Seattle, Washington

Instead of unpacking his luggage or collapsing onto his bed in pure exhaustion after the twenty one hour flight from Mumbai, Todd Anderson bought a cheeseburger. It was something that he could have easily done at the airport but it wouldn't have been the same. And after living in India for several months, he wanted everything to be exactly the way it was before he departed the US for the fateful trip that would change his life.

He'd barely dropped his luggage onto the carpeted floor when he was off again. It was only a short two block walk to his destination but it felt like much longer. And when he arrived, he stood on the corner, admiring the sight before him. The Golden Arches beckoned to him like the gates of heaven. And at that moment, that's exactly what they were.

Going to McDonald's was something that billions of Americans did every day. And all but a few thought nothing of it. McDonald's was just… well, McDonald's. But the chances were very good that not one of those people had been through what he had experienced. And at that moment he promised himself never again to take the popular fast food chain for granted. While he certainly couldn't afford to eat there every day (both finically and physically), he would definitely visit more often.

He took a deep breath and walked through the door, both surprised and a little shocked to find the restaurant almost completely deserted. The sight made him smile. It would give him a chance to enjoy his cheeseburger in peace. The smile was still on his face as he walked up to the counter, where he was greeted by the perky teenager who wore the signature red and yellow uniform.

"How can I help you, sir?"

He glanced at the brightly lit menu and for a moment he began to panic. "Um, this is McDonald's, isn't it?"

Her smile faded somewhat. "Excuse me?"

"This is McDonald's, isn't it?" He repeated. "I mean it's not Mac Donall's, is it?" He cringed at the reminder of the Indian version of his favorite fast food place.

"Sir, I can assure you that this is McDonald's." As if to make sure that he believed her, she flashed her rectangular name tag at him. The one that read "Amy" beside a miniature version of the Golden Arches.

He was so relieved that he very nearly fainted. "Oh, thank God!"

"Sir are you all right?"

He was not all right at all and had he been even halfway all right he would have yelled at the girl for repeatedly calling him sir.

"Sir?"

He sighed deeply, momentarily forgetting why he had come to McDonald's in the first place. "Oh, right. I'd like two cheeseburgers, a large order of fries and a large Coke, please."

"Certainly sir. Will that be all?"

"Um, for now, yes. I-I mean yes that's all."

He quickly handed over his credit card and in no time at all he was holding a brown tray containing what he hoped would be the best meal he'd had in months. His stomach rumbled as he carried the tray to a corner booth and slid onto the hard, yellow and very uncomfortable seat. He had barely set the tray down on the table before he began unwrapping one of the cheeseburgers. His fingers were trembling, his mouth was watering. And as soon as he took a bite, the familiarity of a real American McDonald's cheeseburger was enough to make him feel as though he could sink into the floor. It was that good. When he'd finished his meal, he sat for a moment sipping his Coke, savoring his happiness. But as he sat, memories began to fill his mind. Memories of his holiday in Goa.

Asha…

Just the sound of her name in his head made his heart rate increase. He pictured her sitting beside him, her chestnut hair, her cinnamon skin, her beautiful brown eyes, and her smile that never failed to send his emotions soaring.
When he'd reluctantly taken the job in Mumbai, India as call center manager, he never imagined that he'd meet someone like Asha and he certainly never planned on falling in love.

Another memory followed.

Due to a mix up with a delivery of incentives for his India staff at Western Novelty, Asha accompanied Todd to Gharapuri by ferry to retrieve the shipment. What were the odds that India had two cities named Gharapuri? Very good, as it turned out.

During that fateful trip, Asha introduced him to mango. He loved the sound of her laughter when his technique for consuming the sweet fruit proved disastrous. She gratefully set him straight by demonstrating the proper way to eat it.

Unexpectedly the ferry broke down and, unable to return that evening they were forced to find a hotel room. The only room available was at the only hotel in Gharapuri; The Karma Sutra. And their first glance at the room was awkward to say the least. And surprisingly the sight of the romantic room led to an argument, which led to a kiss, which led to something more. That night they made love for the first time in the heart shaped bed.

The next morning, feeling somewhat embarrassed and shy, they showered and dressed, ready to return by ferry to the Western Novelty call center. But they both knew that their lives would never be the same.