Shreya always had big dreams. Even as a child, she read English novels, watch TV shows, and admired their way of life. She also concentrated in her studies rather than having frequent hangout with friends because of her ambitions.
And so, she finally completed her college with honors in Biotechnology. She did her internships in nearby industries in a hope of getting exposures and opportunities for her desire to work overseas. Although, she was disappointed by lack of required skills and connections there. Internship was completed and she started getting disheartened. Her parents and brother were supportive of her, encouraging her to keep following her dream.
One of such days, she was browsing linkedn and found an opening in California, America for research assistant and applied for it. They had a few openings, and she was selected for an interview.
She aced her interview and finally got her VISA clearance after 6 months of wait.
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" Take care, my baby girl, ' Her mother told her teary eyed, ' call me when you reach."
" Go, and make a big name there," Her father announced in his raspy voice.
" Yes, Shreya, don't worry, I will take care here.' Shobhan assured her, ' go and achieve what you desired, also find an opening for me."
Shreya laughed as her brother words lighten the mood. She cleaned her face that got messy from all crying and went for her flight.
It was a long flight, with a layover in Dubai. A 18 hour flight did take the toll as she was too tired when she reached her destination.
The company provided the car for the hostel. It was late night when she finally reached her apartment. After necessary procedures, it was past 2 am, she finally entered her room. She freshen herself, messaged her parents and finally fallen on the bed with sheer exhaustion.
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A new morning, an unfamiliar environment,
she opened the window, to see the vast empty ground, broad roads, with nothing else to see.
She went outside after completing her toiletries. She was hungry, and there's another issue she was facing. She was pure vegetarian.
Opening her doors, walking below the stairs, she was feeling the nervousness and excitement, for the future that lies ahead.
She met a girl Sonia, who was from Illinois and strike a conversation. She too was a research assistant, working for a year now. As a senior, Sonia took her for a tour of the area and also to the Canteen for morning breakfast.
" Sonia, I think I would only take bread. I don't eat Non Veg." Shreya said.
" Oh, that's bad, but you can have pudding and desserts. They don't have meat in it."
Sonia asked her.
" But they have eggs in it." Shreya answered.
" Hah, eggs are not meat, don't worry about small things. Here, you will not find anything to eat if you are picky." Sonia dismissed her concern.
" But, ..." Shreya paused for a moment, holding bread and milk in her hand.
" It's okay, just take a bite." Sonia smiled.
Shreya was dumbfounded.

© Dr. Manish Rout