The Orphan Keeper: Adapted for Young Readers from the Best-Selling Novel by Camron Wright

Author:Camron Wright
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: 2022-05-23T15:48:32+00:00

Chapter 11

Indian Food

“Ladies and gentlemen. We are beginning our descent . . .”

The flight should have been liberating. He was leaving the U.S. behind and venturing off to a new country. Except Taj had fallen asleep over the ocean and his reward was a stiff neck and a numb arm.

He’d never flown on a jet, at least not that he could remember. For certain he didn’t swim over as a child from India, but he held no memory of the journey.

“Sir, could you straighten your seatback?”

Taj obliged and then unfolded his letter. It instructed him to meet Mr. Huddersfield outside baggage claim. There he’d be assigned a traveling companion and housing arrangements.

The man was there as promised, though his accent sounded more like Mr. Bean than Mr. Bond. Other arriving students were also waiting to speak with him.

“Thank you for your patience, Mr. Rowland,” Huddersfield grunted, when it was finally Taj’s turn. The man shuffled through his papers.

“Since you will be using public transportation to get to and from the university, we want you to travel in pairs. You’ve been assigned with another student to families that live close. That way you can both get lost together.”

He waited for Taj to smile. He didn’t.

The man continued. “You will be living with the Tamboli family. Your traveling partner, Kelly Cooper, will be living with the Harrisons.”

Taj spoke up. “Sir, I don’t think Kelly has arrived.”

A slender girl with dark, shoulder-length hair stepped beside him. “I’m right here.”

Taj must have scrunched his eyes when he turned, because she leaned over. “Were you expecting a man?” She let out a laugh that seemed too big for her petite frame.

Huddersfield addressed Kelly first. “The Harrisons live near Upton Park. They are a nice older couple with deep English roots. They host every year, and you’ll find them delightful.”

Taj’s turn.

“Mr. Rowland. We noticed your picture and thought you’d enjoy the Tambolis. This is their first time hosting, but they come highly recommended. I think you’ll find them most accommodating.”

Taj swallowed. “You noticed my picture?”

Huddersfield’s words stumbled. “I meant that they’re . . . you know . . . they’re Indian. Like you.”

“I’m an American,” Taj blurted, bellowing his protest.

“Well, yes, I know,” Huddersfield replied, swirling his hand toward Taj, eager to highlight the obvious. “But you are of Indian descent, correct?”

“I guess,” Taj said. How could he explain it to the man? Taj had never met another Indian, let alone lived with an entire family of them. “Do they speak English?” he asked. “Because I don’t speak Indian.”

Kelly winced. “It’s Hindi.”

“Pardon?”

“Indian isn’t a language. They likely speak Hindi.”

His eyes lifted. If the girl’s intent was to make a bad impression on her first day in England, she was doing a jolly good job.

Huddersfield’s chin bobbed in agreement. “Yes, Mr. Rowland. They speak English. We thought you’d be excited.”

“Whatever. It’s fine.”

Huddersfield was already pointing with his misshapen finger toward the airport exit. “If it doesn’t work out, let me know and we’ll make a change. Now, if you’re ready, their son is parked out front.

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