The surprise. Amita’s Story Chapter 1

This is a multi chapter story as there are more things that I will reveal. Please enjoy it, and let me know your feedback as I would like to improve, and understand what everyone here enjoys. Thank you in advance for reading my stories.

I was sitting in the train, as it sped along the tracks to Delhi. The swaying motion made me a little uneasy, but I ignored it. My mind wandered to home and what mother wanted to tell me. We always communicated over calls or messages, so her insistence on visiting home surprised me. I feared she wanted to scold me for dating Rajesh. We had only been out a couple of times, nothing serious yet. Surely that wasn't reason enough for the summons?, or was it because she wanted to celebrate my birthday, I had turned 19 a week ago, so maybe that was the reason?

I gazed out the window as the countryside flashed by, fields of wheat and rice waving in the breeze. I loved the view from the train window, it never ceased to amaze me. Soon we would reach Delhi cantonment station, my stop.

A few minutes later the loud speaker yelled out "Delhi Cantonment, next stop!" I stood up ready to step off when the train ground to a halt. Disembarking passengers hurried onto the platform as I stepped down and walked towards the exit, I always travelled heavy, I had 2 large bags and a backpack with me for a week.

Outside the station, our chauffeur waited by the car, holding my name on a placard. He greeted me warmly, "Namaste Amita Ji! Priya Ji sent me to pick you up." I smiled in acknowledgement as he took my bags and loaded them into the trunk of our BMW. Settling into the backseat, I gazed out at the bustling city streets as we drove home.

I came from a family that was well off financially. My father Pritam Singh was one of Delhi's most successful businessmen, having made his fortune in real estate development and construction. He had since retired, handing over day to day operations to my elder brother Vikram who now resided with his wife Priya in another mansion on the other side of town.

Growing up we lived a charmed life, with every material comfort one could imagine. Our large home was staffed with servants and cooks, a chauffeur at our disposal and vacations abroad planned yearly. I had always been close to my parents but had lost connection to Vikram since he got married, there seem to be a void between us.

I gazed out the tinted window of the BMW as we sped along the highway towards home. The chauffeur drove expertly, maneuvering through traffic with ease. Soon we exited onto a tree lined boulevard that led to our neighborhood. Mansions set back from the road, each one more opulent than the last.

We pulled into our driveway, the wrought iron gates swinging open as the car approached. I saw my home come into view - it was an imposing white marble structure with colonnaded verandahs and arched windows. The car halted by the front steps and the chauffeur hopped out to open my door.

I stepped out of the BMW onto the red sandstone pavers that led up to our double height front doors. Our home was built in a colonial style, with manicured lawns surrounding it on all sides. A gardener tended to the flowerbeds, deadheading spent blooms.

As I climbed the steps to the front door, heels clicking loudly against the stone, I reached for the bell pull. Just before my fingers grazed the metal, a click sounded and one of the double doors swung inward silently.

I stepped through into our foyer, looking around in surprise at the unfamiliar face that greeted me. A woman stood there, dressed in a red sari with gold embroidery along the border. She had on a veil covering her head so I couldn't see her features but she was stunningly beautiful nonetheless.

The woman curtsied deeply as I entered, bowing her head and stepping aside to let me pass.
"Namaste Priya Ji!" she intoned in a coarse voice, hands clasped together. "Please come in." She took my bags from the chauffeur who had followed me inside, inclining her head regally. I caught a hint of manliness in her voice, but ignored it.

I gazed at her in wonder as I walked into our expansive foyer. The marble floor gleamed underfoot and a grand staircase curved up to the second story landings above. Ornate rugs were scattered artfully, gilt framed mirrors hung on the walls.

I settled onto one of the plush velvet sofas that dominated our cavernous living room as the woman climbed the stairs with my luggage. The click clack of stiletto heels echoed loudly from above. I gazed around, marveling at how little had changed since I'd left for college.

The décor was still impeccably tasteful, a mix of antique and modern furnishings that showcased our wealth. Ornate vases sat on marble tables, silk curtains draped the windows. Everything shone with polish and care.

I settled onto one of the plush velvet sofas that dominated our cavernous living room as the woman climbed the stairs with my luggage. The click clack of stiletto heels echoed loudly from above. I gazed around, marveling at how little had changed since I'd left for college.

The décor was still impeccably tasteful, a mix of antique and modern furnishings that showcased our wealth. Ornate vases sat on marble tables, silk curtains draped the windows. Everything shone with polish and care.

I stared after her retreating figure in astonishment as she ascended the staircase with my heavy bags as if they weighed nothing at all. How could a woman manage such towering heels with such ease? Surely this was not the first time she had worn them.

Just then I heard my mother's voice calling out, "Amita! I'm so glad you made it safely." She emerged from her study, looking radiant in a simple but elegant ankle length dress, her hair pulled back in a chignon. Minimal jewelry adorned her wrists and ears, as was her habit. Flat ballet pumps covered her feet.

We embraced warmly, mother enfolding me in her arms. "How was the journey? I hope you're not too tired." She guided me over to the sofa and we sat down together.

Mother and I settled onto the plush velvet sofa. "So tell me dear, how are things at college? Are you enjoying your classes?" She gazed at me inquiringly.

I responded to mother's queries about school. Just then we heard the click clack of heels once more, announcing the arrival of our mysterious visitor from before.

She descended the grand staircase with lithe grace, stilettos flashing in the light. Stopping before us she bowed low, hands pressed together.

I gazed at her in astonishment as she clasped her hands together demurely before us, the bangles jangling on her wrists. The red saree draped elegantly over her curvaceous figure and the gold embroidery glinted under the chandelier lights.

As she bowed low, I caught a glimpse of long dangling earrings swaying beneath her veil that brushed against her slender shoulders. A flash of metal peeked out from under the gossamer fabric - surely a large nosering adorned her delicate nostril.

Pink lips curved in a smile as she straightened up and I noticed her diamond mangalsutra, draped over her chest. Countless bangles encircled each slender wrist, chiming melodically as she moved.

Pink nail polish glistened on her dainty toes peeking out from under her saree as she pivoted gracefully to leave. A glittering jewel winked at me from her pierced navel. Her lipstick matched her nails and the ruby tones of her bindi, a perfect crimson hue.

Pratima dear, would you please make some chai for Amita and me? I'm sure she's parched after her journey."
Pratima bowed low once more, bangles jangling as she pressed palms together. Without uttering a word she glided silently from the room.

I turned to mother in astonishment as Pratima exited the living room. "Mother, who is this mysterious lady? Why have I not seen her before?”

Mother regarded me seriously. "Patience Amita my dear. All will be revealed at dinner tonight. For now, please freshen up after your long journey." She patted my hand reassuringly.

The click clack of stiletto heels heralded Pratima's return with a silver tray bearing two steaming cups of chai. The aroma of fragrant spices wafted over to me as she approached, head bowed humbly.

Setting the tray down on the coffee table before us, Pratima bowed again and retreated quietly to stand against the wall.

Pratima placed our teacups carefully in front of each of us, then stepped back with another graceful curtsy. She clasped hands demurely before her as she took up a position several paces away from where we sat, eyes downcast and silent as a statue.

I gazed at the fragrant chai steaming invitingly in its china cup but my curiosity was piqued by the mysterious lady.

Mother regarded Pratima thoughtfully for a moment before addressing her. "Pratima dear, please finish preparing dinner for us.”

Pratima bowed low once more, bangles jangling loudly in the stillness of the room as she pressed palms together. Without a word she spun on her heel and glided silently from the living room, stilettos clicking against the marble floor.

Mother patted my hand soothingly as she rose from the sofa. "Everything will become clear at dinner tonight Amita. For now, please freshen up after your long journey dear. We'll speak more then."
With that she swept from the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts and a cup of cooling chai.

I ascended the grand staircase to the second floor landings, marveling at how Pratima had managed to unpack all my things so swiftly. My suitcases were nowhere to be seen - surely they weighed far more than this slender beauty could handle!

Entering my bedroom I gasped in amazement - everything was immaculate and precisely arranged. Clothes hung neatly in the closet, cosmetics lined up on my dresser top, accessories glittered from their velvet-lined cases.

Even my hairbrush lay perfectly angled atop a lace doily on the vanity table!

I admired how meticulously Pratima had unpacked and organized all of my belongings. She had even thought to stow my suitcases out of sight at the far end of the walk-in closet, leaving the room uncluttered.

My makeup was arranged by type - lipsticks grouped together, eyeshadows in another cluster, blushes in a neat row. Hair ties and clips sparkled from atop the dresser while perfumes stood sentinel on one corner.

Pratima's attention to detail left me stunned - she had managed to unpack my entire room in mere minutes! I could scarcely imagine how she had achieved such an accomplishment.

I heard mother calling from downstairs, her melodic voice echoing up the stairwell. "Amita! Dinner is ready dear. Please join us!" Her tone was tinged with excitement.

Drying off quickly from my shower, I hastily donned a simple salwar kameez and brushed out my damp curls before hurrying downstairs. My towel lay in a heap on the carpet but I decided to tidy it later. I had already made a mess of my room, cluttering my clothes all around the bed, and makeup strewn around. It looked a far cry from how Pratima had left it.

Descending the grand staircase once more, I entered the cavernous dining room to find Pratima standing rigidly at attention near the table, hands clasped demurely before her. Mother sat regally at the head of the long mahogany table.

She gestured for me to take my seat beside her as Pratima hurried over and pulled out a plush velvet chair, indicating I should be seated.

Pratima glided silently across the marble floor, stiletto heels clicking loudly against the stone. She halted by a side table laden with silver trays, then approached bearing a plate with golden samosas, chutnies, chana and yogurt.

Setting it down before me with a soft clink, Pratima retreated a few steps and bowed, hands pressed together. "Chaat, Amita Ji?" she inquired in a coarse voice.

I gazed at the sumptuous feast spread out on the dining room table - steaming paneer tikka masala and dal makhani, fragrant basmati rice in a serving bowl. Platters of crisp samosas and tangy chaat sat temptingly nearby.

Atop it all perched an ornate bowl with gulab jamun, the syrupy sweet balls glistening invitingly under the chandelier lights. Pratima hovered attentively as she waited for mother's instructions.