This day had been 25 years in the making.
I was born on April 23rd, 1991 and turned 25 years old just three days ago. The 23rd was a big day for me and since my family was going to arrive on the 26th, I decided to celebrate the special day with them.
Growing up around my sisters, cousins, and friends, my parents have always given highest priority to our education. For them, Education was the only way to unleash the true potential of a human being and break the “invisible” shackles that they had to grow up with.
I didn’t realize this fact when I was a small kid and used to wonder why my parents stress more on studies. Now, that I have all grown up and taking care of some of the financials, I understand their thinking and long-term planning behind our education. Sometimes, I wonder, how they could afford to educate four children (3 of us have Masters degree and one has a Bachelor). I am truly humbled to “imagine” the kind of sacrifices they might have made to save money for our education. Hats off to them.
So, even though it is not possible to pay back all their sacrifices, but considering a small drop in an ocean, I decided to fly them from Nagpur to Bangalore for their South India tour during April 2016. I know they were jubilant with at the idea and couldn’t say “No” as it was their first time flying and I wanted them to be together during this time.
I remember leaving my apartment for the airport, without checking the flight status in excitement. Only to realize their flight was delayed as you can see in the below picture.
I was so disappointed to find out their flight was delayed. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do anything except to wait. I cannot recollect now what I did. Maybe I had a sip or two of my favorite drink then – tea. And, back then we did not have that stronger connectivity, so I don’t remember having spent time on the phone too. Good old days, innit?
When I was waiting for them, they were having some fun just experiencing what it felt like flying for the first time. I remember my first time flying and I have talked about it here. I totally got their excitement and the way you get goosebumps and way your stomach feels when you takeoff and the way you pray while landing.
I remember I was just praying that they land safely and I get to see them sooner than later.
Here’s one of the pictures that my Mom took of my Dad. Even though his expressions don’t give away too much, that smile, tells you many things. The most important one out of those is the immense satisfaction, which I love.
And here’s my Mom, clicking a selfie with her Nokia. I don’t remember the model. The picture quality gives away that it was not a smartphone! I loved this picture. She looking through the window at the amazing scenery which she is getting to experience for the first time in her life. I was happy she could capture this moment.
Once the status of their flight changed from Delayed to Landed. I was relieved. It was a question of when I would get to see them and welcome them to my city. This was their first time visiting Bangalore and I was happy that I was hosting them, thanks to my roommates too who let my family stay with us.
Here’s the mandatory picture you take at the airport. We were happy to see each other and I remember checking if everything was okay with their flight, since, it was delayed for some reason. I had a facepalm moment when my parents told me that they were in the plane but on the ground for quite some time due to some issue and couldn’t figure out whether it was normal or just a special case, since this was their first time flying. I just overlooked that part and we got ready to head home.
This was taken just before jumping on a bus taking us home. I remember the bus being over crowded and we had to struggle a little bit to get on and off for my apartment, but it worked out well in the end.
My uncle and family were jubilant to welcome my parents. I was so happy to see everyone together. The night went on quite smoothly, with my aunt, mom, and sister talking and catching up after many days, whereas I entertained my guests with I don’t know how!
All in all, a good day. Many more exciting days ahead!
stochasticity 