Accidentally, In love ( UNDER EDITING )

Chapter 1 : The Departure

Chapter 1 : The Departure

  “Zoya, please take care of yourself. Eat your food on time and remember to fast every Tuesday so that you get a good groom."  Check one.   

"Please, don’t forget to mail me on Mondays and Thursdays and call mum every Wednesday andFriday. Focus on your studies." Check two.   

"Remember, the family name rests on you, so don’t do anything that will tarnish it. Make your ancestors and your family proud. ” Check three.   

I check the items off my mental list as my loving elder sister Pia goes on in the boring monotonous tone she uses with her patients when she advises them what to do and not after a surgery. As a cardiac surgeon at a very reputed hospital in the city, she is used to patients and their families listening to her in rapt attention.  

I have this talk memorized by now.   In the future, if the need ever arises, I will be able to recite this talk with a gun pointed to my head.  

Right now, all I care to think about is the stares that everyone at the Delhi International airport is giving me. I can read their minds.   

 'Poor child. Going abroad for the first time. She will feel so homesick. How sad."  

This is a regular feature in The Subramaniam clan, which I am a part of.    Although I frequently travel abroad, (hell, I practically live there) this is the one lecture I get every time I board an International flight.

  I think by now I should be accustomed to the glares and stares, but I’m not. I will never get used to it. It's not like the traffic or the weather or the annoying neighbour next door,  which just gradually become a part of your life and you no longer notice their presence.   

My family knows I’m responsible, yet they give me the same advice. I guess it’s because I’m the youngest in my family.  The thing is, I’m the first one in my clan to study abroad. Everyone has gone abroad for a holiday, but none for their studies. Therefore, I have the privilege of receiving this sermon.  

I’m a student at the University of Michigan and this year is incredibly special as I have been chosen Graduate Student Instructor, something I’m looking forward to, as it will help me in my PHD.  

Yes, I’m the nerdy kind. I love studies, but I do have a life outside my books.   

“Zoya, are you even listening to me?” Pia’s voice breaks my reverie.   

I mumble an affirmation and thankfully the announcement saves me from any more sermons.  

I hug my sister and move as fast as my feet can take me towards the departure gate.  

Before  entering the door I turn back, give her a huge enthusiastic wave, and then follow my fellow passengers to board the flight.  

Seated  comfortably in the plane, I start  thinking of the year ahead.   All my plans, the goals I want to achieve, the things I want to do...

  Everything.  

Like a film, I can envision my future laid in front of my eyes.   A PHD degree, a good job, a house, a car, world tour, financial security and stability, marriage, children, and a peaceful retired life.  

Like Lenka says: "Everything at once."  

Alas, it was not meant to be.  Ever heard the saying, " If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans"?  

Well, while I was making my plans, God above  was having a good laugh, because he knew what was in store for me. Something I had never expected.      

AN : The first chapter finally updated. This is my first attempt at writing so please help me out. Votes and comments are much appreciated.