Small Story 89 AFlight of Fond Memories.

Small Story 89 A Flight of Fond Memories. Bengaluru International Airport Terminal 2 was busy as usual. Athmanatha Rao arrived at the airport, and the staff at the main gate greeted him. After checking his identity card, they gave him a respectful salute and took his two bags to the BA Business Class counter. Athmanatha Rao had retired two years ago from HAL's Engineering Division, where he had been a professor for pilot training students. His family consisted of his son, Advaith, and his wife, Ambujam, a class Administrative professional working for a leading corporate group in Denver. Advaith worked as a senior editor for a major American newspaper. Rao's wife, Pankajam, was a retired professor from a famous college in Bengaluru. Their only son, Advaith, had settled in the US and did not want his parents to live alone. He had arranged permanent visas for them, and today they were traveling to join him. They had a good breakfast in the special lounge. Athmanatha Rao was diabetic but kept it under control, being cautious about consuming sweets. Pankajam, on the other hand, loved sweets and frequently indulged in them. After settling in their seats on the plane, the middle-aged passenger seated next to Athmanatha Rao greeted him. Rao replied but could not recognize him immediately. As the plane took off, passengers unbuckled their seatbelts. The neighboring passenger then said, "How are you, sir? Do you remember me? I am Dhananjay, your old student. I’m now working as a pilot for British Airways." Rao then remembered him. Dhananjay had been from a middle-class family but was brilliant in his studies. The previous year, he had struggled to pay his fees, and Athmanatha Rao had helped by covering the 25,000 rupees. Dhananjay had repaid the money after three years, which left a lasting memory in Rao's mind. "Yes, I remember you! How are you? And where are you going?" asked Rao. "I’m going to Denver to meet my cousin," Dhananjay replied. "That's great! I’m also going to Denver," said Rao. "It looks like we’ll have good company." Dhananjay mentioned that he was still a bachelor and his parents lived in Udupi. He recalled how Rao’s advice during his student days had influenced him, and he admired Rao’s teaching methods. After 18 hours of travel, with a break in London, they reached Denver at 11 PM local time. After collecting their luggage, they stepped outside, where Advaith waved and greeted his father and mother. “How are you, Dad? How’s Mum?” he asked. Ambujam, who had some work, had sent him to receive them. "Hello, Dhananjay! Welcome!" said Advaith. "Ambujam asked me to receive you." During the car ride, Athmanatha Rao learned that Ambujam, his daughter-in-law, was actually Dhananjay’s cousin. They reached their home at 12:30 AM. Ambujam joyfully welcomed her in-laws and cousin. It was a memorable journey for Rao, made even more special by the reunion with his old student. Journeys are always pleasant, but only a few become memories. This was one such memorable journey for the three travelers. K.Ragavan. 26-11-24