ome. He used to be a cheery soul, Derrick knew him well. Derrick, needless to say, took him home for the first few weeks, till we found somewhere else, it’s the main reason I decorated this place, other than good publicity, his comfort.” She nodded at him and Mohandas looked sympathetically at the huddled up fellow. He decided to investigate. Mohandas slowly walked east towards the window, near to the man.“Hello, I’m with Rachel,” Mohandas realised he didn’t have a clue what to talk to him about, Billy was staring up at him with tired, red eyes. “Umm, do you like the Kite painting?” he asked. It was as good an opening as any other was. The man lifted an eyebrow at him, then looked him up and down, and then relaxed his tense shoulders.“No. Do you, Mr, er..?” questioned the friendly old gentleman.“Rashid. Mohandas, just call me that.” Mohandas filled in. For some reason Billy smiled lightly with fellowship.“Indian, by the sound of it. I’m British,” said the guy rather firmly, “but my parents came from America, North Carolina. They never explained why they left… Oh, I’m Billy Marsden. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, brother.”Mohandas smiled, “And as it is mine. Why don’t you like the painting?” queried Mohandas. Billy looked puzzled.“Er… it’s horrible. I don’t like the subject matter.” answered Billy.“You don’t like kites? Are you telling me you didn’t fly kites as a kid?” Mohandas sounded shocked, but Billy just shook his head and muttered something under his breath. Mohandas was about to question further, when Derrick and Rachel, arm in arm, waltzed into the room together.“Are you done looking around, M’hatma?” Mohandas heard Derrick’s loud voice booming into the room. He glanced at Billy, cross-legged on the floor...
