Anniversaries in a bunch!

On the 15th August,the following happens:-

1.India celebrates Independence. I feel proud. I remember when 15th August was the only day that getting to school on time was most imperative. To see a fluttering flag, to eat hot samosas. I remember images of Indian Air Force Airplanes and Army battle tanks rambling on Delhi’s roads as I sat glued to on old Onida Television set!

2.I remember the dirty sliding doors of the Mumbai International Airport as I checked into a different world. My crying mother amongst other faces. It’s been two years since I left home. Since when I left a lot behind and never came around to pick up the left over. Have been on a fantastic journey since, re shuffling priorities, solving equation irrespective of variables, but missing home has always been a constant. Oh well!

3.Air travel fucks up. 15th August 2003, North East American blacked out. I was stuck at Chicago. This weekend, Philadelphia kept me back and blamed stormy weather. Days lost in air travel, new stories racked up to tell my kids.

4.She turns another year old and celebrates her birthday. Last year she was home. This year I was on my way back. But this year, I got her shoes that she loved and I loved spending the weekend with her in Boston.

A lot happens on that day. I am glad; I would have not wanted it any other way.