LUCKNOW: Isha Chitranshi, a 22-year-old medical student of Ternopil University in Ukraine, was one of the few lucky ones to enter the border of Romania from the war zone.
However, the Kannauj native’s ordeal had not ended. Upon arriving in the neighbouring country, Indian embassy personnel told her that it would still be some time before a flight to India can be arranged. Having travelled for more than 24 hours on an empty stomach, Isha was exhausted and the news hit her like a bolt.
After a few hours, an embassy official asked her if she would like to stay at a hotel or in a home for the waiting period.
“I opted for a home and was sent to the house of a Romanian family near the border. They welcomed me with open arms and have been very supportive. The couple greeted me at the door by saying ‘Namaste, this is your home’,” Isha told TOI. They introduced themselves as Nicu and Mariyana, taking help of Google Translate.
“They offered me coffee, dry fruits and then gave me boiled potatoes. They even asked if I would like anything specific to eat and went on to say that I could cook whatever I wished to,” she said.
Overwhelmed, Isha said that the couple made her feel comfortable by playing songs from Hindi films and cooking Indian cuisine.
“They introduced me to their three young kids...it seemed like my own home. I have a separate room with all facilities. Every hour, the couple asks me to make a call to my parents back in India,” she said.
“Mariyana has baked a cake for me and said that even if I am unable to get a flight home, I can stay there weeks,” said Isha, while talking to TOI.
