'If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this...'
~Maroon 5
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Today was that infamous not-so-awaited-day. 9:30 sharp I had to leave. Last night, I had slept so peacefully, I took longer to wake up in the morning. Anyway, I'm not the perfect definition of a morning person.

I had my breakfast with my family. Everything felt just like usual but somewhere, hung the monotony of the day. Leaving an imprint upon us all.

9:25. Dad was going to drop me. Mom would stay back home with gran. My dad was a busybody. He shouted, bellowing his lungs," What takes so long!? You'll miss your flight if you don't start in two and a half minutes!" "I'm here dad!" "Check whether you have taken all that you need." "Right. My trolley. Check. My handbag. Check. My headphones. Check. Book. Check. Mobile....mobile...uh, not here." My dad was about his slap his head because of all the ruckus I was creating when my mom came with my mobile in her hand. What a savior! "Thanks mom." "Remember your things there. You won't get me or your dad to tag along you making your life a hell. Fortunately or unfortunately." I shook my head,"You know the answer."

Out of everyone, gran was the quitest. She sat on her recliner brooding. When I was about to leave, she came up to the gate in her wheelchair. Staying busy is actually a boon. When you don't get time enough to think, there aren't half the problems. But now, at the last minute, the reality crashed on me anew. Loss. That's all I felt.

Goodbyes. They are the most difficult part. We all knew what was going underneath us but, we all tried acting normal. We were far from it. And....we sucked at pretending. Mom cried first. I have started believing in miracles, you know. I hugged mom and gran and told them how much I loved them. Made promises of calling at every opportunity. Gran spoke less. "Be brave. Whatever comes, face it with a straight face." That's all she said in her wavering voice. Finally, dad revved up the car engine and, the world become a blur. Blurred by my tears.

To lighten my mood up, dad let me choose what to play in the car music system. That was rare because drives usually meant Beatles or Michael Jackson. Dad's all times. But today, Justin Timberlake filled the car with his most expressive voice.

I perhaps got too lost in the songs because we reached airport without my knowledge. It felt like we got to the airport in a jiffy. Time flew.

My dad helped me with my luggage. I got ready with my documents. Finally, I bid goodbye to dad. He kissed my forehead and whispered," Be a brave little girl, alright? Miss you, Ann. Bye." "I'll call." "Please do." "Bye dad." I walked inside the airport.

After all the formalities, I sat down in the waiting lounge. For the first time in the morning, I checked my messages. As expected, Calvin had flooded my inbox.

Calvin: Hi. Have you started?
Calvin: At airport?
Calvin: Ann?
Calvin: Okay....ping whenever you can.
Calvin: 'They say its what you make, I say its up to fate. It's woven in my soul, I need to let you go....' How could Imagine Dragons put my emotions in such beautiful verse?
Calvin: Right. Go ahead. Call me cheesy.

Woah! I couldn't stop myself from smiling. That boy could make me smile even when I was about to swell up in tears. Lyrics,right? Calvin, I'm up for a lyrical game.

Ann: Hi Calvin. Sorry couldn't respond. Was really busy.
Ann: At airport now.
Ann: Lyrics, huh? You can't beat me in that!
Ann: I have so much to say, but you are so far away. (By script) Beat that!

After about a minute:
Calvin: I'm not up for sentimentalism right now. Something positive.
Calvin: And its now time to build from the bottom of the pit, right to the top.
Calvin: P.S. I love Imagine Dragons.

We went on with our stupid play for sometime. Distractions help. A lot.

At the precise time indicated on my boarding pass, the boarding started. I said bye to Calvin and told him I'd call him once I reach.

After finding my seat and settling down, I called up dad and talked to all three of them. Told them the same.

"Boarding gates closed. Time for take off. Crew seated please."

My flight taxied off the airstrip.
It soared through the sky. Bringing me closer to my oppurtunities.

A new life, Ann. A new beginning.
But was the picture that rosy?

I gave myself the benefit of doubt.