I write this post from a window side seat of an Indigo flight from Pune to my hometown New Delhi.
While we just took off from the Lohegaon airport, the journey is already enjoyable and fun-filled.
The primary reason is an energetic group of 15-16 odd co-passengers who seemingly are on a leisure trip. With the number of kids in the group, one wonders how did they manage to skip the essential mundaneness of their school? But the kids are only making the rather boring flight deck, more buzzing with activity.
As the flight rolled out from the parking bay, the group made very loud chants to pray their beloved God with an elephant head, Ganapati.
In Maharashtra, today is a big day with Ganapati visarjan (immersion into a water body) of a sthapit (established) Lord statue at home. This is typically a 5, 7, 9 or perhaps 11 days affair. The last day, that is today, typically sees many groups heading to the water bodies of all sizes to do the immersion. Covid has of course led to calls of adherence to strict guidelines issued by the local admin. Its a very special day in the state.
I was reading the Sunday edition of the Economic Times, but my ears were alertly catching the discussions of the group.
The part of the group right behind my seat seemed to be traveling in the aeroplane for the first time. The young kids started describing the whole process of flight take off both with great level of detail and also with lot of excitement.
As the plane was taking a mandatory U-turn on the Pune runway, the shrill voice of one kid drew everyone’s attention outside the window. Another started asking if plane can go in reverse. Frankly, even I dont know if a plane can go in reverse on its own.
The plane then started climbing elevation and the group’s excitement also escalated.
There were chorus of voices filled with amazement as they reviewed each and every scenario that the beautiful morning threw at us.
The shrinking Pune skyline, for no better choice of words, was described as an amazing toy land.
The mighty Sun was welcomed with another set of loud cheers.
The scattered clouds in a clear blue sky were appreciated for their abundance.
As all this was unfolding behind me, I was trying to jog my memory and find the last time I appreciated this routine part of life and nature so excitingly.
Unfortunately, I couldnt recall any. This makes me feel more sombre and surreal.
If anything the last 20 odd months have taught us is the importance of this beauty of small things that is embedded in our surroundings but often ignored by us.
I felt rejuvenated by the experience. This is just the perfect gift to end my trip where I have embarked onto a very exciting exploration.
As I sat back and enjoyed the rest of the journey, I played through the entire week that went by in Pune. The things I did and I didnt.
I am glad that the child in me is still prevailing in some very important aspects of my life.
Grow Daily 