Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 INDIAN WINTER (Part 3)

   By KATZMAREK (C)

   ---------------------------------------------------

   Author's note,

   This work is my property and cannot be used for gain without my express
permission in writing.

   ----------------------------------------------------

   Sharmila worked quickly.  Lacking a phone, she had walked the streets
calling into Real Estates offices, Property Consultants and Investment
Brokers.  When she returned to the shop that afternoon, she had a pile of
papers to show Jake.

   He invited her into his small office and she got down to business
immediately.  She had, she said, the bones of a financial plan.

   As she explained, Jake looked on, both fascinated and alarmed.  It felt
like he was delivering his life into her hands.  Sharmila didn't seem to
understand as she described land values, property markets, future trends
with all the jargon of high finance.

   His eyes glazed over and he became lost in his thoughts, his fears and
inertia.  It was tempting to hand control to someone else, he thought,
compelling, but at the same time he resented it.

   "Jake?" he heard her voice through the fog of uncertainty, "do you
understand?  Is there something I need to go over again?"

   "No," he snapped back, "no...  I just...  I'm just not sure of all
this."

   Sharmila sighed and leaned back.  "You are afraid?" she asked.  He
nodded.  "It is change, no more.  I've had many ups and downs myself.  I
know what its like."

   "Do you?  You seem so self-assured..."

   "An act," she smiled, "but you must always be prepared to move on.  Now,
an auction.  You need to list with as many agents as possible.  You will
get offers for private sale.  You need to be careful and take advice. 
Remember, these people want the land as cheaply as they can...

   Jake wasn't listening again.  Instead, he watched her face, hands and
her flashing eyes.  She felt his eyes on her and fidgeted, uncomfortably.
"So I'll make a few calls," she announced, "and see you later?"

   "Later?"

   "Yes, later.  You are working on the flat above tonight?"

   He nodded.  "About that," he said.

   "About what?" she said, in a manner that made it clear she didn't want
him to answer.

   "Fine, tonight!" he told her.  She smiled, then left.

   ---------------------------------------------

   Over the next couple of days, life settled into a routine.  Jake would
work all day in the shop, close up, then speed around to the flat to
continue the renovations.

   Her signal was always the open door.  That was the unvoiced invitation
for him to come and view.  His chair was always carefully placed with the
box of tissues beside on the small table.  The wardrobe mirror always
angled so he had a good view of the bed.

   On the third day, however, Sharmila introduced a variation.  All seemed
usual, the front door was ajar, and she was in the bedroom as per normal.
Jake made himself comfortable, squeezing his hardening dick in his trousers
with anticipation.

   Sharmila, though, appeared to have fallen asleep.  She was on her front
on the bed, arms folded and head to the side.  After a few minutes of her
not stirring, Jake called out.  He received no answer.  Eventually, he
decided to investigate.

   In the bedroom Sharmila was in her robe.  It was bunched up around her
arse displaying the brown skin of the top of her thighs.  Her legs were
splayed and her feet hung over the bed end.  Jake knelt to confirm she wore
no panties.  He had little doubt she was feigning sleep, that this was a
new game: one, however, where he was uncertain of the rules.

   Her breathing was deep and rhythmic.  Was she waiting for him to touch
her?Would she yell rape at this violation of the rules?  Was she, perhaps,
offering to take this a little further?  He was still making up his mind
when she emitted a soft moan.  Jake saw her thighs clench a little and she
pressed her pelvis down into the mattress.

   He took that as some sort of encouragement.  Gingerly, he reached out
for her thighs and ran his fingertips lightly up towards her naked arse. 
Again, her thighs clenched and he thought he detected a muffled gasp from
her open mouth.  Carefully, he pushed the hem of her robe a little higher
until the bottom of her arse was fully exposed.

   A whiff of her arousal assailed his nose.  Her thatch was damp and he
could clearly see the lips of her vagina.  His dick pulsed with urgency in
the tight confines of his pants.  He gave it a squeeze before unzipping and
pulling it free.

   He took some of the oil and dribbled a little on his dick before taking
himself in hand.  Sharmila's thighs clenched again and she snorted a gust
of air through her nose.  It was obvious she was extremely aroused as,
indeed, was he.

   From the experience of past sessions, Jake knew Sharmila could get
herself off very quickly.  At times he was hard put to keep up.  Sometimes
he failed, she'd come first, and she politely waited until he grunted his
climax into the tissue.

   But Jake had never been this close to an excited Sharmila before.  He
moved to the foot of the bed, right between her splayed legs, getting a
clear view of her aroused pussy.

   He thought it was getting even wetter, she clenched and pushed down in a
steady, rolling motion.  Jake saw one of her hands had slipped down
underneath to cup her sex.  No doubt she was using it for added
stimulation.

   "Uhh!" she gasped, and Jake stroked faster, "Ohh, ahh!" She was getting
closer, he could tell.  Her moans grew in pitch and her arse humped her
fingers faster and faster.  It was all too much for Jake and he came
violently into the tissue.  Shortly after Sharmila came Jake could see a
finger shaking in her pussy.  She stiffened, released one last long moan,
then collapsed.  Jake stood for a moment just watching her now motionless
and silent body before creeping out of the room.

   Jake cleaned himself up in the bathroom before heading out.  He called
his goodbyes softly.

   "Mmmf?" he heard a muffled response.  "That you Jake?" her voice was
sleepy and slurred.

   "Yeah...  y'must've fallen asleep," he replied, "just called to tell you
I'm off."

   "Okay, goodbye."

   As Jake headed for his ute, he thought this all was getting too weird
and wondered where it was all heading.

   ------------------------------------------

   The following weekend was clear and warm.  Jake went early to the flats
to start work.  He was badly behind schedual and need to catch up.

   Sharmila's front door was closed and she appeared to be still asleep. 
At least, there were no sounds of movement.  Jake took the opportunity to
work without distraction.  For once in two weeks he was able to concentrate
fully on what he was doing.

   Around mid morning he heard sounds below.  Evidently she was doing her
housework.  He detected the washing machine, the vacuum cleaner and sounds
of furniture being moved.

   The bottom flat had no back yard.  The day was so warm Jake decided to
have lunch outside.  He hoped Sharmila would be willing to join him.  He
waited until she came to hang out her washing and asked her.  She accepted
happily enough.

   Jake was in his brief shorts and stripped off his T-shirt.  He knew
Sharmila found it a turn on and hoped it would have the usual effect.

   Around noon she appeared.  However, rather than her usual modest western
clothes, she had obviously gone to some trouble today.  Evidently her
financial circumstances had marginally approved because she'd clearly
bought some new clothes.  Instead of baggy track pants, today she wore
fashionable light green, short, tight pants that finished at her knees. 
They clung to her full, rounded arse perfectly.  Instead of her T-shirt she
wore a matching bikini top stretched by her large breasts with a hint of
nipple dotting each mound.  It was low cut and displayed her ample
cleavage.

   Jake found it difficult to keep his composure, and to avert his eyes
from the display in front of him.  She chatted as if butter wouldn't melt
in her mouth, seemingly oblivious to the effect she was having on him.

   He'd made them both some sandwichs and a jug of fresh orange juice.  The
conversation was about the progress he was making and a few suggestions she
had regarding his future plans.

   "I saw Mary from the refuge yesterday," she told him, "she had more
warnings." She flashed him an ironic grin.

   "About?"

   "You, of course, and how I had to be careful.  What has she against you,
Jake, she has said some horrid things?"

   "Such as?"

   "The upshot is that you are a sexual pervert."

   "Yeah?  And how is she supposed to know?"

   "I'm unsure.  Have you had an affair with her?"

   "Not that I'm aware of.  I don't remember ever setting eyes on her
before...  or being that drunk!"

   Sharmila stifled a giggle.  "You are being unkind.  She is not that bad
looking."

   "Nor that good either!" Jake retorted, "and why shouldn't I be unkind?
She appears determined to beat me up in front of you."

   "That's true, and I still don't understand why?  She claims that you
want to exploit me..."

   "Exploit?  That's rich," Jake laughed, "how am I supposed to do that? 
And what sort of exploitation, anyway?"

   "Sexual, I think.  I believe she sees you as some sort of predator."

   "And, presumably, you as some sort of innocent?"

   "Not innocent, vulnerable.  I think she believes I am vulnerable.  She
talked about rebounds, and..."

   "Ok, right!  So she thinks you're going to throw yourself at the first
man..."

   "Something like that.  I don't need men, Jake."

   "I know.  You've made it plain before."

   "I'm not going to become romantically involved with anyone."

   "I know, you've said."

   "But I still don't understand why you haven't a girlfriend?  You're not
poor, you're smart enough..."

   "Thanks!"

   "...  and you are reasonably looking.  There must be hundreds of
girls..."

   "Not that I've met.  They're either thick, ugly or married."

   "And what am I?" she asked, chuckling.

   "Neither.  But you're untouchable...  you've told me."

   "Untouchable, yes," she agreed.  There was the merest hint of a double
entendre.  Her eyes reflected the uncertainty before she collected herself
in a flash.

   "But you can always change your mind?" he told her, "it's a woman's
privilege."

   "Not this woman's," she replied, hastily, a little uncertain.  She
looked aimlessly around for an uncomfortable period of time before
continuing the conversation.  "Jake?" she said, eventually, "do you like
me?"

   "Sure, why?"

   "I mean, really like!  Such as when a man likes a woman and..."

   Sharmila has lost her composure again.  She reminded Jake of a little
girl, desperate to hear that her mummy and daddy still loved her after
she'd been bad.

   "Sharmila!" he stopped her mid sentence, "Sharmila, I'm crazy about you.
Surely you knew that?" Jake sucked in his breath, fearing her reaction. 
Would she be angry or run crying her eyes out?  Instead, she looked back at
him evenly, as if they'd been discussing business.

   "Yes," she sighed, "I think I knew that.  You cannot take your eyes off
me..."

   "Is that any wonder?" he chuckled, relieved, "when you come up here
looking like that?"

   "Like what?" she replied, faux innocently, "and you?  You are always
taking off your shirt..."

   "Face it," he declared, "we are teasing each other.  You, and me!"

   "I do not..." she began to protest, but subsided.  She looked
distractedly about again before continuing.  "Jake!" she took a deep
breath, "maybe I am attracted to you?  I've been unfair.  I've given into
to these feelings..."

   "What's wrong with that?"

   "But Jake, you don't understand.  We can have no future as a couple."

   "Why not?  Is it the cultural thing?  In this day and age is that such a
problem?"

   "Maybe.  But that is not the problem.  You see, when my husband left me
there was one thing he didn't know.  I only found out after he left.  You
see, Jake, I'm carrying his child." She stared into his face for a
reaction.

   "Is that all?" Jake asked, unmoved.  As she was talking, he'd figured
most of it out already.

   "Is that all?" she repeated, "how can you say, 'is that all'?  Do you
understand what that means?"

   "Sure!  You're pregnant!  That's what it means."

   "But...  uh...  I'm carrying another's child!  You cannot be expected
to...  to..."

   "Why not?"

   "Because I couldn't do that to you.  Even if I wanted, I cannot expect
you to accept that sort of responsibility.  Even if I wanted you...  which
I don't...  except for some animal feelings...  I think my hormones are
disturbed..."

   Jake had to laugh at her discomfort.  She shook herself back and glared
at him, but he ignored the reproach.  "You're gorgeous!" he told her
between laughs.

   "Typical male!" she scoffed, "I should have known better than to..."

   "Listen," he interrupted, "you see it as a problem, I don't." With that,
he stood.  Walking confidently around the table he bent and kissed her on
the lips.  Sharmila was caught unprepared and he had to suck her lips
apart. She put her hand on his chest and pushed him away with a look of
fear.

   "No!" she yelled, "no," she repeated, quieter.  "This is not the time. I
need more time," she emphasised, "I have much to think over."

   "Take your time," he told her, "I'm not going anywhere."

   "But you should!  You must get a girlfriend..."

   "Y'know, Sharmila, you are great at telling me what I must do.  I don't
want a girlfriend unless it's you..."

   "That's very kind of you but you are wasting your time."

   "It's mine to waste." Standing above her he had a perfect view of her
cleavage, something she was clearly aware of.  She didn't, however, try to
cover up.  "You're beautiful!" he told her.

   "I'm not," she said, weakly, "and you must stop trying to stare down my
top!"

   "If it's there, I'll look," he told her.

   "And you must wear a shirt."

   "There you go, telling me what I must do, again."

   "If you were a gentleman, you'd obey my request."

   Jake could tell her breathing quicken.  She seemed flustered.  "Ah,
there, you see, you've answered the question.  I'm not a gentleman."

   "You're not clever, Jake!" He bent and sought her lips again.  She
turned her head and instead he kissed her on the neck.  Frustration was
getting the better of him and he caught her cheek in his hand and forcibly
turned her face to him.  Her resistance was feeble as he hit her full on
the lips.  This time, her mouth parted a fraction and he was able to kiss
her sweetly.  "Please stop!" she insisted.

   "Tonight, then?"

   "I, I don't know."

   "Leave the door open?"

   "I don't know whether I'm ready for this, Jake," she explained.  "I
never meant to hurt you..."

   "You haven't!"

   "But I will, if..."

   "If you sleep with me?  Can't we let things take care of themselves?  If
it happens, well..."

   "And what if it doesn't?" she asked, "you will be angry."

   "Never!  Let's just take things slowly, okay?  Perhaps if we just had
patience and..."

   "You will need a lot of that."

   "Maybe.  Kiss?" She accepted the next one, feigning reluctance.  She
didn't resist even as he took his fill of her sweet lips.  He backed away
leaving her chest heaving in excitement.  He could have pushed his brief
advantage, but decided to let things stand.  Reluctantly, he sat down as
she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

   Trancelike, she rose, then wandered back down to her flat.  Jake heard
her front door close firmly.

   -------------------------------------------

   Around 5 that evening, Sharmila came up again and deposited a pizza for
him.

   "We're now even," she insisted, then left, leaving Jake perplexed at her
attitude.

   She is, he thought, a strange woman.  Was she mad at him, or herself? 
Or was she just repaying some perceived debt?  'Even!' He turned that over
in his mind.

   An hour or two later, he decided to finish up.  He'd made good progress
and thought he'd only need another days work before the place was complete.
He wondered how things were going to be from now on, now he didn't have a
convenient excuse to see Sharmila.

   The curtain was closed as he went past, but the door had been left ajar.
Somehow he thought it would be.  He went and knocked softly and was greeted
by an invitation to to come in and sit down.

   "You want a coffee?" she asked, "or something stronger?" Sharmila
emerged from the kitchen in her robed tightly tied at the waist.

   "What have you got?" she asked.

   "A glass of wine, perhaps?"

   "Sure," he replied, "sure." He tried to sound offhand, not pent up with
anticipation.

   She disappeared back in the kitchen then came back with a bottle and two
glasses.  She used a corkscrew and poured generous amounts into each glass.
She watched him as he took a sip and seemed relieved when he told her it
was good.

   They made some small talk for a while.  She asked questions about the
progress upstairs and he explained what he'd done and what was left to do.
The conversation soon ran out and she subsided, fidgeting.  After an
uncomfortable length of time she took a deep breath as if finally getting
to the point she was putting off as long as possible.

   "Jake?" she began, hesitantly, "I, ah, don't really know how to say
this..."

   "What?"

   "Don't say anything, okay?" he nodded, intrigued.  "Jake, I know you,
ah, have feelings for me...  that you are attracted.  I'm very flattered at
your attention but you must understand my position.  I don't want a
relationship with you, with anyone at this time.  It's not you, Jake it's
me..."

   Jake thought the speech had a familiar ring about it.  He'd been blown
off more times than he wanted to remember and felt his heart begin to sink
to his stomach.

   "...  but you are a nice man," she continued, "in other circumstances a
relationship wouldn't be out of the question." She managed a brief, shy
smile.  "You are attractive and I'm sure you could find someone if you
really tried." Jake made to say something but she put up her hand to stop
him.  She took a large sip of the wine before continuing.  "I have few
people I can trust, here.  You have always treated me with respect and I
appreciate that.  You don't force yourself...  even if, I know, it is hard
for you...  considering the way you feel." Jake nodded slightly in
agreement.

   "Jake?" she continued after a pause, "when I was little, I used to spy
on my brothers.  Does that shock you?"

   "Nope!" he shrugged, "I guess curiosity...  happens in most families I
guess.  I used to peek at my sister when she was getting dressed.  Caught
me once...  got real mad and called me a pervert."

   "Do you think it was perverted?"

   "At the time I did.  But as I got older and I listened to the stories
from the other kids, I realised it's pretty normal."

   "Normal?  Yes.  They knew I was watching them.  They put on little shows
for me...  even invited me into their rooms just to show me their penises."

   "How old were you?" grinned Jake.

   "Maybe nine or ten?  I liked to watch...  particularly when they could
ejaculate.  They would play games...  who would ejaculate first.  They
would sometimes ask me to pull down my pants and show them my vagina and as
a reward they would masturbate for me."

   "Kinky fun!" chuckled Jake.

   "When you grow up with that, you don't think it is wrong.  Do you
understand?"

   "Of course.  I don't see any harm in it.  I guess you got familiar with
boys at an early age?"

   "Yes I did!" she smiled, "but we never went any further, you must
understand.  They would never try to rape me.  I knew that and trusted
them."

   "Good!"

   "I considered masturbation as a perfectly normal thing to do.  I became
very practiced, every day...  it became a routine.  Even now, I find it
hard to sleep without masturbating.  It relaxes my body...  clears my mind.
Do you understand?  I never knew it was a bad thing to do as a child, like
you westerners believe."

   "I don't think we really believe that.  It's just we don't talk about
it."

   "So you think it is dirty?"

   "Me?" he smiled, "without it I'd be walking around with a boner in my
pants all day.  That wouldn't be polite."

   Sharmila burst out laughing.  The alcohol had loosened her up a lot. 
Her eyes were a little glassy and her face flushed.  "Perhaps you would
find it easier to get a girlfriend?  You know, you shouldn't be embarrassed
by it, you have a very nice one."

   "I have?"

   "Very nice!  You could please a girl very well, I think."

   "Thanks," Jake smiled, "and you...  you have a very nice body."

   "It will be bloated in a few months.  I don't think you'll feel quite
the same."

   "I think I will!  I can't imagine you'll ever stop being sexy.  Even in
old age?"

   She laughed again till her whole body shook.  When she'd recovered, she
said, "you are good for my ego, but I don't think you're truthful.  Men
always say these things when they want to...  to.."

   "Sleep with you?" he finished the sentence.  "Of course they do, but it
doesn't mean I'm lying.  I happen to think you're beautiful, inside and
out."

   Sharmila subsided.  There was another pause before she spoke again. 
"What are you doing later?" she asked, "do you have any plans for tonight?"

   "Nope," he shrugged, "just fetch some dinner, maybe rent a movie?"

   "Would you like me to cook for you?  I have been practicing."

   "Why don't we just order something?" he said, grimacing.

   "I'm not that bad?" she exclaimed, but her smile suggested she wasn't
offended.  "But perhaps, if you are offering, that Cambodian restaurant?"

   "Sure thing!" he smiled, and dialled the number.

   --------------------------------------------

   The dinner duly arrived and it was delicious.  It came with another
bottle of wine and at the end of it both were decidedly flushed and
talkative.  Jake moved to Sharmila's old two seater and was a little
surprised when she came and joined him.

   "I'm glad you stayed," she said, "I did want some company tonight. 
Sometimes I want to be by myself, but at other times, it's nice to have the
conversation."

   "I wish I was as smart as you," he declared, "then we'd have more to
talk about."

   "That's sweet of you to say, but, really, you do fine.  You must be a
good cook, living on your own.  Maybe, one day, you'd like to show me how
good you are?"

   "Sure thing!" Jake eased his arm over her shoulders, delicately, as if
somehow she wouldn't notice.  He was rewarded when she leaned a little
closer, then rested her head on his shoulder.

   "I trust you, Jake," she repeated, "I'm glad I can trust you."

   Jake pecked her on the forehead and wound his fingers through her long
mane.  Gently, he scratched her scalp and she sighed in response.  "That's
nice," she said, quietly.

   Sharmila's sandalwood scent pervaded the room, her body and, most of
all, her hair.  The standard lamp had been turned down to a soft glow. 
Sharmila had put on some faint, lilting Eastern music on her old stereo
Jake had found for her.  It was hypnotic and reflective.  The evening had
the makings of a romantic date.

   However, when he tried to pull her more firmly against him, she sat up.
"I'm sorry," she said, "I know what you must be thinking...  I don't want
to be, ah, intimate.  Perhaps, if you haven't any plans, you could sleep
with me?"

   Jake was confused.  It all sounded like double dutch.  How can you sleep
with someone and not call that intimate?

   "I don't want to make love," she added, hastily, "but I'd really like
you to stay with me.  Do you understand?"

   "I think so," he replied, scratching his jaw, "no touching?"

   "Touching?  Maybe?  What I mean is...  I don't want you to penetrate
me."

   "Oh!  That!" he grinned, "but a little kissing and cuddling?"

   "That would be all right, I think.  You won't get carried away?"

   "I'll try...  but it would be difficult."

   "I trust you," she said.  Jake was growing a little tired of her saying
that.  She rose and headed for the bedroom.  Jake stood and followed her, a
lump developing in his trousers.

   She stood by the bed watching him.  Jake slowly stripped to his
underpants while she looked on.  Sharmila turned down the bedside lamp then
began to take off her robe.  Jake was surprised she was totally naked
underneath.  Taking that as a cue, he slipped off his pants, easing the
elastic carefully over his growing erection.

   "Are you always like that?" she asked, nodding downwards.

   "Lately," he told her and she smiled.

   Jake thought she was magnificent, nude.  Her long hair fell about her
shoulders, unfettered and wild.  Her breasts were full and stood proudly
out from her chest.  Her hips were in proportion, flared and curvy, and
there was a bushy triangle of hair at the apex of her thighs.

   Sharmila climbed onto the bed and lay on her back on the covers.  Jake
lay beside her, turning his head and smiling.  He tried a kiss and she
accepted it, moist and opened mouth.  He felt her fingertips on his
shoulders and back, drifting to his chest, caressing, touching.  Jake
returned the favour, feeling the small of her back, stroking her face and
eventually, down to her breasts.  He revelled in the soft flesh and moved
his thumb to a nipple, moving it around until it started to stiffen.

   Uncertain what she would call, 'too intimate,' he continued caressing,
feeling, even venturing a hand down to her pussy and seeking the opening.
Sharmila jerked at the feeling and admitted a little gasp.

   "Not there," she told him, so he moved back to her tummy.  She then put
her own hand down between her own legs and began to squeeze her mound. 
"Jake?" she said, "you can, ah, take care of yourself.  I don't mind."

   "Y'sure?" She nodded, "ok!" Jake turned onto his back and grabbed his
dick.  Sharmila moved her head and placed it on his right shoulder to get a
better view.  Her hand continued to fiddle with herself as she watched him.

   "You're very sexy," she breathed, "I so like to watch a man do that."

   "I know."

   "I know you like to watch me masturbate myself," she told him.

   "I do."

   "I, ah, like you watching me too!" she said, "I've so enjoyed, uh, our
times.  You have such a nice one...  oh...  so hard..."

   "Do you always come so quick?" Jake asked, watching her grinding faster
and faster.

   "Usually.  Jake...  when I saw you...  that first time...  oh...  you
looked so sexy...  uh...  stroking yourself...  pants down...  your hard
dick in your hands..."

   "Oh babe...  and you?  Legs spread...  your fingers down your pants...
rubbing...  you cum so hard!" Jake looked at her nearest breast jiggling
just inches from his face.  On impulse he siezed the nipple and sucked. 
Sharmila gasped aloud, pushed his head with her free hand, and maneuvred
her mouth to his.  She sucked his mouth fiercely, plumbing him with her
tongue.  Jake was both startled and excited by her passion.  She pulled
away to shout out her climax, thrusting her pelvis in the air.

   Her powerful orgasm overtook Jake and he fired his jism into the air. 
Sharmila's armed clutched him around the chest as he came, her face buried
against his shoulder.

   They took some minutes to calm down.  Sharmila rolled onto her back and
lay facing the ceiling.  She was still breathing heavily when Jake had
calmed himself down enough to speak.

   "Wow, whew, that was good!"

   "Uh huh."

   "Tell me though, what's the difference?"

   "What...  do you mean?"

   "I mean, what's the difference between that and making love?"

   She didn't answer.  Instead, she rolled away from him, grabbed his arm,
and pulled it around her.  Jake fitted himself in behind, still sticky from
his semen.  "Shouldn't we get cleaned up?" he whispered.

   "Later," she mumbled, "just stay where you are."

   Jake listened as her breathing became shallower with sleep.  He tried to
move but she held his arm tighter.

   ----------------------------------------------

   KATZMAREK (C)