LONDON TO BOMBAY

MRIDULA'S POV

8:15 AM GMT, Terminal 3, Heathrow Airport, LongfordTW6, United Kingdom

The month of November is here and the UK has already welcomed the winter w fluffy coats, gloves and hot cocoa. Across the UK, November temperatures average a daily high of 10 degrees Celsius and a low of 4 °C (39 °F). London temperatures continue to drop throughout November, with highs averaging in the low teens, and rain becoming steadier. Expect and plan for cold, wet, and windy, though you may be surprised by a day or two of pleasant sunshine. (Average Max Temperature: 12°C.) But Today, it's a tad bit extra windy. And the temperature is also not helping. Here I am wrapped up in a thick coat inside of which I am wearing a peach pink sleeveless top and white jeans and gloves in my hands. With high winter boots, my earrings & my wrist watch. 

Currently sitting on the waiting zone of one of the most busy airports of the world at Heathrow Airport, London, I am waiting for my flight to board.

After three years of hard work, I finally graduated from one of the popular colleges in the UK, from King's College London. I got my bachelors degree in Bsc physiotherapy and finally can be called as a doctor. This three years I was away from my parents, from my family but I can say that it was worth it. Because the excitement I'm feeling rn is unexplainable. I'm on cloud 9 and why wouldn't I be? 

I came out of my thoughts when my bestie Sam AKA Samaira Singhania nudged me. I gave her a questioning look and she grinned. Idiot!

She was doing her bachelor's in fashion studies from London College of Fashion, University of Arts London. 

"What?!" I asked inwardly rolling my eyes. 

I am telling you, she is the most chirpy girl in the world. She gets excited even in very small things. She can be very annoying sometimes but still is my bestest friend who can understand me too well.

"Here!" She handed me a Costa coffee whilst pouting. Drama Queen!

I took my hot coffee from her hand and took a sip. I sighed in happiness. 

Coffee is the best thing in winter.

"Thanks Babe! I needed it so bad." I said with a smile. 

She smiled wide and went back to sipping her coffee. After sometime she broke the silence.

"Ree! Don't forget to come to my home on Thursday for Diwali celebrations okay!" She said with a frown.

She frowned cause she knows I don't like crowded place much. And it's Singhania's. They celebrate every festival with a blast. It's not like my family doesn't. But dad doesn't invite much people for my comfort. 

"But Sam-!" I was going to protest when she cut me off midway.

"Oh hell no! I am not listening to anything. You're coming and that's final. Come on Ree! It's not that bad. I will be with you. So will be your and my parents!" She reasoned.

"But-!" She again interrupted me. 

"Come on! Pretty pleaseeee! With a cherry on top!" She said with her puppy eyes which is very hard to ignore I am telling you. 

I huffed in annoyance and sighed in defeat.

"Okay fine! Happy?" I said with a scowl on my face. 

"Eeeeeaaaakkkk! Yes! Yes! Yes!" She shrieked and pulled me into a.........very tight hug.

"S-sam..!! I...c-can't.. br-breathe!" I coughed. 

"Oh fuck! Sorry sorry Ree! Are you okay?" She pulled back and cupped my face. 

I took deep breaths and composed myself.

"Yeah! Yeah I'm fine now!" I exclaimed.

Our session cut off by the announcement.

"Good morning passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 89B to Mumabi. We are now inviting those passengers with small children, and any passengers requiring special assistance, to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes time. Thank you."

We threw our coffee cans into the trash and picked up our luggages. 

We finally boarded to our flight and took out seats. The crewc welcomed us on-board.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard Flight 89B with service from London to Mumbai. We are currently third in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in approximately seven minutes time. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments. We also ask that your seats and table trays are in the upright position for take-off. Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you for choosing British Airways. Enjoy your flight."

Sam and I both put our phones on airplane mode and put our seatbelts on. After sometime out flight took off. 

"Good morning passengers. This is your captain speaking. First I'd like to welcome everyone on British Airways Flight 89B. We are currently cruising at an altitude of 33,000 feet at an airspeed of 400 miles per hour. The time is 8:45 AM. The weather looks good and with the tailwind on our side we are expecting to land in Mumbai approximately fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. The weather in Mumbai is clear and sunny, with a high of 25 degrees for this night. If the weather cooperates we should get a great view of the city as we descend. The cabin crew will be coming around in about twenty minutes time to offer you a light snack and beverage, and the inflight movie will begin shortly after that. I'll talk to you again before we reach our destination. Until then, sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the flight."

9 hours later

""Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Thank you."

""Flight attendants, prepare for landing please."

"Cabin crew, please take your seats for landing."

Announcement by flight attendant,

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Please make sure one last time your seat belt is securely fastened. The flight attendants are currently passing around the cabin to make a final compliance check and pick up any remaining cups and glasses. Thank you."

After sometime our flight finally landed in Mumbai.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Mumbai Airport. Local time is 10:06 PM and the temperature is 28°C.

For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it is safe for you to move about.

Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight.

If you require deplaning assistance, please remain in your seat until all other passengers have deplaned. One of our crew members will then be pleased to assist you.

On behalf of British Airways and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice night!" Captain said.

We came out of the flight and collected our luggages. Dad already knows the flight timing so he must be here to pick us up. Did I tell you that Dad and Sam's dad, Sunil Singhania are best friends. That's why Sam and I both know eachother from childhood. So she is close to my dad just like I am close to her dad. So today my dad is picking up both of us to our home cause tonight she's going to stay at ours.

We came out of the airport searching dad when my eyes caught a very handsome man in his late forties in suit with a smile adorning his lips. I smiled wide at the sight. Cause it is none other than my dad, Mr. Avinash Roy with bouncers all around him. He must be coming straight from his office.

I looked at Sam to see her smiling wide at my dad.

"My girls!!" Dad exclaimed happily and spread his arms.

We both dropped our luggage bags and ran towards him only to tackle him in a tight hug. And because of our jump we three landed on floor laughing. My dad is almost 50 but he is strong just like any bodybuilder out there cause he takes care of his health more than anything. 

"Have some mercy on your old man girls!!" He laughed and kissed our foreheads.

We got up from the ground and dad hugged us both....this time calmly ;)

"I missed you Dad!!"

"I missed you uncle!!"

Sam and I said in unison and then looked at eachother and dad. And then we three laughed like maniacs. He patted our hairs and ordered the bouncers to put the luggage in the back seat. I saw they've already brought our luggages from where we dropped them and now they put them in the back seat of Dad's white land rover. 

"I missed you both too and let's go now, your mum and your aunty is waiting for your arrivals!!" He said the mum part to me and the aunty part to Sam. 

We nod happily after my dad mentioned about mum. I've missed her, her handmade food, her patting my hairs whilst I slept on her lap, her scoldings, her sweet voice and everything about her. I love my mum so much. And she treats Sam as her own daughter just like dad. Sunil uncle & Mahira aunty does the same with me. 

We settled in and we drove off to my home whilst I was talking and snuggling in my dad's arms. During the ride I also enjoyed the Mumbai's view after so long. I missed Mumbai.

After 35 or 40 minutes we finally stopped in front of my house. 

Guard opened the door with a salute and we drove inside. Car stopped in front of the main door and we stepped out when the bouncers opened the door for us. We said thank yous to them.

"Let's go girls!" Dad said and lead us towards the main door with the bouncers trailing behind us with our luggages. 

Dad rang the doorbell and Nirmala aunty our home's caretaker opened the door. She saw us and gave us a wide smile. We smiled back, she is 59, just like our maasi (mum's sis - aunty). Sam and I touched her feet and she blessed us.

"May God bless you my children!" She said and kissed our foreheads. 

Then another servant came and gave us both bouquets and welcomed us.

"Welcome back Ma'am!" He said.

He is in his thirties I guess. And must be new. Because we never let anyone working in our homes call us ma'am or something like that. We respect them after all they make our lifes easy.

"New? What's your name Bhai (brother)?" I asked with a soft smile.

He looked at us shocked at first and composed himself and answered.

"Rakesh! Ma'am! I'm the new gardener!" 

"Hm! Rakesh bhaiya (brother)! You don't need to call us ma'am! No one does! You can call us by our names! As we are younger than you and can we call you bhaiya?" I asked and Sam nodded.

He looked like he will cry at any time but said.

"Sure! I will be happy to have two kind souls as my sisters! I have always craved for one!" He said smiling.

We smiled and hugged him. He hugged us back. 

"Looks like no one missed me?" A familiar voice asked.

We pulled back and looked to see Mum standing there with hands on her hips and a maid by her side with puja thali (a tray with turmeric, vermilion, diya, petals and sweets). 

"Mum!"

"Aunty!"

Sam and I said in unison. Mum smiled at us and took us both in her embrace. Home. That's what I felt in my mum's arms. She pulled back with tears in her eyes. It broke my heart to see tears running down her cheeks. I wiped them away and kissed her cheeks and so does Sam. She said again and welcomed us with the traditions. And kissed both of our foreheads. 

"I am feeling so lonely right now!" Dad whined from behind.

We laughed at his childishness. 

"You deserve this for sending my daughters away from me!" Mom said.

Dad pouted at mum but mum if ired him making me and Sam burst out in laugh. My parents are head over heels for eachother and their cute bickerings are the most entertaining thing ever. 

Ignoring Dad's whines, Mum took us to my room which is our (Sam's and mine) to be honest. Because most of the time we share room together either it is in her home or mine. My room is on the 9th floor of the building so we took lift. My room has the perfect view of the city.

After we reached our floor, mum lead us to my room with maids bringing our luggages. Mum opened my room door and I saw my room which I missed like hell.

We entered and Sam crashed on the bed like a deaf body making mum laugh and me to roll my eyes. We both are tired but she is something else. 

"Freshen up girls! I will bring your dinner to here. No need to come to the dining hall cause I know you both are tired after the travel. Okay?" Mum asked.

Mum knows everything. 

"Thank you mum!" I said. Mum patted my cheeks and went out leaving us both in the room. I sighed and looked at Sam who's going to pass out anytime soon.

This girl! I mentally groaned.

"Sam! Come on! Freshen up and eat something then you can sleep! Come on get up!" I said whilst shaking her.

"Lemme sleep Ree! I'm tired." She whined.

"I am also tired but we have to eat something eats been six hours we ate last. Come on!" I said.

"Ugh! Okay. Let's make a deal. You go and freshen up first then me. So I can take a quick nap." She said.

"Okay fine then!" I let her sleep and went to washroom to take a shower. Man I'm tired as hell.

After taking a fifteen minutes shower, I came out in a towel whilst rubbing my wet hairs with another towel to see Sam sprawled out on the bed with her mouth slightly open. This girl! 

I went to my closet and changed to my night dress.

I came out and woke Sam up. She went to the washroom after cursing me thousand times. And I dried my hairs. After sometime there was a knock on the door and mum came in.

"Mia! Here's the dinner. I am placing it here. Finish everything okay!" She said.

"Yeah mumma! Don't worry! We will finish it off. We were craving for your handmade food." I said.

She smiled and kissed my forehead. After wishing me goodnight and yelling good night to Sam who replied at the same tone, she went back to her room. Sam came after some minutes and we both sit on my bed and ate the handmade food made by mum. Egg Biryani and raita. Our fave. 

After having dinner, Sam went to the balcony to talk to her dad and I did some research on SevenHills Hospital Mumbai. That I'm going to join in two weeks. I did some research for 20 minutes. When Sam came back, we both slept. The jet lag made us pass out as soon as our heads touched the soft pillows. 

Next Morning

9:03 AM

"Aey jungli Billi uth! Chipkali Tu BHI uth!" A familiar voice hit my ears.

Translation- ["Wake up wild cat🐈! Wake up lizard🦎!"]

I opened my eyes groggily to come face to face with Armaan AKA Armaan Ahuja AKA Suar (Pig)🐖.

"Eeeaaakkk!! ARMAAAANNNN!" I launched myself in his arms. He caught me and twirled me around laughing. Our friendly session came to an end with Sam's yelling. 

"SHUT UP IDIOTS! LEMME SLEEP!"

Armaan put me down and we smiled mischievously at eachother then looked at Sam who's snoring again. Then next second, Sam was a laughing mess whilst Armaan and me and tickling her.

"HAHAHAAAAHHAA!! NOOOO!" Sam screamed. 

But we didn't stop. We continued our torture till she shed tears.

"Stop! PLEASE!" We finally stopped whilst Sam was controlling her laughs whilst clutching her stomach and wiping her tears.

We did a good job!

"You Morons! Chorungi nahin main tum dono ko! I will take my revenge!" She said whilst getting up.

Translation- (I won't spare you two!)

We flipped her off and Armaan clutched her tight in his arms. Did I tell you that he loves Sam? He does. But this idiot can't even express his feelings to her.

Actually Armaan's dad, Mr. Rajveer Ahuja is also a friend of mine and Sam's dad. So we are childhood friends. Sam and I choosed London for higher studies whilst he choosed Melbourne. He's a year older than us.

"Han Han I missed you too! Abhi Jane de mujhe idiot!" Sam said.

Translation- ("yes yes I missed you too! Now let me go idiot!")

He finally let her go and we sat on our bed. We talked until mum called us for breakfast. 

"Before going downstairs! Let's complete our meeting with a dance! What say??" Sam asked.

"Sure!" Me and Armaan said.

Sam put London thumakda on her phone and we danced like there's no tomorrow.