Plane Journey

As the departure date approached, the house was filled with the sound of laughter, chatter, and last-minute preparations. Arnav's visits became more frequent, and he would often help Khushi pack her mini bag, making sure she didn't forget anything important, like her favourite doll, her baby kerchief, her little water bottle.

As the family set off on their journey towards airport, Khushi's excitement was contagious. She bounced up and down in her seat, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city as they made their way to the airport. Her parents and Kashish laughed at her antics, happy to see her so carefree.

On the plane, Khushi's eyes widened in wonder as she took in the sheer size of the aircraft. "Wow, Mummy, look! The plane is so big!" she exclaimed, tugging on her mother's hand.

Nalini smiled and hugged her close. "I know, beta. And soon we'll be inside it and flying in sky, on our way to our vacation destination." taking her inside the plane.

Just then, Arnav and his parents, Arvind and Ratna, boarded the plane and joined them. Khushi's face lit up with a bright smile as she waved at Arnav.

"Hey, Arnav! I'm so excited we're all going on vacation together!" she exclaimed.

Arnav grinned back at her. "Me too, Khushi! It's going to be an amazing trip!"

As the plane took off, Khushi felt a rush of excitement. She gazed out the window, watching as the city gave way to clouds and sky.

"Look, Arnav! The city is becoming small... small... as we go up!" Khushi exclaimed.

Arnav leaned over to look out the window with Khushi. "Wow, you're right! It's like we're leaving the whole world behind."

Khushi's eyes sparkled with wonder. "I know, right? It feels like we're on top of the world."

Arnav grinned. "We're not quite there yet, but we're getting close!"

Kashish, who was sitting across from them, rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "You two are so excited. It's just a plane ride."

Khushi turned to her sister with a mischievous grin. "You're just jealous because you're not sitting by the window."

Kashish playfully stuck out her tongue. "I'm not jealous. I'm just more mature than you two."

Arnav chuckled. "Sure, Kashish. Keep telling yourself that."

As the flight attendants began to serve the in-flight meal, Khushi's eyes widened with excitement. She had never had a meal on a plane before, and she was curious to see what it would be like.

The flight attendant handed her a tray with a variety of dishes, including paneer tikka masala, vegetable biryani, and a salad. Khushi's eyes scanned the tray, taking in the different colors and aromas.

Khushi's eyes widened as she took her first bite of the airplane meal. "Mmm, this is so yummy!" she exclaimed, savoring the flavors of the paneer tikka masala.

Arnav, sitting next to her, grinned. "I know, right?"

Kashish, across from them, raised an eyebrow. "You're just eating everything, be careful Khushi."

Khushi looked up at her sister with a mischievous grin. "That's the best way to eat, didi! You neverunderstand."

Arnav chuckled. "I think Khushi has a point, Kashish. Sometimes you just have to be like a kid just like us."

After a while, Khushi's face turned pale, and she suddenly clutched her stomach. But remembering Nalini's advice, she quickly grabbed the paper bag provided by the airline and threw up into it.

Kashish wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Chee... that's why I don't like you coming along."

Nalini intervened, her voice firm but gentle. "Kashish, stop it. She's just a kid, and it's her first time on a plane."

Raj added, "And she did use the paper bag, so she didn't make a mess."

Nalini put a comforting arm around Khushi. "It's okay, beta. These things happen. Let's just focus on enjoying the rest of the flight."

Khushi looked up at her sister, tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm sorry, didi... I didn't mean to throw up."

Kashish rolled her eyes and turned away, muttering under her breath. "Great, this is what happens if eat like a dinosaurous"

Khushi's face became much smaller "Ma, Am i dinosaurous?"

Arnav, who was sitting across from them, burst out laughing at Khushi's question. "Haha, no, Khushi, you're not a dinosaur! Kashish just meant that you eat a lot," he explained with a grin and handed Khushi a tissue and a bottle of water, his expression kind and concerned. "Hey, Khushi, don't worry about it. You'll feel better soon. I threw up 4 times when I travelled first time with Papa."

Khushi's eyes widened in surprise as she took the tissue and water from Arnav. "Really? You threw up four times?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement and curiosity.

Arnav nodded, smiling. "Yes, really! I was so scared and nervous during the flight. But my dad was there to take care of me, just like your mom is taking care of you."

Khushi smiled weakly at Arnav, feeling a little better. "Thanks, Arnav."

But as the flight continued, Khushi became increasingly withdrawn. She didn't eat or drink anything, despite her parents' and Arnav's encouragement. The memory of Kashish's scolding still lingered, making her anxious about getting sick again.

Nalini noticed Khushi's behavior and tried to reassure her. "Khushi, beta, don't worry about what happened earlier. It's okay to feel sick sometimes."

But Khushi just shook her head and looked away, not wanting to risk getting scolded by Kashish again. Her eyes welled up with tears, but she fought to hold them back.

Arnav tried to engage Khushi in conversation, but she just responded with monosyllables, clearly still feeling upset and embarrassed. He looked at her with concern, wishing he could do something to make her feel better.

As the plane began its descent, Khushi's parents and Arnav were relieved that the flight was almost over. But Khushi just sat quietly, looking out the window with a mixture of sadness and anxiety. She felt like she was walking on eggshells, never knowing when Kashish's next scolding would come.

As they walked towards the exit, Khushi's face lit up with excitement. "Ma, I'm hungry..." she exclaimed, tugging on Nalini's hand.

But before Nalini could respond, Kashish cut in, her voice dripping with disdain. "Don't start now, Khushi. You can eat after we reach the hotel."

Khushi's face fell as she looked up at her mother, hoping for some sympathy. "But Ma, I'm really hungry..." she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nalini hesitated, looking at Kashish before responding. "Okay, beta, we'll get you something to eat. See there are lot of shops."

"Let's get the kids something to eat before we head to the hotel," suggested Nalini to Raj.

"Good idea," agreed Raj. "There's a nice restaurant just outside the airport. We can grab some lunch there."

Arnav, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly piped up. "Can we get pizza? Pleeease?" he asked, looking up at his parents with hopeful eyes.

Khushi's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Yeah! Pizza sounds great!" she exclaimed.

Kashish trailed behind the group, her expression sulky. "Why do we have to eat now?" she complained. "Can't we just go to the hotel? I'm tired."

Nalini turned around and smiled patiently. "Just a little while longer, beta. We'll eat something and then head to the hotel. You can rest there."

Kashish scowled, clearly unconvinced. She glanced at Khushi, who was skipping along beside Arnav, chattering excitedly. Kashish's scowl deepened.

As they sat down to eat, Arnav and Khushi eagerly dug into their pizzas, savoring the gooey cheese and tangy sauce.

Khushi, with a mischievous glint in her eye, started teasing Kashish, waving a slice of pizza in front of her sister's face. "Didi, want some? It's so yummy!" she taunted.

Arnav joined in, laughing and making funny faces at Kashish. "Yeah, Kashish, come on! We are here to enjoy holidays" he teased.

Kashish's face turned bright red with annoyance. "Stop it, Khushi! Stop it, Arnav! You're both so annoying!" she fumed, crossing her arms and turning away.

Nalini intervened, laughing, "Okay, okay, that's enough. Let Kashish eat in peace." She gently scolded Khushi, "Khushi, beta, don't irritate your didi like that."

Arnav's mother, Ratna, added, "Yes, and Arnav, you're not helping."

Khushi and Arnav exchanged a mischievous glance, both of them trying to stifle their giggles.

Khushi looked up at Nalini with an innocent expression, "Sorry, Ma."