-"The universe doesn't give you what you ask for with your thoughts; it gives you what you demand with your actions."
Aarvi Sharma had always believed in signs. Since she was fourteen, she felt the universe speaking to her through constellations, numbers, and quiet moments when the world seemed to pause just for her. It wasn't superstition — it was faith. Faith in something greater, something written in the stars.
And for as long as she could remember, those stars pointed in one direction. South Korea.
Her bedroom walls were a map of her heart's desire. Astrology books stacked beside worn-out travel magazines, star maps dotted with scribbled notes, and a single calendar with a date circled in bold red ink: August 23, 2024 — The Big Move.
But dreams rarely came easy.
The Dinner Table Confrontation
The tension at the Sharma family dinner table could've shattered glass. Aarvi sat with her parents, her fork unmoving on the plate. Her father's voice, firm and final, cut through the room like a knife.
"Aarvi, I've told you countless times. Korea isn't a practical choice. You should focus on your law studies in Australia, like we planned. This… this obsession is a phase."
Aarvi looked up, her gaze steady. "It's not a phase, Dad. It's who I am. I've been dreaming of this for years. The universe has aligned for me to be there."
Anaya Sharma, her mother, touched Rajeev's hand gently. "Maybe… we should let her follow her heart."
The phone propped against a jug of water flickered as Isha Sharma, Aarvi's older sister, joined the video call from her apartment in America.
"I believe in you, Aarvi," Isha said, her voice warm and steady. "Dreams don't wait forever. You owe it to yourself to find your stars."
For a long moment, Rajeev stared at his daughter. Then, with a sigh heavy enough to weigh down the room, he muttered, "Fine. But remember, this is your choice. Whatever happens… it's on you."
Aarvi's heart leapt. It wasn't a blessing, but it was a door.
The Arrival
Seoul's airport was a blur of announcements, rolling suitcases, and bright digital screens. Aarvi clutched the strap of her bag, her pulse racing as she crossed through the arrival gates.
And then — a voice she hadn't heard in years.
"Aarvi Sharma!"
She turned, and there stood Elina Oberoi. Her childhood best friend, the girl who moved to Germany at seven and then to Korea at sixteen. Yet here she was, as familiar as the stars.
They ran to each other, laughing as they hugged.
"You've grown so much!" Aarvi beamed.
"Look who's talking! You look like you belong on a drama set," Elina teased.
They loaded Aarvi's bags into a taxi, talking over each other in excitement. Seoul glittered outside the windows, the neon lights reflecting in their eyes.
Elina's Apartment & Late-Night Ramyeon
Elina's place was a small but cozy apartment tucked away in a lively neighborhood. Fairy lights hung over a mismatched couch, and the scent of vanilla candles lingered in the air.
"I can't believe you're here," Elina grinned, tossing Aarvi a packet of instant ramyeon. "We have so much to do."
They sat cross-legged on the floor, eating noodles and catching up — from college gossips to old memories of stargazing from Aarvi's terrace in India.
The night stretched on, their laughter filling the tiny room.
Exploring Seoul & The Job Hunt
The next morning, Seoul felt like a fever dream.
They strolled through the crowded streets of Myeongdong, stopping for street food and quirky accessories. At Han River, they wrote wishes on paper slips and tied them to a wishing tree.
"I'm going to work at a place I love," Aarvi whispered as she tied her wish.
Later, they huddled over Elina's laptop, scouring job listings.
"Nothing yet?" Elina asked.
Aarvi sighed. "Either I don't speak fluent Korean or I'm not legal enough."
Then — a miracle. A job listing blinked onto the screen: Fashion Stylist Intern — J COMPANY.
"Fate," Elina grinned. "Apply now."