Page 7 of Twisted Bonds

He realized she also appeared slightly taller since she was wearing shoes, unlike the previous day when they were both inside a temple.

He was just about to ask if she was also a student at the university when her eyes widened.

“Oh, the bus is here. Come!” She grabbed his hand and tugged.

He was nearly a foot taller and most likely weighed twice as much as her. But as soon as she pulled him, he followed her into the bus.

“Where to?” the driver asked.

“Two tickets to San Francisco, please,” Chitra replied.

Mihir was about to get out his wallet to pay when she shook her head and dropped coins into the ticket machine before taking the tickets. They sat together, and she insisted that he take the window seat.

“I brought my wallet today,” he said, patting his pocket.

Chitra smiled. “It’s my treat today.”

***

Mihir was fascinated by Chitra’s bubbly persona. He could not help but smile while she enthusiastically showed him the historical sites around San Francisco City.

Although he had read about those places, hearing her perspective was refreshing.

“This city was built by people who were born in other countries but made it their home,” she said. “Change is always a constant. Only those who adapt and embrace change are the ones who thrive and be happy.”

Mihir nodded as it was applicable to him since he had been feeling homesick. He missed his loved ones, his people, and his homeland. But he knew he would have to adapt and embrace the new place.

“I am homesick, but I promise I won’t run back home,” he said with a smile.

“That’s great! And I promise to make your transition fun and exciting. You will soon make this place your home.”

Although Singoor will always remain his home, her words ignited something deep in his chest. He realized that he no longer cared about the cold, damp weather. Instead, he admired the sights of the bustling city.

“This is where all the fishing boats bring in their daily catch,” she said, pointing at the pier. You’ll learn to ignore the fishy smell in a few minutes.”

She was right a few minutes into the walk along the water, and there was no smell. He looked around, taking in the performances on the street, small stalls selling knick-knacks and souvenirs.

Chitra waved at a few people.

“How long have you been here?” he asked, wanting to know everything about her.

She smiled. “I moved here when I was eight and have been at the temple orphanage since then. Now, I live, work, sleep, and play with my temple family. This is home.”

Something tugged at his heart. Although his parents died during his childhood, he still had his older brother and sister, who were his family. He couldn’t imagine his life without them.

However, the lack of family and growing up at an orphanage didn’t seem to curtail Chitra’s enthusiasm for life in any way. She looked content and happy.

“I hope you are hungry,” she said, her face lighting up, looking at something across the street.

He hadn’t realized it was already lunchtime. Moments spent in her company flew at a rapid rate.

“Mr. Mihir, prepare yourself to have the best Mexican food you ever had!” she said.

Smiling, Mihir looked in the direction she pointed and noticed a food cart selling steaming hot food. Although he didn’t have Mexican food before, he knew he would love anything that Chitra suggested.

“Hi, Carlos!” Chitra waved at the man behind the food cart.

The man waved back with a broad smile. “Chitra, how are you,amiga?” The food cart owner spoke with a thick accent and seemed happy to see Chitra.

---