Air Travel

Coming from a background which is middle-class, we were lucky to avail a yearly LTC, which made the much coveted 'getting-inside-an-aeroplane', come rather early to me. Initially, the mother had taught me about manners and how not to haggle for extra mortons, while the father -- a hospitality expert -- taught me unintended lessons in how to help others before helping yourself. Yes. Exactly the opposite of what they tell you a minimum of three times once your flight is ready to take-off. Dusron ki sahayta karne se pehle, apni sahayta karein.  

Indian Airlines was BIG that time, I am speaking of the nineties. Gradually, with the coming of age of low-budget airlines, in the privatised market of elite Jet Airways, IA diminised, like sugar in water. With the failure of a few, two emerged winners, Indigo and Spice Jet. Gradually, I began flying more frequently and from Jet, shifted to the easy on pocket Indigo and Spice Jet. In fact, I quite liked Spice Jet because it offers this 'student discount' which I can avail because I am a Research Scholar. However, the downfall too, began with Spice Jet. With wobbly weather and wobblier nerves, fear instilled in me deep. I rather take the train. This even though I have flown Emirates and Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways and the premium lot.

Four more Indigo flights later, within a span of two-three months, and a very weak constitution, I am flying tomorrow. With the grand-daddy of all Indian airlines, Air India. I am certainly less fearful, given the flight's duration is a minimum of an hour and half, and I have movies packed for distraction. Or music for memories to be recollected. Or in the next seat, my cousin to delve in artistic insights and celebrity gossip with. The destination weather is going to be a certain plus. I will wear my socks and my various jackets. And I will breathe in a lot of my childhood. At least, I hope to. 

It feels like time-travel. To return to the smell of tea-gardens and cycle to the riverside. To take a good glimpse of my school, and avoid unnecessary 'virtual social friends' from there. Yes, they say I am foolish and snobbish, but I say I am blunt. Actually I am smart in my head, I feel. It is completely alright to ignore selfies to be updated on social media with people you do not wish to. While in school, I had a short-temper they accused. Wrong. I was just blunt. I look forward to see my attitude towards adapting the changes in the towns.   

Cirumstances reveal shades of you, even you are unaware of. I really am not bothering about the flight tomorrow, my take-off and landing songs are ready. May be the Brahmaputra will be flowing. People await to pounce upon their 'old' me. My response however, will be a part of the 'new' me.

When one flies away, it is a difficult comeback to the roots.