Chapter:4 The Journey to Bomdila

Mia was already bouncing with excitement when Leona told her about Leon’s upcoming Dimapur performance. She remembered him from that night at the Artisan Cum Exhibition — the shy singer who had left an impression. Now, Mia was more than ready to be part of whatever was about to happen.

“You’re going to Dimapur?” Mia teased, grinning. “Then obviously, I’m coming too. No questions.”

Leona groaned, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “I didn’t even ask yet.”

“You don’t need to. It’s happening.” Mia winked.

Leona rolled her eyes but smiled. The thought of traveling with Mia made her feel a little less nervous about going. Still, there was the issue of money. She had been debating whether to text Leon for days before finally deciding.

That night, after her presentations were over, she picked up her phone and typed carefully:

“Hey… is your offer still valid?”

Leon replied almost instantly:

“Yes ”

Leona’s heart skipped. She swallowed nervously.

“Fine. I’ll come. But… I don’t have enough money tho. And can I bring my friend?”

There was a pause before his reply. Then:

“Sure, you can bring your friend. And about traveling… and entry tickets, I’ll manage that. I’ll tell them you’re with me so they won’t ask for tickets.”

Leona stared at her phone.

“But… how can I just depend on you? It makes me feel kinda awkward…”

His reply came quickly:

“Aw, so proud and stubborn… fine but don’t regret saying no when you miss the show.”

Leona smiled softly, fingers hovering over the keyboard before she replied:

“Haha maybe I’ll regret it… but not because of you. Just don’t make me embarrassed in front of your fans ”

“Deal I’ll try my best… but no promises ”

Leona laughed quietly.

“Ughhh fine , but I’m still nervous ”

“You’ll be fine… I’ll be there. That’s what matters ”

She slipped her phone into her bag and looked toward Mia, who was still nudging her for details.

“Looks like we’re going to Dimapur,” Mia said, grinning mischievously.

Leona smiled faintly. “Yeah… and I guess I’ll just have to see what happens there.”

Scene:1— Getting Permission

Leona stood quietly outside her home, glancing at Mia nervously.

“Are you sure about this?” she whispered.

Mia nodded softly, her voice calm. “Yes… but we need to be careful. Let’s talk to your brother first.”

Inside, Leona’s older brother was sitting at the table, reading something on his phone.

“Brother…” Leona began hesitantly.

He looked up. “What is it?”

Mia stepped forward gently, bowing her head slightly. “Sir… I know this may sound sudden, but Leona and I would like to request your permission for a trip to Bomdila… and maybe Dimapur later. We promise to be careful and keep in touch.”

Her voice was soft, polite — which made Leona’s brother glance at her curiously.

Leona added quietly, “I really want to meet Leon again before he goes to Dimapur.”

He folded his arms. “You want to go on a trip alone?”

“Yes, sir,” Mia said quietly, smiling sweetly. “We’ve planned it carefully. We’ll be responsible and call often.”

Her brother studied them for a moment, then sighed. “Fine. But I want daily updates, and be home safely.”

Mia smiled softly again. “Thank you so much, sir. We’ll be careful.”

Leona looked at Mia, slightly surprised. “Wow… you really convinced him.”

Mia shrugged, smiling shyly. “Sometimes, being gentle works best.

Scene:2 Journey to Bomdila

The morning air was crisp as Leona adjusted her bag for the tenth time. They were standing at the edge of the road, waiting for a shared cab to Bomdila. Mia, sitting calmly beside her, was scrolling through her phone.

Leona sighed softly. “What if… what if Leon doesn’t like seeing me again?” she murmured.

Mia looked up, smiling gently. “He already knows you like him. I think he’ll be happy to see you.”

Leona chewed her lip nervously. “But… it’s such a long trip. And what if something goes wrong? What if I say something awkward? What if…” She stopped herself, realizing she was spiraling.

Mia chuckled softly. “Breathe. That’s a lot of ‘what ifs’. You’ll be fine. This is a good thing — a surprise. Just enjoy it.”

Leona glanced out the window as the cab pulled up. The road stretched ahead, winding through hills. She felt her heart flutter with a strange mix of excitement and nerves.

As they settled into the cab, Mia gently nudged her. “So… have you decided what you’ll say to him?”

Leona shrugged. “Nope. I’m still overthinking it. Maybe I’ll just smile and say hi. Or maybe I’ll act like it’s nothing special. Ughh, why is this so hard?”

Mia laughed softly. “That’s you. Overthinking everything.”

The cab moved off, the road ahead disappearing into a blur of green hills. Leona stared out the window quietly, her thoughts drifting between anticipation and doubt. She was going to Bomdila… to surprise Leon. And deep down, her heart hoped it would be worth it.

Surprise in Bomdila

The journey felt longer than Leona expected. The hills, the winding roads, and the crisp Bomdila air filled her mind with both excitement and nervousness. Mia sat beside her quietly, occasionally glancing at the scenery outside.

Finally, the cab slowed to a stop at the Bomdila station. Leona took a deep breath, clutching her bag nervously. She pulled out her phone.

She hesitated for a moment before calling Leon.

“Hello?” came his voice, slightly tired.

“It’s me,” she said softly. “I… I’m in Bomdila.”

There was a brief pause. “What? Bomdila?”

“Yes,” she replied, smiling nervously. “I… we just landed. Can you come pick us up?”

Leon’s voice changed — a mixture of surprise and disbelief. “Wait… really? You’re not joking?”

“Nope,” Leona said quietly, nodding even though he couldn’t see her.

There was a pause, then a soft chuckle. “Okay… give me ten minutes. I’ll come.”

Leona smiled, her heart beating faster. “Thanks.”

As she hung up, Mia glanced at her, curious. “You’re smiling too much. Did something happen?”

Leona shook her head. “Just… I think he’s coming.”

Minutes later, a motorbike approached the station. Leon was there, helmet in hand, scanning the crowd. When his eyes landed on them, his expression softened.

“You came,” he said softly as they walked toward him.

Leona smiled shyly. “I told you… surprise.”

Leon smirked slightly. You really know how to make a moment memorable.

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