Lilliput, the Nerd

"Don't talk to strangers, Be careful; call me once you reach. Take care" My mom said for the hundredth time as she handed over my favorite pink tiffin box, full of edibles.

"Mom! I'm traveling on a Flight! Food will be served by the air hostess."

"What! how much money did you waste on that?! I'm a better cook than your air houstis."

"Mom! they're called air hostesses and they're not cooks!"

"Gotcha! I know you lied. You did not want to eat my food so, you said the air houstis will serve you!!"

"Mom. you know what. I'll eat only what you've cooked."

"That's my girl!"

"Remember don't talk to...."

"strangers Be careful. call me once you reach. take care! Am I right?!" I interrupted.

She tilted her head and stared at me. The forty-eight years old hasn't traveled out of the city for years. actually, she hasn't stepped out of Bangalore ever since she was born. She lived in a city, but, followed a full-on village culture; with a neatly draped cotton saree, Big nose-rings, and neatly combed hair.

"Bye, mom!" I waved to her.

My cab has been waiting for me, for what seemed like forever. The drive takes a deep breath as I step into the car. maybe; he thought I would arrive, only to find his skeletons.

I'm really thrilled. This is my first flight journey moreover; I'm traveling out of the country for the first time. I open my tiffin box and eat up everything in it. The driver stares at my box through the mirror while he is busy driving. I offer him some of it. He happily accepts the offer.

I fell the car stop as I'm busy clicking selfies. I step out and raise my head to look at the airport. what a wonderful sight! It's bigger than I ever imagined. I go through all the security checks. The guard informs me that I'm late. I rush to board my flight. I step into a flight for the very first time. uf! it's cold in here! An air hostess guides me to my seat. I'm allotted the window seat. seriously! I'm already afraid of traveling on a flight and now this! I take my seat and wait patiently for my co-passenger. The seat next to me was empty. What a latecomer! The passengers from the other side of the aisle turn to stare at me. They seem too tired. Tired of waiting for me. I smile at them, but they turn away.

well! I agree that I'm late too, but, my mom delayed me. It's not really my mistake though. What could be on the plate of the other person? Is it the same reason? maybe her dad delayed her or maybe her cab hasn't yet arrived, but, what if the person forgot about the flight?! what if the person is never going to arrive? I can't imagine sitting alone on a flight! wait, will I be allowed to sit on the seat next to mine if the person never arrives? Who will I hold if the flight crashes? I don't know how to swim either. I hope my co-passenger is an expert swimmer. Most flights crash into the sea, right? That's how they show it in the movies.

My co-passenger finally arrived. She's a tall, slender, and beautiful girl in jeans and a trendy shirt; with curly hair. she must be of my age but, she looks much more attractive. She walks up to me and takes her seat. She turns and smiles at me. A sudden recognition glows in her eyes.

"Sorry for the delay," she says.

oh! she's not aware that I've just arrived.

"That's alright," I say as I smile back.

"I'm Jenny" I introduce myself.

"I'm Lilly"

"Do I know you before?" she asks.

"err. I don't think so."

"oh! okay."

'Lilly', the name sounds somewhat familiar.

The flight is beginning to take off. Lilly is busy reading a book.

"Is this your first time on a flight?" I ask

"Nah! This might be my eighteenth or nineteenth. I guess your traveling on a flight for the first time. Hold me if you need support." She offered. I wanted to deny it but, I'm really scared of takeoffs so, I hold her arms tight. she smiles. I let her arms go slowly as the flight takes off. I'm feeling much better now.

"What book are you reading?" I enquire. Is she a nerd?

"It's a book on planets and I'm not a nerd."

did she read my mind? or did I say it out loud?

I take out my phone for a selfie. it's my first time on a flight after all.

What if she poses while I click one. Privacy is important. I lift my left arm and pose for a selfie, her hair is also on the frame. She notices me and moves her hair away.

"Privacy is important," she says. Hey wait; what's happening? Has my mind become transparent?! Am I saying things out loud?

She finally finished her book.

"Why are you heading to the U.S?" she asks.

"I've planned a surprise visit to my sister. and you?"

"Hmm. I've been offered a job there."

A job offer from another country! only nerds get that right?!

"I'm not a nerd though," she says.

My eyes widen. Is this some kind of a nightmare?! How is she able to read my mind?!

I sit quite. bewildered.

It's time for dinner. The air-hostess is here; serving dinner from row to row. Lilly unpacks the food and starts eating hurriedly.

"You seem very hungry," I comment

"I'm starving. I was in a hurry so I skipped my lunch. I was too busy for breakfast." she says

"You were one among the most popular girls in school, right?" I guess

"Yeah! But, differently" Lilly smiles.

I don't understand what she says. we were quick to finish our dinner.

"So, are you feeling sleepy?" she asks

"I'm a night own!" I exclaim

"Alright then, shall we listen to a song?" she suggests

I nod my head happily. She offers me one side of the earphones. She plays my favorite song. "It's my favorite song!" I exclaim. she smiles as though she knew it earlier.

We listen to songs until her phone runs out of battery. we talk all night long. She sometimes reads my mind and smiles as though nothing happened. We discuss our favorite singers and hobbies. She could predict most of my favorites. Although it was strange, it is fun talking to her. I suddenly remember my mom's words, "Don't talk to strangers." but Lilly isn't a stranger any longer.

"It's fun talking to you. you're interesting" I comment. her reaction is weird. She smiles happily, her eyes have widened as though she achieved something big.

"I'm sleepy," we say together and then laugh.

As we close our eyes we hear an announcement asking us to put on our seat belts. it's was time for landing. we've been talking all night long!

We look at each other and take a deep breath. together.

I hold her hand again for the landing.

We're out of the airport now. We exchange numbers, hug, smile, and wave to each other.

"You're cool. I'll miss you. we'll meet anytime soon." I shout out to her. She turns back around and smiles at me.

I'm at my sister's currently. I hear a notification as I step in for a bath. I ignore it. I hear almost ten notifications now. What if it's an emergency. I run out and flip my phone over. It's a WhatsApp message from Lilly. It read:

"Hey, Jenny!

I wanted to tell you this while we were on the flight but, I wasn't sure how you'd take it.

I know you for thirteen years. We were in the same school. I'm 'Lilliput the nerd'.

I was one of the most popular nerds in our school.

I've been looking up to you ever since we were in school. you were brave and very popular.

I've tried talking to you in school but, I was afraid of what you might say. We've never spoken much although we were in the same class for many years. Whenever I tried approaching you your friend blocked me and exclaimed, "Privacy is important." I was known as the 'nerd' but, now I'm relieved; the most popular girl in school has called me 'cool'".

Hope to see you soon. if you're okay with that.

'Lilliput the nerd' that's what my friends called her. She's changed a lot. She was a girl with, big spectacles, a neatly ironed uniform, and well-oiled and plaited hair. Now I understand how she read my mind. "You're a nerd and you're surely getting an offer from another country!" I said to her once. She was a coward and was always hesitant to speak out.

But, now she's a brave and beautiful achiever. People are so different. she's changed so much!

'Lilliput the nerd'