We were giggling even before we got into the room and closed the door. All the way from the living room to our bedroom we were holding hands and trying to suppress the overwhelming sense of anticipation. Beside me Anjaly walked fast indicating an urgent need to get into the privacy of our room. I too kept pace and it took us less than half a minute to cover the varandha's half length to my room. God! The time it takes to go thro the motions of staying around for family time.
Out side there was a three quarter size summer moon. The air was sultry. Even here in Estate, the air was warm and moist at this time of the year. First heavy showers over, the plantation was about to get into full green. The coffee flowers were already into small seed stage. In a few days the landscape would erupt in fast growing grass. It had showered in the late evening. Crickets and night birds were active all over. Even the dark shades of giant evergreens had a friendly look in summer moon. Air reeked of the 'night queen'. Small but fiercely sweet smelling white flowers that grew wild all over the estate.
Inside the room, door closed and bolted we stood in dead silence. Breathing heavily. Giggles forgotten. Still holding hands. Without even turning on the light. Anjaly pulled me towards the window. Slowly parted the window curtains and peered thro' the glass.
The house was a big half rectangle. Built by a Scotsman in 1930s. The giant verandah connected everything and was the domestic life's artery. At the far end of the square U, we could see light. The boys were in to their room too. They must have moved out just after us. Last we saw them grandpa was telling them all about how he turned the bulk of the 600 acres from wilderness to the present day plantation. And they were both managing to look really interested. In spite of the umpteenth repetition. Budding coffee men. Soon to start work in the estate. My brother and Anjaly's brother were of almost the same age. Finishing Eng. college in another semester. Good hockey players. Enjoying their last free summer. And boy, we were into fun.
I could see Anj straining to see any movement on the verandah. Her super sized breasts pressing against the grills behind the window glass. No one. I have always felt kind of small beside her. At 19 she was older, bigger, and bossed over me. Even though I was only 6 months younger and not at all smaller. In fact I weighed a little more and had a body as good as hers. Played hockey for the school team and was streamlined on every fiber of my 5' 3' fair body. But she always reminded me, my breast size was not as good as hers. You must use the oil, she always said, the so-called ayurvedic preparation mom specifically recommended for the purpose. But I always thought I was firm and better shaped. An opinion the boys did not share. She always commanded more ogling. Even my conventional good looks did not give me an edge.
"Come here. Let them come when they want to", she pulled me to the bed. Her command was always near total. When we were alone she never let a doubt hang around as to who was in charge. I followed her without protest. She sat me on the bed and stood beside me.
"You will have to be careful, Do you know that?" . I nodded. I knew what she was referring to. Our society generally turned a blind eye to teen madness and fooling around. No one really supervised us when we went out with our cousins and brothers. No one asked difficult questions as long as sisters were accompanied by brothers. No matter who else was in the company. Even some physical contact was ok. Like when learning to swim and drive and coaching hockey. As long as borders were not crossed. No sex. Of the real kind. Girls must be virgins at marriage. They had their grapevine system to find out who is doing and not doing what. That had to be respected. In other words no real sex.
"Don't agree to everything they say. Have fun. But don't be stupid. Ok?" I nodded yes. "Ya.. never let them go all the way". Trying hard to suppress a giggle. She smacked me hard on the bottom. That was normal. In fact a smack was usually the beginning of more to come. "Don't laugh". She was holding me by the nape of my neck now.Standing over me like a boss.
I know I could easily over power her if I wanted to. Even wrestle her down if I put my mind to it. But I sort of enjoyed her make believe bossiness. Her right hand still holding me by the neck, she started opening the outer of my night suit. Made in mixed wool and silk, it provided the warmth where the inner was only a satin knee-length. Both front open with large buttons.