At Gate A: Where Hearts Departed, and Returned
Sanjana fidgeted with her seatbelt as the announcement came: “Cabin crew, prepare for landing.” Her heart raced. After two long years in Delhi, she was finally returning to her hometown, Bengaluru. The familiar skyline outside the airplane window sent waves of nostalgia crashing over her. She could almost taste the crispy masala dosa from her favorite corner café, the aroma of a traditional South Indian meal, and the tangy burst of flavors from roadside chaat. Her stomach grumbled in anticipation, and her mouth watered. But it wasn’t just the food—Bengaluru was home, filled with memories that tugged at her heart. She leaned her head against the window and smiled, recalling her mother’s voice echoing through the house, calling her for breakfast, and her father’s laughter as he read the newspaper. Then her mind shifted to her best friend. His face appeared so vividly in her memory, it was as though no time had passed. They’d been inseparable once—partners in crime, confidants...