Homecoming

If we are united in our hatred for politics so are we united in our love for the Durga Puja.People who stay away from home choose this occasion to visit our hometowns in Bengal.It was no way different for Avik.He could manage a week's leave.

The wind has caught a sudden chill.The leaves and flowers all pale.A festive mood has caught us all.Everyone looking forward for those few days of enjoyment and togetherness with friends and family.Avik boarded a morning flight to Kolkata.

"Since you are seated at the emergency let me brief you about the security issues," the air hostess muttered .Avik happened to be a frequent flier and could almost recite those lines along with her.

The monotony was broken by the sudden appearance of the fellow passenger.

She was well past her teens.Had sharp features.Neatly done hair.Light eye makeup and heavy gloss.A smart suit with jeans.Classy platinum ear rings and a side laptop.She wasn't very tall.

"Let me help you keep that," Avik helped her keep the laptop bag.They exchanged a smile and took their seats.The air hostess resumed with her narration.Both had their share of fun.

"If someday this actually lands on water would she be so courteous even then," Avik cracked a joke with his co passenger.
"I bet I wouldnt. Had I been in her place!" came her reply.
Hi Im Avik
Myself Aparna.
Thats another name for the Goddess Durga.
You seem to know quite a bit about mythology it seems.So heading home?
Pretty much...I guess same for you?
Well pretty much for me as well.This is one occasion I generally do not miss to be with family.

They chatted away relentlessly.Avik generally sleeps by the time the flight takes off.They had loads to talk about.They figured out plenty of similarities.Fought over their differences.Shared some of their dreams.Boasted few achievments.Kept quite for few minutes to engage again in casual talks.

"So you have a boyfriend?"
"You were waiting for the flight to attain 600kmph and 35000 feet to ask this...huh?Common gauging you, I guess could have been faster ! " she flirted ,"No I dont have one"
And what makes you think Im generally faster.
 You have been resting on my arm rest ever since.Constantly shaking your leg a certain sign of nervousness.Continuous dilated pupils and a hitch in your voice carefully articulating your words.
Avik was swept completely off his feet.Bit embarrassing but none the less convincing.

A smooth touchdown at the Netaji Subhas terminal Kolkata.Not the same for Avik though.He helped her with the bag once again and waited patiently for the gates to open.

Do I get to see you again?He mustered courage to ask her as the door opened and she started moving out.

Check your boarding pass." Aparna swayed her head and replied on the move

He looked at it - Aparna Bose. and a mobile number printed in ink.A broad smile and final goodbye.Certainly a nice start to the pujas.

Maa aschhen.

Wishing all my friends a very happy pujas.


Cheers,
Avique