Tim and Amy

The taxi took us to the Learjet, and we climbed aboard, greeting the co-pilot. Again I went forward, and we were soon in the air. The sun shining in through the windows shifted as I turned the plane east.

After an hour or so, I said over the loudspeaker, "We'll be landing in a few minutes."

The landscape was the usual patchwork of small fields, patches of jungle, and rivers. I brought the plane down on the airstrip, and we came to a stop.

"The co-pilot will wait for us," I said, coming out of the cockpit. "I've arranged for Arjun's family to bring him something to eat, so we can take our time."

We left the plane, and soon spotted Amrit's cousin and his wife. They had obviously gone to some effort to dress formally for our meeting.

I spoke to them, then turned to Tim. "This is Rajat, and his wife is Shanti. Their English is pretty good, so we'll both be able to talk to them. If there's anything they get stuck on, I'll interpret for us."

Tim gave them the palms-together sign of respect, which they returned with a smile, and we walked slowly towards the village.

We arrived at the family's home – a modest single-storey concrete house much like our own. Rajat indicated that we should sit in the chairs that had been set out on the verandah, and a young woman brought us tea.

"Amrit will join us shortly with Arjun," began Rajat, "but he thought it would be good if just the four of us talked for a while. Forgive me being so bold, but the story of your family is quite an unusual one – even being in India at all, and your girls wanting to marry according to our traditions rather than your own customs."

Tim thought for a moment before replying. "You're right. As Amrit says, there must be some purpose in it, though Sarah and I are still trying to understand what that might be."

Rajat smiled. "Yes, Amrit told us that you are only at the very beginning of your path."

I wondered exactly what he meant, and Tim looked thoughtful, but nodded to him to continue.

"So we are looking for someone for Arjun," Rajat went on. "I'm sure Amrit has told you that he hasn't followed the usual route to what some of our people would see as a desirable career, and our family doesn't have much to offer a prospective bride in terms of wealth, or land. But Arjun is a sensible boy – he's thoughtful, and gentle with people and with the creatures he cares for."

"I think that counts for a lot," Tim said. "Laura isn't career-minded either – I'm sure Amrit told you she's very creative. She needs someone who will love her, give her space to work, someone who can bring her back down to earth a little. She can be quite dreamy, lose track of time."

Rajat nodded. "Did you bring photographs?" he asked.

Tim took out an envelope and spread the photos on the table. He'd brought the pictures he'd taken of Laura in her sari the evening we went out for our meal, and also of her in the cream salwar kameez she'd worn for our wedding.

Shanti spoke for the first time. "She is very beautiful."

"Yes, she is," I smiled.

"So if we go ahead with the match," Tim said, "Arjun would come to live with us – Sarah has explained the custom."

"That's right," said Rajat. "Amrit has told us that you have truly become part of their village – Amy is marrying Rajesh's son – so we have no hesitation in Arjun going to be your nokrom."

He paused. "We seem to be agreed, then. Shall I call Amrit to bring Arjun to us?"

Tim nodded, and Rajat left the room. Shortly he and Amrit returned, and with them a younger man. As Arjun came into the room, I had a strange sense of recognition, as though I had met him before somehow. I felt the same odd tingling sensation I'd had when we had first visited Amrit's church, and again when he had prayed for us.

Tim leaned over to whisper in my ear. "Do you feel it too?"

I nodded, and squeezed his hand.

Arjun came towards us, then knelt and touched our feet in the same gesture that Amrit and Anjali had made the first time I'd taken Tim to the village. Again I felt almost overwhelmed with emotion.

Rajat indicated an empty seat, and Arjun sat down. He looked at the photos lying on the table, but didn't speak.

"So, Arjun," began Rajat. "You know why Tim and Sarah are here. They have talked with us, and there is agreement that this match is a good one. Now is your opportunity to ask any questions you wish, and if you are also happy to proceed, you'll return with Amrit to meet Laura."

Arjun was silent for a moment. Then he said, "Tim, Sarah, it's good to meet you. Forgive me if I sound presumptuous, but I was certain the moment my father said that Amrit was coming to speak to us, that this path would be the right one."

He picked up the photos of Laura. "She is very beautiful, and I can see even in her photographs that she has a good heart. I'm looking forward to meeting her."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small package. "Please, give this to her."

I accepted the gift, and put it carefully into my bag, giving Arjun a warm smile.

"It's almost time for our midday meal," said Shanti. "Please, eat with us."

She went out to the back of the house, and after a few moments, the young woman who had brought our tea appeared with dishes and plates.

Shanti served us, and I ate with my fingers, while Tim grinned sheepishly and took the knife and fork that Shanti offered.

We finished the meal, and I said, "We'd better be getting back – my co-pilot will be keen to return to Kalaikunda."

Amrit and the family walked with us back to the plane. I spoke to Amrit briefly. "He will return to the village with Arjun tomorrow," I said.

We made our farewells, and boarded the plane. This time I set our course west, and said over the loudspeaker, "Hang on tight!"

The plane climbed steeply, then I sent the craft into a spinning dive. When we levelled out, the cockpit door opened and I came out, grinning at Tim, who was still holding tightly to the arms of his chair.

"Couldn't resist that after the brilliant meeting we had with Rajat and Shanti," I said. "Now the co-pilot can take us in – he can be the one to jump out of his skin if our IAF friends decide to buzz us in their MiG's on our way into the base."

I sat beside Tim, and he put his arm around my shoulders. "You think it's settled, then?" he asked.

"Definitely," I grinned. I leaned over and kissed him. "We can have a family dinner tonight to tell Laura and Amy – and Amit – all about Arjun, before he arrives tomorrow."

I leaned my head on his shoulder, and we sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes while the plane arrowed its way west.

"Well," I said with a sigh, "nearly time to land."

I went back into the cockpit and soon we were on the ground at Kalaikunda, having escaped the attentions of the IAF pilots this time.

The jeep took us back to the village, and even before we reached the house, Laura ran out to meet us, trailed by Amy and Amit.

"So is he dishy?" she asked, breathless.

"He's lovely," I said. "You'll suit each other perfectly."

Laura turned to Amy, and the two girls hugged and did a sort of victory dance while Amit looked on a little bemused.

"I'm very pleased for you," he said. I nodded.

As we reached the house, I went into the kitchen to talk to Jaya. The young woman came to the door, beaming. "Special dinner tonight," she said in Hindi, and Tim nodded his understanding.

We sat down on the verandah and Jaya brought us tea.

"So how was work?" asked Amy.

"Great," Tim said. "I printed out a copy of my report for you so you can get the inside track on the Kolkata office."

She grinned. "Amit and I have talked – it would be great if you could get us an opportunity in the company. We don't both have to be in the same office – after all, we can always cadge a lift with Sarah." She winked at me, and I grinned.

"But tell me about Arjun," insisted Laura, smiling.

"He thinks you're beautiful," I said. Laura looked embarrassed but pleased.

"And he sent you a gift," I continued. I gave Laura the small package.

Laura unwrapped it, her hands trembling. Inside, as I'd suspected, was a jewellery box. Laura opened the lid and gasped.

"It's lovely," she said. She turned the box towards us to reveal a ring with light blue stones all round.

"Try it on," said Amy. "I bet that colour goes with your eyes."

Laura slipped the ring onto her left hand. "Well, what do you know, it fits on the right finger," she grinned.

"I have a surprise for Amy too," said Amit. "I wasn't sure when the right moment would be."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box similar to Arjun's gift.

Amy's eyes were wide. She accepted the box from him and opened it.

"Oh, wow," she said. She took out a ring a little like Laura's, but with a much darker stone, obviously a sapphire. She allowed Amit to slip it onto her finger.

"It really feels like it's happening now," said Laura.

"Arjun will be here tomorrow," I reminded her.

Just then Jaya arrived with our evening meal, and we continued to talk as we ate.

The sun was finally setting as we finished our meal. Amy and Amit went off for a walk, leaving Tim and me alone with Laura.

"Now, Laura," Tim said. She gave him her full attention.

He hesitated. "I know everything seems to be working out, but if for any reason things don't click between you and Arjun, you only have to say. We've done all the talking so far, and it seems to make sense, but if it doesn't feel right to you, that's fine – you only need to say, and Sarah and I will sort everything out."

Laura nodded. "I really appreciate that," she said. "I think I'll go to bed now – I want to be fresh to meet Arjun tomorrow."

She went off to the room that would be hers and Amy's for only a little while longer. Tim and I sat on the verandah for a while longer, then went to bed ourselves. As we undressed, we heard Amy and Amit returning, then Amit's footsteps receding toward the village.

***

The next morning we sat eating breakfast on the verandah.

"Amrit won't be back with Arjun until at least late afternoon," Tim said. "What shall we do until then?"

"Can we go for a really long walk?" asked Amy. "Amit had to go into town to sort out some paperwork for Rajesh, and it'd be really nice just for the four of us to spend some time together."

"Sounds great," Tim said. "Sarah, can you get Jaya to pack us up some lunch?"

"No problem."

We got ready, and set off along the track away from the village, passing the ruined palace, then the Maharajah's pool and the summer house on top of the hill. The path continued down the other side of the hill and we followed it into a valley, a small stream running over the rocks.

Suddenly Amy, who was in the lead, stopped and pointed. We looked across at the other side of the valley where she was indicating. I saw a movement, and said, "There – look."

On the slope, an Indian fox – its distinctive tail looking as though the tip had been dipped in soot – was making its way through the sparse vegetation. Suddenly the fox leapt, and we saw it biting at something it had caught between its paws. Then the fox moved on, disappearing out of sight round the curve of the valley.

"Let's stop here to eat," said Laura. "We might see something else."

We spread out the blanket we'd brought and sat down. Jaya had made all sorts of snacks for us, and we talked as we ate. A little way off, some dark birds were foraging.

"House crows," I pointed. "You saw them at Satpura. When we're gone, they'll inspect this spot very carefully to see if we've left anything."

"Well, we don't want to disappoint them," grinned Laura. She crumbled what was left of the snack she was eating, and scattered the bits.

We set off again, glancing back occasionally. Sure enough, the crows were strutting around the spot where we'd rested, enjoying the tidbits Laura had left for them. A couple of kites circled briefly overhead, obviously wondering if there was anything worth their while descending for.

We carried on, the sun getting warmer. In the distance we could see a rocky outcrop, and the girls ran ahead to look at it.

They came back, out of breath. "There are caves and everything," said Amy excitedly.

We made our way to the bottom of the rocky slope, then scrambled upward a little way till we reached one of the dark openings.

"Careful, there might be snakes," Tim warned. We ventured a little way into the cave, but nothing seemed to be disturbed by our presence.

Tim spread the blanket out again just in the shade of the cave mouth. "Anyone feel like a nap?" he said, stretching out.

I joined him, resting my head on his shoulder. Then Amy snuggled up against Tim's other side, and Laura lay next to me, her arm reaching across us.

"If Amy and Amit are going to be working away," said Laura, "we'll have to plan trips like this to catch up, I guess."

"Don't worry," said Amy. "We'll make sure things work out. I'm sure the company has a policy on teleworking, right, Tim?"

"You might have to do a stint full-time in the office for a while," Tim said, "but sure, we can come up with something."

"Anyway," I said sleepily, "plenty of time for all that. Let's just enjoy the shade..."

We were woken by the lowering sun shining in our eyes. The girls sat up, and I rolled off Tim.

"Time we were heading back," Tim said. "I guess you want to get ready to meet Arjun, right, Laura?"

She nodded. "It'd be nice to have a shower when we get back."

"I'm sure Jaya will have some water ready for you," I grinned.

We set off back in the direction we'd come, and soon completed the steep climb back up to the Maharajah's summer house. We paused for a moment, then began the descent towards home.

"Phew," said Amy as we passed the reservoir, "I'm really warm now." She knelt at the edge of the pool and splashed her face. Laura joined her, dangling her legs in the cool water.

"It looks so inviting," I said. "We didn't bring swimming stuff, did we?"

"I bet if we got wet, in this sun our clothes would be dry by the time we got home," Tim said.

"I don't need asking twice," I grinned, taking off my shoes and diving in. The girls slid off the edge of the pool to join me, and Tim followed them.

I did a couple of lengths, then swam towards Tim and stood up. My wet shirt clung closely to my figure, and Tim raised his eyebrows.

I smiled. "Later," I promised.

When we were thoroughly refreshed, we got out, and slowly walked on, our clothes still cool against our skin. By the time we reached the trees surrounding the ruined palace, we were virtually dry. The warm breeze blew through the trees, and dappled sunlight fell on the path.

We emerged from the wood and made our way down the track to the house. Jaya waved as we approached, and went back into the kitchen to make us tea.

"Right," said Laura, "time for me to get ready. Shall I put on my salwar kameez?"

I nodded. "Arjun certainly liked that photo. And don't forget your ring."

Laura disappeared into the bathroom for a while, then emerged in a towel. "Come and help me dress, Amy," she requested. Tim and I stayed on the balcony sipping our tea.

We heard footsteps on the path, and Amrit appeared with Arjun.

"Welcome to our home," Tim said.

Arjun smiled. "Thank you."

I spoke to Amrit. "He'll leave Arjun with us," I said. "Then he'll come back later – Arjun is staying at Rajesh's house, at least for tonight."

Amrit left, and Tim motioned to Arjun to sit. Jaya brought him tea, and he thanked her.

"Laura is just getting ready," Tim explained. "She and Amy will be here soon."

As Tim finished speaking, Amy appeared. "Oh!" she said, seeing Arjun.

"This is Amy," Tim said.

"Of course," said Arjun, "I recognise you from your pictures with Laura."

Amy grinned. "I'll go and get her," she said.

She left, and the two girls returned together. Laura stopped in the doorway, looking at Arjun.

For a moment Laura was speechless, then she said hesitantly, "Thank you for the gift." She held out her hand to show him the ring on her finger.

Arjun got to his feet. "It suits you," he said. "I hoped it would."

He tentatively took her outstretched hand. "I'm glad to meet you, Laura."

She nodded, silent again.

Tim cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should leave these two to talk for a while," he said. "We'll be in the garden. Jaya will bring us all some more tea."

Amy and I followed him, and over my shoulder I saw Laura and Arjun sit down facing one another, Arjun still holding her hand.

We went into the garden. "How long shall we give them?" Tim wondered aloud.

"I think they'll let us know," I said. I sat on a low wall, crossing my legs gracefully, while Amy rested against the low branch of a tree.

I was proved right. After a few minutes, Arjun appeared hand in hand with Laura.

"Mr Smith," he said formally. "Laura and I would like to let you know that the arrangement that has been suggested will suit us very well."

Tim reached out and shook his hand warmly, while Amy and I hugged Laura, tears in their eyes.

"Amy," Tim said, "Do you want to see if Amit's back? It'd be great to have all six of us together. I'm sure Jaya can take some pictures with my camera."

Amy raced off to the village, and returned a few minutes later with a breathless but grinning Amit. The two young men shook hands firmly, and I could see Tim blink back tears as the two girls stood by their partners.

"Don't they all look fantastic together?" Tim said to me.

I nodded, not even trying to hold back the tears running down my face.

Tim hugged me, then went to fetch his camera, leaning in at the kitchen door to ask Jaya to join us. She followed him out into the garden, and he handed her the camera.

We lined up, and Jaya pressed the shutter. She glanced at the screen, and nodded.

Just then Amrit reappeared. I went over to him and spoke. He smiled broadly and replied.

"Amrit says that all the preparations for the wedding are being made. Sujesh will have finished the house for Amit and Amy soon. Amrit also says he's suggested that Sujesh build another storey on our house to give us more room now that Laura and Arjun will definitely be staying."

"What, just like that?" Tim said.

"He planned ahead and made the foundations deep enough, and if you look under the eaves, the steel reinforcing comes a little way out of the top of the concrete."

"Fair enough," Tim grinned. "And I bet we don't have to worry about planning permission."

***

The days leading up to the wedding seemed to fly by. Arjun stayed with Rajesh, but he and Amit came over every day to spend time with the girls. Arjun helped Amit get the house ready for him and Amy, and Amit returned the favour by helping Sujesh with the work on our second floor.

The day of the wedding came, and Tim and I walked down the aisle with the girls, handing them over to their respective grooms. Again Amrit performed the ceremony, and we danced till late afterwards.

Amy and Amit drove off for their honeymoon at the hotel in Kolkata where Tim and I had stayed, while Laura and Arjun went to the forest dwelling – "I get to honeymoon in a tree house," grinned Laura – that Arjun stayed in when he was on duty.

Tim and I returned home, going up the steps to our new, airy bedroom.

"When do you have to fly again?" he asked me, watching as I undressed with my back to him.

"Day after tomorrow," I said. "But there's a limit on how much longer I'll be flying."

He gave me a puzzled look. I turned to him, one hand resting on my stomach, and smiled.

"Take a closer look," I said. "Tim, I'm pregnant. We're going to have that baby we talked about."

He looked stunned, then came to take me tenderly in his arms.

"Why didn't you say something," he said, stroking my hair, his other hand covering mine over the bulge he could just see, now he knew.