You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello

My farewell party started on July 31, 2007 and climaxed on August 24, 2007 at the Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, Mumbai.

Every party was a whole new wave of emotions - pools of sorrow, waves of joy. The end of every party left me depressed. I started missing people, places, things even before I left them. Still, days went by...every early morning pre-sleep haze ended with excitement about the next day's plans.

August 23, 2007 hit me hard. Ma took leave to stay home with me and help me pack. Something was different about her today. She was being extra chirpy, and giggly. She usually does this when she is trying to cover up her sadness. At different times of the day, both her and me got a little teary eyed. By day end, I was depressed and questioning the move.

Sleep a perchance to dream. Sleep a perchance to re-evaluate. Woke up on the 24th feeling mighty pleased and gung-ho about leaving. A change is always and opportunity to explore a new facet, take chances...exactly what I needed.

Dad had a sad-phase around late afternoon, but then he got fine when I taught him to use Skype.

Debbie came home in the evening. Priyo came over after that. All of us drove to the airport together. Debbie and I giggled aimlessly and acted silly one last time...at least for a bit.

At the airport, Kevin and Aman (who professed undying love and got all senti, I'm guessing it was a 'rebound' act post the recent break up) came with garlands and flowers and did what they do best - embarrass me in public. Ma distributed Cadbury's to everyone around. Nishith and Vaibhav imparted serious 'family' advice. Dad grinned while sipping his chai.

A few tiny hiccups (a scissor in my bag - own up Debbie and I won't bite your ankle the next time I see you) and farewell phone calls (Lord Dudely, I hope you've not gone bald wondering how what will happen to us now) later I was air borne and super pleased with my window seat. Heard the Amelie soundtrack while take off (as usual). Felt nice.

And then I slept. Dreamt of seeing Rahul in 16 hours and how it would be when I will spot him among the crowd while trying to manoeuvre my trolley out of the arrival gate...(tich tich...pseudo romantic behaviour *beeble*)