EP1 - Coming Home

"Attention passengers, Flight A167 is ready to land in Udaipur. Please fasten your seatbelts and switch off your phones until the landing."

Akshara stirred in her seat as she was gently shaken awake. Blinking her eyes open, she saw the air hostess standing beside her, offering a quick, apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. The flight is about to land. Please adjust your seat and fasten your seatbelt."

Akshara nodded groggily and did as instructed. She took a few sips of water to clear her head, rubbing her eyes as she looked around the cabin.

Most of the other passengers were either freshening up or stretching after the long 15-hour flight. She couldn't help but feel grateful for her aisle seat. If she had been stuck by the window, she would've had to disturb everyone just to get up to use the bathroom.

As the plane touched down in Udaipur, Akshara felt a sense of familiarity wash over her. The air, the warmth, the feeling of finally returning home—it was all so nostalgic. She breathed in deeply, appreciating the comfort of her own country after so much time away.

...

At the airport, Akshara groaned as she struggled to lift her heavy suitcase off the baggage belt. She bent down, trying again, using her leg as leverage, but the bag didn't budge. She glanced around, hoping no one had noticed her awkwardness.

Then, she spotted a little boy sitting in a luggage trolley, watching her with a grin on his face. He giggled at her failed attempts, and Akshara felt her face flush with embarrassment. She quickly closed her eyes and muttered a prayer.

Oh, Kanhaji, give me strength to lift this bag... I'll die of embarrassment if anyone else sees me struggle like this! Even that little boy is laughing at me!

Determined, Akshara pulled with all her might, but the bag felt strangely light, as if someone else had helped her. She looked to her right, and to her surprise, a young man was lifting the suitcase into the trolley for her.

"You didn't have to... Thank you so much," she said, a bit stunned.

The man smiled, a warm grin spreading across his face. "No need to thank me. I saw you struggling, so I helped. My mom always says we should help people."

Akshara smiled back, grateful for his kindness, and extended her hand. "Akshara. It's really nice to meet you."

"Neil," he replied, shaking her hand firmly. "I'm glad I could help."

...

As they walked toward the exit together, Akshara and Neil chatted casually, laughing as though they had known each other for years.

"No way! You only helped me because of that kid, right?!" Akshara teased, raising an eyebrow.

Neil rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "Okay, maybe I did feel a little bad for you... But I couldn't just leave you like that!"

Akshara rolled her eyes, amused by his playful honesty. "You're impossible," she said with a grin.

"So, you're new in Udaipur, huh? How about I show you around sometime?" Neil suggested eagerly.

Akshara smiled. "Definitely! Let's exchange numbers. Anyway, I have to go. My taxi's here."

As she turned to leave, a sleek black car pulled up beside Neil. A wide grin spread across his face as he saw who was stepping out of the car.

"Bhai! I missed you!" Neil exclaimed, practically running to hug his brother.

Abhimanyu caught him in an embrace, patting his back warmly. "I missed you too, Nautanki," he replied, pulling back to look at him with a smirk. "How was your flight?"

"Long," Neil answered, "but honestly, I was so excited to come back home that I didn't even realize we had landed in Udaipur. Two years without you guys felt like forever. It was so lonely."

Before Neil could get too emotional, Abhimanyu lightly tapped his head. "Stop crying, Nautanki! You're home now. Forget all that. Maa's made all your favorites for dinner. Let's go. She must be waiting."

Neil's eyes lit up with excitement. "Maa's food? Why didn't you say so earlier? Let's go!" he said, already hopping into the car and motioning for Abhimanyu to hurry.

Abhimanyu chuckled and shook his head. "Nautanki!" he muttered, before sliding into the car beside his brother.

...