To the reader:
This is my first story so don't be too strict with your judgements. Please also notice that English is not my native language.
The story was edited by KittyLovesPain.
Her suggestion made the story more readable.
THANK YOU
*
When I left the beauty shop I was in a real good mood. Three Thai girls were had been working on me to get my nails and hair done. The whole procedure took just one hour and cost only £5 --generous tips included.
Since it was already evening and I felt hungry, I decided to have dinner in a restaurant I knew from previous visits.
It was not so hot any more and I decided to walk the few blocks. When I reached the restaurant it was almost empty. Just a bunch of tourists were sitting at a table near the entrance.
I chose a small table for two in a corner. When the waiter came I ordered a glass of red wine and started to study the menu and ordered chicken curry with rice and mixed vegetables when he brought me the wine.
After the first sip of the wine my mind drifted back into the past. It was exactly 10 years ago when I had met Frank. He was a man of the world -- well travelled, good looking and very charming. I had a crush on him at the first sight. At this time I was a 25 year old Cinderella - shy, overweight and self-conscious and a virgin as well.
I guess he just felt pity on me when he took me to his hotel room.
Suddenly a sound brought me back to the present. I looked up and saw a man standing in front of my table. He was around 50 years with short grey hair. He was dressed in grey slacks and a blue Polo shirt.
"Excuse me, may I join you?" His voice and his smile were warm and friendly.
"Yes, I would like some company," I said with a flashing smile.
"My name is Peter Robinson and I am from Manchester," he introduced himself.
"My name is Lakshmi Ghosh and I am from London."
"Are you here on holiday?"
"Yes I visited my sister in Tokyo for a couple of days and now I have some spare days before I go back to London. What about yourself?"
"Oh that's a surprise. I also came from Tokyo but was there on business. I couldn't get a direct flight and so I decided to stay a few days here and do some sight-seeing".
In the meanwhile a waitress had come and he ordered himself a beer and a steak with chips.
"Please excuse my curiosity, but isn't Lakshmi the name of a goddess?"
"Yes it is. She is the goddess of wealth and beauty. It is quite common in India to give children the name of a deity. Unfortunately I haven't got any of this qualities." I said with a sad smile.
He suddenly took my hand and looked deeply into my eyes.
"Dear Lakshmi, don't be so modest. You are an intelligent and charming young lady."
"Thanks Peter. That's very kind of you."