The gentle chime of the airport announcement echoed through the terminal: “Flight AI 174 to San Francisco is now boarding. All passengers, please proceed to Gate 11.”

Taniksha adjusted the strap of her backpack and clutched her boarding pass tightly, nerves bubbling in her stomach. It was her first time flying internationally — her first time flying anywhere, really. She glanced back at Khushi, who waved encouragingly from the security gate.