'Good Evening Mr. and Mrs. Roy.' I greeted nervously in Ryan's parents' residence. It was grey and white with elegant and modest furniture around. They stood up as they saw me. Ryan hugged his mom.

'Hello, Karishma. We've heard so much about you.' Ryan's mom smiled.

'So you know me I guess.' His dad started. 'Welcome to Etis, our world first of all. I hope Ryan's been doing a good job showing you around. Please feel at home.'

I'm his girlfriend folks. Please don't kill me.

'Bonjour Mr. Roy and Mrs. Roy. Hiii Karishma. Hii Ryan!' Aspen walked into the home. She wore a green frock. 'Ryan called me and said that you are here Karishma. How are you?' She hugged me.

'Um, Karishma let's take you to Cecila. Mom and Dad have already talked to her about your arrival.' Ryan geared up to leave.

'Uh Ryan, let Aspen take her no. If you don't mind Karishma.' His mom called out. We all agreed and I and Aspen left for Cecila's office.

'Ryan and you are a thing?' She asked on the way. I blushed and approved. 'You guys look so good together. Ryan talks about you half the time he's here. Mat, I and Ryan are really great friends you know. I'm so glad you'll be joining us. And here's Cecila's office.'

She pushed one of the big hallway doors open. The inside looked like a bustling business's head office. There were files stacked on one side of the wall and the study was situated in the middle of the room. There's where Cecila sat.

She seemed like a woman in her mid-thirties. She wore a black and white checked coat. She had a pale skin color and thick matte pink painted lips. She gave a small smile upon seeing me.

'Welcome, Karishma Renaud. You must be really close to Ryan Roy.' She extended her hand for a shake. 'Over the years, the number of humans from the Earth arriving at Etis has greatly declined. I'm happy you're here. You'd make a great asset if you hold true to my assumptions and your capabilities.'

I didn't understand what she meant by that. I saw Aspen's face darken. 'What does that mean?' I quickly asked. 'And also, thank you for having me in Etis.'

'Explore Etis Karishma Renaud. I hope you'll adapt to the environment. We're a small group of people associated with both magic and technology. I hope you fit in.'

She then gestured us to leave.

Aspen pulled me outside the room. Her words replayed in my mind. I felt as if I was being objectified by her for a second. I walked towards Ryan's parents' apartment, lost in thoughts.

'Stay Ryan stay! Why don't you understand? Even your dad has retired now, we'll be a happy family.'

'No mom I really like to live on Earth. You guys don't worry about me. My school has boarding facilities. I'll live there.'

I slid the door open slightly and unobtrusively listened to the conversation.

'It's not about that Ryan! We want to live in the same place as a family. Don't worry, you'll live in your flat, but then we want you here on Etis, working on your magic, living a normal life here.'

'I understand dad, but I prefer Earth. I'd want to stay there, in Mumbai, India.'

'What's stopping you re? The girl? She's an Earthling, remember. How much ever you get attached to her, you never know. Bring her here, we have no problem, but we don't know she'd want to or like it or develop any powers at all. But then don't let her stop you.'

'Mom I genuinely like Mumbai. And yes, I want to Karishma around me. And I know it's such a big thing to ask for. No matter how perfect this place is, I understand she won't leave her home. She won't like it.'

'But you are leaving yours for a defected place like Earth and a schoolgirl.'

'Mom, I feel a pinch of hatred for her in you, but you also have love. Bear with me. Let your better emotions rule. My decision doesn't change.'

I could see no one. I just heard. That's when I understood why Ryan had brought me to Etis. Why everyone talked about adapting and liking and welcoming. Why Aspen wanted to include me in their friend circle.

Perhaps I wasn't here for a vacation, after all, I might have to stay.

'Not a vacation Kashi. I know it is too much to ask for. But please tell me whatever you decide. And most importantly, I won't judge any of your decision. I'll be with you. But please consider Etis. It'll be a great start for us.' I looked up, shocked. I hadn't noticed Ryan arriving.

I had to make a choice.

And I had no idea what to do.