Ek Udaan (A flight)

Yes.. Yes.. Diwali is over and now one has to get back to work. But is that all...there is a still a flight to catch from Delhi to Bangalore. A sure shot no-worry 2:30 flight ! Why the need to spend even 2 mins on that thought....

All folks were checked in, and at the correct moment the boarding was initiated. Folks were in good mood...well folks, we have heard Delhi flights being delayed due to Delhi Fog (well, we actually would call it as smog - in the evenings !) that was acceptable :-)

The Boeing geared up, the Captain mentioned the usual welcome message.."Welcome to ***** Airlines. All boarding completed. Crew clear the deck for take off". Bingo ! we are all set to go.
Lights were dimmer, the plane geared up and the jets fired...

And there behold came the surprise annoucement from the Captain " We have being informed by Delhi Airport has reported take off delays. We are 16th on the take off wating list" !! Waiting list... hey ! we thought only trains had waiting lists ! Could not believe my ears :-)

Then we knew the fact.. looks like one of the runaways was under repair, and all the International and Domestic departures and arrivals were on a single runway. So much for the captials International and Domestic airport...

Well, then the coundown started as the plane inched towards the main tarmac..it was equivalent to a lottery..as the position came closer for the jackpot (in this case a go to fly).

9:00 pm (16th position).....15th...14th...13th...12th..11th..10th....
.....9th.....8th.....7th....6th....5th...4th....3rd..
.....2nd...
......1st position (10:00 pm) --- Bingo !!

10:00 pm .... yes ! we are ready to fly (hopefully !!!!!)

ETA Bangalore - 12:30 am midnight :-) not bad ..eh ! we were still hopeful !! The flight was uneventful and finally we landed at Bangalore at the scheduled time 12:30 am midnight (well, that to Delhi airport were 1 hr behind schedule)....

All heaved a sign of relief.... we have made it, now to collect our baggage and make it to our 'home-sweet-home'. The plane taxied for about 10-15 mins...first time we knew how BIG is the Bangalore HAL airport.... and finally parked at 'some' location in the Airport.

We reach the Bangalore Airport and waited for the luggage to arrive. A few more minute(s) and we are at home :-) High hopes....but wait ...it that all...an announcement came over the PA which heard something like "Due to the aircraft being parked at a remote location, there would be a 30-45 mins delay in luggage arrival" ... WHAT !!! :-)

Well, the luggage did finally arrive..and folks would finally exit the Bangalore HAL airport at 1:30 am morning. Good Morning Bangalore !

Next time we will try ...www.indianrailways.com ... :-)