Chapter 1

Aarya

“Sleep is the best meditation.” When the Dalai Lama said this, he knew the truth in those words. And I couldn’t agree more. However, fate had a different plan for me as I am born into a family of extremely early risers. And, like clockwork...

“Aarya beta (my child), get up!” My mother, Mithali's voice, rang out from the kitchen. And there it was - the inevitable morning wake-up call. With a reluctant sigh, I peeled myself out of bed, holding my mischievous brothers responsible for the endless laughter and late-night conversations that kept me up. Their mission seemed clear: induce stomach aches with uncontrollable laughter, and they excelled at it. Understanding their reluctance to see me leave, I let their antics slide.

I’m Aarya Verma, 22 years old, and the daughter of a prominent figure in our community - my father, Ram. He is a well-respected person in our community. He is the best friend and adviser of the chief of the village and we also own a few farms. Those farms and the animals that roam them are my solace. In a few short hours, I’ll be flying abroad to pursue my MBA, a crucial step toward realizing my dream of starting my own business. My father believes in me with unwavering conviction, and his unwavering support is my strength.

“Aarya, where are you?” Maa’s (mother’s) voice brought me back to the present, snapping me out of my reverie.

As I approached the dining table, my father, Ram, sat at the head, flanked by my elder brothers, Amit and Atul, on his left. Baba (father) greeted me with a kiss on the cheek as I took my seat beside him. We dived into our meal as soon as Maa joined us.

“Bubbles, what time’s your flight?” Atul asked, gulping his meal like a hungry wolf.

“1.30 a.m. Bhai (brother), hands off my food!” I slapped Amit’s hand away and hissed at him.

"Hey!" Amit pouted rubbing his hand. 

Amid the laughter and light-hearted bickering, Baba’s eyes welled up with tears. He knew that the impending departure for my MBA in the United States meant a temporary separation. The bond between a father and his daughter is like no other. Sensing his emotions, I hurried over and hugged him tightly.

“Baba, please don’t cry. I can’t bear to see your eyes moist.” Struggling to hold back my own tears, I whispered. Leaving my family behind was a weight on my heart that even excitement for my future couldn’t fully alleviate.

He wiped his eyes and whispered back, “I’ll miss you dearly, beta (child).” We shared a warm embrace, joined by the rest of my family.

“Don’t worry, Baba. You still have your favorite son here. Let her go. We need to make some space for the new chicken we got. Plus, her tea consumption is out of control. We’re going to face a tea shortage soon,” Amit quipped, bringing chuckles all around, despite my scowl.

“At least I know how to make tea unlike you, chai chor (tea thief)!” I retorted, sticking my tongue out, a childhood gesture that seemed to never lose its charm.

The meal proceeded with joy and chatter. Yet, as the time to leave drew near, a heaviness settled over me. I took blessing from God in our temple and walked towards the car. Leaving behind the warmth of my childhood home and the embrace of my family was proving to be a daunting task. My home was a sanctuary, a stone cottage adorned with a thatched roof, a cozy porch swing, and a small garden that my mother nurtured with love growing lots of vegetables and flowers. It was my haven.

Vijay Kaka my father's best friend and chief of the village came with his family to hug me and say goodbye. They have always treated me like a daughter and I am grateful for their love and support.

Before we got in the car and headed toward the city, I took another glance at my home. My home! I will be back soon.

Before heading towards the city, Maa had arranged a family outing. We spent the day reliving old memories, visiting the arcade, and revisiting cherished places. My parents even joined in the fun, snapping goofy selfies, making this day even more memorable.

As the hours passed, it was time to head to the airport. The view was breathtaking as we reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport. It was my first time at an airport. Despite my apprehension about traveling, here I was, waiting for my flight.

My brothers, with their usual wit, reminded me not to bring home a white guy to marry. I chuckled at their concerns, recalling that boys had never been particularly interested in me during my younger years. The prospect of anyone, white or not, taking an interest in me seemed far-fetched. Growing up as the nerdy respected man’s daughter, coupled with having two fiercely protective older brothers, seemed to have shielded me from romantic pursuits.

Sensing a hint of doubt in my eyes, Amit intervened. “You are beautiful, Aarya. We’ve had to fend off too many guys in the village for your sake. Who’s going to do it in the US?”

“Have no fear,” I replied, playfully winking at him. “I’ll find a white guy who can handle the job.”

“No man in the world is worthy of my perfect daughter,” Baba added, his sincerity evident, and Maa shook her head, understanding that he meant every word he said.

“Sweetie, did you pack your sweaters? It gets quite chilly there. And I’ve prepared a snack for you. Don’t eat out too often. Call us as soon as you reach there. Take a cab from the airport, given the amount of baggage you have. And send me a picture once you’re settled in your dorm,” Maa continued her rapid-fire instructions.

Baba chuckled, adding, “She’s grown up, dear. Don’t worry, we’ve taught her well. She’ll make us proud, without a doubt. But still, be cautious, train every day without fail, and practice well. Okay?”

I hugged my father and brothers, both of whom had tears in their eyes. After embracing my mother, she whispered, “Take care, my dear. You’re our shining star. Whenever you need help, reach out to us. And please, remember to eat on time!” I chuckled, picturing my mother running to the United States if I ran out of food.

“And if you find someone special, remember, we stand by your side. We have faith in you,” Maa’s voice quivered with emotion. Nodding in agreement, I struggled to hold back my tears, knowing they already decorated my face.

Amit and Atul pulled me to them and swiftly placed something in my palm respectively. I smiled when I saw a small statue of Lord Ganesh in one hand and some gift cards in the other.

"I love you all so much," we hugged as a family and tears ran down my cheeks.

"We love you too, my little girl," Baba choked out as he pulled all of us closer.

With the final goodbyes exchanged just before the last call, I touched my parents’ feet in a gesture of respect. My gaze lingered on my family as I headed towards the gate. My heart ached as I saw my Maa clutching Baba, attempting to maintain her composure. Walking away, I glanced back at them one last time before disappearing through the gate, embarking on a new journey.

Settling into my seat on the plane, I felt a surge of gratitude for my wonderful family. They had left no stone unturned to support my dreams and aspirations. It was now up to me to turn their sacrifices into reality. With a full scholarship for my college expenses and the support of my family for my living arrangements, I was determined to make them proud.

The plane took off, and while my first flight experience brought forth a flutter of anxiety, I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm. Turbulence, I decided, was something I would handle if and when it came. As the 19-hour journey to my destination stretched before me, I hoped movies and books would serve as a distraction.

Peering out of the window, I couldn’t help but miss home - my haven. My thoughts turned to the new world I was about to step into, the people I’d meet, and the experiences awaiting me. Perhaps, amid all this change, I might just find MY person, someone to share this journey with and, who knows, maybe even bring home. With a hopeful smile on my lips, I looked forward to this adventure. But also knowing that my studies would always be my focus. My dreams here I come.