In Her Own Footsteps

XIV

Connor's eyes remained fixed on the notebook, brooding his mind heavy with the weight of their predicament. They had spent an entire hour searching for a solution, but options were scarce. Despite Connor's tireless efforts, he couldn't earn enough to cover the monthly loan. Aanya's lack of working authorization made finding a job an insurmountable challenge.

"If only I made as much money as my dad," Connor said, a mixture of frustration and disappointment showing on his face. Aanya wondered whether he was disappointed at the situation, at himself, or at her.

Connor never mentioned his dad. Aanya knew only fragments of Connor's strained relationship with his dad. They had been estranged since he was four years old. She heard that he was an Anesthesiologist. Aanya did not know much about the man, just that his memory evoke very painful memories. Over their time together, Aanya had gathered that he cheated on Connor's mom, his new wife physically abused Connor and his older brother when they were young, and he threatened his children into silence when their mom had tried to take him to court.

"If I go, it won't be forever." Aanya consoled him. "It would just be for the time it takes to earn and pay for the loan, unless, I get my work authorization and a job while I'm there."

Aanya was being optimist. Yet, beneath their optimism lingered the unspoken fear of the immigration process going awry, leading to a devastating denial of Aanya's immigrant status. The thought of separation, of their bond being tested, was a haunting presence in their minds.

In an attempt to lighten the somber atmosphere, Aanya managed a feeble chuckle, playfully suggesting, "Unless you want a break from mighty America and you want to move to Mauritius for a while. It would be just like a beach getaway."

As the words hung in the air, they both understood the gravity of their situation. The future was uncertain, and the decision before them weighed heavily on their hearts.

"Let me think about it," Connor added swiftly, surprising Aanya.

She had proposed the idea of moving to Mauritius on numerous occasions since they had been together, but each time, Connor had been resolute in his refusal. He was reluctant to venture into an unfamiliar country, leaving behind his family, and uproot the life he had grown accustomed to in America. Aanya hadn't anticipated him even entertaining the thought.

A flicker of hope ignited within Aanya, mingled with a trace of trepidation. She waited anxiously for Connor's response, unsure of what his contemplation might yield. The weight of their circumstances had pushed them to explore every option, even the most improbable ones. And now, at this moment, the possibility of their shared journey to Mauritius hung delicately in the balance, its outcome unknown.

Silence enveloped the room as Connor retreated into his thoughts, his face a canvas of conflicting emotions. Aanya resisted the urge to fill the void with words, understanding the importance of allowing him the space to process and make his decision. She knew that whatever choice he made would shape their future, altering the course of their lives in ways they couldn't yet fathom.

Connor broke the silence. "I'll let you know when I can."

Aanya's heart skipped a beat as Connor's voice cut through the silence, his words laden with indecision. "I'll let you know when I can," he finally uttered, his eyes locked with hers.

A wave of mixed emotions crashed over Aanya, the flicker of hope warring with a tinge of disappointment. She had anticipated an immediate answer, an unequivocal declaration of their path forward. But deep down, she understood the complexity of their situation and the weight of Connor's contemplation. It wasn't a decision to be taken lightly, and she respected his need for time to process.