The last day of my old life

July 28, 2005 6 PM EST (probably 1 PM local time)

Finally, the day arrived when we were supposed to bid adieu to the United States in pursuit of new places and new things. It had been a very hectic last few days of preparation and wrapping up. On Saturday, the cause almost seemed lost, but we did a lot of work on Sunday and Monday to feel ready. Tuesday was mildly relaxing although we did have some stuff to do. In two days, we had finished shipping everything, cleaning the apartment thoroughly, packing, and also seeing friends for one last time. On Wednesday, we still had a couple things to do before we set out for the airport. We had to return the computers to Murray Johnston and also take care of a couple things at the post office. The last people we saw before we stepped out into the unknown were Missy (she was kind enough to come and give a couple last minute gifts to Prarthna) and Sudhaker. Then we set out for the airport (after making a quick stop at AAA). Prarthna slept all the way and not withstanding a traffic jam on Belt Parkway, we arrived at JFK in very good time. That was the beginning of a major adventure….

Everything had gone according to plan so far (well, almost – Prachi was angry at me for bringing her to the check-in without eating lunch. So, I tried to pacify her by getting her a Snickers bar). So we were in the line before we went to the agent, and as soon as she opened her mouth, that began the adventure. She told us that the Delhi airport is closed and we cannot go and we have to go to rebook. We were like – what is she talking about? We were totally aghast.


This is all I wrote that day....I am publishing it now on Jan 21, 2006