Chapter 1

The plane touched down smoothly at John F. Kennedy International Airport, its passengers spilling out into the bustling terminal. People hurried past one another, each consumed by their own agenda, as the city’s vibrant chaos echoed through the walls. No one paused to exchange pleasantries—it was the classic busy state of New York.

Amid the crowd, an elderly man, about 62 years old, stood out. He clutched a handkerchief, repeatedly dabbing his forehead, his movements betraying his nervousness despite the cool, air-conditioned atmosphere.

A young woman sitting nearby noticed his fidgeting. For the past ten minutes, she had been observing him with growing curiosity. Finally, when the man glanced in her direction, she offered him a warm smile. He hesitated, then smiled back, his unease softening just a little.

“Is this your first time in New York?” she asked, her tone light and conversational.

The man shook his head. “It’s not the first time. I’ve been here repeatedly; I’ve come here many times,”

She giggled. “Then why do you look so tense? Just relax!

The man exhaled deeply, as though gathering his thoughts. “My name is Harshavardhan Sharma. I’m an astrologer, and I’ve come here to meet some of my well-wishers.”

“An astrologer?” she repeated, raising an eyebrow. “In New York? That’s…unexpected.” A playful smile danced on her lips. “I don’t really believe in that sort of thing, sir. And if you know your future, why are you so worried?”

He chuckled softly. “You can call me ‘Dadaji.’ And, well I know my future. I mean, I know what’s going to happen to me in the next few minutes—that’s why I’m worried.”

Really? Do you actually know what’s going to happen?” she asked in shock.

Dadaji sighed. “Dadaji sighed. “In a few minutes, the security guards will stop me. They’ll find the rudraksha beads, sacred ash, and a photo of Goddess Durga in my bag. They’ll think I’m doing black magic, but after fifteen minutes, they’ll realize they were wrong and treat me nicely instead.”

She laughed, trying not to smile. “Seriously, Dadaji? That’s hard to believe. And even if they let you go later, why are you so worried?”

Harshavardhan shrugged. “The waiting, the questioning, the suspicion—it’s not going to be a fun experience. That’s why I’m worried.”.”

She smiled, clearly amused. “Well, let’s see if your prediction comes true or not.”

“So, you’re having fun watching my situation, huh? Well, you’ll soon face the same kind of stress. In 45 minutes, you’ll be waiting outside the airport, feeling anxious. You’ll be standing there, worrying, because the person who’s supposed to pick you up will be late. And then, I’ll show up and start talking about astrology to you

Very funny, Dadaji! Why would I be standing outside the airport feeling tense? My dad arranged for someone to pick me up. As soon as I step out of the airport, they’ll be there to get me, and I’ll be leaving this place.”

Let’s see,” he said.

Security caught Harshavardhan, just as he had predicted to the girl. After some questioning, they let him go. Harshavardhan finally entered New York and saw the girl he had spoken to 15 minutes earlier. She looked tense, checking her phone repeatedly and pacing back and forth.

You’re right, Dadaji,” she said. “Look, here I am, still stuck. I’ve been trying to contact the person who’s supposed to pick me up, but it’s not connecting at all.”

Before she could finish, Harshavardhan interrupted, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

Don’t worry, in about 10 minutes, that person will come to pick you up,” Harshavardhan reassured her with a calm smile

He paused, studying her thoughtfully. “You haven’t told me your name yet,” he said, his gaze curious.

My name is Rekha Raveendranadh,” she said with a slight smile.

Harshavardhan raised an eyebrow. “Oh! The businessman Raveendranadh?”

“Yes!” she nodded. “Dadaji, do you know him?”

 Thinking for a moment. “Yes! I’ve met him randomly, twice,” he replied.

Can you predict my future… and my past?” Rekha asked, a curious look on her face.

He smiled. “Why not?” He looked at her palm, his eyes narrowing as he deeply analyzed the lines.

“You’re a helpful person, always trying to make things go your way,” he began. “You’re well-educated, but if you focus on things that aren’t important to you, you might find yourself in trouble. I also see heartache in your future… and remember, don’t involve yourself in other people’s matters.”

Rekha nodded. “Okay, Dadaji, I won’t involve myself.”

Harshavardhan paused, then asked, “Do you have a lover? And are you married

She smiled. “No, Dadaji, I’m a free bird. I’m far away from all of that. I’m not married, nor do I have a lover.”.”

Just then, his phone rang. He answered it quickly, then turned back to Rekha. “I have to go now, my dear. But remember my advice. Take care of yourself.”

“Thank you, Dadaji,” Rekha said, watching him walk away.

A few minutes later, a young woman approached Rekha with a bright smile. “Hi, I’m Ragini! I’m a member of the Indian Student Association and your guide for today. Sorry for the delay—I got held up on the way.”

Rekha smiled back. “That’s okay, Ragini. Nice to meet you.”

“Shall we go?” Ragini asked.

Rekha glanced back in the direction where Harshavardhan had disappeared, then nodded. “Let’s go.”

As they walked away, Rekha couldn’t help but wonder about the old man’s predictions. Could the future really be written in the stars?

The car sped down the busy streets of New York, weaving through traffic as the city’s bright lights painted the night in streaks of color. Harshavardhan sat back, his gaze unfocused, staring out the window but lost in thought.

He rubbed his temples, the weight of his encounter with Rekha lingering in his mind. “I’ve never seen such a unique palm before. Her life… it’s so complex. I can’t fully understand her past or future. I thought she was married, but she’s saying she isn’t. Yet, her eyes tell me she’s telling the truth. I have no idea what the future holds for her, but I can tell she has the strength to shape her own destiny. Even if she loses everything, there’s something about her that makes it all so confusing. I feel like I should help her. I hope I’ll meet her again.”