All eyes upon you!!!

At the very moment, you step into DXB, you could hear people calling out the city as the land of Arabs or even as the land of expats. However, as I stepped out, to me it was the land of wonders.

Every single step astonished me in this scintillating city. It was really a great feat achieved by the nation, in such a short span of time, transfiguring the desert into one of the world’s most acclaimed city. Be it the downtown or the outskirts, everything is as per the books and hardly one could come out with any concern.

Amidst the chaos of this busy city and shifting population, there, at a distance, she stood majestically that I stumbled upon the very first look.

Wrapped up elegantly as in a wedding gown with tiny beads, shimmering to the sun’s departure, she was bewitching.

And as the blanket of dusk wrapped its cover across the sky, her charm was intensifying slowly and gently.

Within minutes she was radiant, right from her head to toe, raising a jealousy eye among the other hotties of the region. Well, I could not lift my eyes off her and neither were anyone across the city. Her curves ran down flawlessly. Every other second she was draped in prodigious colors and livery, elevating the euphoria within me.

The moment I saw her first, I thought that she had just overstepped the clouds, growing beyond her limit. However later did I convince me that she grew infinitely high just to hold a bird’s eye view of her admirers. For a stardom of her stature, she needs to have her eyes wide open as the chances of her diadem (“world’s tallest building”) might shift hands.

Well as all know, the Burj Khalifa stands at a height of 829.8m from the ground. The visibility radius of it spans across 98 kilometers over the Persian Gulf, making it unquestionably visible to any eye, no matter when or where.

Wait a minute… Wait a minute!!!

I seriously doubt if it is we who have an eye with her always?

Or maybe it’s just the other way round. I feel like she holds a constant vigil upon all us thereby, reminding every single time that “you are being watched”. She ensures that the city and the Persian Gulf expand in all the horizons and the people are focused towards achieving it.

Well, that is something remarkable of its stature. So as I kept thinking of it, there was a loud bang behind me. And as I turned around, the fountains at the base of Burj Khalifa were ready for yet another elevated performance.

Enjoying the fountain show and being mesmerized by the great LED illumination on the building’s façade, I could hardly make a move. I wished I sat there all night just gazing at the aesthetic beauty across me. However, it didn’t last long as the reminders and agendas in my cell phone started snoozing.

So with one last look, I just turned back and walked away controlling my desire. Later, as I stepped onto the metro, this particular thought kept hitting my brains.

        “You are being watched!!”

Thousands of reasons to dislike; just one reason to like, it's LOVE!!!

“Millions of people with Zeta byte of dreams try very hard to set up a mark for themselves, while there are very few who turn their faces down and walk away.”

It might sound vague, to any onlookers, with no clue as to what I am referring to. Well as a teenager what else could I be more engaged with and be referring to?  

The answer is very straight, it’s LOVE!!! “What is more divine than it?” apart from God.

I never believed in destiny; not so long until I was uplifted by her charisma. Destiny brought me in touch with her and from then on it had been a smooth sail. Getting to know her was one of the best things happened in my life.

Well, wait a minute. Why don’t I just reveal something more about her? It would be unwise to keep it up to myself. Anyways, please don’t panic as I shall be very elegant with my description.

So here it goes.

The long strands of her hair flow gently over her face, acting as a topping over the ever glowing scintillating face. Every little smile that she draws, easily draws people towards her. Natural beauty has abode onto her right from inception. Her curves flush unwrinkled all the way to the bottom, personifying her as an embodiment of faultlessness. On top of these features, there is a perennial source of LOVE, overflowing out of her soul, making all those who had experienced it, indebted to her heavily.

So with such a beauty around you, I bet no one can stay away from her charm and neither was I, an exception to it.

I fell for her instantly and naturally the relationship blossomed flawlessly over the years. Bruises and rough patches did turn up sporadically over the years, however they were all well sorted out and never a time had I thought of moving away from her. Such was the love and affection that I had towards her.

Hmm…Wait a minute,

I sense couple of my well-wishers, who by now, would have read the above few lines with awe as to how openly I had revealed about my relationship into this cosmic e-world.

So, to all those humble souls who had spent their last few valuable minutes, trying to know more about the relationship, kindly pardon me as the text’s to follow is gone disappoint you heavily.

To be honest with you all, yes I was in a relationship. But, as you think so she is not yet another girl out of my college or a close colleague of mine at the office.

Rather she embraces thousands and thousands of modest soul every day with open arms, standing strong as an embodiment of optimism, as always. Enough of twist and turns as let me break the nutshell open and reveal my heart grabber.

I am in LOVE!!!

I am in love with this beautiful city CHENNAI, the land of hope. All the above words that I had crafted were a metaphor to this city.

Travelling back into the history…(not like the one as in the movie "24")

It was exactly 8 years ago that I first came to know her. The moment I landed here, the kind of feeling that I felt was something quirky, which is hard to describe through words and can be only felt personally.

A word of caution: I don’t thrust it upon you to feel the same as it was my DNA which reacted like that. It’s all left to one’s discretion as to how you reacted when you first landed at Chennai.

And so the bonding grew over the years. There were too many rough patches and brooding days over the tenure, but never a time had I thought of stepping out of Chennai.

I had always believed that this city will certainly set up a right course for my life one day, as it does to the whole world that comes in seek of her help. Eventually life was all set up and I was running non-stop in the race for survival. And thus everything went right.

Naturally time flew off expeditiously. Now I am here counting my final few days, as the relationship is about to wrap up and get chained in the hanger once for all.

It’s time for me to set foot upon a new geographical coordinate and start exploring it. Guess what, if I am lucky, I may be able to fall in love once again over there. However the first love will remain immortal within me, something that is universally known, till I rise up in the air as ashes.

“There is never a moment for goodbye. It is all about moving ahead and still staying connected.”

So with a heavy heart I move forward and wish I gain success in my new endeavors. Someday in the future I may me back here, cherishing all those delightful memories that this city gave me.

Thank you for the wonderful stay, the magnificent moments experienced, the appetizing food that kept me alive over the years, the incredible people whom I connected with, the lovely friends who made my days amusing and last of all couple of crushes and heart breaking moments.

Thank you CHENNAI!!! I love you a lot…

P.S. All the above words are copyrighted to me. It is what I experienced here and I do know that there are many who never had a chance to witness the best days of their life here. To all those folks, I feel really sorry. And to myself, I feel very lucky.

Gone in Fifteen Minutes!!!

Courtesy: Theweek.in

Who would have expected to find their life end up in the next 15 minutes? Would you ever dream of it? I guess the reply would be a straight no, be it anyone.

Every one of us wish to live a longer tenure on this earth and exploit it to the highest pinnacle. So with days rolling on pretty fast, we have become more and more selfish towards the way we take forward our life. Of course, every single soul born out of the womb, mushroom's with imponderable dreams. But as elders what we educate them is to study the chapters of history and geography, which is of no use in the real life scenario, and later force him/her to get a remunerative job. Do you think this will help him tackle real life incidents? It is definitely no. He might be a successful earner/breadwinner for the family, but as a human he has lost his trait. And even if some overcome the family pressure to pursue their choice of dream, there are other unexpected roadblocks over the course that are waiting with its iron fist to knock them off the track.

And so was the case of this poor little girl from Chennai, who just tumbled all her hopes and dreams on this fateful morning. She was just 24, progressing well in her life with such a caring parents’ to support her and a lucrative job to raise her self-esteem. But who would have even thought of the fact that all her dream would be shattered down in just a matter of minutes. 

Yes, it is about the demise of the Infosys woman employee who was hacked to death, broad daylight at the Nungambakkam Train station in Chennai, amidst fellow morning office goers. The city that once boasted off with the tag of “Being the safest city in the country” and something that I had even earlier mentioned proudly in one of my post, has now turned out to be a land of soulless folks. Just after the incident, I was little hesitant thinking if this city would be really safe in the years to come, be it any gender? However i do not deny to the fact that every single day some kind of such incident keeps happening throughout the country. And we hardly show signs of coming up with a stern law, just to put an end to all these shitty incidents.

While the most sad part about the incident was that, not even one human stepped forward to either nab the attacker or to help the wounded girl. It wonders me how come people who saw the brutal incident happening right in front of their eyes just walked off, as the train approached on to the station, leaving the girl all bleeding. Has the sense of humanity been devoid out of every individual?

Just think how badly the girl would have called out for help and how badly it would have pained her, more than the wounds, that no one had stepped forward to her help. All her dreams, her parents’ dreams and wishes just crash landed in a blink of the eye. Even the girl wouldn’t have imagined of encountering with such a horrible death.

Only when such incidents occur, it really makes me wonder what has influenced the people’s brain of this highly civilized, technologically progressing generation? Are we just sent down to Earth to act as a slave minding our own businesses and ignore stuffs coming through the way. I believe all those who were present at the train station during her death had some kind of "Blinders" over their head, making them to just focus on their path straight ahead and prevent looking on either side or the rear. If that is so, then what's the big difference between an animal and a human?

One thing is very clear out of her death. It is that with every advancing day, in order to survive on this damn planet, you got to be your own savior. Because no one will be there to help you out in times of need, ever. So stay safe and if possible have a little compassion to your fellow human being. Because someday, one such incident may occur to your near and dear one's too.

It is not a threat but just a warning!!

News Article: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/woman-hacked-to-death-at-suburban-station-in-chennai/article8768787.ece

The Elevated Corridor

Chennai, the capital city of the beautiful Dravidian state Tamil Nadu, lies on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. It is the biggest cultural, economic and educational hub in the whole of South India. And apart from that, to every common man, it is the land of hope and dreams.

Every day thousands of migrants turn up in this beautiful city with dreams, each sky high. The city in turn has never failed fulfilling one, and has always stood in catering the needs of every needy. Being rated as the safest city in the whole of nation, there is nonstop expansion across its horizon as every new soul into the city wishes to be fondly known as “Chennaiite” and retain the title for a longer tenure.

With every progressing day, new innovations are blooming up across the city and the supporting manpower is rising on par to it too. As the city hosts a broad industrial base ranging from automobile, hardware manufacturing, and information technology to healthcare, the diversity of immigrants into the city also vary on a huge scale. And as the immigrant count escalates, so is the nativity factor that decelerates. Hence a transformation in the lifestyle of the inmates is clearly seen almost everywhere. People try to impersonate every other one and end up with a synthetic outlook upon them. Slowly the culture of using cards over cash has started ruling the economy here.

Standing amidst hundreds of synthetic characters around me, my eyes, still tired, tries very hard to get the first few glance of the train entering the station. The terminus where I am waiting is one of the most bustling localities in the city. Over the years, with the boom in Information Technology sector, this region had earned itself the title of being the most densely populated with new residential and office buildings coming up every single day. So commuting by road here is a nightmare and hence I choose the rail.

Chennai has a wide rail network, supported by the suburban train's running on EMUs and the metro rail. The MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System), a line of the suburban network, runs across most of the clogged hot-spots of the city, thus commuting around 100,000 happy commuters every single day. It's network spans around 19.34 kms, around the city, covering 17 busy train station. It is the first elevated railway line to be brought to operation in India. One distinguishing fact about this corridor is that the rail line follows the course of Buckingham Canal, which runs in parallel to the Coromandel Coast.

Back at the terminus, dusk had taken charge over the city and with each minute passing by, the train station was filling up. People all around me looked either tired after the day’s work or were adrenaline packed, though I couldn’t guess it out how. Finally the loud horn honked and the train rolled into the terminus, just like a lazy ass. It finally puffed off and halted. 

A myriad of travelers deported madly onto the platform and they hardly showed any mercy to fellow commuters standing there, while making their way out. I had to ditch my head just in time to avoid getting hurt. So as the mad crowd slowly moved off the station, people, who were waiting to get board, were now able to move around the station more freely and find a place in the train.

Moments later the signal turned green, the train drifted off the station and very soon it picked up momentum. Rather than getting myself seated in one of the dumb seats, surrounded completely with dizzy people, I chose to stand by the door and enjoy the evening breeze. With momentum pitching in every second and the train rocking along its rails, I was having a merry time by leaning out of the rake, one hand still clutching tightly to the iron rod that was welded strongly into the frame. Unlike the metro rail, trains running on this line did not have automatic doors, which gave me the privilege to connect with the nature. With every scene unfolding very fast, it was really difficult to choose between what to see and what not to see.

As the rake rolled out of Taramani train station, it made a sharp turn, entering the city’s bustling IT corridor. With high rise building docked on either side of the corridor, innovations were overflowing out of every window there. All the Multi-National Corporation had an offshore centre in one of those buildings, which housed thousands of slaves (IT Professionals) working day in and out, tirelessly, totally forgetting the true meaning of a healthy balanced life. They just had their eyes glued onto the monitors and got their necessities fulfilled, all with just a click of a button and not moving their ass’s even by an inch.

With every passing station, people hopped in and out of the train, while I continued to stay on near the door and watch the events flatten around me. We crossed the famous Rajiv Gandhi IT expressway and the train came to a halt at one of the city’s opulent locality. 

With the Adyar River flowing gracefully around, some of the city’s finest architecture was nestled close by it. Be it the Theosophical Society or the Anna Centenary Library, the largest library in South Asia, or the Leela Palace hotel or the Sun Network Headquarters, every single piece of architecture adorned the beauty of the region. Though the average ridership in these train station were less when compared to the IT corridor, people here still preferred to take the train occasionally.

So as the train moved further, the city was glowing with the evening light. Children were playing merrily everywhere and household women were having their usual evening chat/gossips. Couple of stations passed on meantime and I checked my watch to know how long I have been travelling. To my dismay the watch had stopped working long back. I tried my luck in fixing it, but nothing turned out fruitful.

It was then that something lifted my spirits off, just enough to reroute my senses from the stupid watch. The rich aroma of grounded coffee seeds, the authentic feel of Madras, blew me off the ground. The train was closing into the suburbs of Mylapore, whose townsfolk were a separate caste of people, in the Hindu religion, called the Brahmans. They specialized in authentic South Indian cuisine and the air around Mylapore bore its aroma always, though not now but some 15 years back. All i could see now was that the place has been commercially exploited and naturally lacked its nativity touch. I could sense that very slowly Chennai was losing its true identity. With a jerk once again and bringing me back to my senses, the train departed out of the station and was now rolling along the shores of the Marina Beach, the world’s second longest beach. It is one of the most visited hangout destination for every Chennaiite.

What followed next down the line were some of the iconic buildings. Be it the M.A.Chidambram Cricket Stadium, the state of the art secretariat complex that later turned into Government Hospital, the Ripon building and the Central Railway station, each of them had a glorious history of its own and they all stood as a pride of Chennai. Closing in by the Central Railway Station, the elevated corridor came to end thereby running at grade, parallel to the main Southern Rail Network line. The train decelerated and came to a halt at the Park Town train station, one of the busiest in the entire route.

Most people had just de-boarded and there were only few who carried on with the journey. As the train moved out of the station, what I witnessed out there hit me pretty badly. It was over and all a mismatched scene to what I had witnessed an hour back, all through the way.

The Buckingham canal that ran parallel to the rail line had housed thousands of residents on its bank. The BPL (Below Poverty Line) folks had set up their shelter there, irrespective of the risks that they may encounter at any point in time. They knew the canal better than us but since they had no other place to settle in, they chose here, still aware of its dangers. 

Apart from the people over there, the canal itself was in a very bad state. Being polluted from sewage and industrial effluents, it had established itself as a breeding ground for malaria-spreading mosquitoes. As I swiftly day-dreamed on how they survived in the small makeshift there and what their daily life was all about, a scene of compassion stuck me in reality. 

I even heard from my fellow commuters that during the massive flood that stuck the city in 2015, the entire hamlet was washed away, as every river around the city was dangerously overflowing. Visualizing the river taking away the people’s life and belongings, a cold shiver ran down my spine immediately. 

6 months after the massive destruction, people still tend to settle here. They had witnessed the worst days of their life. But still they prefer to return back to the same hell, which once took away their near and dear. It was a blank puzzle for me trying to understand the people's mentality as to why they came back? As I started thinking deep about it, a plethora of question started bombarding within me.

Aren’t they given a proper place to build house? 

Aren’t they employed even to a minor wage? 

Why are they leading such a sinful life? 

Why has not the government taken any counter measure to relocate them from the canal bank? 

When the city is inflating with innovations, why are these people still devoid of the benefits? 

Are they supposed to lead such a desolate life ever?

Are the benefits of the government only to be reaped by those who are elevated in their life, in terms of economy? It makes me wonder if the elevated rail corridor itself exhibits the status of every single Chennaiite, in disguise. You ask me how? Check it out yourself.

Right from the moment the train climbs up the corridor at Taramani, the kind of people over the zone are all cash filled. They are the few who reap more than what they sow. And then half way through the line, a mixed bag of liberty is been relished. They are an assorted group of people, who still stand high in the society. And as the train rolls down at the Park Station, there is almost nothing left out of the bag, for the cash strapped people over there, to taste. This discrimination is unfair as every individual shares equal right in this democratic nation. So how come a discrimination like this rule over the land?

A binding change is vital for the residents along the Buckingham Canal!!! The government has to come up with a plan, somewhere in the near future, right before another devastation shows up its ugly face and carries away innocent lives.

And as I was desolate, thinking hard, about the plight of those underprivileged, the train gave one loud horn, bringing me back to reality and signalling me to get my ass out of the rake, as it had finally docked at the terminus and was getting itself prepared for the journey back. 

A wobbly night; just enough to bring the worst fears out of you.

Courtesy : Youtube.com

The sky was just wrapping up its sheet for the cold night ahead and with the moon, shining lazily over it. The stars had taken its covers already and clouds had dozed off, not moving its ass even by an inch.

Travelling straight down to the earth, it was a divergent scene over and all. Still narrowing down, the coordinate 18.5791° N & 73.9087° E had a really engaged mood. People were busy jotting in and out trying hard not to miss their flight. Endless car and taxi were lining one behind the other, trying to enter and exit the airport, something that is a routine scene there. The only place in the region that was devoid of traffic was the air side, which by time would be crowded too.

The ground staffs of all the airline were working their best to get each aircraft in air, on time. PNQ (IATA code for PUNE Lohegaon airport) experienced mad rush of air traffic right from dusk till midnight. Being a defense airport, rightly under the control of the Indian Air Force, it has an 8329 ft. long primary runway with night landing facility and 7 parking bays, capable of handling single aisle civilian aircraft. Hence during peak hours, getting a parking spot is really tough and aircraft were made to wait on the taxiway.

I was little relaxed as I would not be stuck in the mad rush of traffic at the airport since my flight was scheduled late into the night. My flight SG529 to MAA was to depart around 2315 hours, operated by SpiceJet, one of India’s leading low cost carriers. It was one of the last flight to MAA, though there were other departures scheduled well beyond its time from the airport and every flight in this time period mostly ran full. Credits to the inception of LCC’s in India, making travel affordable to anyone.

Diwali, the festival of lights and happiness has just wrapped up, but the festive mood amidst the local had not settled yet. The air was filled with joy, excitement and happiness all the way to the airport. Fire crackers were still found ornamenting the sky. The rich culture of India, family gathering during celebrations and the bonding that they shared with one another was very well felt in every corner of the city. I wished I just had stayed a few more days there, getting myself involved with the locals and attaining a sense of completeness; deep within me.

So as I said before, since most flights departed out of the airport post 2100 hours, I had a long queue ahead of me almost everywhere inside the airport, though luckily not outside. Be it the baggage screening or the airlines counter or the security hold, everywhere it was packed with people. Crossing each one was a triumph of its own and the airport was handling passengers beyond its capacity. Even the waiting lounge close to the gates were full, making it difficult to find a space. Time rolled out and I was finally boarded. As it was a small airport, we did not have the trouble of waiting for the shuttle to transport us to the aircraft. We could just walk past series of aircraft standing in the tarmac, to board ours..

Seated comfortably beside the window, the aircraft was slowly filling up. A kid of 10 years old sat beside me shortly, accompanied by his father. The plane was full rather fast and pushed back well ahead of its time. The cabin crew had their safety demonstration done and the fight was airborne very soon.

As it was a red eye flight, the chances of finding people moving around the aircraft was less. But my misconception was broken by an interestingly large crowd of passengers. A whole lot of South Indians, all of a single group had come on a pilgrimage trip and were returning home that night. The whole aircraft was filled with their chit chats and it gave everyone such a lively feel to be seated there, except for the flight crew, who were having a really bad time controlling the crowd. The sense of exasperation was clearly found on each flight steward’s face.

The weather was pretty good as we departed out of PNQ. However 100 nautical miles from MAA, the captain announced of bad weather and requested the passengers to stay seated with their seat belts around. Slowly the aircraft descended into MAA airspace and as announced it was a rough patch of weather outside our windows. Sparse lightning was visible and the clouds were thick, ready to shower over the city anytime.

Getting past those clouds seemed difficult but the cockpit crew was trained to handle such situation and they justified their actions. Though the aircraft was under their control, frequent violent turbulence was felt. The whole scene within the aircraft was entirely different to what it was sometime back. A dead pitch silence was felt across the aisle and everyone had a tight grip over the hand rest.

As we were going through a roller coaster ride, a mighty blow hit us all ultimately. The aircraft, which was flying steadily till then suddenly lost altitude. We could literally sense the contents of the stomach pitching up the food pipe and also a sudden loss of pressure within the cabin blowing the air out of our ears. A sudden explosion of fear burst out of everyone as if some kind of deadly spell had hit us all. Kids and women started screaming out of fear. Holy mantras started flowing out of every direction. Prayers were heard loud, pleading god not to end their life today. I believed the same amount of pressure was felt at the cockpit too. However the pilots were efficiently skilled that they brought the situation under control within seconds.

The flight had regained its stability and was descending at a slow and normal pace. Cabin crew pitched in to comfort fear stuck passengers who almost had a small panic attack. Later the captain spoke out and apologized for the series of mishap due to dirty weather outside and assured that he shall get everyone home safely. I was taken deeply by his gratitude and envied him, thinking how patiently he had handled the situation though undergoing a ton of pressure and taking decisions swiftly.

Few thousand feet’s above the ground the captain announced of the landing clearance. As I looked out through the window, the city of Chennai was sparkling beautifully and looked even fresher after the rain thus lifting my spirits higher. The aircraft made a city side entry and touched down smoothly on runway 07 very soon. Taxiing lazily around the airport, the aircraft finally came to a halt. The aerobridge was docked in and we were informed of the baggage belt.

The long line of people deplaning took a dead pace initially. Everyone were scrambling here and there looking out for their bags in the overhead compartment. The cockpit door opened suddenly and the captain was out. He went straight to one of the flight steward to have a word. Everyone who were moving out noticed the presence of captain and they stopped all of a sudden. With such happy eyes, a loud round of applause suddenly filled the air as everyone were cheering him, who had skillfully brought the aircraft on ground amidst all the chaos. The Captain was so humble in thanking everyone back that he stood there till the last passenger de-boarded.

Very soon at the terminal, people were stuffing their bags on to the cart and finding their way out. Slowly as everyone started regrouping with their loved ones outside the airport, no one seemed to remember of the shaky incident that just unfolded minutes back in the air. Everyone just moved ahead feeling relieved to be back home, but back in the aircraft the crew had a flight ahead of them still not knowing what is waiting for them up in the air. Their life may look glamorous but the hardship they face is something that we miss to notice and appreciate. Envying their lifestyle, I just moved out trying to find the vehicle that has come to pick me up taking me back into my stereotypical life at Chennai.

A New Beginning!!!

Courtesy : Shutterstock.com

The ambulance was rushing madly on the busy street with the siren loud enough to clear the way. Blood was oozing ceaselessly covering up most part of the ambulance. The victim was in her mid-twenties and got hit by a SUV. With every minute passing by she was collapsing. The doctors in the ambulance were trying hard to stabilize her, but the condition didn’t seem to normalize at all.

Meanwhile far away, Rishak looked tense as he rode through the streets of the city. He stopped in by few stores, enquired hurriedly and moved over feeling let down everywhere. Right from dusk, he had been searching for his wife Pravalika, an IT employee working for an MNC at the electronic city, who has not turned home. Sita aunt who was passing by the street noticed Rishak tensed and hence she approached him quizzed.

“What is it Rishak, I could sense fear on your face. Is there something wrong?”

“Pravalika is not back home aunt. I tried reaching her mobile, spoke with couple of her friends and even searched the place she visited often. No sign of her anywhere”

“Don’t worry my son. She might be held up with some work. Check if she had left any message for you”

Actually aunt, this morning we had a small argument and out of my ego I just walked out of the house without saying a word. She was very upset then and I never tried speaking with her all through the day. My instinct says something worse could have happened. “No son, don’t give up your hope. She will be fine.” I suggest you better lodge a complaint with the police and they might trace her.

The ambulance had made it to the hospital meantime and Pravalika was being treated. Doctors moved in and out of the theater but her condition had not improved since. The viability of making through the operation was very thin, yet the doctors did their best. Meanwhile Rishak lodged a complaint with the local police and with the help of his friends he started looking out for his wife.

Away from all this commotion, a lady in her mid-thirties was trembling out of fear. She kept looking out for someone, still ignoring the tears rolling out of her eyes. From her attire to the decors on the wall, a sense of richness was felt everywhere. Within minutes a car rolled in and she almost stormed to the entrance. Shaking madly from head to toe, she hugged her husband and confessed of the accident that she caused this evening. Her husband understood the seriousness of the issue and took control of the situation still consoling his wife. He took the wheels straight to the hospital where the young lady was being treated. He dialed in few numbers and with his authority he made sure that the lady survived.

As the clock ticked away, Rishak’s fear kept building. The group had almost swept the city clean searching for Pravalika, but no traces of her. Leading hospitals were searched too including the Global hospital, where she was being treated. But when Rishak had described of her identity there, the hospital staffs declined any such patient being admitted under Pravalika's name. However she was treated there with a different name, since none of her ID was recovered from the site.  

It was midnight and still no signs of her. Rishak slowly started acting madly. He started blaming himself for her missing. All possible ways of pacifying Rishak went in vain. It took almost an hour for his friends to get him under control. So as they were trying to get him back on feet, a police vehicle came halting in front of them. The Inspector informed Rishak that they have found an accident victim matching his wife’s description and that he come with them to identify her.

Back at the hospital, the operation was a success and she was moved to the ICU. Closing in on her bed, Rishak almost lost his balance as he couldn’t see his wife in such a state. He was almost lost in words as he had caused too much pain to Pravalika. Only if he had let go of his ego that day, she would not have ended up here. Though many tried consoling him, he was defiant. He wanted to be by her side always and budged anyone trying to move him away from her. Hours rolled on and he still had his face close to hers, waiting for her eyes to open.

It was almost day break when one of his primary sense “Touch” sent electrical waves to the brain. He could slowly feel the wetness on his hand. He slowly lifted his head only to find Pravalika’s tear rolling down her cheek and splashing on to his hand. Rishak was dumbstruck looking at his beautiful wife in such a condition. His happiness knew no boundaries but at the same time felt sad on her injuries. She smiled weakly at his husband and asked him to come close.

“Did you panic when I didn’t make home sweetie?”, still struggling with words as she spoke.

“I almost died not able to trace you anywhere baby.” I am really sorry for all my evil acts. I should have called you and apologized. Pardon me sweets. I cannot look at you in this state. Please get well soon and come back to me; almost crying wildly.

“You still get a better chance of marrying another hot girl if I die, right!” smiling wickedly at him amidst all the wounds on her face.

“I love you the most my sweets”, caressing her hair gently. I will do anything for you but please don't ever think of leaving me alone.

“Ahaan, so what if I tell you to jump out of the train, will you do it for me?” asked Pravalika, remembering how Rishak used to follow her day and night, trying to lift her off her feet with his charm.

“I will not jump baby, smiling naughtily and kissing on her forehead” I wish to spend the rest of my life holding your hand.”

And that is how a new relationship blossomed. It’s always hard to realize the importance of a person when they are close by your side.    

Sitting by her side; first and the last.

The semester was closing in and each corner of the hostel was bustling with student activities. Everyday witnessed a different scenario as each exams unfolded. Too many emotions were expressed. A few had their paper highly challenging; while few had an easy go. Over and all it was an active atmosphere round the clock. Days rolled on and it was the final exam day. A sense of relief was about to hit us, not because the exams were wrapping up, but that we had a weeklong vacation to cherish about. And it was even more to relish for the hostellers, as we would be returning home after a long time.

Three long hours of pain staking exam and then we were all free. The first ray of smile and joy were to be seen on almost every hosteller’s face. I quickly rushed to the hostel just in time to pack my bags and head out, as I had a different itinerary ahead. Once reaching the bus terminus, I bid adieu to my buddies and was looking out for that one person, who had asked to me meet there.

Walking almost the length and breadth of the bus station, I could nowhere find her. Then suddenly I heard my name being called aloud, just loud enough to make all passerby turn their heads. I turned around along with them only to find her standing at one of the shops, at a distance.

“Deepak, over here” came in Payal’s voice again, waving her hand signaling me.

I moved my lazy ass towards her and as I closed in I saw Mithi too, standing close to her. Payal and Mithi were my classmates. More than Payal, it was with Mithi with whom I shared a great bond of friendship. During most of the lab session, Mithi and I used to be in the same group as our names came one after the other on the roll. So over the days we grew closer and almost shared everything.  

But with Payal, it was a different kind of interest that I had. She was good looking, modern and well yes she had crush on me right from the first year. I liked her too but neither of us had plans of getting into a serious relationship then and we hardly spoke to each other, be it at the college or elsewhere.

Actually it was Payal’s idea to meet that day. I closed upon them and we started chatting instantly. It was mostly Mithi and I who spoke the most, while Payal remind silent listening to all the crap that we spoke. Very slowly the bus that we were waiting for turned up at the station and we boarded it, just in case to find the best seats. Mithi took the window, Payal in the middle and I at the aisle. That was the first time that Payal and I were sitting so close. She was both shy and excited to sit close to me, which i found it clearly reflecting in her stunning eyes.

Minutes later the bus drove off into downtown and all through the way we had fun. All three of us had the best time of our life as we never had such a time at college, especially with all the rules around you. However the fortune did not last long. Half way down the journey, I had to change place as I had to offer the seat to an old women who was struggling with the heavy crowd. Looking me standing lonely Mithi too stood up from her seat and joined me. She was always there to support me, however many a time I had let her down, even during her most important moments, to which I had regretted a lot.

Getting down at our stop, we were greeted by one of Payal’s close friend. Introducing herself casually, she took us all to a nearby restaurant where we had decided to meet initially, as per the plan. Getting to the restaurant, Payal and her friend were having their own time while Mithi and I were left out with nothing but to just stare at each other. Then and there we spoke of about the usual college stuffs while the other 2 girls were having their time off. Occasionally they used to look at us, gave a weird smile while still conversing.

It was very clear from their facial expression that they were making fun of us. Time was ticking away and I was bored of staying there further, so was Mithi. Finally to break the silence I told the other two  girls about leaving, but then Payal’s friend pitched in.

“Why don’t we have something before we leave”? What do you say Deepak, still with a weak smile on her face?

I was getting furious with each minute passing off, yet did not have it get reflected on my face. “Yeah, we shall. I prefer something light and so I will go with a shake. You people order the ones that you prefer”.

The waiter brought in our order after some time and I totally lost my mind is speaking with Payal. I was fully busy speaking with Mithi as she gave a nice company to me. The girls witnessed my displeasure and they slowly brought down their speech. Payal did try once or twice to grab my attention towards her so that I start talking with her. But I purposely avoided her and was more comfortable with Mithi. The girls quickly whispered amidst themselves and spoke out.

“It was nice meeting you all”, said Payal friend to which I gave a weak smile as if I didn’t care WTF was she doing there. Minutes later we stepped out of the restaurant. I just waved at Payal, and took Mithi with me as we were to take the same bus back home. Payal was completely taken back with my sudden firm act and I was sure that she might pull up a fight for this. But who the fuck cares as I had already made up my mind that it won’t work between us. Without even turning back I just went ahead pulling Mithi along with me, who was completely unaware of my actions and ignoring Payal's repeated call. That meet was the first and last between us, though Payal tried to come up with many later, I had already moved on.

Hello 6E!!!

It was a cold winter morning at the nation’s capital. The city posed a dead silence almost everywhere as the fog had spread its chunky blanket right upon the city, turning down the visibility to near zero. Nowhere could the India gate or the Parliament house or the Delhi Metro or the local shops to be seen even from a mile away.

It has been incessant over the decade that Northern India had been witnessing colder winter, making livelihood a challenge throughout the season. The Delhiites always enjoyed the warmth of staying indoor but it were the street dwellers who suffered the most, battling the strong gusty winds. Over and all it was going to be a lazy day as hardly anyone would wish to hit the streets.

With such a weather across the region and a nice warm blanket encrusting me, I wished to be not disturbed till the next season turns up. However my wish didn’t seem to last even for few minutes as the alarm in my mobile went off ceaselessly. With my eyes still shut, I tried finding the mobile and turn it off just not to interrupt my blessed sleep. Half opening my eyes just to hit the right button, I saw the time as 6am and I had a long journey ahead of me to take. So thinking of it and with a heavy heart I just pushed off the blanket away, wondering when I would get back into it again. Moving on to the living room shivering right from top to bottom, I found my parent busy with work. My father was getting the bags packed up and my mom was busy preparing the food to be carried.

I was never an early bee right from childhood and so getting up early in the morning was the greatest feat of all. Half asleep, I went around the house to check if my brothers had woken up too or if they were still sleeping. When it comes to my brothers, I had always wished the best to happen with them and so I did not wanted them to get out of bed so soon just for the reason that I was travelling. I ensured they slept comfortably and went off to get ready, as my father had sent out two warning calls of me missing the flight. An hour later I was dressed up and ready to leave. My father loaded the bags onto the car and my mother handed over the meal box along with a big list of do’s and don’ts to remember. Nodding to everything that she said, I laced up and went straight to the car.

Leaving our apartment we were instantly welcomed by the thick layer of fog, which had barely ceased since morning. Navigating amidst it was a tough challenge that we even lost track of the airport quite often en route. Finally taking the right lane and turn, we were greeted by the early morning traffic that was heading towards Gurgaon, the next emerging metropolis. 15 minutes of drive then on the highway we were greeted by the mighty sign board leading towards the airport. Taking a diversion from the mad crowd of vehicles, we entered the perimeter of the Indira Gandhi International Airport. At a distance Terminal 1D was gleaming beautifully with mist covering the steel and glass terminal. This terminal is the home base for some of the leading Low Cost Carriers in India. And the Full Service Carriers had their very own dedicated terminal, the world famous T3 or Terminal 3.

The early morning rush was rightly visible from the very entrance and so I docked my bags out of the car far from the terminal and bid goodbye to my dad. As I pushed the trolley towards the mad crowd, the level of excitement within me kept rising because it was going to be my first solo flight. I have this habit of being distinct always and so i wish every flight journey to be unique in some manner or other. It would be mostly like I pick up a new destination, a new airline, a new aircraft type every time, which altogether sums up to a new expectation of what is going to be ahead of me.

Cutting past pack of people and vehicle, I made my way into the terminal after a long wait. Once inside, it was entirely a different world. People were rushing up in all the directions around me. The urge to catch their flight was almost witnessed in everyone’s eyes. And so were the airline ground staffs too, who were pitching into the scene every single time an incident turns up. It were the ground force team who were actually responsible for the quick and prompt turnaround of each aircraft. And in airports across metropolis, it was kind of a double shift that each of the staff encounters. Their work load and the stress level is relatively higher than other minor airports. I checked on my watch and felt little relaxed as I had almost 2 hours 30 minutes for my flight to lift off. So not rushing up, I slowly moved towards the baggage screening and off to the check in counter, which had the most beautiful staff seated.

The LCC market in India was predominantly occupied by IndiGo, followed by SpiceJet and GoAir. Though 20 plus checkin counters were available for IndiGo at the terminal, the morning rush had taken its toll across the counters.  Indigo’s primary hub was (IATA Code: DEL) and so most of the day’s first flight took off from the capital be it right from dawn. Witnessing a huge passenger turnaround during the early hour of day was a routine to the ground force team and they were trained in accordance to handle it.

Well it took another 35 minutes for me to reach the counter that I was looking for. A gorgeous young lady, in her mid-twenties greeted me with a stunning smile. I instantly got knocked over with her beauty, yet managed to stay steady and answer her. She verified the ticket, made an entry of my PNR in her system, and had my name cross checked as Rithvik with the driving license that I provided her. Once verified she tagged the bags and handed me the boarding pass instructing the gate for departure, all with a broad smile, enough to knock me down completely. Smiling back at her, I collected the boarding pass and walked off weakly wondering why not I consider taking up a career in aviation.

As I closed in at the security check, I was not taken back looking at the never ending queue. The Central Industrial Security Force, who took care of the security at the airports were at their best trying to move the queue forward, but people came turning up over and again. Spending an ample amount of time there watching each scene unfold, I slowly moved around in the queue only to get cleared off after a long wait and head towards the beautiful cafeteria, located on the top floor of the terminal. This cafeteria gave a splendid panoramic view of IGI’s airside. The view was breathtaking as you could see large number of blue and red birds docked next to one another. It was really hard to count the number of Indigo and SpiceJet aircraft's parked, one after the other. The ground force of both the airlines were on their top trying to get each flight, on air on schedule. I opened the box of roti and panner mutter masala that my mom had packed and sat with the mesmerizing view of airside ahead of me. The food was delicious as usual and I never found a food tastier than my mom preparation.

Twenty minutes down the line, I heard the boarding call of my flight. I packed up my bag and looked over for the flight information display, just to ensure that I heard right. As I gazed over the flight information board, I found SpiceJet and GoAir too had a flight departing to (IATA Code: MAA) closely around the same time as that of my flight. After a minute wait my flight detail “6E454 DEL to MAA – BOARDING Gate 10” was flashing on the screen. Relieved to know that there was no delay due to the fog, I moved on looking for my gate.

The blue bird that was about to fly me back to Chennai was parked majestically at a distance and posed stunningly with the first rays of sun. Welcomed once again by adorable ladies as I boarded, I went straight to my seat 17C, cut passing fellow passengers who blocked the way trying to sort different issues. Mine was an “Aisle” seat and I was able to witness all the people moving around, well of course the flight stewards too.

IndiGo had the best “On Time Performance” amidst its competitors and I experienced it right on that flight. Within minutes of boarding, the aircraft was pushed back and was ready to fly out still ensuring highest level of safety. IndiGo maintained a single aircraft throughout its fleet, the Airbus A320. A single aisle narrow body jet, it was the most efficient aircraft in the segment than its competitor, the Boeing 737. Not only with the aircraft but IndiGo was also famous for having the all-female cabin crew service, which not many carriers choose to follow. This policy of maintaining a single fleet had helped the aircraft stay on top consequently and reap profits YoY right from its first flight.

As the captain had announced of a short taxiing, the cabin crew had to demonstrate the safety procedures swiftly and buckle up in their jump seats for takeoff. In the next 3^rd minute, the aircraft had centered itself onto the runway 28 and was ready for takeoff. IGI was the only airport in the country to have a near parallel 3 runway with CAT III-B ILS (Instrument Landing System). And with the inauguration of runway 11/29, the longest and the most effective one in the country, the number of aircraft's departing and arriving has doubled over the time. During peak hours, it has helped in reducing the stress and delay experienced over the other two runways.

 I had heard most complain of nausea and vomiting while takeoff. But believe me the sensation you get when the Prat & Whitney engines come to life is adventurous and thrilling. And especially the thrust it produces, Oh god!!! You just get the feel of a roller coaster ride. The captain announced the takeoff clearance and the engines roared into life taking us into the air within seconds. I was enthralled and I could not have asked for anything better than that. I enjoyed that feel of getting into the air.

The total flying hour was 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a 45 minutes layover at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (IATA Code: HYD) en route. Shortly after takeoff the inflight service commenced. As it was a LCC, meals were to be purchased separately and there were few who enjoyed having a hot sip at 35000 feet. I was left out with options to wade my time off as I was travelling alone. Then and there the cabin crew would go past me, which was of little soothing to my eyes but that too lasted for few seconds. With very little hope, I started off a conversation with my fellow passenger. Luckily he seemed interested in one and so we were on talking over and about everything. The conversation was really interesting as not many would turn to speak out to a stranger. He was a budding entrepreneur who was on his way to Hyderabad to promote his venture.

Time flew swiftly as we spoke and an hour later the captain announced the decent into Hyderabad airspace. Minutes passed and the mighty bird touched down on to runway 27L. The turnaround time was 45 minutes right from the time 6E454 docked at the gates and so I had ample time to stretch. Reaching the rear of the aircraft I got out on to the ramp and instantly the smell of ATF (Air Turbine Fuel) aroused me. I was warned of not to get far away from the aircraft as it was treated as a security breach and so I stayed close to it, witnessing the activities taking place around me. Couple of Domestic and International carriers were parked away from our aircraft and the weather outside was little hot, as winters were not so extreme in the south central India.

Passengers travelling from HYD to MAA had boarded in the meantime and one of the cabin crew lady signaled me to get in as it was time to push back. The aircraft taxied onto the runway on time once again and took off as scheduled. The second leg of the flight was relatively short compared to the first and so we were expected to touch down at Chennai in another 90 minutes without any delay. The seats next to me were empty as were most around. Over all it was not a full flight that day and passengers had the privilege to move around the seats. I took over the window seat just to enjoy the sublime view of the earth below me. The clouds sparkled with the sun’s ray and the aircraft was gliding gently above it. Time flew off swiftly and we were descending into Chennai. The city’s bird eye view was scintillating. And on final approach, 6E454 was instructed to make a sea side approach rather than the city side and get in through runway 25.

The view of the sea waves hitting the shores of Marina beach, the world’s second longest beach, was absolutely stunning. I was awestruck with nature’s beauty and the perfection in god’s creation. Nothing can replace it and I could not lose to erase the view off my mind. Though i had been to the beach many a time, this particular view of it was engaging. Other notable landmarks of Chennai too gave an artistic view from the top. Very shortly the plane entered the airfield and made a smooth landing at the Anna International Airport (IATA Code: MAA). The weather was sunny and there were couple of domestic carriers taxing out, ready to fly while few others were parked around the airfield. Once 6E454 got its slot at one of the gates, the aircraft drifted in and halted turning down the engines. I quickly approached the cabin crew for a picture with them. However they refused to pose as it was against the DGCA rules then. So with a heavy heart I disembarked the flight, turned back to have one last look at the blue bird hoping to take control of it as a commander, some day. With that in mind I moved my ass off to the arrival hall, just in time to collect the bags and head into the humid city.

Though the first solo flight was not so interesting, I enjoyed the flight overall and the urge to become a Pilot kept blooming. Till date I would have taken 50 plus flights and every time as I look at the crew take the cockpit, my desire to sit there shoots up thinking when will that one day turn up?