So Close yet so far - Part 1

Looking outside from window seat of the plane Neel was totally engrossed in his own thoughts. It has been long three years since he had visited India and was desperate to meet his parents, family members and friends. With him getting closer to 30 now, it was evident that his parents would not let him return till he would meet the girl they had chosen for him. "Excuse me, can you please move your bag aside?" his thoughts were disrupted by a sweet voice. 

When he turned around, he couldn't believe his eyes, it was Nisha. "Sure!" he got up from his seat and moved his bag around. He couldn't figure out whether Nisha hadn't recognized him or whether she didn't want to show that despite having recognized him. "Don't worry Nikhil, I have boarded the plane now! Will call you from Europe once I land there!" Nisha was on the call the moment she was seated. "Yes Mom, I have taken everything you have asked for! We will have great time once I reach there!" 

Nothing has changed in last 8 years; Neel was engrossed in his own thoughts. "Miss, can you please turn off your cell phone and fasten the seat belt?" Airhostess was requesting Nisha to settle down. "Oh Sure!" Nisha responded. As she turned towards Neel's side to grab the seat belt, she noticed a familiar face. "Oh My God! Is that you Neel?" she said. "Yes, I am!" Neel responded softly. Both of them couldn't think of what to say next! Things really hadn't really changed in last 8 years. 

"Ladies and Gentleman, welcome you to United's flight from Miami to Frankfurt. I am your captain David and..." Nisha's brain was not registering what she was hearing. Of all flights available from Miami to Mumbai, Nikhil had to book this flight and this seat. "We are expecting turbulent weather in the North Atlantic Ocean and I request you to keep your seat belt fastened once the sign is turned on" David continued. "Will you help me weather this storm, David?" Nisha murmured to herself. 

The take-off was smooth. Nisha always appreciated the beauty of the Miami coast line in the evening whenever she took this flight. It was sun lit and tourists were having great time out there. We also had great time in Harihareshwar. Nisha was the topper of their Computer Engineering Branch. Neel was a very sincere student.  But never attended functions outside the college hours. "Must be Mama’s boy!" Nisha must have thought thousands of times of him during those days. 

Both of them exchanged smiles when dinner was served couple of hour later. "How are you?' Neel managed to ask this question as they handed their dinner trays back to air hostess. "I am doing fine, working with Amazon" Nisha responded. "You always chose the rich and famous" Neel couldn't say it loudly. "That's great!" was his soft response to her.  "How about you?" She asked the question. "With some smaller firm" he responded. She was sort of hurt with his response. "Ok!" said see and turned on to her headsets. One of those sad songs of Bollywood was playing. She would turn if off very next moment in normal times. But these were not. "Kisi Nazar ko tera intezar aaj bhi hain" She whispered to herself looking at Neel from corner of the eyes. He was fast asleep. 

Neel woke up with some strange loud sound! The plane was shaking ferociously. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going through very severe weather system currently. There will be thunderstorms for next 30 minutes or so. Please wear your life jackets and be prepared to wear your oxygen masks” David was trying to stay calm but Neel could sense anxiety in his voice. He turned around; Nisha was in deep sleep resting her head against his shoulder. As much he hated to change the situation, he had to do his job. “Wake up Nisha, there is severe thunderstorm”

Next few hours were crazy. Both engines of the plane were hit by lightning. David was attempting ditching the plane (that's landing on waters) of North Atlantic Ocean. While doing so, Nisha and Neel along with many passengers managed to take emergency exists. Nisha was really frightened and held tightly to Neel. The cold water of the ocean was too much for both of them to handle. But Neel with great willpower started staying afloat and managed to encourage Nisha as well.  Luckily for them the currents were favorable and they were dragged towards to shore of a small island. They had to swim for last half an hour or so. They barely had any energy to walk but somehow managed to reach the dry sand. The full moon was out there in the sky. Both of them fell asleep the moment they were on the sand.

(To Be Continued)