disarray and her eyes looked swollen. She was wearing a faded pair of jeans and a t-shirt that had
seen better days.
“Do you have any pain killers with you? I have a splitting headache but am out of pain killers. I
don’t want to drive in this condition, I am sure I will hit someone or something!”
“Please come on!” Satyaki said and almost bit his tongue!
Was it a good idea to invite her in? Natasha popped in a couple of painkillers and lounged
languidly on his sofa.
“You know I haven’t had anything to eat all day. I never feel like getting up when I get these
headaches.”
He made tea and an omelet for her and then found himself inviting her for dinner much to his
own surprise!
Her headache seemed to have disappeared as she gave him a dazzling smile and said, “Oh I just
love Indian food!”
Later she ate rice, daal with vegetables and chicken curry with relish. She talked nineteen a
dozen. About how her mother had come to this country from Russia when Natasha was very
young. She had settled in a red light area in Brooklyn in New York City. That is where most on
Natasha’s childhood was spent. She didn’t have any shame in her voice as she said all that, no
regrets either. It was just an innocent confession. She didn’t hesitate to tell him that she worked
for an escort service, no hang ups at all. A lot of the very rich, important and powerful people
were willing to pay a lot of money for her time and company. Satyaki had listened with his
mouth almost falling open. As an only child of middle class parents he had never ever met
anyone like Natasha. It was an absolutely new experience for him.
Finally when it was time for her to go home Natasha had touched his cheek with her soft red lips
and Satyaki felt as if a jolt of electric current had passed through his body! He felt strangely
elated as well.
That was the start. Natasha started frequenting his home often after that. She loved the food was
what she kept saying and Satyaki enjoyed cooking for he r. Sometimes she would bring a Russian
dish with her or just a pint of ice cream. They talked a lot. Natasha was an intelligent girl, it was
a pity to realize where lack of opportunities could take someone.
She was very eager to learn everything about Satyaki as well. His childhood, how he came to the
US to study, how he got his job, everything about him interested her. She laughed herself silly on
hearing that his parents were looking for a girl for him!
“Oh my God! You guys are living in the dark ages!” she exclaimed laughing, “Do I have to ask
for your parents’ permission if I want to kiss you?”
Satyaki had felt a tiny bit awkward. It was true that he had not told his parents about Natasha but
whenever he was with her he waited with bated breath for the touch of her lips!
Passion had blinded Satyaki. Days and nights blended into one. He thought of Natasha all the
time. Years ago after watching the movie ‘Pretty woman’ he had argued with his friends. How
can a respectable man fall head over heels in love with a prostitute? It was a totally unnatural and
impractical concept he had insisted. But now he knew! He didn’t care that Natasha worked for an
escort service nor did he care two hoots about her past. He just wanted to protect her and keep
her safe and secure within the circle of his love. He wanted to give her a whole new life. He had
even bought a diamond ring for her, though he couldn’t summon the courage to give it to her.
He had tried to tell his parents in an indirect way saying, “Stop looking for girls for me! I don’t
want to get married right now!”