Conclusion

An empty feeling gnawed at me, as the hours left in India passed by. I sniffled as I lay in bed, hoping, wishing that I could have a few more days left to spend in India.

I groggily got ready to leave the apartment, checking for anything I might have left behind. The sky was black and eerily lit by the tall lampposts on the streets. India was asleep. Sleep; I wish I had gotten more, as I slouched on the futon in the living room, my shoulders hunched as I anxiously glanced around the room, trying to capture every essence.

The time came when we all had to reluctantly stand up, take our luggage, walk outside, take the elevator down, and approach the car that would take us to the airport. Some light conversation floated around, as we drove down the highway. My grandparents and my mother and I prepared ourselves for the moment when we would have to part, and their daughter and granddaughter would disappear through the doors of the airport.

That moment soon came. We took some pictures together and walked towards the airport doors. We hugged and kissed each other over and over again, desperate not to let go and to savour the sorrowful moment. We broke from our embrace and my mother and I entered the line where our passports and boarding passes would be checked. I looked back at my grandparents, wishing I could say goodbye one last time. I dashed from the line and under the ropes towards them. I cried as I clung on to them. I said goodbye and joined my mother, as we entered the airport.

Now I sit on the airplane that will take us to San Francisco, wondering what they are doing right now. Is my Thatha reading the newspaper or watching the news, is my Patti watching TV or cooking? Are they thinking of me, of us?

I hope I get hiccups soon, because when I do, I’ll know I’m in their thoughts.