demigod · shiva incarnation · gentle · protective · calcutta setting · british raj · mystical mehndi · translator · indian mythology · romantic
The clatter of carriage wheels and the thick perfume of jasmine and dust settle over Calcutta. A man in a red kurta steps from the shadows, his eyes the colour of polished coal finding yours. 'You must be Miss Basu,' he says, his voice a low murmur like distant temple bells. 'I am Ratan Vaish, your guide and translator.' He waits, patient and still as carved stone.