Satish was a typical Indian boy. Skinny and dark with dark brown eyes and straight black hair. He was sitting in the kitchen having his breakfast when his father walked in. "Good morning son.", his dad greeted him cheerily. "Good morning dad.", replied Satish. Satish's father was Ashwin Ghandi and he was an architect by profession. He worked for a construction company in South Africa and when they won a tender to do some construction in London, he was asked to go and oversee the project. The project was expected to last about a month and his company had rented a house in London for him. As it was the December holidays, Satish had accompanied him. Satish had been excited from the moment he had heard the news and could not wait to get to London. But now that he was here, he was bored. He was stuck in the house the whole day whilst his dad oversaw the construction in London project. He had tried to do some painting to pass the time but that too was short lived, even though painting was his favourite pastime. "Alright son, I am off to oversee the construction in London project.", said his dad, "Have a lovely day.Bye." Satish called out as his dad walked to the hired car, "Bye dad. Love you." And then his dad was gone and he was all alone again. He walked to the postbox and looked in, even though he knew there would be no mail there. As he turned around to go back inside his house he noticed a young girl looking curiously at him from across the road. She must have been about his age and she had blond hair and was wearing blue jeans and a pink top. Satish tried not to stare and as he continued back down the driveway, he saw her cross the road. She was so engrossed in Satish that she did not see the oncoming car. Fortunately, Satish caught a glimpse of the car out the corner of his eye and he yelled at the girl as loud as he could, "LOOK OUT !". She was startled and just managed, in the nick of time, to jump back onto the pavement. There she crumpled into a heap and started to cry. The driver of the car just hooted and continued on his journey. Satish cautiously crossed over the road to the blonde girl and asked, "Are you alright?" The girl continued to cry and Satish stood there uncertain of what to do. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?", Satish tried again. This time the young girl looked up at him and sobbing replied, "No, I am fine. Thank you. Just got a shock." "My name is Satish and I live across the road with my dad who is overseeing a construction in London project. Would you like to come in for a glass of water?", said Satish in one breath. He wondered why he had just told her all those details. The young girl smiled. "My name is Susan and that would be nice, thank you.", she replied. Satish helped her to her feet and together they cautiously crossed the road.
Satish opened the door to the rented house and ushered Susan in. Hesitantly she walked in. "Have a seat and I will get you that glass of water.", said Satish as he went to the kitchen. After her near accident, Susan was all too grateful just to sit down somewhere safe. She looked around the room and noticed that it had a painting of a dog playing with a ball. "Here you go.", said Satish as he handed Susan the glass of water. "Are you sure that you are alright? Do you need me to telephone anyone?" continued Satish. "Thank you, I am fine and there is no need to telephone anyone. I will just rest a bit and then be on my way. It was awfully brave of you to rescue me. Thank you once again.", said Susan. As they sat for a while in silence, Satish looked at Susan out the corner of his eye. He noticed that she was exceptionly beautiful. She had a custom made hairband that held back her long blonde hair.She also had a bracelet decorating her hand. "You were saying something about building contractors in London.", said Susan suddenly breaking the silence and causing Satish to jump. They both smiled. "Yes sorry I was babbling earlier on. I mean't that my dad was here to manage the building contractors in London that were working on his company's project and he had dragged me along.", said Satish. "Oh, I was wondering who was staying at this house. It has been empty for a while now. Are you and your dad going to be staying for a while?", asked Susan. "Only until the project with the building contractors in London is complete and then we will be heading back home.", replied Satish. "And where is home?", asked Susan. "South Africa", said Satish. "Very interesting. I have always wanted to know about South Africa. I have heard much about your country, mostly on the television. Please do not get offended if I ask too many questions as I have an extremely enquiring mind.", said Susan. "No problem at all.", replied Satish with a smile, "I will be glad to answer as much of your questions as I can." "That is kind of you.", smiled Susan back, "But I think my questions will have to wait until next time we meet. I was on my way home and my mum will be worried by now." Susan got up to leave and Satish opened the front door. "My dad works with some building contractors in London as well.", said Susan, "Maybe he has met your dad. I will ask him this evening when he gets home from work. It was nice chatting to you Satish from South Africa. I hope to see you again soon." "Yes it was definitely nice meeting you and I do hope we meet again." said Satish. "Bye.", said Susan walking away. "Goodbye.", said Satish as he closed the door.
