[I am writing this story on the request of and on behalf of a wonderful girl Monika who is of the Indian Descent]
*
I am single Indian woman born to parents whose origin is in India about twenty eight years ago. Like most parents in India, mine were also fixated on getting me good education and see me taking a responsible job. The stereotype of arranged marriage for their offspring never surfaced. I was a good student passed all my exams and found a job with an information technology company. It was a matter of time before I was posted in a Southern state.
I loved my job and the people whom I worked with. The oft repeated stereotype of redneck males was nowhere present. Of course there were big men and women. They towered over my small frame and made me feel tiny with a 115 lbs body. In comparison to them I had small breasts, while compared to Indian woman I could be considered as well endowed.
I work for a large oil company which focused on exploration in the gulf. The thirty plus information technology staff is diverse. There are women with strong southern accent, soft spoken Midwest guys and large heavyset black males. There are a few Indian men. I was the only Indian woman. Most males are very protective. Maybe because of my size, my soft spoken ways, or the thought that I could easily taken advantage of. None of this harmed me any way.
By my upbringing and by my choice, I had stayed away from men in close quarters. Don't take me wrong, I think about sex like any woman my age. My sexual urges often make me breathless. But my upbringing in conservative ways has prevented me from taking it to the next level. I can think about the men I come across. Will they be well hung? I would watch porn and try to visualize how big the guy in the next cubicle would be.
The last two years I had avoided going to the New Year party. This year Kelcy, my friend, confidant and my neighbor at work insisted that I go. She even offered to help me find a partner. As usual I declined. I usually get bored in such gatherings. I was never sure what to do. While, the inside of me wanted to drink and take the floor. But I was terrified that if I take more than one drink, then I will lose control of myself and may do things that I should not.
Kelcy was insistent, so I went.
This year's party was at an improvised farm house that was converted into a restaurant and a party venue. Kelcy picked me up on her way. Sitting on the back seat of her boyfriend's crossover, I was wondering what the evening had in store for me. I was hoping that I could escape early. If that was possible.
Taking the first drink was easy. I chose vodka with tonic. At the improvised bar Kelcy introduced me to Mario with whom she had worked before in the engineering group. Mario was tall, surely six feet and had a firm grip. His dark hands contrasted with mine almost wheat colored small ones. I learnt later that Mario had recently broken up with his girl friend and had come to the party on his own.
"Hi, I am Mario" he introduced himself.
"I am Monika." Barely audible. The loud music in the background did not help. He bent closer.
"I am Monika." A little louder...but his face showed a blank.
"Monika" I was very close to his face. He brightened.
He had held my hand all along. "Hello Monika, not sure if we have met before". He sounded like a decent sort guy.
He nodded thanks to Kelcy, as if picking the baton and guided me toward the less crowded part of the hall. I was flustered. This was very new to me. The butterflies were making it hard to keep up. His big frame almost enveloped me from behind as he guided me to a vacant table.
Safely parked on a seat I surveyed the room. For a change I was not bored today.
"Would you like another drink?" he asked. I politely declined.
Mario came back with his favorite drink and some snacks. The conversation initially was in fit and starts. We talked about work our mutual acquaintances. We talked about my roots. He was curious about where I came from. He has never spoken to woman from India at any length. He told me about his breakup and how he had come today with his school buddy Tray to the party.
We kept talking for a long time. At some point my glass was empty. That meant my regulation drinking quota was complete.
"Let me get you a refill. Vodka with tonic?" He asked. I tried to evade, but he was persistent. He got us the next round.
We kept on drinking, talking and we even danced one time. The usual dance where each one moving with the music. The inherent politeness kept us at a distant facing one another. That was the only way I know about dancing.
It was the third drink and maybe the end of second hour at the party. While picking up snacks on the end table, he introduced me to his buddy Tray. Not as tall as Mario, but a heavier frame. His hands were softer but the contrast in color with my hand was even sharper.
Three of us moved to the side table that with some food and our replenished drinks. The alcohol and the little dance were making me a little light headed. I was laughing loud at every small joke. Tray was talking about their time together at school.
I was not intimidated by the two large black guys, each of whom singularly overwhelmed me in size. Both were very sweet. The made me feel protected and comfortable.
The dance floor was getting progressively crowded. There were still a lot of people around the floor who wanted to get on the dance floor. The dance floor was improvised by leaving the wooden floor bare in the center and carpets placed around it. The twelve by twelve foot area was progressively milling with people.
I was instinctively tapping away my feet with the rhythm of music. My hands swayed as I chatted away with Mario and Tray. The music number ended and many people walked off the floor.
"Monika, let's dance." Mario pulled my hand and took me to the floor in good time. I was somewhat reluctant. There was not enough space to dance the way I was used to. He was insistent and goaded me all the way to the floor as the next number started. I was familiar, no I loved this song. I would have danced many a times in the comfort of my home. Of course when I alone.
It was fun to see Mario dance with the music. He had an athletic body and knew how to move . I was tryingt my best in the limited space. Kelcy saw us. She moved towards us dancing. Now four of us were dancing in circle with Mario by my side. He was occasionally holding my arms to protect me from landing on other dancers.
"Having fun?" He enquired. His face was very close to my ears.
"Yes. It's been a long time." I replied.
My butt bumped with the dancer behind me. "Sorry." She said. I was in the arms of Mario while trying to recover. Protectively he held me. There was no place for me to put my hands in front of me. I placed them on either side of his midriff. A shiver coursed through my body. This was getting into uncharted territory.
"You ok Monika?"
"Yessss.." I stammered. I was hoping that in the noise my feeling will not be visible.
