First of all, a roundup of the day I departed:
I woke up on the morning of the 27th pretty much packed and ready, anxious and yet coolly confident that I could and would pull this off. Like a good and seasoned traveller, I had left little to do on this day except little things here and there, meeting family and friends and most importantly, staying calm. The house was full of people all day long... the arrival of my 3-year-old niece Madhushri made the atmosphere even more cheerful and lively.
My friends joined us in the evening and then nearly twenty of us set off for the airport. It was like a cavalcade and they sure made me feel like a celebrity! Having reached early at the airport, we took a gazillion photographs (which, by the way, no one, except Prashant, has sent me yet!!!). Before I knew it, it was time to go. Tears suddenly welled up inside me. But I had promised Mamma that I would not cry and to keep that promise, I dashed off inside in a hurry, leaving behind my family, friends and life as I knew it.
Trupta, my bestest friend, works for Jet Airways and was able to accompany me into the airport. This was a huge relief as she made matters much simpler for me once inside. But even this seemingly long distance between entering the airport and clearing immigration disappeared in a flash. All this while, some of my cousins and friends were still tracking me through the windows and waving at me frantically every time I looked at them. Now, there was no more window left. I said good bye to Trupta and wished her all the very best for her own cool new life (she is getting married in April). Finally, I was on my own.
Despite an hour and a half delay, I felt fine. I enjoyed my flight, just as I always do, lack of consistent sleep notwithstanding. London arrived soon... I even caught glimpses of the Tower Bridge, London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and even a football stadium or two! Finally, early Sunday morning, with a big bag full of all your blessings and best wishes and four bags full of my stuff, I landed into my "cool" new life.
1 comment:
Hmm, I completely forgot and never took notice of the fact that Trupta was with you till you departed. When you typed out that she is getting 'married in april' on your blog .... little did you know that a year from her marriage in april you would get engaged in the same family.
it really weeeeirds me out when i think of it ... it's like my brain is going to explode.
and bravo for keeping your promise to your mom ....i really dont know how you dont cry when parting at the airport .... i didnt cry when i first left the vancouver airport in august, but have cried every single time since then ....november parting from PIT, dec parting from SEA, and most recent march parting from ATL.
Post a Comment