowered herself onto what could only be described as a cushion. I did the same somewhat awkwardly in my more restrictive clothing.

"Witness what?"

In the back of my mind, I think I already knew. I was just unable to admit it to myself through fear that I would run from the small dwelling.

"You will see."

Like performers about to entertain their audience Daksh and Nisha stood before us. A little nervous but also somewhat pleased. As though it was a great honour to have us, more probably Maya, in their home.

I already felt that same queasy feeling that'd overcome me at the villa as I studied them carefully. I still did not allow myself to fully comprehend what was about to take place for my benefit.

Nisha was a pretty girl, perhaps no older than me. Her green dress was plain, a Sari that hung from the shoulder and around her lithe body. While Daksh wore a dhoti, a simple garment wrapped around his waist and legs then secured with a knot.

Daksh looked at us both, then turned and kissed his wife with a passion I'd only read about. He held her hands with a softness and looked into her eyes before turning back to us.

His hand moved to the knot securing his dhoti and a moment later it fell away.

"Oh my."

I gasped a deep breath of shock at his nakedness. I couldn't help but stare while Maya seemed unfazed. I was both horrified and curious. His body was slim but well-formed. Strong limbs and a chest muscled by hard work in the fields. But it was his steed that held my attention. Just the sight of it quivered my belly and awoke the tiny devil between my legs.

It stood long and proud, dancing an independent waltz as he moved. The first time I had truly seen a man's implement so clearly. Certainly, George had never displayed his body to me like this. His root had always remained lost amongst his clothing or under my dress as he took his pleasure in me. Despite marriage, I did indeed remain quite naive about such affairs.

My breathing quickened. Thoughts of Captain Andrews invaded my head. I couldn't help but wonder if his gaying instrument was as... glorious.

"Oh my." I sputtered again.

Daksh moved behind Nisha and unfastened her Sari. It fell away revealing the natural beauty of his wife to our eyes.

I waved my hand in front of my hot face to cool my blood, wondering how I could stand to watch. But I was fixated, unable to look away.

Maya sat calmly next to me seemingly unaffected by the show.

"We shouldn't be here. This is a private moment." I muttered.

"It is private." Maya replied. "Private to the four of us."

"That's not what I..."

Daksh kissed his wife's fruits and caressed them while his hands stroked her arms. Tiny tremors rippled through her body as he suckled her like a grown child and I caught the sound of her snatched breaths. My bosom ached and my blood ran hot, flushing my face further. I could see her firm youthful flesh squeezed under attentive fingers, then springing back to shape as he moved from them. Each time Nisha quivered and her breathing shook.

Hands circled Nisha's flat stomach and he knelt before her, lowering his face to her thatch, breathing in her womanly scent as though for the first time.

Nisha threw her head back with her mouth open to take in a great gulp of air. Her whole body shuddered, shaking fruits that were now tipped with the hard pointed protuberances of her large nebs.

My pulse quickened and I felt Satan take hold of my sweet flower, exciting it under my garments. It was the same burning, quivering as I had felt at the villa. I sipped more of my tea to calm my nerves but it only seemed to feed my fire.

Next, Daksh lay on the makeshift bed of blankets with his whore pipe standing pointedly skyward. Such a thing was not truly attractive. A sinuous protuberance disturbed by raised veins and ridges. And yet I felt strangely in need of its attention. I wanted to reach out and explore its unfamiliar surface. Gross and foul, and yet mesmerising.

Nisha's hands moved over it as I imagined I wanted mine to. Daksh gasped and jerked at her touch. His instrument became wet with his manly juice and, I suspected, harder.

To my utter disbelief, Nisha took it in her mouth as though it were a pipe to be smoked. Soft childlike lips closed over the bulging head and caressed it as I might suck a strawberry. Her hand rubbing his staff back and forth with increasing vigour. What I could not escape was the enjoyment this native girl took from their activity. Where I had tolerated my husband's touch as a wifely duty, Nisha was captivated and enthusiastic.

My insides were in turmoil. Pressure and heat filled my stomach and my mouth watered.

After what seemed an age Daksh lifted her head away from himself and laid her back. With her legs held high and wide Daksh entered her, eliciting a cry of some word I didn't recognise. I had a clear view of his staff sliding into her delicate hole and with it came the realisation that this was the unseen thing which George had partook with me.

He began to thrust into her as my husband had me. But he took more time, what seemed an eternity as I watched. His face contorted with pleasure as George's had. And Nisha had the faraway look of someone lost to opium. I felt a jealousy that I'd never experienced such pleasure during my own engagements.

"Uh. Uhh uh."

Nisha sounded as though the air was being driven from her lungs each time his gaying instrument thrust into her.

And with it came a smell. Not unpleasant. A hot, salty smell of two bodies in the throes of a passion I could only imagine. It was arousing to my senses and further fanned the fires of hell in my belly.

Then finally Nisha erupted.

"Uhh... uhhh."

She became a thrashing beast as sweat trickled over her flesh. It glowed in the rays of sunshine that found their way past the makeshift curtain.

In my fixation I hardly noticed Maya caressing my hand and stroking my neck. All of it was designed to lift my unwanted arousal ever higher.

What happened next was beyond my wildest imaginations.

Taking him in her hand again she worked him like a water pump until his pearly shower sprayed out, covering her ripe fruits. Her face was inscribed with joy as her man's seed covered her.

I gasped at the unrestrained, wanton display. But at the same time, my curiosity held my eyes transfixed. I had never seen my husband's seed except when cleaning myself. Certainly never seen it leave his steed just as I had never clearly seen his stiff sinew. I saw the girls delight. The excitement in her eyes as she watched the stream of ejaculation. Then the smile spreading on her parted, hungry lips.

I steeled myself in the realisation my face mirrored hers, forcing my lips together and tautening the muscles in my jaw. Too late. Maya had seen my weakness. I sat silenced by my embarrassment at betraying my inner thoughts to her.

The two actors in my education lay catching their breath for a moment before dressing as though nothing out of the ordinary had been committed.

Maya spoke warmly to the couple before handing them a small purse of money. As I watched, guilt replaced my curiosity. They were grateful but I could not help but feel that they had been coerced into committing a travesty before God.

I challenged Maya as soon as we were out of earshot.

"You paid those people to... perform. You took advantage of them."

"These people were poor. Now they are not so, all for showing you only the love they have for each other."

"I asked you to teach me. Not exploit the destitute. To have them behave like rutting deer in the park."

"They are not destitute. They're farmers. They have all they need. I have only given them a little more for allowing you a glimpse of what true fulfilment looks like."

"They did that because you are some sort of princess. They did it out of fear. And because they needed money."

Maya almost laughed.

"They don't fear me, Rayne."

I calmed. My thoughts becoming clear.

"I think perhaps I should."

I climbed back into the waiting carriage keen to head home.

"There are people in London that have nothing." Maya went on.

"A great city with streets paved with gold and yet there are girls so desperate that they will give themselves to a man they do not know for a few pennies. Which is the most abhorrent to your sensibilities?"