The Journey (2016)

The Stranger

"When she was just a girl she expected the world
But it flew away from her reach
So she ran away in her sleep and dreamed of
Para-para-paradise, para-para-paradise, para-para-paradise
Every time she closed her eyes..."
- Paradise, Coldplay

It must be strangers who learn who I am, for only then will I be who I am. It must be strangers who learn my stories, for only they can help me write the story I would love reciting for the lifetime ahead.

The Stranger

"Yes, papa. I have landed." She spoke to her father, watching the people weaving in and out of the crowd at the airport. The phone was huge in her hand and her father sounded more distant than ever. "I will check-in in a couple of hours, don't worry! Yes, I remember the name of the Hotel and I have address. No, I won't get lost. They do speak English, papa!"

After much assurance, her father finally said his goodbye and Radhika took a deep breath as she hung up.

"Welcome to Astrum, Radhika." She whispered to herself. She still could not believe where she was and what her eyes saw. The air around here felt different and the smell was strange, but for some reason she couldn't keep the smile off her face. For once, it felt real on her lips, and that made Radhika smile even more. Her father had surprisingly asked for some time to think and then he came to her the next morning with a deal. She can go on this vacation, but she must agree to stay at his friend's hotel.

Radhika had almost choked on air with shock and excitement.

The Hotel Crown was definitely a site. It wasn't just a hotel, she realized, it was a resort. Unfortunately she could only see the outline of the architecture that glowed with night-lights. She almost felt ashamed to take the taxi inside but then realized walking through the gates with bags would be more humiliating. The taxi dropped her off and a bellboy was by her side immediately.

"Welcome to Astrum, madam." He greeted her. Radhika smiled once again at the accent. Oh, how she loved this!

"Thank you." She replied politely. He carried her luggage to the reception where Radhika requested a check-in.

"Good evening madam, may I have your name please?" The receptionist asked, rather cheerful for three in the morning.

"Radhika Shah."

The receptionist-Mary, Radhika read the tag-typed her name on the computer and frowned. With a shake of head she typed again.

"S-h-a-h?" She confirmed. Radhika nodded. "I am sorry madam but your check-in time is 11:00AM on the 14th."

"Excuse me?" Radhika frowned. "I am sure the check-in was at 1:00AM, how is that possible?"

"Uh, I am sorry but it says 11:00AM here." The receptionist replied meekly.

"That is ridiculous!" Radhika said, suddenly nervous. But Radhika was never the one to fight authorities so she sighed and avoided looking at the bellboy who stood there waiting for a room number.

"I am sorry madam, you can use the lounge until check-in if you want." She said, trying to help Radhika. "And we can keep the bags in the lockers if you would like. I apologize for the inconvenience but the room is unavailable."

"Can't you give me another room or something?" Radhika asked hopefully.

"Sorry madam, I wish I could help you but it seems our hotel is booked. Comic Con is tomorrow so the check-ins will start at 7:00AM; unfortunately we can't lend you any room. Once again, we are sorry for inconvenience." Mary's cheerful nature seemed to have transformed into guilt-ridden sympathy, even though it wasn't her fault, so Radhika nodded and smiled.