"A kidnapping? Here, in India?" Manoj said in a disbelieving tone as he started up the bus. "I know India isn't a safe country but..." His voice trialed off. "Poor guy, I read about him in the newspaper yesterday. Rudy, huh?" "Yes" I replied, looking out the window. "I hope he is safe. How much money did they ask for?" I looked at him. "They didn't mention any money. The message was short." "Oh, what did it say?" Graves spoke up for me. "He's with us. By, Durga" A moment of silence passed between us. "That's all?" Manoj asked with curiosity. "Yes".
The city view looked nothing like America. The roads were bumpy. And not to mention the noise. Traffic everywhere. With all he honking and the old Hindi music blasting from the bus's speakers, I could feel a headache creeping up on me. I sighed and looked out again.
We finally reached the hotel, or, to say the least, the home stay. I looked at Manoj who just said "I thought you all needed to stay undercover. And this place is perfect!" I looked back at the home stay. Two doors of ivory wood acted as the entrance, with decorative cravings on them. There were one or two other cars in the parking lot. But not much. Nobody would be so stupid to come to Jaipur in the summers. Except us. Or that guy, Rudy. Manoj knocked on the door and spoke something in Hindi. The heavy door opened with a creak, and am elderly woman, probably in her 70s, stood there to greet us. "This is Amma ji." Manoj explained. "She and her family have been running this place since the 19s." He continued with a hint of pride in his voice. From behind the woman, a young girl appeared with a plate in her hand. I squinted my eyes. There were garlands and something red. Manoj saw the confusion on our faces and explained. "We treat our guests very respectfully. That's garlands, my guests. And the ither thing is Tika. You put it on your forehead." I looked at the girl. She was tall with a athletic built. Her dark hair cascaded down her heart shaped face like curtains. Her skin glowed with a warm, golden undertone. I heard Graves breath hitch behind me. I managed to suppress an eye roll. Hopeless romantic, I thought to myself. The girl came up to us, and greeted us with a warm smile. She put that red tika on my head in a straight line and put the garlands around my neck. She did this to everyone else. Graves tried to speak, but Phillip put a hand on his shoulder, silencing him. Manoj motioned for us to come inside once we were done. I took a look at Graves, who still stared at the girl as she disappeared inside. We followed Manoj.
YOU ARE READING
Rose of grace
Fantasyhi. I don't get much time to write. but I hope you like my delusional story with a strong female lead. And of course, it's Indian. Because we don't get represented enough. Also, this is my first story!
