Teri Galliyan

Chapter 1 - The Encounter

Arriving in India after 7 whole years was the most enriching feeling. I was yearning to come here, to meet my family, my friends and of course for Sana's wedding. She was begging me to film her wedding and I just had to give in, although I've still got a year of my photography course left. Thankfully, the dean had allowed me to go to gain some "experience" for my portfolio. People would always think that being a photographer is easy. No, absolutely not. You have to get the right lighting, right setting and the right angle. One wrong button can turn your whole world upside down.

Suddenly, an air hostess disrupted my thoughts.
"Would you like anything to drink ma'am?"
"No, thank you." I smiled as she walked off.

We still had 2 more hours left till we reached India. I think it was time for a Bollywood movie. The last time I had watched one was probably a year ago. It's hard not having Asian friends at Washington University. My only friend, who actually joined me to watch Barfi, was Tina. She was half-caste so I guess that was understandable. I decided to watch Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Who doesn't like that film though? This is the millionth time I'm watching it but you just can never get bored of it. Bollywood movies may be a bit over dramatic, but it's the best medicine when you have nothing to do in your life!

I unbuckled my seat belt as the plane landed. India was beautiful and still is. The rich soil of my motherland was awaiting for me. I could just about make out the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in the distant. I still shiver at the thoughts of what happened there. My father died in that incident. I wasn't even there when it was attacked. Ammi had forced me to complete my studies and then come. After that, we had never ever stepped into that hotel again.

As soon as I discovered my luggage, I quickly called Sana to see if she was picking me up.
"Hey Sana! Are you here yet?"
"Sorry Aisha. I'm stuck shopping with Varun's mum for our wedding clothes."
"Wait, so who's picking me up?"
There was a pause.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten already. Sana seriously?"
"Sorry let me just ask Varun okay? He organised all of this."

I waited at the other end of the line.
"Hi Aisha. Hope the journey was good. My friend is at the airport, holding a card with your name written on it. Text us when you've found him."
"Okay jiju. Bye."

I hung up the call, irritated. Wow, so I come to India after so many years and no one from a family but a stranger comes to pick me up. This is going to be so much fun - NOT.

Scanning the arrivals department for a card with my name was just effort. My eyes caught sight of a man, 6 foot tall. He had a grunge look, with a short stubble, spiked hair and was wearing a deep, emerald  green shirt with dark, black jeans. He had a pair of shades, pinned to his shirt. As soon as I had finished inspecting him, his brooding eyes were staring right through me; they reminded me of someone familar but I just could not grasp who! I turned around and looked back, hoping his eyes weren't searching for me. They were still fixed. Then, I noticed the card.

I strolled over to him. 

"Hi, I'm Aisha Abdullah." I extended my hand out but he didn't move an inch. This time, his eyes were locked onto his iPhone. His broad fingers were constantly running in between the qwerty keyboard.
I repeated myself once again, expecting him to introduce himself. Still no answer.
"HI I'M AISHA ABDULLAH" I shouted. Everyone's eyes turned towards us. I blushed bright red, avoiding everyone else's stares but his.
"You do know I heard it the first time Miss Aisha Abdullah." He smirked. There was a tiny glint in his eyes as if he recognised me. Surely, this was the first time he had also seen me. Unless...No it can't be him. He can't have changed that much. I knew all of Varun's friends, but this guy was unbelievably new - well atleast to me.

A sudden click made me jump as I nearly stumbled over my own suitcase. Little kids were chuckling while the elderly just smiled to reassure me. This was just becoming worse.