Thursday, January 25, 2007

2 Weeks In India...!

It was a long American Airlines flight of about 14 hours non-stop from Chicago to Delhi. I did get very bored if not tired due to it. However, my train of thoughts was moving at a speed much faster than the supersonic speed (literally 1100+ kmph) of Boeing 777. The outside air temperature was in the range of -60 to -70 deg Celsius sometimes, while I was sweating inside, just because I was heading for 'Bharatmata' ;) and the adrenaline was being pumped at an abnormal rate inside my body. During all these time I recalled many things that I used to do when I was in India and the good old times. And as the destination was nearing, my uneasiness kept on rising. Finally the wait of almost three and a half years ended. I landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport at about 10.30 pm on January 5, 2007.

Now, the feeling of landing for the first time just can't be described, you have to simply feel it and experience it. Period. Anyways, so I was standing on the escalator downwards at the airport seemingly lost. Reason being, I didn't know how to react. I was standing on the Indian soil at last. To be honest, everything at the airport looked so different, I was so used to seeing the picture perfect most American airports, in comparison to that the airport in the capital was a no match. But that's another story. Anyways, so there I was still standing on the escalator. And the first thing that I wanted to do is to go to the toilet, no more calling 'restrooms' now..;). So, even before heading for the immigration and customs clearance I headed to attend nature's call. After all, everything was upside down after 14 hours straight in an airplane. Anyways, so I was inside the toilet, I opened the first door and it was of 'Indian style'. It was more than ages since I had used it last time. I hesitated to walk-in, however, found one of 'American style' at the end. Without thinking anything I just stepped in. It was nice and clean according to Indian standards. So, now I was out of the toilet and headed to wash the hands. And I forgot that in India there is no culture of paper rolls and napkins, I missed the cotton hanky that we use to wipe hands. Anyways, I just did what you would have done. After all, when would you use the back of your pants..?! However, there was a 'human napkin dispenser' as well. The toilet cleaning man was delivering napkins from a 'toilet roll' whoever needed one. I smiled and realized..it happens only in India..!


Anyways, so that was the toilet story. I was out now and suddenly the customs area was full of sardarjis carrying identical white & red plastic bags in their hands. I wondered where did they all come from ? Then I found that a plane from Dubai just had landed, and the influx was due to that. Anyways, for me the wait to clear the customs was increased by 10 minutes, which was okay. So, I was standing in the line, and a quick chat with one of the Dubai-return revealed that, the white plastic bags have 2 bottles of duty-free liquor into them, which is what allowed. Naturally they were cursing the customs officers for their harassment, he said many people carry 3 bottles, just to offer one to the customs officer, if needed. Anyways, it was my turn now, he asked me a couple of questions and I was out. Everything was done in about 2 minutes without any trouble. For the interested, I was carrying 2 digital cameras and a laptop, but he didn't even ask that.


Now, it was time to collect the luggage and I was in the baggage-claims area now. And that's where and when I was so surprised and proud and glad at the same time. All the while I was in US I had read excessively about the rise of India and lots of young people to carry on the great Indian growth story and the transition towards a developed nation. For a moment I paused and looked around, most of the airport staff was full of people like you and me. Meaning, most of them were in their early-mid twenties. I had not seen anything like this before anywhere. Not to mention, I don't know how did it look like say 5 years ago or so, so I can't/shouldn't compare. But bottom line is it was full of youngsters. Anyways, so I picked up a cart, which was for free unlike America where you have to pay, and that made me very very happy. I collected the bags and walked out towards the arrival ramp. Hundreds of people were waiting there to receive their beloved ones, for me it wasn't the end yet.


It was about 12 midnight now. Anyways, so I was waiting in the lounge there, and found some interesting company - 2 Gentlemen flying out and the 3rd one was heading for Ahmedabad. They all were 40-50+. 2 settled in America and one in India. Expectedly we had a debate over why America is 'America' and why India is 'India'. What can be done and what should be done and things like that. That's not the point here anyways. One aspect of the debate was that we all were waiting for our connecting flights, so it was good time killer. And it worked. I didn't even realize how fast the time passed by. One point to note is, none of us were feeling cold, while most people were wearing sweaters and mufflers. At times we felt hot instead..!


It was 4 am now, and it was Jan 6th. 2 of us headed for the Domestic airport for our final destinations Ahmedabad and Vadodara respectively. So, we looked for the free shuttle service, which is run by GMR (A private company. They are going to build/renovate the airport by 2010 or so) between the domestic and international airports. The bus service was good, however there was no storage compartments for luggage in the bus, so they put them in the space/walking alley between the seats. But who cares as long as it's free, and besides it's hardly 5 minutes drive. Also, they take the number of passengers just enough to occupy all the seats, so it doesn't feel crowded besides the luggage. Anyways, I was seating in the bus and found the right-hand drive a little odd. After all, I was seeing that after so many years.


While the view outside the window was scary as we reached the domestic airport. You got it right..! The traffic! The bus was zipping on a narrow road where I wouldn't even dare to drive my car. Then there were these Maruti Vans parked back to back with space of just 1 inch between them. I am not exaggerating here, it was like that. I wondered how's that possible. It was kind of dawn rush hour, lots of newspaper distributors, milk and vegetable trucks. Anyways, I was off the bus, got my luggage and headed for Indian Airlines security check.


Security check is kind of different and weird in India. You take your check-in bags to the x-ray machines, they check and seal with a single plastic strap and give them back to you. And then you drop them at the check-in counter. Anyways, that didn't bother me. It was about 5 am now, and I was in the Indian and Kingfisher waiting area.


Once again I saw the young India. So many young people, right from sweeper to in-flight crew/air-hostess. The departure terminal there was very impressive, the bathrooms resembled to a hotel, very neat and clean and shining granites. The waiting lounge also had spacious and well-maintained chairs, may be because it was still very new. I was impressed..! Then I saw the good-looking Kingfisher girls in their red uniforms. It really was eye-pleasing..:)! Then there were couple of 40 inch flat screen plasma TVs I believe. I watched Hindi news on 'Aaj Tak' channel after so long. It was very new channel when I went to the US for the first time. Once again I felt so great and nostalgic. Reliving the old days is a feeling that we all love and miss.


It was past 6 am and that was it. It was the time for my flight to Vadodara. Naturally, I was very excited but tried hard to suppress my emotions. I boarded the bus, which took me to the flight. The flight crew in sarees was an altogether different view. I was so used to seeing them in shirts and skirts in America. The saree looked very different. Then spotted something unbelievable, there were newspapers - The Times Of India on every seat. Wow..! That was something, and unique to India. I thought how could they afford it, while the airlines in America give only 6 peanuts in snack. I took a superficial glance at the Times and didn't care more.


So, we were air-borne now. Then they offered alu paratha and some paneer subji, salad, sweet and tea as breakfast. I was so happy with such a treatment. All the while I couldn't stop thinking about how my parents would react and all that. The flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes to Vadodara felt like millions of years, and time was just not moving on. It was the time for sunrise, and I spotted the sun just above the clouds. The orange sun just above the sea of clouds was something, which I had never seen before. Without waiting for a moment, I clicked some pictures of this spectacular view. After a half an hour stop at Ahmedabad it took-off for Vadodara. Well that's a tiny distance by flight of less than 100 km, you can't even finish your tea.


Finally I landed at the Baroda airport, I was out of the plane. And I stopped breathing for a second. This is it. I am back after craving so much and for so long. Dharti maa ko sparash kiya and headed for the terminal. Visited the bathroom, and it was by far the best. I am sure it could compete with any 5 star hotel. Then spotted the Hertz car rental terminal. That was completely unexpected, I thought what are they doing here..! I went there and asked if I could rent an automatic car..;)! Expectedly, she said they don't have any :). Never mind, I walked out of the airport and looked for a taxi. After some bargain managed to pay 300 rupees from 950 to my village Samiyala, which was hardly 15 kilometer away..! Besides that, the driver had a relative in a colony near my village. Wow..! Who would have expected that ? Great.


It was a very old Maruti Esteem. For a moment I even thought would it even reach Samiyala ? Anyways, loaded the bags, sat inside and there I was watching outside the window. Needless to say, it was scary, I was so used to follow and obey traffic rules. But here, you are in land where you are called a fool if you obey the rules. So, I was checking the roads and buildings and comparing with what was it like 3-4 years ago. The only prominent change was that the traffic situation had worsened, too many bikes now. Everything else mostly was still the same, except few new buildings. I instructed the helper of the driver to capture the video while I enter my house, since I hadn't informed anybody in my family. The car entered Samiyala, pretty much still the same, except a new temple. I asked to stop the car and showed him to hold the camera while the video is being captured.


It was about 9 am now and the car was in front of my house, opened the car door hastily and just walked in. My dad was just entering the bathroom to bathe. Naturally they were shocked to see me. Hugged them for 10 seconds. It was great. And I just can't describe it. That was one of the happiest moments for all of us. I was so happy to see them after so many years.


Then it was a cascade effect. Everybody from the neighbor was looking at me - where did this creature come from ;) ? After that we surprised my other relatives as well. Of which, my grand parents were the happiest to see me. Then met all the relatives and friends. In some cases found it difficult to recognize faces, small kids had grown up and some were as tall as me. Then there were some new-borns, whom I was seeing for the first time.


Ate all the homemade food and street side panipuri. Paani puri is my favorite and ate a lot on the road. Then it was the driving part, it took only 10 seconds to learn driving the Honda Splendor and Activa again. However, I naturally lacked confidence to drive on the road, but still drove a lot without any problems. Went to every possible street of Baroda where I used to drive before, took lots of snaps of the places, roads, my village and farm.


Another great part was Uttarayan/Makar Sankranti. I was so excited to celebrate it ever since I had bought the India ticket. Bahut patang udaai and bahut majje kiye. After all, I hadn't done it in almost 5 years. Also, the weather was amazing, I love sunlight and it was just perfect. It keeps you happy and cheerful. While in Buffalo, most of the times it's very cloudy and gloomy. And I just hate that.


2 weeks passed just like a flash. And it was time to go back, I wish I had more time, but then no matter how much it is, it will never be sufficient. Everybody was sad and so was I. Naturally, it was tough this time. When I left for the first time, there was lot of excitement of going to 'America'. This time there was no such factor, I knew life would be empty again. During this time I had realized I belong here in India. But that's not possible for now at least. And leaving all that appeared to be a daunting task.


Anyways, I am back now. And the first 2 days were very difficult to survive alone. From so many people to nobody just in a matter of few days. But you have to get back to business..! All the good times must come to an end at some point...!