Why me? I’ve never been chosen for anything. Could life be playing a trick on me? I look around at my fellow passengers and realize that I am, quite possibly, the only happy passenger on this delayed flight, all thanks to the email!

I quickly download the app, set up my profile and find that I already have a message waiting for me from someone called Neer.

Neer: Hi Kiana! You seem like someone I’d love to get to know.

Me: Hi Neer! Same here. I wasn’t expecting to be selected honestly!

Clearly, Neer is online at the same time, because I receive a reply the very next moment.

Neer: Haha! Me too!

Me: A happy coincidence then! Tell me about yourself, Neer. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Neer: Well, I’m into hiking and cooking, and I love watching stuff on Netflix. How about you?

Me: Nice! I love hiking too. As far as cooking is concerned, I’m a foodie, but I hardly cook.

Neer: Ah, I’ve been into cooking for a while now.

Me: Have you tried any new recipes recently?

Neer: Homemade pasta!

Me: Fancy!

Neer: Yeah, I’ve been experimenting with pasta. It’s been fun so far, but I still need to perfect my technique, of course. There’s something very satisfying about the whole process of making pasta at home.

Me: Sounds lovely! I’m a sucker for good parathas though. Anyway, tell me, do you have any favourite hiking spots?

Neer: I travel to the Himalayas pretty often. Once every six months, in fact.

Me: Oh! You’re based in India, then?

Neer: Yes. How about you?

Me: I’m based in Chicago. I’m Indian though. I moved here some nine years back for college. Mountains are my favourite too! There’s something so serene about being surrounded by nature. Do you have any upcoming hikes planned?

Neer: Not yet, but I’m always on the lookout for new trails. Maybe we could plan one together sometime?

Me: I’d love that! It would be great to explore a new trail with someone who shares my love for nature. Have you ever travelled to the States?

Neer: I keep frequenting the US, once a quarter at least, for work. But I mostly travel to the West Coast. You’re on the East Coast, right?

Me: True, but guess what? I’m at the airport right now, heading to SFO for the holidays. My uncle lives there, so I keep visiting the West Coast too.

Neer: Oh! That’s amazing. Perhaps we can meet there someday, if things work out …

Me: Yes, why not! Anyway, listen Neer, I’m about to take off. I’ll text you back later. Have a great evening ahead! Bye!

Neer: Bye! Have a safe flight!