Una regretted her decision as soon as she was brought to a standstill by revving bikers coming from behind her as she entered Major's driveway. The bikers must have come down from the road above at top speed because, minutes ago, she had walked on the path leading off it, in complete isolation - glad that the lorry workers had already left.
One by one the bikers helped themselves to a garland as they rode past. Open mouthed, she watched the last one rise up into the air, and fall over the head and neck of a dumpy youth sitting on a shiny, red chrome Harley Davidson. He stayed in front of her as the lesser models of motorbikes circled them.
"Call off your dog's Gag, or else."
Una's head snapped to the veranda where Meeru stood.
Instantly, the gravel dragging and revving stopped. Una swivelled her attention back to the youth on the Harley Davidson. So this was Avi's twin. Beneath the black leather and gangster style thick gold chains and rings his flesh was tame and flabby. The army crew cut crowned his big skull like a shrunken wig. When he took his dark glasses off a ripple of revulsion expanded through her body when she realised he was scrutinising her in a lascivious manner. Una clicked her fingers, bringing his roving eye to her eyes.
"You've got my attention baby. Now what?"
Before Una could say anything he smacked his rubbery lips and made a sickening, smooching sound. His ignorant friends hooted and cheered him on.
"Gag! Take your filthy disgusting self and your sycophant groupies somewhere else and leave her alone."
He pulled a hurt face and pouted at Una.
"What Meeru, I was only showing our new neighbour what a friendly lot we are."
He brought his bike closer to Una, "What say you gorgeous -want to be my buddy?"
"I've got all the friends I need thank you," Una replied whilst keeping her eyes focused on him.
"Gag, I won't say it again, move away from Una."
"What Meeru! I was only teasing. Fine I'll leave her. Come on gang we've got to go and pick someone up from the airport." Saying that he rode past Una to the gate with his gang in tow.
Una raised her voice and pushed her basket forward. "I would like the garlands back so could you please handle them carefully and arrange them in the basket as you found them? Thank you."
Gag snorted. "Even in adversity, she is so polite. Boys I think it's only fair that we return the garlands as she asks."
Surprisingly, they did exactly that. However, when it came to his turn, he lifted his garland above his head and put it around Una's neck. Una tried not to squirm as his hands lingered on her shoulders.
"Hoh! Oops! By mistake I've married you according to our Hindu customs. What are you going to do about it Wifey?" He flicked the garland looped around her neck.
Unperturbed and smiling, Una first put the basket down and then took off the garland. Meticulously, she arranged it in the basket and then and cooed, "Oh honey, that's rather tame. By our British customs. We like to seal a marriage with a big kiss."
Gag stared agape. Cat calls from his friends brought him back to earth. Gleefully he jumped off his ride and stood close to Una.
"Oh why so far?" she baited him.
He shuffled closer to her. Fluttering her long eyelashes she tutted and put one of his arms around her. Whoops and cheers filled the air. He almost melted when she raised her hands to his face to ready him for a kiss. Una noticed his free hand quivering. It was protecting his groin. She smiled to herself - he wasn't so stupid after all.
YOU ARE READING
Firstborn
Teen FictionFrom the moment Una passes a tree on a hairpin bend, on the way to Khamosh Valley, her life is no longer hers. A car crash, a death and a cup of tea later, Una and her father find the only way they can enter her grandparent's home in the Himalayas...