The morning sun barely lit the winding roads between the hills of Nepal as Abhi Damai led the small family along the dusty path. The air was crisp, carrying faint scents of pine and distant fires.
"Abhi," Nagesh grumbled, adjusting the strap of his small bag. "Are we there yet? My legs are already tired!"
Abhi shot him a look, half amused, half exasperated. "Patience, Nagesh. You think crossing half the country is easy? Walk straight and keep up."
Nagesh pouted but kept walking, occasionally teasing his older brother.
Meanwhile, MK, bundled in a soft shawl, giggled softly from atop their mother's back. The little boy kicked his tiny legs and reached for the sky.
"See, Nagesh," their mother laughed, "he is already taller than you in spirit!"
Abhi shook his head, trying not to smile. "He's growing too fast. One day he'll be bigger than both of us, mark my words."
The path curved, and in the distance, the first signs of the Indian border town appeared. Halfway there, they finally spotted a small bus stop.
"Ah, finally," Abhi breathed out. "Uncle should be here soon. Let's catch the bus."
Sure enough, a few minutes later, their uncle arrived, puffing slightly from the climb. "Took you long enough, Abhi! You're making me feel old," he joked, helping them settle MK safely inside.
The bus jolted forward, winding through hills and forests, carrying them toward a new life. Conversations flowed easily:
"Do you think they'll like me there?" Nagesh asked nervously.
"Who? The city?" Abhi said, grinning. "Don't worry. If you can survive my jokes, you can survive anything."
MK cooed softly, leaning against his mother, utterly oblivious to the seriousness of the journey.
Hours later, they arrived in India, dusty and tired, but with eyes full of curiosity. Work was not easy to find, but their father had managed something—a simple security post in a grand house.
Abhi peeked at the building. "Wow… it's huge. And we get to live here?"
Nagesh's mouth opened, then he burst out laughing. "Live? More like guard it! Are we supposed to chase thieves or just scare the cats?"
MK, still perched on their mother's back, pointed at the gates and giggled. "Big house! Big house!"
Their father smiled, shaking his head. "No, no. You watch the gates. Make sure everything is safe. That's all. And yes… it's big. You'll see plenty of mice to chase too, Nagesh."
Laughter filled the courtyard as the sun climbed higher. A new life awaited them, strange and wide, but for the first time in days, the journey felt like an adventure rather than a burden.