It had been a week since Neel left and Manjari missed him. For the past one week, she had not had a decent night sleep since then. Thanks to the time zones, the only time they could talk was in the morning or late into the night, which meant when Manjari was not in class or taking a class or researching, she was speaking to Neel. Like now. They were discussing her upcoming all-girls (Manjari, Arjumand, Liz and Piamatti) trip. They were all flying to San Francisco next week. From there, they were off to Vegas, LA. Phoenix before flying to New Orleans and ending their trip in the Big Apple- New York. After spending three days in the city, they were to come back to Yale, just in time to pack their bags and go back home. Initially, Manjari had been quite sceptical about the trip but now she was looking forward to it. It would be her first all-girls trip.
Neel had made her promise that she would have fun and would also take a lot of pictures. Manjari suspected it was to make sure that she wasnot having'too much fun' but had agreed to keep him updated.
Manjari and the girls reached San Francisco around mid-morning and after checking in their Air BnB decide not to waste a single moment and explore the city. They began at the famous Fisherman's Wharf- waterfront area that was also the tourist hub of San Francisco. Then they walked down to Pier 39 and saw the famous sea lions sleeping on the docks who were sunning themselves. They then rented a bike for biking the Golden Gate Bridge. Manjari could not believe herself. She had never felt freer, happier than when she was biking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. On their way, they stopped at the Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Fields. When they finally reached the Golden Gate Bridge, they made their way to Vista Point for an amazing photo with the San Francisco Bay and the bridge and the feeling of accomplishment was great. All four of them had decided to spend their evening at Golden Gate bridge and had been very happy with their decision. The setting sun was a magnificent sight and four happy, but tired feet collapsed in their respective beds that night. The day set the tone for the their next few days. Every morning the girls would have a quick breakfast and then leave to explore the city coming back very tired a night. They had fun travelling in trams, in cable cars and ferries as they went around the city. Like other girls, Manjari also could not have enough of the setting sun and throughout their stay, they ended their day at Pier 39, watching the sunset and enjoying crepes with the beautiful view.
After San Francisco, it was time for Vegas and the girls went crazy over slot machines in the city. The girls hopped from one casino to another at night, enjoying unlimited drinks and food in each casino. The days were spent on hop off hop on tours, photo ops of the Strip from the open-top bus, and transportation to landmarks such as the Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck and the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris. One morning was reserved for sunrise in a hot-air balloon ride for a sky-high perspective on this buzzing city. Days in Los Angeles were spent going around the Hollywood walk of fame, visiting Beverly Hills, getting photos clicked with the Hollywood sign and walking from Venice Beach to Santa Monica.
The Grand Canyon was a different experience. The stunning sunrise and sunset, the enchanting silence, fresh air and natural beauty, awe-inspiring sights- none of which could be captured in the camera. From Phoenix, tired bodies made their way to New Orleans and spent the next five days absorbing the new sights and smell of the French Quarters. Visits to plantations transported everyone to the world of belles and beaus. It was safely one of the most eccentric, vibrant cities that they had visited. In the world. Filled with friendly people, amazing food, awesome live music and memorable attractions, the girls agree that five days were just not enough for the city.
The last leg of their journey took them to New York where they spent exploring the city on foot this time. All the four had been to the city before and done the 'touristy things. Now they wanted to know the 'real' NY. Their days were spent browsing through quaint bookstores, and shops, trying new cuisines and just absorbing the mix of the old and the new in the city.
Safe to say, four happy hearts and very tired bodies made their way to New Havens. As they boarded the Metro-North, Manjari sent a silent prayer of thanks to the Universe for the beautiful experiences she had. She had kept her promise and sent Neel a lot of pictures from her trip. She had promised Amaira too that is he would take this trip with her the next time. When she reached home, she sent a quick message to everyone i.e. Neel and her parents that she had reached safely and promptly fell asleep.
The last ten days just flew by for Manjari. There was so much to be done. Clothes to be packed, books shipped, research work saved, assignments graded, and test results collected. And of course, souvenirs and gifts to be bought for everyone. Since she had bought quite a bit of stuff, she left it in the house for the next person to use. And just like that, it was time for her to go back. Manjari smiled to herself as she recollected the last 10 months. A lot had happened, and she had changed fundamentally. She had emerged stronger; more confident and she was sure that is she could handle anything that life would bring her way.
Her mobile phone buzzed signalling a message. It was Neel.
I missed you. Can not wait to see you. I will be at the airport.
She smiled. It was time to go back.
Manjari's flight landed at Indira Gandhi International airport at 11 pm. Her brother had messaged her saying that he would be there to pick her up with Amaira. She knew that her parents would also be there. She wondered how Neel would meet her with her family around. She made her way to the baggage claim section. After collecting her bags, she made her way out and was immediately hit by the hot humid weather of Delhi! She had forgotten how sticky it could get within two minutes. She made her way to the parking because that was where her brother would be waiting for her. As she crossed the road, she felt someone shuffle closer to her. She clutched her sling bag tightly and tried to create some distance. God knows, Delhi was famous for its pickpockets. The person shuffled closer and Manjari had had enough. The plane journey had tired her and all she wanted to do was meet her daughter, have a decent meal and sleep. She turned around to give the person a piece of her mind and was surprised to see it was Neel.
Manjari was shocked and her feet stopped moving for a few seconds as her eyes had a fill of Neel. He was smiling at her and made a move to hug her. That jolted Manjari to her senses. She was no longer in America; she was in India. She took a step back and shook her head imperceptibly. He made a face but understood what she was saying. He waved at her as he took a few steps back and signalled that he would call her. Just in time, because seconds later Amaira flung her arms around her legs and she was surrounded by her parents and her brother
YOU ARE READING
FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN
RomansaHer bitter divorce had convinced her that she was not to be loved ever. But fate had a few surprises for her. On a scholarship at Yale, away from family and friends, she meets an enigmatic man who takes her own a journey of self discovery. She tries...
