Boarding- Air India to Delhi.
It was a lovely
morning in Indore and I had just peeped out of the window to have a look at the
beautiful sun. As the hour and the minute hands of the clock tick by I realize
my I was late to board my flight to Delhi. Being excited about the holiday trip
to Delhi after a long one week semester examination I rush down the stairs of
my hotel towards my cab along with my friend who was flying to Mumbai.
I fit my suitcases in the
cab and we leave the hotel at 6:45am. The departure of my flight was 7:50am and
the distance between my hotel and the airport was approx 12kms which took
almost an hour to reach. Being worried about missing my flight, every possible
point where we slowed down and every signal we took a halt my heartbeat used to
shootup to a top speed of a royal enfield.
Somehow we reach the
airport at 7:30am sharp and T-20minutes for the takeoff. I rush into the
airport not even caring about my luggage as I just throw them on the airport
trolly and rushed towards the counter to collect my boarding pass. As I reach
near the counter I notice something that did shocked me and for a second made
me realize that there was no way I was going to catch my Air India flight. The waiting
line for the boarding pass on the Air India counter was hugh and long. The
indicators displayed and the announcements were made- “Passengers traveling to
Delhi onboard Air India are requested to proceed for the security check-in”. It
also displayed my flight to depart right time.
It was 7:40 and I reach the counter to collect my boarding pass. Oops
another obstacle was waiting for me. I had exceeded my luggage weight and they
refuse to give me the boarding pass until I paid the extra amount for the extra
luggage. With the guidance of an Air India official I was taken to the Air
India booking office where I had to pay the extra amount. It was 7:45 and it
was just 5mins left for my flight to leave me behind and continue its journey
for Delhi.
As I was getting panicked at the
ticket counter I get the first good news of the day. The incoming Air India
flight from Mumbai which soon continued to Delhi was yet to touchdown and there
was a delay in the departure and was reschedule to depart at 8:30am. It was the
first moment where I took a deep breath and relaxed myself. But I knew my job
wasn’t finished.
I pay the extra amount and then soon rush back to the ticket counter to
collect my boarding pass. Like a boss I break the massive line where the AI
officials were pleased to see me relax and they hand me my boarding pass. And
here comes the second good news for the day. The seat allotted to me was 9F.
One of the window seats where you can have a glance at the engine as well as
the wing of the aircraft. Not to forget it was also my most preferred seat
while flying to any destination. I soon rush to the security check in where I
finish all the formalities.
It was 8:15 by then and as soon as I finish my security check in the Air
India officials come rushing towards me and make a peaceful yet a loud
announcement-“Passengers traveling to Delhi by Air India Flight are requested
to proceed towards the Aircraft through gate no 3”.
And my excitement levels made me forget all the obstacles I faced just
few hours back. Being an aviation enthusiast I was excited for the Air India
Aircraft I was about to board. As I proceed towards the bus out of the terminal
building the lovely Air India staff bid me a goodbye and wish me for a safe
flight.
As the bus left the terminal the excitement level reaches its peak. Soon
I could spot the Air India aeroplane standing at the end of the parking bay. As
we reach near the aircraft. My eyes were full of happiness the aircraft was an
Airbus A320-200 VT-ESE double bogie. I have flown many times on an Airbus A320
but every journey makes me as excited as it is my first.
As soon as I enter the aircraft the Air India Air Hostess great me with
a beautiful smile. Soon I get seated and we departed Indore Airport bound for Delhi.
Those engine sounds when the aircraft thundered down the runway at full
throttle were music to the ears.
We soon reach the height of 35,000 feet and I enjoy the morning scenario
over the land below the universe. Those cloud formation, the sky textures. It
made me feel that I was not flying but having a joyride in the heaven. I could
feel every movement of the aircraft. Every turn, every jerk, every scene, every
cloud was a pure bliss.
And there I go. Another disappointment was on my way. Expecting the hot
omelette which is my favourite meal on the Air India flights I was lead down
when the crew member served tea and cookies to me. The cookies were yum but
they couldn’t serve the hunger rats which had taken shelter in me and were
desperate to attack the omelette once it completed all the check points and had
reached the digestion section of my stomach.
But I soon forgot my hunger as I distracted myself to the beautiful
scenario outside the small window. It was just when I was about to sleep the
captain makes an announcement- “Ladies and Gentlemen we are soon going to land
in Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi. Please fasten your seatbelt”.
It was the time to end the journey. We soon begin to descend towards Delhi
airport and were on a final approach. The captain soon announces-“All stations
clear for landing”. We took some turns
and ups and downs. The houses and the streets were of the size as that of an
ant.
The massive Airbus A320-200 touches down fast but smooth. The landing always
fascinates me. No wonder the crew was well trained. It was the best landing I
ever experienced on any flight. As the aircraft comes to a complete stop so was
my journey. The crew gives us a pleasant smile and wishes a good day.
I soon collect my luggage and move out of the terminal T-3 where my
journey had come to an end. As soon as I moved out of the airport on my way to
my relatives place I see aircraft taking off to another heaven joyride, to
another experience of lifetime.
Aseem Jindal
Email-aseemjindal126@gmail.com
