Early morning at the Mumbai airport, a shy and timid Shivanya stood nervously at the check-in counter. It was her first time traveling alone. She clutched her ticket tightly and glanced around, her heart racing with both anxiety and anticipation. After having her documents checked, she made her way toward the boarding area, her eyes occasionally darting to the large window overlooking the airplanes outside. She was about to board the flight that would take her back to Delhi.
Shivanya Verma had turned eighteen just two days ago. To celebrate her birthday, she had traveled to Mumbai to visit her elder sister. Now, her trip had come to an end, and she was heading home—all alone for the very first time. She was scared, to say the least. Her mind wasn’t just occupied by the flight itself but by what awaited her the very next day—college. Tomorrow was the inauguration day for first years, and the thought filled her with both excitement and dread.
As she entered the flight, the cheerful flight attendant greeted her with a warm smile and checked her ticket, directing her to her assigned seat. Shivanya had specifically asked her sister to book her a window seat, and now, as she sat down, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of safety by the small round window.
The airplane was scheduled to take off in thirty minutes. She sat quietly, gazing out at the bustling runway, trying to suppress the lump in her throat. Tears threatened to spill, though she didn’t entirely know why. Maybe it was the fear of the unknown or the overwhelming realization of stepping into adulthood. Shivanya hadn’t always been this reserved, but something had changed over the years. Her once bright and talkative nature had given way to a quiet and introverted self.
The half hour before takeoff passed in a haze of nervous thoughts about the impending college day. As the passengers settled in, the sound of the pre-flight announcement filled the cabin.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain, Avyansh Malhotra, speaking. On behalf of the entire crew, I’d like to welcome you aboard Horizon Airlines Flight HZ124 from Mumbai to New Delhi. We’ll be cruising at an altitude of 35,000 feet and estimate an arrival time of 11:45 AM. Our flight time today will be approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. We’ll do our best to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask your flight attendants. As we take to the skies, remember that every flight is a new adventure. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey! Thank you for choosing Horizon Airlines.”
Shivanya barely paid attention to the announcement. She wasn’t interested in the formalities, but the last line caught her off guard. “Every flight is a new adventure. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.” There was something soothing about those words. Unintentionally, her thoughts shifted, and she connected the statement to her own life. Maybe, just maybe, this new phase—this ‘flight’ into college—could also be a new adventure. For the first time that day, a small smile tugged at her lips. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was a start. She mentally thanked the pilot—whoever he was—for unknowingly lifting her spirits.
Sleep soon overtook her as she leaned her head against the window, the nervous energy from the early morning fading away. She was gently woken by the announcement signaling the flight’s descent. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Shivanya fastened her seatbelt and ran her fingers through her slightly messy hair, preparing for the landing.
Once the plane touched down, the captain’s voice echoed through the speakers once more:
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain, Avyansh Malhotra, speaking again. We’ve arrived safely at New Delhi, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation throughout the flight. Please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened until the seatbelt signs are turned off. You may then disembark the aircraft. As you go about your day, remember that every destination is a new opportunity. Make the most of it, and we wish you all the best on your journey ahead! Thank you again for choosing Horizon Airlines.”
Shivanya, once again, ignored most of the announcement. She wasn’t being disrespectful; she just didn’t see the point in listening when they’d already landed. But then, his final words struck a chord in her once more. “Every destination is a new opportunity.” Without even knowing, this pilot—who's name she had ignored royally—had given her something to hold on to, a little spark of motivation she hadn’t expected to find.
Grabbing her handbag, she stood in the queue, waiting for the passengers ahead to disembark. The crowd moved frustratingly slowly, many pausing to take photos or giggle with their travel companions. The air around her felt a little stifling, but she didn’t complain. It was all part of the experience.
Finally stepping off the plane, Shivanya was greeted by the bustling energy of the terminal. As she navigated through the throng of passengers, she didn’t notice the man walking toward the plane.
Avyansh Malhotra, the captain of the flight, had completed his responsibilities in the cockpit and stepped outside to oversee a quick inspection of the aircraft. He took a moment to ensure the tires were properly inflated and the plane’s exterior was intact—no signs of wear or damage that might delay its next departure to Mumbai. Satisfied with his observations, he turned to head back inside.
But as he walked past the waiting crowd, his hand accidentally brushed against someone else’s.
It was fleeting, a slight tug as their hands momentarily connected, but then came a soft sound—the unmistakable clink of something falling to the ground. Avyansh instinctively glanced back. The girl whose hand had brushed his was already speeding toward the exit, her long hair swaying behind her as she disappeared into the crowd, oblivious to what had happened.
He was about to let it go and continue on his way, but something nagged at him to look down. Lying on the ground was a bracelet, delicate and now broken. Avyansh crouched to examine it, immediately realizing what must have happened: his watch had somehow caught onto her bracelet and snapped it.
For a moment, he debated leaving it there. It wasn’t his responsibility, and the chances of finding the girl in this crowd were slim. Yet, something stopped him. There was a strange pull—a curiosity, perhaps, or simply an odd sense of obligation.
He picked up the bracelet, turning it over in his hand. The design was simple yet elegant, with tiny charms that jingled softly as he moved it. Slipping it into his pocket, he stood back up, his gaze unconsciously scanning the crowd for the girl who had already vanished.
Avyansh shook his head and chuckled softly, brushing the thought aside as he walked back toward the plane. Still, the bracelet felt unusually significant as it rested against his side.
Little did he know, it wasn’t just a piece of jewelry he had picked up—it was the beginning of something far greater.
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