The Trip

I was grinning like a fool. I could see the big wide grin on my face while sitting on the window seat of the bus. Some people were even looking at me like I had gone mad! I felt mad! It was not at all funny when I think about it today.

But that day, I didn't care. I didn't care I was coming across as a fool or that people were looking at me, nothing.

I was just so restless, nervous, and delirious with excitement. I didn't know whether to cry or laugh. It was like the bundle of nerves had addled my brain, and it couldn't decide what to feel anymore. I looked out from the window towards my plane.

The day finally came! I glanced at the man sitting beside me. He was staring at me for some time. The bus finally stopped, and I got up eagerly. My hands fiddled with my bag as I rushed toward the plane without trying to seem like I was running.

As soon as I sat in my seat, I closed my eyes and tried to calm my nerves.

"Is this your first time flying?"

The same man had sat beside me. I stared at him a little and took in his features. He looked familiar.

No, it was not my first time flying, but...I mumbled a yes and nodded in affirmative.

"Don't stress so much. I have been traveling with this airline for a long time. You will reach safely."

I just smiled in a wish to convey the gratitude he was waiting for.

He looked like he wanted to say something more. But I didn't want to talk; at that point, I didn't even want to try. I just wanted to bask in my mixed feelings.

I never knew you could feel so delirious once you accepted all your feelings. My friend had told me to be happy on this new journey, but I understood that I could never be just happy.

I was also sad because I had left my family behind. I was also nervous because I was taking such a huge step today. And I was also excited thinking about what will come. And I was numb about what had transpired the day before.

The man beside me tried to make small talk, but I replied in monosyllables. I could read his intentions clearly - a want to make small talk because he found me intriguing, but at the same time, he was torn to ask me 'the' question.

But he won't be able to. No one was. The whole way from my house till the plane reaches its destination - everyone will only stare at me, but no one will dare to ask. They will speculate and whisper but still not ask. No, it is not their business, but I am also not a hot topic for them to turn into gossip.

At last, we landed! I eagerly took in what I could from my window. I waited for a little for others to move ahead. I tried to calm my nerves and not get lost in this new place.

The man beside me was staring at me again. Not getting up to leave, he piqued my interest a little. Was he seriously going to ask me that question? It would be interesting.

He walked behind me down the aisle when he finally opened his mouth.

"Are you traveling alone? Where is your husband?"

Finally! Someone brave enough to ask why a woman decked up in jewelry and traditional wedding attire was traveling alone. But still, he made the mistake of asking the monosyllabic question at the start.

So he only got an affirmative nod in reply.

As we stood for a taxi, he looked at me, waiting for a reply. I smiled at the persistence. He reminded me of him...my best friend. I opened the taxi door but gestured to the driver for a minute.

I looked at him and said if fate allows it we'll meet again. And then I'll tell you my story and maybe hear yours too.

He stared at me dumbfounded, and without waiting for a reply, I got into my taxi.

My phone rang just when I stepped out of the taxi. My friend had called me.

"Riya, did you reach safely?" I replied in the affirmative.

"Did you meet..." her question was interrupted by someone calling my name.

"Riya!"

It was the man from the plane. What?! I stared at him as he hurriedly crossed the road toward me.

'Is this fate enough for you? We meet again.' He gestured to me in sign language. My eyes widened even as I heard my friend reply from the speaker, "So you did meet! Give the phone to him!"

I was so surprised that I just did as she asked. He smiled brightly - how did I fail to recognize that smile?! - and answered the phone.

"Yes, I am with Riya. And we are going to go on a date." He looked into my eyes while he spoke, "And we'll be sharing our stories. After all, we have seen each other after ten years."

'I can't wait to hear your story, Rishabh,' I gestured to him amidst my overflowing happiness.

"And I can't wait to hear about your bridal look!"

THE END