Tim and Amy

His handshake was firm. "Thank you, Mr Smith," he replied.

"Please, call me Tim." Amit looked unsure, but nodded.

"So has Amy explained what we'd planned for today?" Tim asked.

"She mentioned a video game, and food," said Amit hesitantly.

"That's pretty much it," Tim grinned. "So, Amy, do you want to get Amit started? I'm sure you can find a character for him to drive with Princess Daisy."

She smiled at Amit's bemused look. "I think... Luigi would suit him."

She took the controller from Tim and started to explain the buttons. "Sarah can play against you to begin with, Amit. She doesn't use any dirty tricks, not like some people I could mention."

Laura grinned. "When Amit wants a break, you and I will show him a real competition race, gloves off."

"Deal," said Amy. She hit the button to start the race, and put her hands over Amit's on the controller to help him get the hang of the game.

Amit turned out to be a natural, and I was soon chasing to keep up with him and dodging banana skins.

"Laura, you take over," I said. "It'll be a fairer competition."

Laura took the controller, and she and Amit tore around the course, trying to push each other off the track.

"Wow," said Amy. "Perhaps I should try a few laps against Amit."

"As long as you don't take it too seriously and end up falling out with each other," I teased.

Just then we heard footsteps on the verandah, and I turned to see Amrit arriving.

"OK, everybody," Tim said. "Time out on the game."

Laura fumbled for the pause button.

"Do you want me to wait outside?" asked Amit.

"Not at all," Tim replied. "You're part of the family now."

Amrit came into the room and Tim motioned to him to sit down.

Tim took a deep breath. "So, Sarah, what has Amrit got to tell us?"

I spoke to Amrit, and he replied at length.

"He says there is a young man that they have in mind for Laura," I began.

Laura's eyes widened, but she didn't speak.

I continued. "His name is Arjun. He is the son of Amrit's cousin, who lives some way to the east."

"Ask Amrit more about him," Laura prompted.

I spoke to Amrit again, and he smiled as he replied.

"Amrit remembers him as a child," I explained. "His mother used to worry because he never seemed to get into trouble like the other children – she thought it wasn't natural. He used to spend a lot of time on his own out in the countryside, just watching."

Laura broke in, "I used to do that."

"Is there any reason why a match hasn't already been suggested for him?" Tim asked. I translated his question.

Amrit hesitated before replying, and I nodded. "Arjun did reasonably well at school – he's a bright boy, sensible – but he didn't go on to college. He has a job as an assistant wildlife ranger in the reserve, and he helps out at the vulture conservation centre. He was always bringing some creature or other home, injured birds and such, so it's ideal for him. But the prospects are pretty limited, and his family are not all that well off. So he's not at the top of everyone's list for an ideal son-in-law."

"Well, I like him already," said Laura. She spoke quietly, but I could hear an unusual determination in her voice.

Amrit spoke again. I turned to Tim. "He wants to know what you think."

"I would very much like us to meet Arjun," he said. "Amy, bless her, decisive as she is, took matters into her own hands, so I still don't really know how the process works. What would normally happen next?"

"We should meet with Arjun and his parents. We can ask questions, and they will ask us about our family and about Laura too. We should take some photographs to show them. Then if both sides are still happy to proceed, Laura can meet him and spend some time talking to him over a few days as a guest of the family. They will have someone with them at all times."

"And if they're both OK with each other?" Tim asked.

"Then there is a ceremony – you would see it as a cross between an engagement party and the signing of an agreement. After that, plans are made for the wedding."

Tim took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. "Fine. Let's arrange to meet them. Are you OK with that, Laura?"

She nodded. "I have a good feeling about this."

I spoke to Amrit. "He will make the arrangements," I said.

"Tell him that we're really grateful for the way he's helping us with this, explaining everything."

Amrit grinned as I spoke, then he replied, his face again serious.

"He reminds us that his family stands to gain a daughter-in-law, and a connection to our family; so he's not entirely disinterested. But he assures us that he'll do nothing that would harm Laura, or our interests."

Amrit stood, and with a final smile at Laura, left to go back to the village.

Amy leaned over and hugged Laura warmly. "I know there are still things to sort out, but I have a good feeling too," she said.

"So, is anyone ready for lunch?" Tim asked.

I poked him playfully. "How can you always be thinking of food?" I teased.

"I know these young people," Tim said. "I bet they could make some inroads into what Jaya has been preparing."

We went out to the verandah, and Jaya brought out the various snacks she'd made. Amy and Amit tucked in enthusiastically, while Laura ate more thoughtfully.

Tim filled a plate for us, and we sat down.

"It hardly seems real," Tim said. "Both girls on the verge of being married."

I smiled. "Let's see how it goes with Arjun's parents. But I think you're right."

We spent the afternoon playing a tournament on the racing game; Amy and Laura battled it out for first place, with Amy finally winning out. I was third, then Amit, and inevitably Tim trailed a long way behind.

"Never mind," I laughed. "You have other redeeming qualities." I leaned over to kiss him.

"Do you want to stay for something else to eat?" Tim asked Amit.

"Thank you, but I should get home," he said. "Of course, I won't say anything about Arjun; Amrit will make sure everyone knows at the proper time."

He turned to go. "See you at church tomorrow, Amy, everyone."

We watched him walk down the track toward the village and out of sight.

I called to Jaya to bring our evening meal, and we sat down to eat.

"Church," Tim said, thoughtfully, remembering what had happened last time we'd been to a meeting at Amrit's church.

We went to bed early, and as usual we heard Amy and Laura talking in low voices in their room as we drifted off to sleep.

***

We all got ready in the morning, and Jaya joined us wearing her best clothes as we walked down the track to the church. As before, we heard the sound of drums and singing, and as we arrived a group of young women were doing what looked like a traditional dance to the music.

This time I and the girls followed Jaya to the women's side of the church and sat with Anika and Anjali. Tim joined Amit and Rajesh on the men's side. Amrit was already at the front, and as he raised his hands the drums stilled. The singing subsided, and turned into a low murmur as the congregation prayed.

I saw Amit translating parts of the service for Tim, and I resolved that we would speak privately to Amrit one day about the message he was presenting; I hadn't forgotten the strange feeling I'd had the previous time we'd been at the church, and the events that had followed.

The service finished with enthusiastic worship, and I waited to speak to Amrit as the congregation dispersed.

Tim joined us, and I said, "Amrit has made the arrangements; he'll travel to his cousin's this week, and you and I will join him there to meet Arjun's family."

"Join him?" Tim said, puzzled.

I grinned. "I'm flying you to Kolkata tomorrow, remember. Then when we fly back, there's an airstrip near where Arjun's family live."

Tim gave me an amused look. "You have this all worked out, don't you."

I shrugged, smiling. "It's what I do."

Amrit spoke again. "He's inviting us to lunch," I explained.

"Jaya too?" Tim asked. I nodded.

We walked to Amrit's house, and Anjali went into the kitchen. The rice was just warm, but the curry had been simmering over the remains of the fire while we had been at church.

Amrit said grace, and we started to eat.

"This is good," Tim said. "What is it?"

I spoke to Amrit, and he replied with one word; "Shesha."

I raised her eyebrows. "Hmm, are you sure you want to know?"

Tim nodded.

"Well, you know that cage we saw on the way in, the white rabbits..."

Tim chewed thoughtfully. "Tastes good, anyway."

When we had finished eating, Amy talked with Amrit, while Tim watched Laura and me playing with Shila.

As the sun started to set, we took our leave and made our way back toward the house.

"Will we need Jaya for anything else tonight?" I asked.

"I think there are some snacks left from yesterday," Tim said. "I think we can survive on those."

I spoke to Jaya, who smiled and turned down a fork in the path.

The four of us reached the house, and I slipped into the kitchen to fetch the snacks.

As we sat on the verandah and ate, Tim explained the plan for the week. "Will you two be all right by yourselves for a couple of days?"

Amy grinned. "Don't worry about us. Amit can come over – Laura will chaperone us – and Jaya will make sure we eat."

"Great," Tim said. "Probably time we got some sleep, then."

The girls went off to bed, and I put my arms around him, sliding over into his lap. He kissed me lightly, and I slid my hand inside his shirt...

***

Tim carried me back into our bedroom, laying me down on the bed and tucking me in.

"Goodnight, fly-girl," he said, kissing me tenderly on the forehead, then went back out. I was dimly aware of him switching on his laptop to check his emails and run through the material he'd been sent by the Kolkata office, then I drifted off to sleep.

It seemed no time at all before the light of the early morning sun through the window woke me.

I stirred. "Mmm," I managed, reaching an arm out to Tim.

He rolled over and held me, saying, "Morning, sleepyhead. You ready to soar?"

"Think we already did that last night," I said with a wink.

"Come on," he grinned. "We'd better wash and grab something to eat."

We quickly washed and went onto the verandah in our bathrobes. Jaya brought us breakfast and coffee, and we enjoyed the cool morning breeze as we ate.

Tim finished his coffee, and we went back to our bedroom. He put on his suit, and watched appreciatively as I dressed in my blouse and slim skirt, and finally pulled on my uniform jacket.

"I feel like I should salute," he said.

I grinned. "Come on," she said. "After I've dropped you in Kolkata, I have to fly to Delhi to pick up a client. But I'll be back in time to meet you from the office at the end of the day."

We walked out onto the verandah. Amy and Laura were sitting drinking coffee.

"You two look very smart," said Amy. "Wish I was coming to the office with you, Tim."

"Well, you and Amit are going to have to talk about what you want to do," Tim replied. "Let me know if you want me to sort something out for you."

We heard the sound of an engine approaching. "Here's the jeep," I said.

I climbed in the back seat, and Tim joined me. Sridhar's driver gunned the engine, and we headed off down the track towards the road.

He took us through the guarded gates, and we pulled up beside the Learjet. A uniformed mechanic closed a panel and carefully wiped off a smear of grease.

"Thanks, Ashok," I smiled.

I climbed the steps, and Tim followed me. I turned in through the cockpit door, giving the waiting co-pilot a pat on the shoulder and taking my seat, while Tim went through to the cabin.

The flight to Kolkata was short, and we were soon taxiing to a halt at the private terminal. I lowered the steps for Tim, and stood at the top watching him as he walked across the tarmac. Then I turned, raising the steps and closing the door.

We taxied back out again, and I was sure that Tim was watching the plane accelerate down the runway and lift into the air, diminishing to a silver needle trailing a white thread through the sky.

The flight to Delhi and back was uneventful, and I arrived in the reception area just as Tim was coming out of the lift carrying his briefcase.

"Need a ride?" I said.

Tim turned to see me standing there in my uniform. He grinned. "You going my way?"

I glanced at the receptionist, who gave a knowing smile.

We walked out of the building into the late afternoon heat, and I led Tim to a black limousine parked at the kerb.

"Nice wheels," he said.

I grinned. "The car was arranged to take my passenger to his hotel. It doesn't have to be back till the end of the day, so I, um, borrowed it with the driver to pick you up."

Tim opened the door and held it for me as I got in. As always, I could see him admiring my legs in my slim skirt as I swung them into the car. He got in beside me, and closed the door.

The car pulled away. "I'm guessing you arranged us somewhere to stay?" he said.

I smiled. "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

After a short drive, the car pulled up in front of an imposing-looking hotel, its entrance shaded by a portico supported on columns. A uniformed doorman opened my door, and I stepped out. The concierge opened the door for Tim, then retrieved our overnight bags, handing them to a porter, and the car pulled away.

Tim offered me his arm as we walked into the marble-floored reception area. I confirmed our reservation with the receptionist, and took our room key. We walked to the lift and I punched the button for the right floor.

The lift stopped and the doors opened. We stepped out onto the thick carpet, the corridor softly lit. We found our room, and opened the door. As the door closed, I was in Tim's arms.

"Slow down," he grinned. "The porter will be here with our luggage in a second."

A few moments later there was a knock on the door, and the porter brought our overnight bags in. Tim tipped him, and he left.

"Now, where were we?" Tim smiled at me.

Just then Tim's mobile phone rang. I rolled my eyes. Tim pulled it from his pocket and answered. "Tim Smith."

"Hi, Tim," I heard Amy's voice faintly at the other end. Tim put the phone on speaker.

"Hi, darling," he said. "Everything OK?"

"Sure," she said. "We've had a great day. Amit came over, we all went swimming in the Maharajah's pool. Jaya cooked us something really tasty, I asked her to make it for you when you're back."

"Good," Tim said. "What are you going to do tomorrow?"

"Amit says there's a cricket match – the village boys. He's invited us to watch."

"Sounds great," I said. "Is Laura OK? We're seeing Arjun's family tomorrow."

"She's fine – she's excited now, can't wait to meet him."

"If things go well tomorrow, maybe we can do that at the weekend," Tim said.

We chatted for a while longer, then she rang off.

"Now," I said. "Turn that off, and hang the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door."

Tim switched off the phone, and opened the door a crack to hang the sign. When he turned back, my jacket was over the back of the chair.

I smiled. "Come and give me a hand undressing."

We lay side by side on the bed, and Tim put his hand gently on my stomach.

"Tell me about your day," I said, my eyes closed.

"Not much to tell," Tim replied. "John Calhoun is very competent, very professional. I can see how he got the job heading up the office here."

"Mmm," I said, "I've only met him a few times, and then only briefly, but I did get the impression he knows what he's doing."

Tim continued. "So I met his team. They're all very good too, but I have some suggestions for them. I have to write my report in the morning and email it before we fly out."

"Did you get any lunch?" I asked.

"Just a sandwich. Do you want to go down for dinner, or shall we get something from room service?"

"I'm tempted to hide in here," I replied. "But the hotel is lovely, we should make the most of it while we're here."

"Talking of which..." Tim said, his hand lazily circling on my stomach.

***

"Now, how about dinner?" Tim asked.

I turned to face him. "Sounds lovely."

He grinned. "You can't go down like that."

"Spoilsport. But as it happens, I did bring something to wear this evening."

I finished disentangling myself from him and got out of bed. "I'll just have a quick shower first."

I went into the bathroom, returning after a few minutes towelling my hair.

"Put my bag on the bed for me, would you, darling?"

Tim lifted the bag, and I opened it, pulling out a dress in blue silk.

"Looks lovely," Tim said. I slipped the dress on, then delved in my bag again for my jewellery box.

Tim showered quickly, then dressed. "I take it my suit will do? Nobody will be looking at me when I'm with you."

I came into his arms again. "You say the sweetest things."

He hugged me. "Come on, then. Let's go and cause a stir."

We took the lift down to the lobby, and walked arm-in-arm into the restaurant. The maitre d' seated us, and directed a waiter towards us. He gave us menus, and we ordered drinks.

I sipped my tonic water. "This is quite a contrast with the village, isn't it."

Tim nodded. "Decided what you want yet?"

"Think so," I said. Tim caught the waiter's eye, and he came over.

"I'd like soup to start, and then the duck, please," I said. The waiter made a note.

"Smoked salmon, and the steak for me, please," Tim said. "Fairly well done."

The waiter nodded, and left.

"How about your day?" Tim asked.

"It was good to be flying again," I said, smiling. "I went as close as I dared to the Nepali border on the way to Delhi, so I could see the mountains, and the same on the way back – my passenger enjoyed the view too."

"John Calhoun mentioned him. Confidential negotiations?"

I smiled. "I couldn't possibly say."

Our starters arrived, and we concentrated on the superb food.

I put down my spoon. The waiter appeared silently, and removed my bowl. I sipped my drink again.

"So do you have any plans for tomorrow morning, while I'm finishing off?" Tim asked.

"I thought I'd go shopping, get wedding gifts for the girls."

"You're assuming our visit east will be successful," Tim said.

I grinned. "You heard the girls. We all have a good feeling about this."

"Fair enough," Tim said. He finished his starter, and the waiter took his plate, returning a few moments later with our main courses.

"This is wonderful," I said. Tim took a bite of his steak, and nodded.

When we'd finished eating, we moved to the lounge, ordering coffee.

"Shame you have to fly us tomorrow," Tim said. "It would have been nice to have champagne."

"I'll get a bottle for when we get back. Perhaps we can introduce Jaya to it," I grinned.

We finished our coffee, and went back upstairs to our room.

"Now," I said, slipping out of my dress, "make the most of it?"

***

In the morning, we ordered breakfast from room service, and Tim sat in a hotel bathrobe typing up his report on the laptop, while I got ready to go shopping.

"Do you want me to pick anything up for you?" I asked.

"Don't think so," he said. He kissed me, and I smiled over my shoulder as I closed the door behind me.

I took my time shopping, finding a couple of really special gifts for the girls, returned after a couple of hours. "I've already dropped everything off at the plane," I said. "We should get going."

Tim slipped off his robe. "You sure about that?"

I grinned. "I'd love to take you up on the offer, but I have a takeoff slot and there'll be hell to pay if I miss it."

Tim dressed reluctantly, and phoned down for the porter to pick up our bags.

We checked out, and the doorman hailed a taxi for us. The driver put our bags in the boot, and drove to the airport, stopping at the heavily-guarded gate leading to the air side. I showed my identification, and the barrier was lifted.