Si, Per Favore

1. FaceTime

"It's been two months since you've been in Milan, and you're telling me you haven't been out with even one Italian guy? Are you serious?" My sister Anya's eyebrows shot up, almost disappearing into her hairline. She stared at me through the screen of my phone, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"Yeah, I am so surprised too! Ever since we knew you'd be going to Milan, there are three things we always talked about exploring: the food, the cities, and the Italian men! What are you even doing there?" My friend Ritika chimed in, her face sharing the same incredulous expression. Anya, Ritika, and Ritika's younger sister Rainaa were all on a video call, their faces lit by the soft glow of their screens, united in their astonishment.

They were right. It had been two whole months since I had moved to Milan for a semester abroad from Mumbai, some 6,000 kilometers away, and my experience so far could be summed up in disappointingly meager numbers: Number of places explored - 4, items of new food tried - 3, number of Italian guys dated - 0.

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt mixed with frustration. "I don't know, guys. I guess I've just been busy with classes and... I don't know, it's not as easy as it sounds."

Ritika rolled her eyes dramatically. "Not as easy? Girl, you are in Milan and in the era of advanced technology. You practically have a line of guys at your fingertips. Use. The. Dating. Apps! It's practically a playground of possibilities!"

They laughed simultaneously and so did I. Ritika had a major point there.
"Yeah exactly, just last week you were telling me how literally every third guy looks like he's the hero of a young adult novel," Anya added, a teasing glint in her eye.Rainaa leaned in closer to her screen, her voice softening a bit.

"Maybe it's not just about being busy. Maybe you're nervous or... something else is holding you back? I hope it's nothing from your past."

I knew what Rainaa was trying to hint at: the devastating heartbreak I had gotten over a few months ago. Moving to Milan was supposed to be my fresh start, a chance to rediscover myself away from the familiar comforts of home. I bit my lip, their words echoing in my mind. I blamed it on trying to settle in, on adjusting to a new culture and a new way of life. But deep down, I knew it was more than that. I was scared. Scared of putting myself out there, of getting hurt again.

I shook my head, trying to shake away the doubts. "I guess I am a little nervous, but I also have genuinely been busy. I have classes almost every day of the week, but I guess it's time I cut the crap and actually try."

"Yes, as you should," Rainaa added.

"You do recall the last time we were in Milan, you and I were 16. We had seen so many things that we wanted to do together, but couldn't because we were in Milan just for a few days. Do it this time. And send us videos and photos of those things too."
I nodded. The 4 of us had come to Italy a few years ago with our families and it was one our best summers together.

Their words sparked something within me—a determination to shed the hesitations that had been holding me back. "You're right," I admitted, my voice firming with resolve. "I've been making excuses, but no more. From now on, I'm embracing every opportunity this city offers."

Anya nodded approvingly, her eyes softening with sisterly pride. "That's the Keya we know. You have always been so fond of Italy and look at how things have aligned for you. Don't let it pass you by."

"Exactly. You believe in signs from the universe, so many things have conspired for you to be there at this moment. Please enjoy and have some extra fun on our behalf too!" Ritika winked and laughed.
"You guys are right. Now go have fun. I wish I was with y'all for our usual girl nightouts."
"Yeah we miss you too Keya. But you have a mission now. I want some juicy, crazy stories when you get back."

"I am on it. It's time to do things for the plot. Literally."

"Yep. Okay now bye, our Uber is waiting outside."

"Ciao girls."

"Ciaoooo!" They sang together at the end of the screen.

As I ended the call, I felt a strange mix of excitement and determination. This was my chance to rewrite my story, to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Milan was waiting for me. I had let almost two months go by. But now anymore.

It's time to do things for the plot of this Milan chapter.