Blog Series #1 : Awkward Silence | Part 1 – ‘Excess Baggage’

Firstly, I would take this opportunity to thank all my loyal readers for all the love and appreciation you guys have shown since my very first post. It has truly been an overwhelming experience so far. It’s coz of your continuous support and encouragement that in span of few months, I could come up with ten interesting short stories.

Hence, I thought this is a perfect time to introduce my new “Blog Series”. Under this, the story would unfold in parts/series. My first story under Blog Series is titled ‘Awkward Silence’.

Hope you guys enjoy it and shower your love and support just like you have been doing. Feel free to give your feedback on this new creative adventure. Feedback, suggestions are always welcome. Creative inputs will always be appreciated.

Happy Reading!

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Awkward Silence – Part 1

Running late to board the flight, I wish I could jump the security, but had to go through the procedure. “Welcome on board Sir”, the air hostess greeted me warmly. Panting for breath I just nodded my head and acknowledged her greeting. I was probably the last one to board the fight because as soon as I entered, the aircraft door was closed.

The air hostess guided me to my seat. “Wow! Aisle seat, fantastic!”, I said to myself. The day couldn’t have ended on better note than this. Placing my hand luggage in the upper cabin I sat down loosening my tie. Rather than listening to the in-flight announcements before the take-off, glancing from the window was a better alternative. Turning to my left, to look out, I saw Priya sitting next to me. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

There was an awkward silence between us for a moment. The announcement, “……..Flying time between Mumbai and New York is 15 hours and 55 minutes”, made me re-think of flying. Travelling that long with such an awkward silence made me feel, I was actually travelling with excess baggage.

“Old habits don’t die easily. You still run late everywhere”, remarked Priya. I knew exactly what she hinted at.

“Well… I am certainly on time; Or else I wouldn’t have met you today”, trying to ease out the conversation, I tried playing it cool.

There was a very conscious effort from both of us to be best at displaying our emotions. The words, the reaction, the body language and the reflexes all were thoroughly self monitored, self examined and self scrutinized before exhibiting. Neither of us wanted to display our vulnerability to the other. The flight took off from Mumbai.

Seeing Priya restive, I said, “Indeed… Old habits don’t die easily. You still get jittery during take-offs!” “May be, but I try to work on them, than avoiding them”, slammed Priya.

She could always communicate all in least possible words and over the years I had mastered the art of reading in-between the lines.

We started our careers together from the same organization. We would spend hours talking with each other. With time we became the best of friends. She loved my humour and often called me ‘Mr. Google’, as she believed I had answers for everything. But this ‘Google’ had a heart and to top that an over conscious mind which never synced with each other. Most of my early life had gone in calling a truce between these warring enemies. Hence, Priya always pointed that my focus towards life was scattered.

We were the best critics of each other. In fact, most of the “critical analysis” was my domain. Decoding her personality was always a challenge for me and never did I realize when this challenge made me fall for her.

She refrained from doing the same with me. She asserted she couldn’t analyse people like I do. In saying this, I still wonder whether this was her confession or jibe at me. But then that’s vintage Priya! She believed in making people realize their mistakes rather than pointing it out to them; which I hated the most. Coz sometimes it’s too late to realize your mistake and you have lost every chance to undo the wrong.

The seat belts signs were off. Looking from the corner of my eye I could see there was no wedding band on her finger.

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