Page 14 of Twisted Bonds

It was warm inside the restaurant. Although it was raining, the place was already filled with people who wanted to enjoy hot, steaming, and delicious food.

“Hi, Sagar.” Chitra greeted the man seated at the cash counter. “How are you?”

The man’s face broke into an affectionate smile. “I’m doing good, Chitra. Nice to see you.”

“This is Mihir. He’s a new student from India.”

Mihir greeted the man with a smile and a handshake.

“Is there a table available?” Chitra asked, hoping there wouldn’t be a long wait.

“There will always be a table reserved for you,” Sagar replied. “Tara wouldn’t spare me if I made you wait.”

Chitra laughed. Tara was Sagar’s wife. Tara and Sagar often came to the temple during weekends.

“Come and have a seat,” Sagar said, taking them to a cozy corner table by the window. “Would you like your usual?”

Chitra smiled. “Yes, but for Mihir, please bring your specialty dishes with meat. He likes spicy food.”

Sagar laughed. “Tara will be happy to make the food spicy tonight,” he said before leaving to place the order. His wife was the head chef who prepared the food.

Chitra knew that Tara kept the medium spice level as most people frequenting the place had low tolerance.

Mihir was seated across her at the small table.

“Do you come here often?” he asked with a smile.

“Not that often. But I try coming at least once a month. Sagar and Tara are really sweet, and they have the best food. They also come to the temple during weekends when I volunteer.”

Mihir had been volunteering too at the temple over the weekend.

“Is there anyone you don’t know personally in the city?” he teased.

Chitra laughed. “I think there must be quite a few. I’ve been here for several years. So, I know a lot of people.”

Mihir smiled.

They didn’t have to wait long for the food.

Chitra looked up to see Sagar as he brought several platters of food to the table. “Daal bhat for you,” he said, placing the vegetarian dish in front of her. “Thakali thali special for Mihir.”

There were also several side dishes of thupka soup, momos, and other traditional Himalayan cuisine dishes.

“Everything looks and smells amazing!” said Chitra.

Sagar smiled. “Enjoy your meal.”

Chitra showed Mihir how to eat the momos. He enjoyed the hot, spicy food, which was similar to Indian cuisine.

Shortly after enjoying a wholesome meal, Tara came to greet her.

Chitra got up and hugged her. “The food was amazing as usual, Tara. We loved it.”

Tara smiled. “I’m glad you and your boyfriend loved the food.”

Chitra blushed. “Mihir isn’t my boyfriend. He’s a new student from India. I’m helping him adjust to life here.”

Tara looked at Mihir for a moment. “Oh, I see.”

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