Kerala calls..

As Maya geared up for another day of college in the bustling town of Coimbatore, she carried with her the strength drawn from her mother's encouragement and the passion inherited from her father. She was a standout student in her aerospace engineering class, and her eyes always sparkled with the ambition to touch the skies, just as her father had.

On her way to the university, Maya often passed through the vibrant streets lined with shops selling colorful silk sarees and sweet-smelling jasmine flowers, reminders of the rich culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu. These simple pleasures brought comfort and a sense of belonging, grounding her in her roots as she pursued her dreams.

One day, during a particularly challenging lecture on aerodynamics, Maya's thoughts wandered to her father's stories about maneuvering through storms and navigating by the stars. "Unakku pidicha vaanam paarthu, appa solvathu pole, edhavadhu pannu Maya" (Look at the sky you love and do something, just as dad used to say), she reminded herself, her resolve firming.

The university organized a cultural exchange trip to Kerala, aimed at fostering understanding and collaboration between students from different backgrounds. Maya saw this as a perfect opportunity to expand her horizons, both academically and personally. Little did she know, this trip would change the course of her life.

Upon arrival in Kerala, the lush landscapes and serene backwaters were a stark contrast to the bustling energy of Coimbatore. Maya was captivated by the natural beauty and the warmth of the people. It was during a cultural festival in Kollam, where the air was filled with the melody of Malayalam songs and the rhythm of traditional dances, that Maya first saw Avin.

Avin was volunteering at the event, and despite his outward confidence, Maya noticed a certain restraint in his eyes, a hint of something deeper hidden beneath his cheerful demeanor. Curiosity piqued, she approached him during a break.

"Hello, I'm Maya from Tamil Nadu. What's your role here at the festival?" she asked, her Tamil accent tinged with a friendly curiosity.

Avin, taken aback by her directness and intrigued by her genuine smile, responded in Malayalam, softened for her understanding, "Njan volunteer aanu. Festival nte oru bhagam mathrame." (I'm just a volunteer. Part of the festival.)

Their conversation flowed naturally as if they were old friends reconnecting. They discussed everything from their studies to their aspirations, finding common ground in their shared ambition and the weight of family expectations.

As the festival drew to a close, Avin felt a reluctance to part ways, a sentiment Maya shared. "Nee romba nalla pesara, it was nice talking to you," (You speak very well, it was nice talking to you), Maya remarked, her words lingering in the air between them.

"Thirichu varumo? Will you come back?" Avin asked, hoping to color his tone.

"Maybe, or maybe you'll visit Tamil Nadu next time," Maya replied with a playful challenge in her smile.

They exchanged contact information, unaware that this was just the beginning of a journey that would see them navigating not just the cultural divides of their homelands but the very essence of their dreams under the crossed skies they both yearned to conquer.