bounded by shadows

Chapter :11

As I stepped out of the airport, the crisp, cool air of France embraced me, welcoming me as if I were coming home. There was a sense of liberation in the unfamiliar surroundings, a promise of new beginnings. Charles de Gaulle Airport in France faded into the background as I scanned the crowd of the unfamiliar faces for the person who had come to pick me up.

Among the sea of faces, a young woman stood holding a sign with my name on it. She looked around, her eyes searching eagerly. As I approached her, she smiled warmly. "Janaki?" she asked, her accent hinting at a mix of French and something else.

"Yes, that's me," I replied, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement.

"I'm Natalie," she introduced herself, extending a hand. "We've never met, but I'm here to take you to your new place."

Natalie was about my age, with short, dark hair and a friendly demeanor. She wore a stylish yet casual outfit that spoke of both comfort and elegance, a testament to her effortless French chic. Her presence was comforting, and I felt some of my anxiety dissipate.

"Thank you for coming to get me," I said, shaking her hand. "It's my first time here."

"Don't worry," Natalie reassured me. "France is a beautiful place, and you'll settle in no time. Come on, let's get your bags and head out."

As we walked through the airport towards the exit, Natalie chatted about the city, pointing out various landmarks and sharing bits of local trivia. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself relaxing more with each step.

We reached her car, a small yet elegant vehicle that seemed perfect for navigating the narrow streets of the city. Natalie helped me load my bags into the trunk, and soon we were driving through the picturesque streets of France. The architecture was stunning, a blend of historical grandeur and modern charm.

"So, do you know why are you here" Natalie asked, glancing over at me as we drove.

"I'm here to study art," I explained. "And to start fresh, I suppose."

Natalie nodded, understanding. "France is a great place for that. The art scene here is vibrant and inspiring. You'll love it."

As we continued our journey, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope blossoming within me. The pain and betrayal of my past seemed to fade, replaced by the promise of a new beginning in a land that already felt like a sanctuary.

As a comfortable silence settled between us, the tranquil atmosphere was disrupted by a soft meowing from the carrier beside me. Juju, my beloved cat, had enough of the confined space. I reached over and gently opened the carrier, lifting her out. She immediately began to scent me, rubbing her head against my arm, her whiskers twitching in curiosity and discomfort.

Natalie glanced over, her eyes widening with interest. "Is she yours?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of concern.

"Yes," I replied, stroking Juju's soft fur to calm her. "This is Juju. She's a bit unsettled after the long flight."

Natalie smiled warmly. "She's beautiful. It's a big change for her too, I imagine."

"Yes," I agreed. "She's not used to all the new smells and sounds."

Juju, still uneasy, meowed softly, her eyes darting around the unfamiliar car interior. I held her close, whispering soothing words to reassure her. "It's okay, Juju. We're safe."

Natalie reached out slowly, allowing Juju to sniff her hand. "Hey there, Juju," she said softly. "You're in good hands. We'll get you both settled in no time."