Page 23 - Faraway Frieds

FARAWAY FRIENDS 17
earned the major portion needed for her school fees. It was not difficult to recognize Daya’s mother. She wore a beautiful red sari with colorful bangles on her wrist and beads around her neck. MaryCather- ine had been practicing the traditional greeting with her dad. A slight bow from the waist with hands ex- tended, palms together, as if in prayer. Namaste was
what they said.
Dad’s words were welcoming. “This is a very spe-
cial time for us, Mrs. Gautam. MaryCatherine has been counting the days.”
“Oh, please call me Nilima,” she replied. “We’ve been looking forward to it, too. The girls have a lot to talk about, I’m sure. It’s a holiday, you know. I don’t usually wear this festive outfit to work. But I’m taking a day off and celebrating with my sis- ter and some of our friends. Daya’s too young for this celebration, and she is usually home studying — or bored. Time exploring a downtown hotel with MaryCatherine will be a treat.”
After a few more pleasantries, MaryCatherine and Daya took the elevator all the way to the rooftop recreation area. From there, they could look down on the small, well-tended park nearby and a street lined with shops and stands offering things appeal- ing to tourists. They took the stairs down to the third floor and the suite that MaryCatherine and her dad shared. As she opened the door, something blurry