91
The morning sunlight streamed softly into the hotel room, the kind of warm, golden hue that made everything feel gentle and slow.
Vaani stood in front of the mirror, tilting her head slightly, adjusting the collar of her crisp blue shirt that she had tucked neatly into a pair of beige high-waisted trousers.
Her hair fell in loose curls over her shoulders, and she smiled at her reflection.
"Looking good, Vaani," she said to herself with a chuckle, brushing a speck of lint off her sleeve. She puckered her lips, dabbed a little gloss, and stepped back to get a full view.
Behind her, the bathroom door opened, and Dhruv stepped out, fixing the cuff of his shirt.
He was in a white button-down rolled at the sleeves, dark navy jeans, and a brown leather watch glinting at his wrist — the effortless kind of smart-casual that looked like he hadn't tried at all, yet somehow managed to look perfect.
He caught her gaze in the mirror and raised a brow. "Ready?"
Vaani turned, grinning. "Almost. You're looking very—"
"—handsome? Dashing? Devastatingly charming?" he teased, slipping on his watch.
"I was going to say decent," she said, rolling her eyes. "But sure, go off, Mr. Ralph Lauren."
He smirked faintly, brushing back his hair. "Let's go, Vaani. Vihaan's waiting. We're already ten minutes late."
"Ten minutes?!" she exclaimed, grabbing her bag in a hurry. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I did. You just said 'five more minutes'... fifteen minutes ago."
She gave him a playful glare. "You sound like an Aai right now."
"And you sound like a college kid who's never on time," he countered, opening the door for her.
She stepped out, grinning. "Touché."
Downstairs, the city was alive in its usual rhythm — cabs honking, people walking briskly, someone strumming a guitar on the corner. As they walked toward the car, Vaani tucked her arm into Dhruv's, her voice light.
"I can't believe it's our last day here," she said softly.
"Yeah," Dhruv replied, looking at the street ahead. "Feels like the week flew by."
"I know, right? Niagara feels like yesterday."
"Technically, it was two days ago," he said dryly.
She elbowed him gently. "Don't ruin my emotional moment."
He laughed under his breath. "Okay, okay. I'm quiet."
"Good," she said, smirking. "Stay that way until I finish reminiscing."
He shook his head with an amused smile as they got into the cab.
When they reached Vihaan's apartment, he opened the door wearing a simple sweatshirt and jeans, looking fresh and excited.
"Hi Tai! Hi Jiju!" Vihaan grinned, hugging them both.
"Hey champ," Dhruv greeted, patting his back. "How's it going?"
"All good!" Vihaan said enthusiastically. "How was Niagara Falls?"
Vaani's eyes lit up instantly. "It was incredible, Vihaan! You should've seen it — the water, the mist, the view. It was like standing in front of magic."
Dhruv chuckled. "You were shivering half the time."
"I was not!" she protested, glaring at him. "Okay, maybe a little. But it was worth it!"
Vihaan laughed. "I can imagine. Did you go on the boat?"
"Of course," Vaani said proudly. "We got completely drenched. Dhruv was trying to save his phone while I was taking pictures like a proper tourist."
Dhruv just gave her a look, and Vihaan laughed even harder. "That sounds exactly like you two."
After a few minutes of chatting, they decided to go out for the day.
The streets around Vihaan's university were filled with life — small boutiques, bookstores, cozy cafés, and souvenir shops.
Vaani was in her element, walking ahead with Vihaan while Dhruv followed behind with his hands in his pockets.
"Look, Tai!" Vihaan said, pointing at a little shop with vintage postcards hanging outside. "Let's check this one out."
"Yes, let's!" she said, pulling him inside.
Dhruv followed, amused, watching them dart from shelf to shelf like kids in a candy store.
"Dhruv, look!" Vaani held up a postcard showing the New York skyline at sunset. "This one's beautiful."
He took it from her, examining it. "It is. Want to buy it?"
"Maybe," she said, glancing at another one. "Ooo or this one — the one with the Brooklyn Bridge. My Kal Ho Na Ho bridge!"
Vihaan rolled his eyes. "Tai, you've mentioned that bridge twenty times."
"And I'll mention it twenty-one," she said proudly. "It's iconic!"
Dhruv smiled softly, shaking his head. "Get them both. We'll frame them."
She blinked, a bit surprised. "Really?"
"Yeah," he said simply. "One for your Oxford wall. One for home."
That small sentence warmed her chest more than she expected. She smiled at him — a quiet, genuine kind of smile — and tucked both postcards into her basket.
They wandered next into a bookstore. Vihaan went straight to the economics section while Vaani drifted toward travel books, her fingers running along the spines.
"Do you still buy travel guides?" Dhruv asked, coming beside her.
"Of course," she said. "You never know when you might need one."
"That's what Google Maps is for."
"Maps can't tell you where to find the best cinnamon rolls in a random alley," she shot back.
He smirked. "Touché again."
From the next aisle, Vihaan called out, "Tai, Jiju! There's a café next door. Wanna grab a bite?"
"Sure," Vaani said cheerfully.
They walked out together into the chilly air, the clouds rolling in faintly above. The three of them settled at an outdoor table with steaming cups of coffee and bagels.
"So," Vihaan began, "what's next on your travel list?"
Vaani sipped her coffee thoughtfully. "Hmm... maybe Italy. Or Manali. Or both. Dhruv, what about you?"
He shrugged. "Honestly, anywhere you don't get us lost."
She gasped dramatically. "Excuse me? I do not get us lost."
He looked at her pointedly. "Brooklyn. Day two. You walked straight into a dead-end."
"That doesn't count," she said quickly. "That alley looked deceptively alive!"
Vihaan laughed so hard he nearly spilled his coffee. "You two are too much."
Dhruv smiled quietly, shaking his head. "Tell me about it."
After lunch, they continued walking, visiting small clothing boutiques, taking photos, and occasionally teasing Vihaan about the people he had met. The afternoon sun began to mellow, and Vaani sighed happily as they crossed the street toward a park.
"This was nice," she said softly, looping her arm through Dhruv's.
"Yeah," he agreed. "A good day."
Vihaan walked ahead, chatting on his phone with a classmate.
"Feels strange," Vaani murmured. "Leaving tomorrow. It feels like we just got here."
Dhruv glanced at her, the city reflecting in his eyes. "That's what good places do — they make time run faster."
"And good company," she added quietly, looking at him.
He didn't reply, but his small smile said everything.
They walked in silence for a moment, just the sound of the city around them — the hum of traffic, laughter from a passing group of students, the rustle of leaves in the park breeze.
Ahead, Vihaan turned around, grinning. "Come on, slowpokes! Let's get ice cream before the day ends!"
Vaani laughed, tugging Dhruv's arm. "See? That's our cue."
He let her pull him along, smiling. "You'll never grow up, will you?"
"Not if I can help it," she said, her laughter carrying through the street — light, bright, and full of everything he hadn't realized he'd miss once they left.
And as the three of them walked together under the fading light of their last New York sunset, it wasn't just a day that felt like it was ending.
It was the end of a chapter — one that had quietly changed them both.
~·~
The sun had dipped halfway into the horizon by the time the trio made their way back to Vihaan's accommodation.
The air was tinged with the faint chill of early evening, and a light breeze rustled through the trees lining the Columbia campus walkway.
Vaani walked between Dhruv and Vihaan, her hands tucked into her coat pockets, still chatting animatedly about a scarf she'd bought from one of the little boutiques earlier.
"I'm telling you, Vihaan, this scarf is art. The man who sold it said it was handwoven in Peru!" she said proudly, tugging at the deep maroon fabric looped around her neck.
Vihaan grinned. "Tai, that man also sold fake Gucci caps for twenty dollars."
"Don't ruin my joy," she said, squinting playfully at him. "Just accept that your sister has excellent taste."
Dhruv, walking beside them, chuckled quietly. "I'll give you that. It does look nice."
She turned to him, her face lighting up. "See? Dhruv agrees. Case closed."
"Dhruv agrees because he knows disagreeing will cost him peace," Vihaan said with mock seriousness.
Dhruv smiled, "Finally, someone understands."
Vaani gasped dramatically. "You both are ganging up on me! Not fair."
By then, they had reached the tall glass doors of Vihaan's building. The familiar scent of the lobby — a mix of coffee and lemon disinfectant — drifted to meet them as they stepped inside. At the reception desk, a familiar voice called out cheerfully.
"Ah! Look who's back!"
They all turned, and there was Andrew, the accommodation manager, his wide grin spreading as he walked toward them.
"Dhruv! You're still around, eh?" he said, shaking Dhruv's hand firmly. "I thought you'd left already."
Dhruv smiled. "We came back last night. Heading out tomorrow."
Andrew nodded, glancing at Vaani and Vihaan. "Ah, right, right. Well, good to see you again. And how's our new Columbia scholar doing?" he asked, turning to Vihaan.
Vihaan straightened slightly, a proud smile forming. "Settling in well, sir. Classes have started; met a few people too."
"That's what I like to hear," Andrew said approvingly. "And you've got your family to get you started off right — lucky lad."
"Yeah, they've been amazing," Vihaan said sincerely, glancing at Vaani and Dhruv.
Vaani smiled warmly. "He's been managing well, actually. I think he's already made more friends here than we did in our first week anywhere."
Andrew laughed. "That's Columbia for you. It's fast, competitive, but it's home once you find your rhythm."
Dhruv nodded, his voice softening with nostalgia. "Yeah, it does feel like home."
Andrew tilted his head slightly. "Still got that look in your eye, eh? The one you used to have when you'd pull all-nighters before finals."
Vaani raised her brows. "Oh really?"
Dhruv shot her a dry glance. "Don't give him ideas."
Andrew laughed heartily. "No, no, he was one of the few who didn't go crazy during finals. Always calm. Always quiet. Everyone else would be running around like headless chickens, and he'd just... sit there, writing neat notes."
"That sounds about right," Vaani said, smiling. "He's still like that. Calm on the outside, but inside, who knows what's going on."
Andrew chuckled, patting Dhruv's shoulder. "Well, keep that one, ma'am. He's a solid man."
Vaani smiled, glancing at Dhruv. "I think I will."
Dhruv's expression softened as he gave a small, almost shy smile, and Andrew, sensing the moment, grinned and said, "Alright, you three go get some rest. The jet lag, the sightseeing — it all catches up sooner or later."
"Thanks, Andrew," Dhruv said. "See you around."
"Take care, all of you," Andrew said warmly, giving them a little wave as they walked toward the elevator.
Upstairs, Vihaan unlocked his door and stepped aside to let them in. The familiar studio greeted them — tidy, neatly arranged, with the faint scent of fresh linen and tea from the morning.
"Make yourselves comfortable," Vihaan said, dropping his bag on the chair.
Vaani immediately made her way to the small kitchenette. "You two talk, I'm making chai."
Dhruv raised a brow. "You sure? You just walked in."
"Yes, but this place feels incomplete without chai," she said, already switching on the kettle. "Plus, it's our last evening here. I want to do something home-like."
"Can't argue with that," Vihaan said, flopping onto the couch.
Dhruv sat beside him, loosening the cuff of his sleeve. "So, how are classes so far?"
"Good," Vihaan said, leaning forward slightly. "Orientation was interesting. A lot of people here are super focused, like insanely focused. I've joined two clubs already — the Business Analytics Society and the Photography Circle."
Dhruv nodded approvingly. "Good choices. Keep your balance — academics and something creative. That's important."
Vihaan smiled. "Yeah, I figured I shouldn't burn out early. I met this senior yesterday; he said first semester feels overwhelming but once you find your rhythm, it gets better."
"That's true," Dhruv said, nodding. "It's all about managing your time. You don't have to say yes to everything. Focus on building your foundation this year."
Vaani called from the kitchen, "Dhruv gives the same advice for everything. Even marriage!"
Dhruv looked over his shoulder. "Because it works!"
Vihaan laughed. "He's right though, Tai. I think I need to slow down a little. There's just so much happening."
Dhruv nodded, leaning back on the couch. "That's the thing about cities like New York. They make you feel like you're running even when you're standing still."
"True," Vihaan agreed quietly. "It's fast-paced, but in a good way. Keeps me motivated."
Vaani walked over just then, holding three steaming mugs of chai. "Here you go, gentlemen."
Dhruv took his, inhaling the familiar aroma. "Perfect as always."
"Of course," she said proudly. "Oxford-trained chai expert."
"Oxford taught you interior design, not chai-making," Dhruv teased.
She raised a brow. "And yet, here you are, drinking my chai."
"Touché," he said with a grin, sipping it carefully.
Vihaan took a sip too. "This is so good, Tai. Reminds me of home."
"That was the goal," she said softly. "Something about chai and rain makes everything feel a little closer."
Outside, faint drops of drizzle had started again, tapping softly against the window. The city lights shimmered beyond the glass, streaks of red and gold reflecting off wet streets below.
Vihaan leaned back, resting his arm over the couch. "You know, I was nervous before coming here," he admitted. "I didn't think I'd settle in this fast."
"You're doing great," Dhruv said, his voice steady. "It takes a few weeks, but once you get comfortable, this place becomes second nature."
"Yeah," Vaani added. "And we'll always be a call away, Vihaan. Don't forget that."
"I won't," Vihaan said sincerely. "You both have done so much — from helping me with applications to literally flying here with me."
Vaani smiled softly. "It's what family's for, right?"
Dhruv nodded, glancing at Vihaan. "You focus on your work. Make the most of this time. These two years will fly."
"Yeah," Vihaan said with a grin. "Maybe I'll even be as calm as you someday."
Dhruv chuckled. "Trust me, it's overrated."
Vaani, sitting cross-legged on the other chair, smiled at them both — her husband and her brother — realizing how quietly content she felt in that moment. The room smelled of chai and rain, the light was soft, and the sound of laughter felt like home.
For a while, they just sat there — talking about courses, professors, New York food, and future plans. Vihaan showed them photos from his campus events, Vaani teased Dhruv for pretending not to smile in pictures, and Dhruv quietly watched them both, that faint, rare softness lingering in his eyes.
It wasn't an evening filled with grand gestures or drama — just warmth. The kind that stayed with you long after the chai had gone cold.
~·~
Morning sunlight streamed gently through the sheer curtains of their hotel room, painting soft golden lines across the carpet.
The quiet hum of New York traffic below was faint — distant horns, the occasional rumble of a bus, the soft murmur of a city already awake.
Vaani stood by the window for a moment, just watching the world go by, her reflection faintly visible against the glass.
It was their last morning in New York.
Behind her, Dhruv was zipping up his suitcase — neat, organized, everything folded precisely as usual. She turned to glance at him, a tiny smile forming on her lips. "You'd make a good travel agent, you know," she teased.
He looked up, amused. "Why?"
"You're too calm during check-outs. Meanwhile, I'm panicking about whether I packed my charger."
Dhruv smirked, holding up her white charger cable. "You mean this?"
Vaani's eyes widened. "You—how?"
He shrugged, tossing it gently toward her. "You always forget it. I planned ahead."
"Thank you, my hero," she said, catching it dramatically and bowing slightly.
"Don't start," he said, but there was a soft chuckle in his voice.
Vaani zipped up her own bag, then took one final look around the room — the neatly made bed, the coffee mugs from the previous night, the faint scent of Dhruv's cologne mixed with hotel soap. "You know," she said softly, "it actually feels strange to leave. Like we just got here."
Dhruv paused, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah. It does."
They checked out soon after — the lobby was bustling, a steady stream of guests checking in and out, bellboys rolling luggage carts across the polished floor.
Dhruv handled the formalities while Vaani stood nearby, looking at the enormous chandelier above them.
Its crystal pieces caught the morning light, scattering tiny rainbows across the marble.
She smiled faintly — it reminded her of their first day here, when she'd stood in this same lobby, overwhelmed, excited, and a little nervous about how this trip would go.
Now, it felt like it had gone too fast.
"All set?" Dhruv asked, coming up beside her.
She nodded, adjusting the strap of her purse. "Yep. Let's go before I change my mind and recheck in."
He smirked. "You can stay if you want. I'll send postcards."
"Ha-ha. Funny."
They both laughed quietly as they stepped outside. The cab was waiting, engine humming softly. Dhruv helped load the luggage into the trunk, and then they were off — one last drive through the familiar New York streets.
The morning rush was in full swing: people with coffee cups in hand, yellow taxis honking, street vendors setting up for the day. Vaani leaned her head against the window, her eyes following the passing buildings. "You know," she murmured, "the city looks different when you're leaving."
Dhruv glanced at her. "Different how?"
She smiled faintly. "Like it's moving on without you."
He nodded slowly, his gaze turning to the streets outside. "It always does."
They reached Vihaan's accommodation soon after. The familiar glass building stood tall and still, sunlight glinting off its edges. Vaani felt her throat tighten slightly — she wasn't ready to say goodbye.
They stepped inside the lobby, where Andrew was once again at the desk. He looked up and grinned warmly. "Well, well, the travelers return."
"Morning, Andrew," Dhruv greeted, smiling. "We're just here to say bye before we head to the airport."
"Ah, leaving already?" Andrew said, his tone a touch softer. "Time really flies, doesn't it?"
"It really does," Vaani said with a wistful smile.
"Your brother's been doing well here," Andrew added kindly. "He's fitting right in."
"That makes me so happy to hear," she said genuinely.
Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Vihaan stepped out, his usual grin in place, though there was a flicker of sadness behind it. "Tai! Jiju!" he called, walking quickly toward them.
"Hey!" Vaani said, smiling wide, though her voice cracked slightly.
Vihaan reached them and immediately hugged her tightly. "You're leaving, huh?"
She nodded against his shoulder, laughing softly to hide the emotion in her voice. "Yes, Mr. Columbia, we're heading out. But you—" she pulled back to look at him "—you better call every day, okay?"
"Every day?" Vihaan said with mock horror.
"Every. Single. Day," she repeated, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Or I'll come back and haunt you in your dorm."
He laughed. "Okay, okay, deal."
Dhruv stepped forward, placing a hand on Vihaan's shoulder. "And if you need anything — anything at all — text me, okay? Don't overthink it."
Vihaan nodded. "Got it, Jiju."
Vaani, unable to help herself, cupped his cheek briefly. "Stay safe, eat properly, and don't skip meals for classes."
He chuckled. "Tai, I'm not a kid."
"You'll always be one to me," she said softly, her eyes glistening now.
There was a brief, comfortable silence before Dhruv said quietly, "We're proud of you, Vihaan. You're doing great."
That did it — Vaani blinked quickly, tears spilling despite her best efforts. Vihaan smiled and hugged them both again. "Thank you—for everything. For coming, for helping, for... just being here."
Vaani sniffed, trying to smile through it. "Now you're making me cry even more."
Andrew, standing a few feet away, smiled warmly. "You've got good people, Vihaan."
"Yeah," Vihaan said, his voice soft. "I know."
Dhruv turned to Andrew then. "Thanks again, Andrew. For helping him settle in."
"Of course," Andrew said sincerely, shaking his hand. "Anytime. You take care too, Dhruv. And you Vaani."
Vaani smiled at the title — it still felt new every time she heard it. "Thank you, Andrew. You've been wonderful."
He gave a polite nod. "Safe travels, both of you."
Outside, the cab driver was already loading their last bag into the trunk. Vihaan followed them out, hands in his jacket pockets, trying to mask the sudden heaviness in his chest.
When the last bag was in, Vaani turned back once more. "Text me when you wake up. And don't forget your laundry, Vihaan. I mean it."
He rolled his eyes with affection. "Yes, Tai."
Dhruv gave him a final nod, then stepped into the cab. Vaani hugged her brother once more, quickly, tightly, before joining Dhruv inside. The cab door shut with a soft thud.
As the car pulled away, Vihaan raised his hand, waving until they turned the corner and disappeared.
Inside the cab, Vaani watched the buildings pass again — slower this time, as if the city itself was saying goodbye. Her eyes were glassy, but she smiled through it. Dhruv glanced at her, quietly reaching for her hand. She looked down, surprised, but didn't say anything — just squeezed it lightly.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
She nodded, exhaling slowly. "Yeah. Just... emotional. You know how it is."
"I do," he said simply.
She smiled faintly. "He's grown up so fast."
Dhruv nodded. "He'll be fine. You did well."
That made her look at him — her expression softening. "We did well."
For a moment, neither said anything. The cab hummed quietly, the city unfurling around them — streets, cafes, crosswalks, lights.
Vaani eventually leaned back, letting her head rest against the seat, eyes closing briefly. She felt the sadness ebbing slowly, replaced by something warmer — comfort, perhaps. The thought that even though they were leaving Vihaan and New York behind, she still had Dhruv beside her.
And without realizing it, Dhruv felt the same. Watching her from the corner of his eye, hair slightly messy from the morning wind, scarf loose around her neck, he found himself smiling faintly. There was sadness, yes — but also peace.
Because they were leaving one chapter behind.
But they were leaving together.
And that made it okay.
The taxi pulled up outside the airport terminal, the massive glass facade gleaming under the mid-morning sun.
Dhruv quickly jumped out to grab their luggage while Vaani followed with her bag, glancing around at the bustling terminal.
Travelers were hustling in all directions, rolling suitcases, rushing to gates, announcements echoing over the PA system.
The familiar excitement of airports — mixed with a tinge of nervousness — filled the air.
"Here we are," Dhruv said, lifting Vaani's bag onto the curb. "Ready?"
Vaani laughed, slinging her purse over her shoulder. "You mean flying again?"
"Exactly," he said, smirking. "You seem more relaxed this time though. Maybe the Niagara trip helped."
"Maybe," she admitted. "Or maybe I'm just used to your stress-coping methods."
Dhruv chuckled. "Which are?"
"Doing everything myself and acting like it's completely normal," she said, rolling her eyes playfully.
He laughed and shook his head. "Fair enough. Let's get inside."
They wheeled their luggage to the check-in counters. The line was moderate — not too long, not too short. Dhruv handed over their passports and tickets to the agent, speaking clearly and efficiently.
"Where to, sir?" the agent asked.
"Dubai," Dhruv replied smoothly, handing over Vaani's passport as well. "We'll need two boarding passes, please."
"Certainly. Any checked baggage?" the agent asked, typing swiftly.
"Yes, two bags. And please ensure they are tagged correctly," Dhruv said, already scanning the line ahead.
Vaani watched him work, her admiration quietly bubbling under her casual exterior. "You know," she said softly, leaning closer, "you make airport chaos look like an art form."
Dhruv glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment or a complaint?"
"Compliment," she said quickly, smiling. "Definitely a compliment."
He smirked and handed her back the boarding passes. "See? Smooth and professional. You're welcome."
Vaani took hers and peeked at the details. "We're gonna land so late night, perfect timing so we can sleep in without it ruining our sleep."
Dhruv shrugged. "Exactly."
With the check-in complete, they moved to the security line. Vaani adjusted her bag strap as they waited, watching travelers unload belts, laptops, and liquids into trays.
"Ready for the scan?" Dhruv asked.
"I think so," she said, slightly nervous. "I just hate taking my shoes off every single time."
"You're not alone," he said, grinning. "But it's faster if we just go along with it."
The line moved steadily. When it was their turn, Dhruv efficiently placed his carry-on and Vaani's backpack on the conveyor.
"Hands up, ma'am," the TSA agent instructed.
Vaani complied, rolling her eyes dramatically at Dhruv. "You see? Humiliating."
Dhruv raised his hands, pretending to act equally offended. "Absolutely. If only there was a red carpet, it might feel more glamorous."
She laughed, her nerves easing a little. "Red carpet, huh? Maybe I'll insist next time."
"Next time? Which next time?" he teased.
Vaani rolled her eyes but didn't reply. They walked through the metal detector. The scan went smoothly, and soon they were collecting their items from the trays.
"All clear," Dhruv said, tucking his shoes back on.
Vaani sighed with relief. "Finally. I survive another airport security check."
"Barely," Dhruv said, handing her a small bottle of sanitizer. "Just in case you faint from excitement."
"Ha-ha, very funny," she said, taking it with a grin.
With security behind them, they made their way toward the gate. The large windows of the terminal showed planes lined up on the tarmac, engines gleaming in the sun, ready for their next journey.
Vaani nudged him gently. "Excited, Dhruv?"
"To leave New York, no. To go back home? Yes." he said, though his eyes were scanning the tarmac, perhaps already imagining the sights waiting for them.
Once they reached the plane door, the flight attendants greeted them warmly.
Dhruv handed over their passes, and they stepped inside.
The cabin smelled faintly of coffee and polished seats.
Vaani's eyes widened as he found their seats, pointing out the tiny details: window shades, overhead bins, and the little TV screens in front of each seat.
"This is cool!" She whispered.
"We've flown before," Dhruv said, sitting down and buckling in. "Why must all your sentences sound like a TV show vlogger?"
Vaani took the window seat, her fingers brushing the cool fabric of the armrest. "Because interior design was just a ruse, I'm actually practicing to be an influencer," she murmured.
"I knew it," Dhruv said, his voice soft but teasing. "All this talking will become worthwhile."
Vaani leaned back in her seat, resting her head slightly against Dhruv's shoulder. "I know. I like this," she said quietly.
"Yeah?" he asked, glancing down at her.
"Mm-hmm. Feels... right," she said, a small smile curling on her lips.
The flight attendants began the safety briefing, demonstrating seat belts, oxygen masks, and life vests. Vaani watched carefully, though she had memorized it years ago. Dhruv sat upright, nodding along, as if cataloging every detail in case of emergencies.
"Attention, passengers," the captain's voice came over the PA, calm and reassuring. "We'll be taking off shortly. Please make sure your seat belts are fastened and all electronic devices are in airplane mode."
Dhruv glanced at Vaani. "Seat belt?"
She nodded eagerly. "Already done."
Vaani tightened her belt and looked out the window, the tarmac stretching endlessly beneath them. She could see the other planes taxiing, the ground crew moving with precision. "It's amazing," she murmured.
"It is," Dhruv agreed, his voice soft. "But the best part? Seeing it all from up there."
The engines roared to life, a gentle vibration running through the floor. Vaani gripped the armrest slightly, excitement tinged with nervousness. Dhruv noticed but only gave her a reassuring squeeze on her hand.
The plane began to taxi down the runway, picking up speed. Vaani's hair lifted slightly from the airflow of the cabin, and her eyes widened as the city started to recede beneath them.
The wheels lifted off the ground, and for a moment, there was only the gentle hum of the engines and the soft squeak of the landing gear retracting. Vaani leaned closer to Dhruv, resting her head lightly on his shoulder.
"Here we go," she whispered.
Dhruv chuckled softly. "Here we go."
The city shrank below them, buildings, streets, and cars becoming tiny shapes. Vaani's eyes sparkled as she watched the skyline fade into the horizon. "It's so beautiful," she murmured.
Dhruv glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Just wait until you see what Dubai looks like from above."
"Now that — that's a view I'll never get bored off." she said softly, squeezing his hand.
The plane leveled off, the hum of the engines steady, the world outside bathed in the warm glow of late morning sun.
The cabin settled into a calm rhythm — passengers reading, chatting softly, or staring out the windows.
Dhruv sat back, looking at Vaani, feeling the quiet satisfaction of a mission accomplished.
"We're on our way," he murmured, almost to himself.
Vaani's eyes met his, and she smiled. "Yeah. We're on our way."
Outside, the clouds stretched endlessly, and the city of New York disappeared below them as the plane soared higher, carrying them toward the next adventure, the next chapter of their journey together.
The flight was underway.
??