The Thread of Destiny

# The Thread  of Destiny 

**Author: Vijay Sharma Erry**

---

Arjun picked up his bag and looked toward Delhi Airport. "Finally, I'm leaving this city," he thought. For the past ten years, he had been trying to do just this - leave Delhi, escape those memories, run from that girl he could never forget.

But destiny had other plans.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" A familiar voice jolted him.

Arjun looked up. Standing before him was Meera. Ten years later, with the same smile.

"You?" they both said simultaneously.

---

**Ten Years Ago - 2015**

It was the farewell party at Indraprastha College. Arjun was from the Science stream, Meera from Arts. Their worlds were different, yet that evening something happened that changed Arjun's life forever.

"Your drink," Arjun had accidentally spilled a cold drink on Meera.

"Hey! Can't you watch where you're going?" Meera shouted.

"Sorry, I'm so sorry," Arjun panicked.

That entire evening at the farewell, Arjun followed Meera around apologizing. And Meera ignored him. But as the farewell was ending, Meera turned and said, "Okay, I forgive you. But on one condition - you'll buy me coffee next time."

Arjun was stunned. Was this an invitation?

---

The next six months were magical. Coffee dates, late-night calls, walks at India Gate. Arjun felt that Meera was his destiny. He decided to propose.

But before he could, Meera said, "Arjun, I have to go to London. I got a scholarship. For studying photography."

"But... what about us?" Arjun asked.

"Us? Arjun, there is no 'us'. We're just good friends," Meera said.

Arjun's heart shattered. He stood there silently. Meera placed her hand on his shoulder, "Sorry," and walked away.

That night, Arjun made a promise to himself - he would never fall in love again. He would focus on his career. And he would forget Meera forever.

---

**The Next Ten Years**

Arjun kept his promise. He joined a big IT company, got promotions, moved to Bangalore. He met many women but never committed to anyone. His parents were worried.

"Son, when will you get married?" his mother asked the same question every time.

"When I find the right one," was always Arjun's answer.

But he knew that he had found the 'right one' ten years ago and lost her.

Meanwhile, Meera was in London. She had become successful in photography, working for National Geographic. She traveled the world, captured images, but somewhere there was an emptiness.

She didn't marry either. Many proposals came, but each time she said no. Why? She didn't know herself. Or perhaps she did, but wasn't ready to admit it.

---

**Back to Present - 2025, On the Flight**

"So... how are you?" Arjun asked awkwardly.

"I'm fine. You?" Meera sat down.

"Just... fine," Arjun replied.

There was a strange silence between them. Ten years of distance, thousands of unsaid words.

"Where are you going?" Meera asked.

"Mumbai. New job. And you?"

"Mumbai too. For a photography exhibition."

They looked at each other. Was this a coincidence? Thousands of flights, thousands of destinations, and both of them on the same flight, in adjacent seats?

---

During the flight, gradually conversations began. First formal, then comfortable. Meera talked about her travels. Arjun about his career. They laughed, shared old memories.

"Remember that college farewell?" Meera asked.

"How can I forget? I spilled a drink on you," Arjun smiled.

"Actually," Meera said softly, "that wasn't an accident. I deliberately came in your way."

"What?" Arjun was shocked.

"Yes. I wanted to talk to you but didn't have the courage. So I... created a situation," Meera said, blushing.

Arjun was amazed. "So that coffee date invitation too..."

"Was planned," Meera admitted.

"Then why did you leave for London? Why did you leave me?" There was pain in Arjun's voice.

Tears welled up in Meera's eyes. "Because I got scared, Arjun. I was falling so much in love with you that it frightened me. I thought if I didn't leave then, I would forget my dreams. I thought career first, love later. But..."

"But?" Arjun asked.

"But I was wrong. For ten years I tried to forget you. Everywhere, in every photograph, I kept searching for you."

---

Turbulence shook the plane. Meera got scared and Arjun instinctively held her hand. They looked into each other's eyes.

"Arjun," Meera said, "please forgive me. I hurt you. I hurt myself too."

"Meera," Arjun held her hand tightly, "do you think this is a coincidence? Both of us on the same flight, in the same city, at the same time?"

"Destiny," Meera whispered.

"Yes. Destiny," Arjun said. "I tried to run from you for ten years. Tried to forget you. Tried to be happy with others. But fate brought me back to you."

---

As the flight was landing, Arjun asked, "Where are you staying in Mumbai?"

"A hotel near Marine Drive," Meera told him.

"And when is the exhibition?"

"Next week."

"So you have time," Arjun said. "Can we... start over? With coffee?"

Meera smiled. "Yes. But this time, don't spill the drink."

They both laughed.

---

**Three Months Later**

It was sunset time at Marine Drive. Arjun and Meera were standing by the sea.

"You know," Meera said, "I named my exhibition 'Destiny's Canvas'. Because I realized that no matter how much we plan, in the end destiny decides."

"You're right," Arjun said. "I thought I would forget you. But fate brought us together again."

"Do you believe that some people are destined for each other?" Meera asked.

"I believe it now," Arjun took out a small box from his pocket. "And that's why I want to ask you - Meera, will you be the permanent partner of my destiny?"

Tears of joy filled Meera's eyes. "Yes. Yes, forever."

The waves were touching their feet. The sun was setting. And two hearts, separated for ten years, finally became one.

Because some relationships are decided by destiny. No matter how much we run, avoid, fate takes us where we're meant to be. To that person who is made for us.

Arjun and Meera's story proved just that - destiny is the most powerful force.

---

**The End**

**Word Count: 1200**