In Jhumpa Lahiri's "Unaccustomed Earth," the main character reflects on his regret over his surly behavior when a woman named Hema turned him down. He realizes that Hema is unique among the people he has known, as she comprehends his past and his struggles. This understanding makes her the only woman he feels truly connected to, intensifying his desire to maintain an ongoing relationship with her. He fears the randomness of life might separate them and the thought of Hema being with another man adds to his anguish.

On his last day in Volterra, he desperately seeks a way to express his feelings to her. Unlike Franca, who bluntly criticized his emotional shortcomings, Hema's gentle refusal to blame him only deepens his sense of loss. He recognizes that without her presence in his life, he feels aimless and disconnected, emphasizing the emotional weight of the bond he wishes to preserve. His internal struggle reveals his longing for intimacy and the fear of losing one of the few people who truly understands him.