Saisha's POV

The airport is nothing like I imagined. It's bigger, busier, and far more overwhelming than anything I have ever seen. People rush past us, their suitcases rolling behind them, the sound of announcements echoing through the enormous space. I tighten my grip on my bag, my heartbeat quickening.

"Are you okay?" Pranay asks, noticing my hesitation.

I nod quickly, though my fingers still clutch the strap of my bag. "I... I've never been to a place like this."

He smiles reassuringly. "You'll be fine. Just stick with me."

I do exactly that - walking beside him, trying not to let my nerves show as we pass security, as we check in, as we wait for our flight. But when we finally step onto the plane, my fear catches up with me.

The seats, the narrow aisle, the sound of engines humming in the background - everything feels unfamiliar. My hands grow clammy as I settle into my seat by the window.

Pranay fastens his seatbelt and looks at me. "Nervous?"

I nod, barely able to speak.

"It's just like sitting in a car. Just a little higher," he says with a grin, trying to make me laugh. "I promise, you'll love it once we're in the air."

I try to believe him, but as the plane starts moving, my fingers tighten around the armrest. The moment we take off, my heart pounds so hard I fear it might burst. My stomach lurches as the plane tilts slightly, climbing higher into the sky.

I squeeze my eyes shut. Why did I agree to this?

A warm hand covers mine. "Hey," Pranay's voice is softer now. "Open your eyes, Saisha."

I do - slowly at first - and what I see steals my breath away.

Below us, the city is shrinking, the roads and houses turning into tiny dots. The sky stretches endlessly around us, painted in golden hues as the sun begins to set. Soft clouds float beneath us like tufts of cotton.

"It's beautiful," I whisper in awe.

Pranay chuckles. "Told you."

I exhale, my grip on the armrest loosening. Maybe this isn't so bad after all.

_____________________________________

By the time we land in Udaipur, my fear has completely faded, replaced by bubbling excitement. As we step out of the airport, a gust of warm, earthy air greets us.

I gasp as my eyes take in the city - the grand palaces in the distance, the shimmering lakes, the vibrant colors everywhere. It feels like I have stepped into a painting.

"Welcome to Udaipur," Pranay says beside me.

I turn to him, my eyes shining. "It's... beautiful."

His smile is soft, as if he was waiting to see this look on my face. "Come on, let's go. We have an adventure ahead of us."

I nod, following him, my heart soaring. For the first time in my life, I feel like I am truly seeing the world.

As we step out of the airport, the golden glow of the setting sun bathes everything in warmth. Udaipur feels like a world straight out of a storybook. The air is different here - light yet rich, carrying the scent of flowers and something old, something timeless.

A sleek black car waits for us outside. Pranay speaks to the driver before helping me inside. As we drive through the streets, my eyes are glued to the window.

The city is alive with color. The buildings, painted in soft shades of white and gold, stand tall against the deep blue of the lakes that seem to stretch endlessly. The streets are filled with people - locals in vibrant Rajasthani attire, tourists clicking pictures, small vendors selling jewelry and handicrafts.

I have never seen anything like this before.

"This is why they call Udaipur the 'City of Lakes'," Pranay says, watching me with amusement. "It's one of the most romantic places in India."

I turn to him, wide eyed. "Have you been here before?"

He nods. "A few times. For photography assignments."

"It must feel normal to you now," I say, a little wistfully.

Pranay smiles, shaking his head. "Some places never stop feeling magical." His voice holds something soft, something unspoken, but before I can think too much about it, he speaks again. "Wait till you see the palace where the wedding is happening."

A palace.

The very thought makes my heart race. My entire life, I have lived in a small village where every house looked the same. And now, I am in a city with palaces.

The car slows down in front of our hotel. It is grand, built with intricate arches and carved pillars. As we walk inside, I can't help but feel small amidst all the luxury. The floors gleam under soft golden lights, and the faint scent of roses lingers in the air.

At the reception, Pranay collects the keys and gestures for me to follow him. "Come on, let's get you to your room."

I hesitate. "Aren't we... staying together?"

Pranay raises an eyebrow, then smirks playfully. "Are you asking me or telling me?"

Heat rushes to my face. "I-I meant, I just assumed..."

He chuckles. "I got you your own room, Saisha. I thought you'd be more comfortable that way."

I blink at him. He is always so thoughtful, never forcing anything on me. I swallow and nod. "Thank you."

"Though," he adds casually, "if you get scared at night, you're always welcome to knock on my door."

I shoot him a glare, but he just laughs, handing me my key.

___________________________________________________________________________

Later that night, after freshening up and changing into a comfortable dress, I step onto the balcony of my room. The view takes my breath away.

The lake shimmers under the moonlight, its surface reflecting the twinkling lights from the city. The air is cool, carrying the distant sound of folk music from somewhere far away.

I close my eyes for a moment, breathing it all in.

Who would have thought that a girl like me - who once never stepped beyond the boundaries of her village - would one day stand here, in a city so grand?

I open my eyes, smiling to myself.

Maybe life isn't just about surviving. Maybe it's about exploring, about embracing the unknown.

And maybe, just maybe, this journey is only beginning.

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