You'll need to read 'My Indian Village Life - Part 1' to understand what's going on here. I recommend reading it first before continuing.
I stood there, rooted to the spot, staring at the woman before me--my mother, Amutha. Her sari clung to her like a second skin, outlining every curve of her hourglass frame. Those massive breasts, firm and proud, seemed to defy the fabric, and the stretch marks on her waist glistened under the faint light, framed by that golden chain. My throat tightened. I hadn't seen her in ten years--her face a blur in my mind until now--and yet here she was, real, overwhelming. I took a step forward, my hand trembling, reaching out to touch her, to make sure she wasn't some dream conjured by the heat and the long drive.
"Ma..." I croaked, voice barely a whisper.
She smiled, soft and warm, lifting the plate--a traditional welcome, I guessed--and leaned closer. Her scent hit me, a mix of jasmine and something earthier, stirring memories I didn't know I had. My fingers brushed her arm, the softness of her skin electric against mine. I wanted to hug her, bury myself in her, feel that motherly warmth I'd forgotten. But before I could, a voice boomed from above, sharp and commanding, slicing through the moment.
"Kani! Up here, boy!"
I froze, head tilting toward the sound. It came from the upper floor of this massive house--a Chettiar mansion, sprawling and ancient, with thirty rooms my father had bragged about on the drive. Three stories of dark wood and weathered stone loomed over me, each balcony dripping with history. I glanced at Amutha, her smile faltering, and then back up. Someone was waiting.
"Go," my mother said, her voice gentle but firm, nudging me toward the wide staircase.
"Your patti wants you."