Lost in Translation

Part 1: The Encounter

The cozy smell of fresh coffee and the quiet buzz of people talking filled Café Belle. Alex was sitting at his regular corner table, with his laptop open, typing quickly on his latest translation homework. He loved the challenge of finding the right words to connect different languages, but today, he was distracted.

"Sorry to interrupt," a gentle voice said, bringing him back to reality. Alex looked up and saw a woman standing nervously next to his table. Her bright green eyes showed both determination and nervousness.

"Yes" Alex said as he closed his laptop partway.

"You you are a translator, right. " she asked, her accent strong and musical.

"That's true," Alex said, curious. "Do you need assistance. "

Elena agreed "I am from Spain. " I'm new here, and I need help. "My English isn't very good. "

Alex pointed to the chair in front of him. "Please sit down. " What do you want to be translated.

While sitting, Elena put an old leather notebook on the table. "This belongs to my grandma. " It matters Sure Please provide the text you'd like me to rewrite in simple words, along with the parts in Marathi that you want included. "Can you help me get it. "

"Marathi, really" Alex said, leaning in. "That's what I'm good at. " "What’s the rush. "

Elena paused, her fingers moving along the edges of the journal. "It's a family secret. " I think "But I'm not really sure. "

Alex laughed a little. "A treasure hunt. That sounds exciting. " "Let me see. "

As he opened the journal, Elena looked around the café quickly, feeling a bit anxious. Alex saw

"Take it easy," he said softly. "You are safe here. "

Her lips moved into a tiny smile. "Thanks,"

Alex started translating the old writing, quietly reading it out loud as he went. "Hmm 'Where the banyan tree meets the river, a story lies hidden under the roots. ' It's nice but unclear. " "Do you know where this might be. "

Elena's face brightened. "I recognize the spot. It's in my grandma's village. "

Alex lifted an eyebrow. "That's a big advantage. " "Do you want to go see what’s hidden there. "

"Are you going to help me. " she asked, surprised.

"Why" Alex said with a smile. "I don't get to have an adventure every day. "Part 1: The Encounter