On their journey from Chang-Mai to Bangkok, a new sun began to ascend, casting a golden hue over the landscape. Stranger and Niloy pressed on, their weary legs moving with determination. Niloy, clad in tattered, muddy garments, was exhausted, his steps lagging.
Niloy's body gave in to exhaustion, his form slumping to the ground, weariness heavy in his voice as he uttered, "Stranger, I can't carry on... I need to rest."
Stranger, never breaking his stride, retorted sharply, "I didn't ask you to follow me...''
Frustration bubbled within Niloy, his tone edged with irritation. "You've got a thick skin, I'll give you that."
With a resigned tightening of his features, the Stranger pressed forward on his journey. But Niloy's hunger gnawed at him, a relentless reminder.
"Stranger, I'm starving," he admitted, his voice pleading.
Stranger responded with a nonchalant hum, lacking in enthusiasm.
"And I'm in dire need of new clothes," Niloy persisted, hoping to stir some empathy from the Stranger.
Finally, Stranger halted, his tone laced with irritation. "Are you suggesting I should cater to your every whim?"
Unwavering, Niloy held his ground. "I understand, but considering I'm a foreigner in Thailand, with no one to turn to, isn't it the Thai tradition to offer assistance to those in need?"
Stranger, still irritated, muttered, "Hmmm," and continued walking. Undaunted, Nil followed with a blossoming smile.
They found themselves in a local Chang-mai supermarket, but it seemed like every shop was shut tight. After knocking on nearly ten shops, they finally found one with an open door. The shopkeeper looked at them curiously and inquired, "Are you both a couple?"
Stranger was about to deny it, but Niloy jumped in, saying, "Oh, we are indeed a couple, but you see, my boyfriend here is a bit shy about it."
The shopkeeper couldn't help but smile at their playful banter as she disappeared into her shop to fetch some clothes.
Stranger, in a soft, annoyed tone, muttered, "How dare you?"
Nil chuckled and responded, "Stranger, I had to! Did you see how she was checking us out? In this situation, if she had refused to give us clothes, we'd still be suffering. So, I had to play the part."
Soon, the shopkeeper returned with the clothes they needed.
After changing into their fresh attire, it was time to settle the bill. Nil gave Stranger an impish look and paid the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper couldn't help but comment, "You both look beautiful together. May God always keep you both together."
With a scowl etched across his features, Stranger shot an irritated glance at Niloy, then resolutely continued his forward march. Despite his frustration, Niloy couldn't help but offer a grateful nod to the shopkeeper before hurrying to catch up with Stranger.
Their journey brought them to a quaint restaurant, not particularly large, but brimming with the fresh morning air. The setting was adorned with vibrant flowers, soothing fountains, and picturesque scenery, creating a delightful atmosphere that welcomed them with open arms.
Seated together at a cozy table, Niloy was captivated by the surroundings, his gaze sweeping in every detail. Stranger leaned in and suggested,
"Shouldn't we order something?"
Niloy, momentarily lost in the enchanting ambiance, blinked and replied, "Ahh... hmm."
Perusing the menu book, Niloy struggled to decipher the options. He eventually surrendered the menu to Stranger, who glanced at him with an annoyed expression. However, Niloy's endearing smile softened his frustration.
Then, in an unexpected twist, Niloy pleaded with Stranger, "Stranger, order everything on the menu. Don't look at me like that... I haven't eaten in two days." Witnessing Niloy's yearning, Stranger reluctantly signaled the waiter to bring everything, and they sat in silence, contemplating the feast awaiting them.
As the waiter began to fill their table with a plethora of mouthwatering dishes, Niloy couldn't contain his excitement and moved to dig in. Yet, Stranger swiftly grasped his hand, halting his eager intentions. With a hint of frustration, Niloy questioned, "What's wrong?"
Without a word, Stranger guided him away from the table, and Niloy inquired, "Ah, Stranger..."
They made their way to the washroom, where Niloy attempted to resume their conversation.
"Would you tell me?" he asked.
But Stranger, busy washing his hands, retorted, "Quite...?"
Niloy couldn't divert his gaze from Stranger as they returned to their seats. With an air of anticipation, Niloy ventured, "Can I..."
Stranger replied with a soft "Ummm." Encouraged by this slight approval, Niloy embarked on his culinary journey. As he relished the delectable dishes, he seized the moment to inquire of Stranger, his words dancing between bites,
"Stranger, what's your name?"
Stranger answered with a curt "No." Undeterred, Niloy continued.
"But at least, I can share a bit about myself," he began. "I'm Niloy from Bangladesh. And I want to become an actor, so I left my home."
Niloy paused, reflecting on the wisdom of revealing too much of his past. With a subtle smile, he mused, "Though, perhaps, I shouldn't delve too deeply into my realm."
"Can you at least tell me where you reside in Chang-Mai?" he pressed.
"Bangkok," Stranger replied succinctly.
Excitement tinged Niloy's tone as he responded, "You live in Bangkok! So, what brings you to Chang-mai? Let me guess... for educational purposes?"
Stranger shook his head. "No."
"Perhaps work, then?" Niloy guessed again.
Again, Stranger denied it, "No."
Perplexed but undeterred, Niloy continued, "Do you have family here in Chang-mai?"
But in silent language, Stranger indicated another negative response.
Unfazed, Niloy pondered aloud, "Alright, then. So where are you planning to go next?"
Stranger remained silent for a prolonged five minutes before answering, "Bangkok."
With an excited, pleading tone, Niloy implored, "Stranger, I would be immensely grateful if you could drop me off in Bangkok. Once we reach Bangkok, I'll find some work and repay you every baht you've spent on me. I swear to God."
Without responding, Stranger paid for their meal and prepared to leave. As he washed his hands, Niloy desperately called out, "Stranger, please, it's the last thing I'm asking of you... please."
Stranger, seemingly unresponsive, pushed forward. Observing Stranger's retreating figure, Niloy couldn't help but feel that he might have finally pushed his newfound companion too far.
With a heavy heart, Niloy resigned himself to the thought, "Maybe Stranger has had enough of me," and stood motionless for a moment. After some time, he felt someone gently grasp his hand, and as he turned to look, it was Stranger. Holding Niloy's hand, Stranger silently led him away, moving forward together once more.
As Stranger moved forward, Niloy responded with a warm, grateful smile.
Together, they reached the bustling bus stand in Chang-Mai, ready to embark on a journey that would carry them from Chang-Mai to Bangkok. The bus was waiting, and although there was an empty seat next to Niloy, he chose to move to a different spot.
Despite the vast distance that lay ahead, roughly a 12-hour journey from Chang-Mai to Bangkok, both of them recognized that their shared path was destined to stretch even farther, with countless adventures awaiting them.