Until now, Samay often wondered about his smooth luck whenever it was regarding something he loved. He would often say to his friends, “I get everything served in a platter!”

Announcement : Jet Airways Flight 288 to Brussels will be departing in 15 minutes from now.

And then came the voice that sprung Barkha’s mind out from her favorite novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

“This is your captain Samay Razdaan. I welcome all you beautiful people onboard flight 288 to Brussels. We will be covering the journey from New Delhi to Brussels in about 8 hours and 45 minutes. Our splendid in-flight entertainment shall keep you all glued to the screens and I am sure you would love the lip-smacking snacks waiting to tingle your taste buds! Enjoy the flight!”

“Woah! Pilots yap that much!”, Barkha murmured sarcastically to herself. At the same time, at the back of her mind, she appreciated the humbleness evident in his voice. A religious bookworm that she was, it never struck her that her future was now penned.

On the other end, Samay was engrossed in planning an ‘accidental’ meeting with Barkha. Had it not been the airlines’ policy that the pilots or the crew members cannot mingle with the passengers on a personal level in flight, he would surely have made his first charming move. Nevertheless, the most eligible bachelor was indisputably sure, that he has fallen for the one buried in ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

10 a.m. EST

A jolt woke up Barkha from a fitful sleep.

“When did I sleep last!”, thought she. They had landed in Brussels.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have landed at the Brussels International Airport. The temperature outside is 18 degrees Celsius. The transit passengers are requested to proceed to gate 23. Thanks for flying with Jet Airways”, spoke Samay, wondering if his voice brought in a good morning smile on his special one’s lips.

It was the onset of winters. Samay waited patiently to spot Barkha, and made it a point to disembark just at the right moment to coincide paths with her.

“There you are! I am pretty magnetic pilot it seems, eh!” said Samay.

Barkha looked at him with eyebrows raised, hitting on his sarcastic act of self-appreciation.

“Well I kept it smooth so as to give you a pleasant sleep mademoiselle” smiled he.

“There’s no denying that, I must say” agreed Barkha, blushing at the same time.

Samay : So where will you be staying in Brussels? (quickly realizing the inquisitive look in her eyes, he added), I mean, I have few acquaintances here, so if you are planning to stay here for long, I can introduce you to some splendid people.

Barkha : Uh……..Mr. Razdaan, that’s really sweet of you. But no, thank you!                (She was fighting the dilemma to give in to those charming eyes or to let it be)

Samay : (With an expression of dejection) Well then, Ms Barkha, it was nice meeting you. Have a lovely stay here.

And he treaded ahead, Every step seemed like a task, wondering if he would ever see her again. At the same time, he wanted to keep his manly ego intact.

Barkha : Mr. Razdaan, I think I shouldn’t be telling you that I am staying in Warwick Brussels at Rue Duquesnoy. (Smiling at him) I am Barkha Gautam. Nice meeting you.

And she left, leaving behind the mesmerized man, whose life was about to change.