Prologue: The Seeds of Escape It started like whispers- a puff here, a bottle there, a moment of curiosity blooming into routine. TimeTravel never planned to fall. But you don't fall all at once. You slide. --- The First Cigarette (Age 17) It was outside the coaching center, winter in full swing. He lit it not to rebel-but to belong. "Ek try kar," his friend urged, holding out a Gold Flake. One drag. His throat burned. He coughed. Eyes watered. But everyone laughed-"Abe abhi seekh raha hai." That was enough. Enough to say yes again tomorrow. It didn't feel like