what happened in Banaras ?

chapter 1 to where ?

In the bustling city of Kolkata, Ayan quietly folded his shirts into his suitcase, pausing as he reached for his small statue of Ganesha and a few sandalwood prayer beads. His mother had told him, "Keep these with you, they'll protect you on your trip to Shimla." Of course, what she didn't know was that his real destination lay elsewhere—he planned to change trains in Delhi and head to Goa with his friends. As he zipped his suitcase, his mother entered with a small silver diya and a soft cloth in hand.

"Come here, Ayan," she beckoned, gently smearing a tikka on his forehead, her eyes filled with pride. "Have a safe journey, and don't forget to call." She circled the diya around him, murmuring a prayer. Ayan winced slightly, but he smiled, giving her a quick hug as he whispered to his friend beside him, "Feels like I'm going to a temple retreat, not a beach trip." His friend chuckled softly, and together they made their way outside to the train station, where Ayan's parents waved him off, believing he was headed north to the mountains.

Meanwhile, down south in Bangalore, Elena was also packing. Her room was a bright space filled with neatly stacked books, her camera bag, and a small Bible lying on top of a travel guide. She carefully packed her camera, a few lenses, and her Bible, checking her things with a sense of purpose. Today was the start of her journey to Kedarnath, a trip that had been calling her soul for years. As she reached for her small cross pendant, her mother walked in, wrapping her arms around Elena.

"You're really going through with this, huh?" her mother said, a touch of pride and worry in her eyes. Elena nodded, smiling as she promised, "I'll be fine, Mom." Her mother handed her the cross pendant, and Elena looped it around her neck, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. Soon, her friends pulled up outside, honking impatiently as they prepared for the journey. With a final hug, Elena joined them, her camera slung around her neck as they headed toward the station.

Back in Kolkata, Ayan's family watched him board the train with waves and smiles. Once they were out of sight, he discreetly wiped the tikka off his forehead, laughing as he changed into a more casual T-shirt, eager to leave behind the traditional aura. "Alright, Goa, here we come!" he muttered, a mischievous grin on his face as the train pulled out of the station. His friends cheered quietly, sharing the thrill of their secret escape to the coast.

At nearly the same time in Bangalore, Elena waved from the train window, her family's figures slowly disappearing into the distance. She adjusted her camera, capturing candid shots of her friends goofing around on the platform. They had no grand goodbye ceremony, but her mother's silent support and the simple cross pendant around her neck were enough to make her feel ready for whatever the journey might bring