James here.
My first time writing a story like this but I certainly had some good help and support. My wife, Raviprabha and I, have become concerned about how Letters has stalled and wanted to do something to encourage them to start writing again. Hope this helps.
James & Reshma.
Hello from Payam
Brian and I were standing beside Sarvesh, outside, before the Big House. Mike from New Zealand was with us too. Before us was the statue/water feature that dominated the approach to Sarvesh’s house. It consisted of three beautiful women, semi-naked, relaxing beside the pool. One of very dark complexion was standing as she poured water from a jar, over herself and friends. A second woman, sitting kneeling had a lighter complexion of brown while the third woman, in a reclining position, was even lighter again. This has been said by many to be an obvious reflection on those from our group being both from India and from Western countries of Australia and New Zealand.
‘Is it true what Shanti says about this statue?’ I asked Brian.
“What does Shanti say?’ he asked.
‘That the woman standing is Hansini, the one kneeling is Shanti and the one reclining is Jenny.’
I was expecting Sarvesh to answer but when I looked at him, he just was with a slight smile.
Brian laughed at that, repeating what Sarvesh has said. ‘Shanti, you have an active imagination.’
‘But, is it true?’ I pressed him again.
Brian looked over at Sarvesh like he was asking permission. I saw the slight nod Sarvesh gave him.
He smiled. Then nodded. ‘Yes, it is three women, from among our friends.’
'Well, almost true,' Sarvesh corrected him. 'The white woman was meant to be Jenny but we changed her face to Joyce at the last moment so she is a combination of both women.'
'So, Shanti and the girls are right.'
'Of course, they are smart women,' Sarvesh replied. “But are they right? Ahhh! That is the big question.”
Was this man admitting it or not? It was hard to know.
'But don’t tell them they are right or wrong. We are having too much fun with them.'
I laughed at that. Those men were too. Having a lot of fun teasing the women.