Page 16 of Twisted Bonds

“I’m fine, di. I received the sweets you sent. They are a lot but I think I’ll be done with them within a week”

Mihir’s sister laughed. “How is everything? Are you adjusting well?”

“Yes. I have adjusted well. My… friend has taken to many places where the food is spicy and delicious.”

“That’s great!” his sister said. “Thank your friend for me. I’ll send him a gift next time. What’s his name?”

Mihir paused at the question.

“Mihir? Hello?”

“Her name is Chitra,” Mihir replied. “She’s grew up at a temple orphanage. She volunteers at the Krishna temple.”

This time, there was a pause from his sister. His sister most likely was shocked because she expected his friend to be a boy.

“Tell me more about Chitra. She sounds wonderful.”

Mihir smiled. He knew his sister would love Chitra. Both Chitra and his sister had kind and generous hearts.

“She is wonderful,” he said.

He told his sister how Chitra had taken him to explore the city and many restaurants. He even told her how Chitra had even tried to protect him from a man holding a knife.

“She is trained in fighting?” Mihir’s sister asked.

Mihir smiled. “No. But she is protective.”

“Give her a big hug from my side,” his sister said. “Tell her I’m grateful that my brother found such a compassionate and caring friend.”

“I will, di.”

Mihir wanted to tell Chitra about his sister.

It had become increasingly evident to him how important Chitra was to him. He wanted to share everything with her. He wanted to tell her about how he felt. He wanted to tell her about his brother and sister. He wanted to tell her about his people and life in Singoor.

He had to tell her the truth about his identity.

He knew she would not like to hear that he lied about who he was. But knowing Chitra, especially how kind-hearted and forgiving she was, he hoped she would understand his reason for not telling her the truth about his identity.

I hope you forgive me, Chitra.

CHAPTER 8

***

Chitra was at the temple. It was her favorite festival.

“Happy Diwali!”

She greeted the volunteers as she helped with the decoration of the temple with flowers and lights. The temple was filled with people.

And all of them were dressed up in traditional outfits. There were also some non-Indian visitors who were dressed up in colorful festive wear.

“Happy Diwali!” one of them greeted her.

“Thank you. Happy Diwali to you too!” she greeted back with a smile.

Smiling, she hurried with the decorations.

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