Returning Flights

Returning Flights

My husband had a meeting in Varnasi and he invited me along. I did not really want to go. Even though it was the oldest surviving civilization, I had heard horror stories about the place.

Surprisingly, it had a slick new international airport. Once you left the airport, the city was unbelievable. There were pot holed roads, many vehicles and the locals did not seem to know that  we were living in India (that too Modi’s consistency) where we drive on the left side. Both sides of the road were fair game, as vehicles squeezed through every available gap.

In the hotel I found a travel desk.

“Do you have tours of the city?”

“We can arrange a taxi for you.”

“Who will explain the sights?” I asked.

“The taxi driver knows everything. Do you have a friend to go with you?”

“No” I said. Everyone else was attending the conference.

“Then” he said ,”its better if you don’t go.”

Anyway Varnasi was flooded and people were being rescued in boats. The Vishwanath temple was partially submerged. The roads were ankle deep in water.

When we left Varnasi I told my husband, “I don’t know if I will make my connecting flight. There is only an hour between landing in Delhi and leaving for Chennai.”

“It’s the same airline “ said my husband, “Indigo. They will book your luggage through.”

At Varnasi we found that Indigo had no such deal. We had to rebook. My husband was going to Hyderabad so he had a two hour layover. Our flight landed 10 minutes late, the luggage took ages to arrive and the flight was departing from the next terminal.

I ran all the way to the other terminal (it pays to do half marathon training) and I reached the counter 20 minutes before departure.

“I cannot load you or your luggage, “explained the ground staff, “the flight is already boarding. You have to be here 45 minutes before time!”

I let out a loud wail. ”I am a sixty four year old lady. I don’t know how to book another ticket. I have  to reach Chennai. I came here by Indigo. Your luggage g delivery was late. You did not book me through to Chennai. How can I stay here alone? I don’t know anyone in Delhi.” I cried loudly again.

Passenger sympathy was building up in the rest of the queue. “Arre “ a passenger shouted “don’t harass Mataji.”

“Okay,” she said ,” here is  your boarding pass. Take your luggage and run. We can’t load it”

I ran all the way to the departure gate. My check in baggage was rescreened and my nail file removed.

I ran to the gate. A car arrived to take my suitcase and me to the flight. My luggage was pushed in next to the toilet. I sat down and the flight took off.

Thank you Indigo. BUT I will never again ask my husband to book my tickets!