Page 8 of Twisted Bonds

“Boyfriend?” the man asked with a smile while looking at Mihir.

Chitra laughed. “No. Mihir is myamigofrom India.”

Mihir exchanged a smile with the man. “Hello, Carlos.”

Carlos smiled. “Welcome to America,amigo.”

Mihir didn’t understand the Mexican language, but from the friendly smiles exchanged, he knew the word must mean a friend.

“Carlos, can you make a special Burrito with extra spice for Mihir?”

The spices and the smells seemed similar to Indian food. Mihir was looking forward to trying the new cuisine.

“Vegetables only or meat?” Carlos asked.

“With meat,” Mihir replied.

“Okay, two burritos coming up. One meat and another with vegetables only!”

Mihir realized Chitra must be a vegetarian. But she didn’t seem to mind that her burrito was made next to the meat one. She was excited about wanting Mihir to try the new cuisine.

Her excitement was contagious.

“Your burrito,amigo,” Carlos handed the meat burrito wrapped in a silver-colored foil to Mihir.

Chitra took her vegetarian one and paid for both the burritos.

“Thank you, Carlos, you are the best!” she said.

They both said goodbye to Carlos a few minutes later and walked toward the water before sitting on the beach to have their lunch.

He unwrapped the silver-colored foil and took a bite, only for the spicy flavors to explode in his mouth. It was delicious.

“I knew you would like it!” Chitra said with a happy laugh. “It’s spicy and flavorful, just like the Indian cuisine.”

He smiled. “I love it. Thank you for suggesting it.”

Chitra’s eyes lit up. “I have a lot more things to show you, Mihir. You will love them all!”

Mihir didn’t doubt it.

***

It was late evening when the bus pulled up at the stop next to the university's main gate. Mihir got off the bus along with Chitra.

“When can I see you again?” he asked.

Mihir had a wonderful time with Chitra, and he felt strangely reluctant to part ways. He knew she had only been helping him out since he was a new student, but he wanted to meet her again.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” she said.

At his surprised look, she laughed. “I have spoken to my job supervisor. There’s an opening in the morning shift. I know you have to wake up early, but they pay well. And you'll be back before your classes begin.”

He didn’t need a job.

“Do you work during the morning shift too?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yes. I work in the mornings at the soup kitchen.”

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