At the outset this time my Us journey was not very different from going from Anakapalli to Amadalavalasa I did not have time to make elaborate arrangements for the trip . I was so much exhausted in India it self due to other commitments. I got real feeling of a traveler only when I got into the international flight in Delhi. They did not stop us at nightmare Frankfurt on our way. Thank God! You listened to my prayers ! I escaped from that dungeon. I was in O'Hare, airport, Chicago much before I realized. Thanks to Air India for flying even with half of it's capacity.I had two vacant seats next to mine in a row to stretch my back. I enjoyed the luxury of three pillows and three blankets which I could have asked for anyway.
I was one of the first few to stand behind yellow line in Chicago. This time it is going to be a cake walk. Year ago the black woman was unkind to me. " I feel that you came to settle down here " I came to senses after hearing the white immigration officer.A question that could have put me endless laughter. But with lot of restraint I said "No"with my usual casualness. I really I do not remember the whole text of conversation that followed. His face turned red, his voice became coarse.He screamed "Go..Go" pointing his finger to one corner. What does that mean? Is that corner meant for people whose entry has been kept in abeyance? Should I go back to India ? or into USA?. What a welcome ! Why we all go to places where we are not welcome? He seemed to have been obsessed with a fear that all the 6.70 billion people of the world are waiting to settle down in US. Does he ever know that many parents are unwilling to visit his country for the second time? Finally I realized that he stamped my I 94 despite fretting and fuming.
Nothing right seemed to be working for me on that day. Another person on the way too appeared uncomfortable with my inquiry. " Don't ask me. I don't work here". Splendid ! Better I shut my mouth for the day as it is proving to be too unlucky for me. Terminal three, gate 18 never seem to be in sight. I finished my morning walk while searching for the right gate. I know, it rarely happens, I stand at a point where I lose my confidence for a moment. I hate loosing control of my own things and direction, but I did . Is it my bad mood that led me to the disaster? I seem to be doing all wrong things. People all around in white skins, blond hairs speaking the language which I love in precise intonation and diction, their agile bodies don't seem to be making any impact on me.
Before boarding domestic I had to go through another security check which was more rigorous. I should not feel bad about it. If they are safe I am safe! I heard "Go!" from a lady and was about to leave. Some red light might have flashed on my face. I was called back. She smeared some thing on my palm. Asked me to show it to a machine. Curiously no interesting results were revealed. "Pull the chain out" when I was asked I pulled out my "Mangal Suthram" . I was skeptical about a safety pin hung to it. Can I kill a pilot in the cockpit using it it? Why not? She threw a strange glance at the two tiny gold plates hung to my chain along with colorful beeds.
Before boarding domestic I had to go through another security check which was more rigorous. I should not feel bad about it. If they are safe I am safe! I heard "Go!" from a lady and was about to leave. Some red light might have flashed on my face. I was called back. She smeared some thing on my palm. Asked me to show it to a machine. Curiously no interesting results were revealed. "Pull the chain out" when I was asked I pulled out my "Mangal Suthram" . I was skeptical about a safety pin hung to it. Can I kill a pilot in the cockpit using it it? Why not? She threw a strange glance at the two tiny gold plates hung to my chain along with colorful beeds.
Why these people crook their necks wearing quarter pound weighing gold chains with weird shaped medallions? That seemed to be the expression on her face. I too felt strange for wearing that chain for three long decades but never chanced to cast an inquiry. "Let me check you." The fat black lady hugged me. Not bad! let me join the chorus for gay marriages. " If you do not mind I will scan your cabin baggage" the white man hijacked my bag. "What did I keep in the bag?" I was reviewing closing my eyes. "God, save me. Let my homeopathic pills look harmless to them"
I opened my eyes. "You are through" he kept the bag on the conveyor belt . I slipped out hurriedly. My domestic flight was fine, no fat person be-seated next to mine, all along with boring cokes and Bloody Mary. I regained confidence in my looks as none of the flight attendants look younger to me in domestic flights. Even before you finish your drink, she comes with a trash bag to collect throwaways. If I drop my half drank tin into the bag will it spill over? Finally I decided to own it for longer. Even four hours journey does not earn you a single cookie.
At the end the airline staff thanked me for flying with them. Long before I heard a weird story of their pilot leaving the cockpit and serving drinks to the passengers ! (Thank God, air routes were not as congested as Indian roads.) I too thanked them for bringing me safely to the destination and pilot being glued to his seat all the time. Shortly after my arrival there came out a scandal that some commercial pilots in India are not even trained. In short , an autowalah is competent to fly an airplane in India.
I passed through the same clean and tiny airport. Nothing seemed to have changed much. It was like saying "Hello" to a buddy. I gazed at the art gallery where I crashed in and hurt my head two years ago. What can I do? The glass was so clean and invisible as if it was not existing at all .Heaps of snow welcomed me all around while I came out of the airport. I thought I would shiver, but no.. I didn't.
Our car was gliding on the smooth roads. The same roads, the same walkways , surrounded mountain peaks covered with snow, the same casinos with abstruse vanity. This time what was missing is greenery. All the trees were looking dry. and naked. But this dryness has a different augur. They foretell an impending blossom. It is not death, but a spell of composure, recess. Death evokes despair, lull heralds promise. The eighteenth century University towers indolently waved to me " Hi ! Dude !How do you do?" The lawns looked dry and weary waiting to redeem their lost hues. During my last visit I tried to change American being Indian at heart. This time I guess I am more an American at heart inclining to be an Indian in exterior. Because I realized that my true identity comes from the attributes I am born with. Yet I have no hesitation in aggrandizing the orderliness, the silence, the immaculate environ, infrequent human ordeal, palpable thoughtfulness in execution and delivery, and the tangible utilitarian quality of the land I am stepping in.
Our car was gliding on the smooth roads. The same roads, the same walkways , surrounded mountain peaks covered with snow, the same casinos with abstruse vanity. This time what was missing is greenery. All the trees were looking dry. and naked. But this dryness has a different augur. They foretell an impending blossom. It is not death, but a spell of composure, recess. Death evokes despair, lull heralds promise. The eighteenth century University towers indolently waved to me " Hi ! Dude !How do you do?" The lawns looked dry and weary waiting to redeem their lost hues. During my last visit I tried to change American being Indian at heart. This time I guess I am more an American at heart inclining to be an Indian in exterior. Because I realized that my true identity comes from the attributes I am born with. Yet I have no hesitation in aggrandizing the orderliness, the silence, the immaculate environ, infrequent human ordeal, palpable thoughtfulness in execution and delivery, and the tangible utilitarian quality of the land I am stepping in.
" Did I not tell You? I have an intuition " I heard a scream during my nap in the car. The red faced immigration officer of Chicago has pulled his face close to mine with eyes wide open.
"Pl. Get down madame. Here is your address !" somebody opened the car door as I opened my eyes.
