When the aircraft descended through grey clouds and touched the runway, she looked outside in wonder.
London.
The name itself felt unreal.
The airport was larger than anything she had ever imagined.
Different languages echoed around her.
Different faces.
Different accents.
Different lives.
Yet somehow she managed everything.
Passport control.
Immigration questions.
Luggage collection.
Customs clearance.
She moved slowly, carefully, checking every document twice.
When her two suitcases finally appeared on the conveyor belt, relief washed over her.
She had done it.
She had crossed half the world alone.
Outside the airport stood the driver Arvind had arranged.
He greeted her politely and took her luggage.
Before placing the final suitcase into the car, he handed her a small box.
"A gift from Mr. Arvind."
Inside was a new phone.
Her first instinct was panic.
How much had this cost?
Her second instinct was gratitude.
The phone already contained the numbers of everyone back in India.
Dr. Sumitra.
Dr. Vikram.
Rohan.
Arvind.
Anjali.
For the first time since landing, she felt less alone.