Chapter 74: He has grown up
"Uncle... You will also get money as compensation for this work," Aric promised.
"Hahahaha... You don’t have to worry. Your father is already paying for the bus fare. I am happy with that," Uncle Kurien said. Aric had respect for him, and truth be told, in this day and age, an honest person like him always brought warm feelings to Aric.
Though his behavior in his previous life didn’t mean that the current person was the same, at least he could start in good faith. The journey wasn’t that hard for Aric.
His body was getting powerful even if he didn’t need to do any work, and he was already taller than his previous height in the other life. He hadn’t realized it, but Apis and Mira did mention that his body was getting healthier day by day.
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Aric stepped off the crowded bus at the bustling terminal, the cacophony of Mumbai’s late 2000s cityscape hitting him like a wave. The air was thick with humidity and the scent of street food—spices, frying oil, and the sharp tang of citrus from vendors selling freshly cut fruits. The terminal itself was a chaotic swirl of people, buses, and auto-rickshaws, each vying for space and attention in the confined area.
"I had forgotten how Mumbai looked. But then again, not many things changed later. Only the volume of vehicles changed," Aric mumbled as he looked around. His father, not a big fan of crowded places, called for a taxi ride, while Uncle Kurien mentioned he had his friend’s place to crash.
He moved through the throng, his suitcase bumping over the uneven pavement. The streets outside were a sensory overload: honking horns, the constant buzz of conversation, and the occasional blare of Bollywood music from a passing car. Skyscrapers and modern office buildings jostled for space with dilapidated colonial-era structures, creating a stark contrast that highlighted the city’s rapid development amidst its historical roots.
The taxi driver deftly maneuvered through the labyrinth of traffic. As they inched forward, Aric caught glimpses of the sea on one side and the endless sprawl of the city on the other. Finally, they arrived at the hotel.