Under the Same Sky

1. A Moment in between

Ananya's POV:

Delhi Airport always felt like a whirlwind. People rushing to catch flights, the hum of announcements, and the smell of overpriced coffee. I sighed, sipping my mocha latte as I scrolled through my phone, waiting for my flight back to London. Three weeks at home with my family had been refreshing, but I was ready to return to my routine. The chaotic charm of Delhi was a world away from the calm of London, but I had grown fond of both.

I giggled softly, the latest video of him playing on my screen. It was a compilation of his savage comebacks during interviews, his uninterested persona, and that gummy smile—classic him. God, he was effortlessly cool. I wasn't a crazy fan, but I admired him for how he carried himself, even though he had been through so much. His music helped me through some tough days. It was funny how this 31-year-old rapper from a boy band could be both intimidating and relatable.

As the video continued, I felt a presence nearby, someone glancing my way. I looked up quickly, feeling a little self-conscious, but no one seemed to notice. Shrugging it off, I returned to the screen, letting the comfort of my favourite artist distract me from the long flight ahead.

My phone pinged, alerting me that boarding had started. Time to get back to reality.

His POV:

Airports had a strange way of making me feel invisible, and I liked it. As much as I loved performing, these solo trips gave me some peace. No cameras, no fans, no interviews—just me, my thoughts, and my music.

I adjusted the cap on my head and the black mask, hoping it would shield me from any lingering attention. I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. But, as fate would have it, I glanced around the waiting lounge, only to see a woman sitting across from me, absorbed in her phone. Normally, I wouldn't care, but then I saw it—a video of me on her screen. I couldn't help but smirk as I caught a glimpse of myself being... well, savage.

The way she giggled, oblivious to the world around her, made me shake my head. Fans were funny like that. They'd obsess over the smallest things, like a smirk or a line in a song. I'd never understand it, but it didn't bother me. I ignored it and looked away.

When they called for boarding, I hoped for a smooth flight. First-class was the only indulgence I allowed myself on these trips. A quiet corner to recharge. But no, things couldn't be that simple. Turns out, there was a booking mix-up. They gave my seat away, and all that was left was economy. I considered causing a fuss, but what was the point? I could manage.

Ananya's POV:

I settled into my economy seat, tugging my jacket closer as the air conditioning blasted down. It wasn't until the last minute that someone slid into the seat next to me, clearly not thrilled about it. I glanced sideways and did a double take.

I stared straight ahead, my heart racing in my chest.

No. It can't be.

This can't be him.

But my brain wasn't convinced. The man sitting next to me, casually adjusting his hoodie and cap, looked just like him. I mean, how many people had those same sharp features, that snow-like skin that seemed to glow even under the harsh airport lighting? It had to be him. Right?

But the rational part of me kicked in. Why would he be in economy? Isn't he, like, a huge star? There's no way it's actually him. Maybe it's just some guy who looks a little too similar.

I tried to focus on the in-flight announcements, but my mind was spinning. Every few minutes, I'd sneak a glance at him, trying to match what I knew about him with the person sitting next to me. The more I looked, the more my heart screamed it was him. But still, I couldn't just jump to conclusions, could I? I mean, people sometimes looked like celebrities.