We moved into the premier parking and someone shouted " Sir 30 min 80 Rs, other parking 2 hrs 60 Rs only ". With some confusion where economics crossed my mind hard, but with the strobe lights getting brighter, this was the least we were bothered "
In a long dash at the departure gates, my footwear snapped, but again, failed to slow us down. We watched (with a thick sheet of glass in between), GURUJI with just 4 people around. Oh did we miss it. MD was at the Police Counter at the other end, and her gestures did not give a healthy sign. But with the Divine in front, thoughts took a halt and we did a parallel walk until he disappeared below the stairs. We continued the walk to where MD was, and soon pocketed the pass. WooHoo !!!!
And guess what .. We had a pass for 5 and we were just 4. But our prior agreement said that we act super diplomatic and walk away for probable threats on the pass. Hands waved "Hi" with the mind focused on the doors. MD was mad, so to remove any stains of guilt on the mission, we discreetly passed the message that we had space for 1. After a mini argument, the winner in the crowd walked to the gates, but destiny had not written her name on the pass. She did not enter the glass house.
With guilt out of the way, the four of us were in, with all due permissions set
right, we were in search of the VIP lounge. The fact that GURUJI disappeared behind the stairs helped. Here we were in front of the lounge doors, a peep declared
GURUJI was having dinner. For once I wanted to be a VIP, travel business class and all the more reason to do that MBA program. Unnamed volunteer (from now on UV) marched into the room, and we followed suit. Hiding at the corner, we waited for GURUJI to finish his meal before we go to HIM. Few minutes there and another volunteer Anil served us spoons from GURUJI's plate as prasad.
UV came to us saying " GURUJI ne kaha hain, yahan bheed math karo, you can wait outside on the chairs, and can see HIM when HE walks up to board the aircraft"
MD's airport days were coming back into her and she would in no way believe UV's story. We prayed to GURUJI to free UV from this glass house ( airport .. I mean ). Unfortunately that did not work.
But something super better ....... super COOL happened ...
"What news ??" in a super childish gesture with both HIS hands swinging in question. It took a good couple of seconds to sink in.
GURUJI was marching towards us.
Time froze and when it de-froze to find 8 limbs rushing towards HIM. And
for the first time ever in my life - I spoke into his eyes - " GURUJI onkale paaka vanderukkom ". MD shouted its English translation - " We have come to see you " and added the obvious ".. Love you GURUJI ".
GURUJI : But how did you come in ? ( with still a question in HIS eyes, as if HE did not know )
and here we were proving a point as if to a nursery teacher, " We have a PASS GURUJI ". GURUJI inspects the pass, validates it ( Another show off, as if HE had no idea ).
Putting the curious eyes to rest,it was time for the right hand to gently tap all our heads in sequence ( beginning mine :) ), sending shivers all over.
And now time to move on to the next question - " Where have you come from ? ". Again MD and I answered in sync " Indiranagar ... GURUJI ".
GURUJI : " Oh it is too far, and it is already late ( which another gesture lifting his arms up showing his watch, or wherever the watch is supposed to be ). You have seen ME and now you must go home "
Later in the car, we had an argument that this was directed only at MD. When GURUJI stuck to his stance after repeated pleading to stay, we agreed ( as if we had a choice ). But it would not get over soon. That too with MD around.
In another signature MD move, she asks " GURUJI can we click pictures with you ".
GURUJI obliged and had already embarked on another Guru story in malayalam. He was naming a baby "Achaman venda, vere enthu peruvekkum, Anirudh ...." and it continued.
MD passes her classy accessory a E series NOKIA to UV and passes another command " Ache se lena photo "
In the next few seconds that passed the mini sensor on the Nokia captured for eternity the moments of the eventful November night.
GURUJI waved at us and unwillingly we made our way towards the exit gate. Defying the Master was not on the cards, but MD wanted to go back again just in case the photos were not clear. For lack of a better argument, I literally dragged her to the exit gates.
All of us wanted the night to stretch to eternity. One felt sleepy, one was super crazily happy ( all of us were ), I was sweating out of hapiness in front of the AC vent ( khushi ke paseenen :) ), and MD even shouted out her wish-list. She posted her matrimonial ad
" Wanted groom with anytime access to Ganga Kutir + one spare access card for the bride "
...another MD sentence to add to it
" Aapne aaj mere saare baatein sunli hain, yeh bhi sun lo".
to which I commented
"That must be easy. Shortlist is not at all that long "
