The Frigid Bride

Chapter 6

Avni's POV

I didn't know...  But didn't care at the moment.  I just kept driving carefully. After driving for about 3 hours, I finally reached Ranikhet.

I took a deep breath and parking the car in the market parking lot, I went into a coffee house and ordered a coffee and a fruit muffin.

And then following his very precise landmark locations and directions, I finally reached his farmhouse. I pulled up outside his home. It looked huge and beautiful. It was a mansion.

It had a very English type of structure.  I got out of the car and stood in front of the two-storeyed, white building with lots of windows. There was a lot of pine trees lined up around the boundaries of the property. The place looked beautiful with lush green grass lawns.

Just then the main door of the house opened and Robert came with a butler following him. "  Avni!  I am glad you are here. Welcome to my home !! "  He said. He looked very good in dark-coloured trousers and a light coloured sweater.

I saw him coming towards me. I smiled at him, " Thanks !! " and I shyly extended my hand towards him to shake hands with him.

But ignoring my hand he held my arms and pulled me closer for a light hug. He was very tall and broad.

I tried not to panic as it was a  normal way of greeting for them.
Then he came even closer and kissed on both my cheeks unhurriedly. I almost went stunned and felt hot all over.

I stiffened a bit and Even though I tried not to, I could not take it and pushed him away.

He was surprised at that and I felt a bit awkward and embarrassed at what I did.

" I am sorry, I am not very used to this way of greeting. " I said to apologise for the awkward moment.

" But I have been in France for so many years, there they greet their family members like this only. "  He said.

I nodded and thought that I would leave all my inhibitions and be a new and positive person. So, I smiled and said. " I am glad to be here. This place is really calm and beautiful. Thanks for your offer. "

He smiled at me and said, "  Please come in, you must be really tired. It was a long journey and driving in a hilly area, makes you even more tired. I will get someone to keep your luggage in your room.  Come have some refreshment or lunch. "

" Thanks, I already ate lunch about an hour back but would like to have some tea or coffee. "

" Sure... Come with me. " He said and we went inside. He told his butler to get tea and refreshments.

" So how was your journey?? Did you face any problem?? " He asked.

" It was long but without any problem. Thanks a lot, your directions, landmarks and instructions were so precise that I didn't have to ask anything from anyone. "

" I am glad they were useful to you. "

Just then an old lady in her mid-fifties came in. She looked like a  lovely and lively lady, her eyes were sparkling with excitement and love.

" Avni, she is Mrs Gomez, my housekeeper. And Mrs Gomez, she is Avni, Avni Tylor... John's wife. "

I was surprised to be introduced as Avni Tylor, John's wife.

" Welcome, Mrs Taylor !! " She said with a broad smile and hugged me. "

" Please call me, Avni," I said and she looked at Robert, he nodded at her.
I liked her warm hug.