ADITYA NAWAL

vishakha choudhary

As the sun began to rise over the shimmering sands of Dubai, Sarah felt a rush of excitement. This was the vacation we had always dreamed of. We stood on her balcony, overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa, its silhouette piercing the clear blue sky. Our first stop was the Dubai Mall, where we wandered through endless shops and marveled at the majestic aquarium, its vibrant marine life captivating her. We couldn’t resist capturing a selfie with the dazzling Dubai Fountain, which danced to the rhythm of music, sending sprays of water high into the air. Later, Anvi found herself exploring the historic Al Fahidi district, where narrow lanes revealed charming art galleries and quaint cafés. We ll sipped fragrant Arabic coffee while savoring delicious dates, feeling the pulse of the city’s rich heritage. As evening fell, we ventured to the desert for an exhilarating dune-bashing ride. The golden sands glowed under the sunset, and the thrill of the adventure left her breathless. We watched the sky transform into a canvas of pinks and oranges, feeling a profound sense of peace. At a Bedouin camp, we indulged in a feast of grilled meats and fragrant spices, listening to the haunting melodies of traditional music. We tried her hand at belly dancing, laughing with new friends as they twirled under the stars, the desert air warm and inviting. On final day, we took a leisurely stroll along the Palm Jumeirah, its luxurious resorts and pristine beaches stretching before us. We dipped toes in the azure waters, soaking in the moment, grateful for the memories we had created. As the plane ascended into the clouds, Sarah looked down at the sprawling city below, our heart full. Dubai had transformed our dreams into reality, leaving us with a treasure trove of experiences we would cherish forever.

Ishu Kumar

A Journey to Love: How Travel and Photography Led Me to My Soulmate Traveling has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s a way to breathe, to feel alive, and to discover hidden stories in every corner of the world. Alongside my love for exploring, my passion for photography has been my constant companion. Through the lens, I capture fleeting moments and preserve them as everlasting memories. Little did I know, it would be this very passion that would lead me to the love of my life. It was during a solo trip to Manali, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, that my life took an unexpected turn. The town was everything I had imagined—lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and a gentle chill in the air that made my heart sing with joy. Equipped with my trusty camera, I set out each day to explore the enchanting landscapes, eager to capture the magic of this heavenly place. On the third day, I decided to visit the Solang Valley, known for its adventure sports and breathtaking views. As I stood at the edge of a cliff, framing a shot of paragliders soaring through the azure sky, I heard a voice behind me. “That’s a stunning frame! But maybe you should tilt the camera slightly to the left for a more dramatic effect.” I turned around, slightly startled, to see a man with an easy smile and a twinkle in his eyes. He introduced himself as Arjun, a fellow traveler and photography enthusiast. Intrigued by his suggestion, I made the adjustment, and the result was a picture-perfect shot. What began as a simple photography tip turned into hours of conversation. We talked about our shared love for travel, photography, and the unexplainable thrill of wandering through unknown terrains. Arjun had a knack for finding beauty in the simplest of things—whether it was the play of sunlight on the river or the laughter of children running in the streets. Over the next few days, we explored Manali together. From walking through the apple orchards of Old Manali to marveling at the serenity of the Hadimba Temple, every moment felt special. Our cameras clicked incessantly, but for the first time, I found myself pausing to enjoy the moment, thanks to him. The most memorable day was our trek to Jogini Falls. As we reached the cascading waterfall, surrounded by dense pine forests, Arjun took out his camera and pointed it at me. “You’ve captured everything beautifully so far. Now it’s time to capture you in this story.” He clicked a candid shot of me laughing, the spray of the waterfall creating a dreamy backdrop. It was then I realized that this man had not only become a part of my journey but had also made my heart skip a beat. On our last evening in Manali, we sat by a bonfire, gazing at the star-studded sky. Arjun shared stories of his travels, and I shared mine. Somewhere between those stories, we realized we didn’t want this chapter to end. As the flames flickered and the night grew colder, Arjun held my hand and said, “We’ve captured some incredible memori

Ripudaman Bansal

Title: A Journey of Dreams to Vietnam For as long as I can remember, Vietnam has been more than a pin on the map—it has been a destination etched in my heart. The tales of lush rice paddies, timeless traditions, and aromatic streets filled with sizzling street food have captivated my imagination. Each time I read about Vietnam's history or saw its natural beauty flash across a screen, my longing grew stronger. The spark was ignited during a college project when I first learned about Hội An. The images of its ancient town—golden walls illuminated by lanterns and colorful boats drifting along the Thu Bồn River—stayed with me. It was a place suspended in time, a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. This fascination only deepened as I read about Vietnam's history: a land that has risen from its challenges, resilient and vibrant. My dream to visit Vietnam isn't just about sightseeing. It's about immersing myself in its culture, tasting every nuance of its way of life. I imagine starting my day in Hanoi, sipping a steaming cup of cà phê trứng—Vietnamese egg coffee—as the hum of the city's scooters fills the air. Wandering through the bustling Old Quarter, I’d lose myself in its maze-like streets, each one dedicated to a specific trade. The thought of eating a freshly-made bánh mì on a street corner makes me smile. A must on my journey would be exploring Halong Bay, its emerald waters dotted with towering limestone islands. As I sail through the bay, I imagine feeling a deep connection to nature. The tales of ancient dragons carving out the bay’s breathtaking landscape would make the experience even more magical. Central Vietnam would beckon next, with Huế offering me glimpses of its imperial past. Walking through the gates of the Imperial City, I’d sense the grandeur of a bygone era. At Hội An, I’d join a lantern-making workshop, crafting my own symbol of light and hope. Then there’s the South. The bustling city of Ho Chi Minh would offer a contrast—a fusion of modernity and history. The Cu Chi Tunnels would remind me of the resilience of the Vietnamese people, while the floating markets of the Mekong Delta would transport me to a world where life revolves around rivers. But above all, what calls me most to Vietnam is its people. Through books and videos, I’ve seen their warm smiles, heard stories of their kindness, and felt their enduring spirit. I want to learn from them, to listen to their stories, and to share my own. This dream isn't just mine anymore; it has become a part of who I am. I know that the memories I’d create in Vietnam wouldn’t just be souvenirs but treasures I’d carry in my heart forever. If given the opportunity to turn this dream into reality, I will be thankful to VietJetAir for making it possible.