The entire journey went in a blur. It was way too long and we hardly stopped for food. I woke up hearing buzzing horns and loud chatters of people walking back and forth. A 60+ looking old woman with blond trimmed hair was holding hands with a pretty girl child with their suitcases, a cab came and they went by. It was then i realised I reached the airport.
I looked around, I was in the same place as yesterday. Close to the window with my bag. But I was alone...Jai ikka?? I started to panic, turning all four sides all i could see was happy, sad and busy strangers. My heart was racing, what should I do? Where do I search him?? What if I go out and get lost or someone finds me?? Allah....I decided to open the door anyways and It's locked?? Seriously??? I can't believe he locked me inside and went out like that.
I could literally hear my heart beat, and my breathing was getting rapid. The worst part is I can't even scream!!!
Almost 10 mins passed like that, and suddenly the sound of the lock, door was opened and he came in like nothing happened. He was smiling. I wasn't!!
" Hey you awake??"
as you can see..
" I'm sorry I left without notice, i went to buy this "
He handed me a white box, a mobile phone??
For me?? Well, I guess I forgive you now.
" Samee called, he was the one who asked to lock you in while I was out....were you scared?? "
I nodded, yea
" Sorry Pathu, i didn't mean to scare you, I was out for almost 20 mins, meanwhile if you were up, you might wanna go out looking for me, and might get lost..."
I waved and blinked my eyes once, it's okay.
"Here I have saved our numbers, here is mine....then Samee's and your friend that big mouth's too"
I chuckled at his phrasing, he's talking about Abhi, Abhinaya my one and only best friend since forever.
" Text us in case of anything okay..." He said a bit seriously. I nodded.
"And also...your flight is delayed by 30 mins, if you're hungry I could buy something"
I made a face...yes please.
He smiled " okay wait here" and went out again this time, without locking the doors. I liked the trust.
Staring around once, I turned into my new phone.
Though I never owned one, I learnt the basics from Abhi's phone. She sneaks it into school at times.
I sent a hi to both Sameer ikka and Abhi. She was the one who replied first.
* Where are u now?*
* In the airport*
* Everything okay?*
*Till now, yes*
* Flight delayed for 30 mins*
* Kayy*
* I'm happy for u dear, please take care for me🥹*
* Yea, u too🙂*
* I will miss you🥲*
* I already do😭😭*
" Someone seems to be an expert" said Jai ikka, coming in. I smiled.
* I'll text u Abhi once I reach*
*Kayyy😭😭😭*
*🫶🫂*
"Here, have it" he said handling me a Chai and a sandwich?? Yes, sandwich.
Airport looks great but their food isn't. I make better than this...well too hungry to judge so I ate the entire thing without complaints.
"It's boarding time" he informed. My heart ached a bit. I almost teared up when he turned around and
closed my niquab. He held my face with his both hands for a few seconds. " Come" he said and got out.
He carried my bag in one hand and my hand in another as we walked into the airport. Near the boarding area we halted.
" Switch off your phone inside the flight okay"
I nodded.
" Remember everything I told you..... You're going so far, far away from all of us. Always be careful in everything and remember you're doing this for yourself. Never feel guilty about it and New York, it's a different world, you're going to meet different types of people, never trust anyone blindly. Choose safe friends, we're here for you no matter what.
Don't worry about anything that's happening here okay, just focus on yourself. Let us know if you need anything. I mean it Pathu okay..."
I nodded again.
" You may not be my sister by blood, you definitely are by my heart and I'd do anything for you"
I know.
" I love you soo much baby"
A tear slid down his cheeks, it went right into my heart. I held his face and wiped it away.
'I'll be fine, you need to be more careful than me.' i gestured.
' I don't know how to thank you, after everything you've done for me'
" Shhh" he held my hands.
" You leading a peaceful and happy life is all we need" I smiled
" Study well, you'll be in my prayers"
He said and pressed a kiss on my forehead, like he used to do since childhood.
I hugged him as tight as I could.
' I'll miss you'
" Me too dear ...me too" he could barely talk.
He handed me over the passport and visa and led me to the gates. I went to the security check up. I turned back for one last time, he was waving widely.
Smiling with tears I waved back and just like that a giant door closed between us.