Saying goodbye to all my friends and family was a teary eyed situation.

The whole bunch travelled to the airport with us to see us off. We had been here for a short time, but during the short time, we had created memories to last a long time.

"Tell me whenever you need help, okay?" I told Maya as I hugged her.

"Yes, my didi!" She squealed softly, hugging me back tightly. "I will, I will. And you'll tell me all the naughty stuff you're doing, eh?"

I laughed loudly. "Ugh, you."

"Hey, ma." I said as I stopped in front of her.

"You are sure that you're not leaving anything here, right? Or else, I will have to rush to America to give it back to you." She said in an agitated tone.

I sighed softly and smiled at her. "Yes, ma. I'm sure."

Her face softened. "Stay safe, my girl."

"I will. Love you." I hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek as she stroked my hair.

Andrew was busy saying goodbye to his parents too. After we had finally bid farewell to everyone, we started walking towards the glass entrance gate of the airport terminal.

I looked back at them and waved with one hand, clutching my sunglasses in it. Suddenly, I felt a sadness creep into me. I hated leaving everything unsorted with my father. But I had no choice.

I smiled as they waved back enthusiastically. I put on the black sunglasses and turned around, walking into the airport.

After going through all the airport protocols, we finally sat down in our plane around two hours later. I breathed out a loud sigh and slumped on my seat, taking my phone out of my pocket.

There were a series of messages from Maya, Anton, Siddharth wishing me farewell once more. I texted them back a goodbye before noticing a text from Felix which just came in.

Boarded?

Yes :)

Hey, why aren't you sleeping yet? Isn't it midnight for you?

Just going to

Wanted to check up you.

That's sweet of you

I'll be at the airport waiting ;)

Haha thanks lol ;)

Not needed tho, I'll be fine

I want to. Have a safe flight :)

Thanks!

I smiled at the text when another came in. This time it was from Angela.

I'm assuming you've boarded the flight.

Yes i have Angie!

Good. Because I've booked for an interview. It's a press conference. You'll land here at around 12pm , and the press conference is at 4

😧 I'll be so tired, wth angela. And not to mention, fucking jetlagged :/

I'm really sorry honey this was very hard to arrange and they did it for today. I told them you'll be coming back just today but there was no choice. It has to be today.

I pursed my lips. Tsking, I scratched my head. She was right, there was no choice.

Okay. I'll try my best.

Great! Have a safe flight honey.

Thanks i will.

Sighing, I looked and Andrew. He was looking at his phone, playing some game.

"Angela has decided to make our lives more hellish," I said.

"What?" He chuckled and looked at me, switching off his phone.

"She has arranged for a press conference. At four in the afternoon. Right after we land."

"Oh." He raised his eyebrows and let out a low whistle. "But we'll be so tired."

"She knows that."

"And not to mention, fucking jetlagged."

I laughed. "Funny, 'cause that's exactly what I texted her."

He blew a raspberry and slid down his seat, a dramatic look of sadness on his face. I patted his arm softly.

"Same, Andrew. Same."

I quickly fetched my phone out to send a small text to Felix.

Hey, you don't have to come to the airport. Andrew and I will directly go to an interview on landing. Ugh, things are intense 😵

After pressing send, I switched on the flight mode and laid back onto the comfortable seat.

A long twenty two hours passed by, and we finally landed in LA. I tried catching as much sleep as I could in the plane, making sure to feel as fresh as I could to survive through the press conference.

I yawned as the pilot announced landing. I pulled up the window shade and squinted at the bright sunlight. It felt weird how I had left India at midday and landed in America at midday too.

I switched off the flight mode and one by one, about a hundred messages flew in.

Oh :( it sure is hectic being a singer. Anyways, have a good flight 👍 you prolly wont see this now but haha anyways – Felix had texted. I texted him back saying I had landed. I quickly texted my mother and my friends that I had safely landed and slipped the phone back into my pocket.

In no time, we were out of the plane, standing by the baggage collector and soon, we were in the car, rushing off to the location of the press conference. Angela had come to pick us up.

"I swear, you're going to kill us one day, Angela," Andrew joked as he pressed his forehead with his fingers.

Angela had a guilt-ridden expression etched on her face. "I knew this was a bad idea. I'm so sorry, I must be pressuring you so much. You give me the word and I'll cancel the conference–"

"No, no!" Andrew sat up straight. "It's alright! I was kidding. We tried getting as much rest as we could in the flight." He tipped his head towards me, coaxing me to say something.

I took the hint and nodded reassuringly at Angela. "Yes, Angie. It's honestly fine. I know how important this is for our success. So, we're ready for it."

Her face softened, the lines of age smoothing on her skin. "Okay, good. I'm still sorry."

Andrew smiled at her and shook his head lightly. "Don't be."

Gradually, we reach the venue. We walked into the waiting room. Everyone was busy doing mic check and other technical stuff. A guy suddenly rushed towards me and started putting on mild make up on my face to remove any signs of tiredness that was still left. Another guy rushed to Andrew, doing the same.

My mother called and I talked with her on my phone as the guy – his name was Justin – did my make up and hair.

Soon, the time came and press conference was about to start. I heard the bustling of reporters outside as they all sat huddled together in the hall. The management provided us with ID cards. Quickly putting it on, Andrew and I stepped out in front of the reporters. A wave of cheering and clapping ensued. We sat down on the chairs.

I placed my hands on the table and smiled at the wave of reporters in front of me. Andrew tapped the small mic once, creating a screeching sound around the room. I slapped his hand, giving him an amused expression.

"Hello, everyone," Andrew spoke into the mic, promptly ignoring me. I shook my head and gave a tiny laugh.

The questions started pouring in one by one, and I braced myself for this long, tiring session.

•••

Next chapter - next Wednesday at 10pm IST.

Translation (Hindi > English): didi - elder sister