Day-1 in New Delhi

Colorful big balloons, only one of their kind at the airport, a view observed with amusement by every person in the vicinity, held by my mom. Her excitement evidently flowing into the balloons and causing them to be waved and thrashed about. My father and brother in law, in close tow behind, beaming and busily gesturing us to hurry up and run into their arms. We did.


It has begun and this is going to be a long day!!

India, a burst of color amidst a carnival of people and cars. The warmth of the waning afternoon showing no signs of relenting to a November winter. It seems strangely cloudy. Instincts kick in immediately and I guard my baggage and my family more closely...it's easy to loose your stuff and track of people in this crowd. Every now and then we stop to hug some more and share a laugh of two, only to be nudged ahead by a constant movement of the masses around us. Somehow we are in the way of either Tom, Dick or Harry!

Aaliyah is standing her ground even amidst all the sensory bombardment of noise, hugs, lights, balloons, warmth, smell, chaos and lack of sleep. Once on our way home, she settles into the window seat as ready as Alice in wonderland.

Constant chatter soon occupies us, leaving almost every topic incomplete desperate to catch up on all that is, in the 40min ride. At home....more noise, hugs, lights, warmth, smell, chaos and excitement as Aaliyah is introduced to 4 generations of family. Each generation uniquely placed in the scheme of things, plays their role effortlessly. The great grand parents hug, laugh and then sit back and enjoy the show. The grand parents competing for attention, shouting instructions for food and hospitality and glowing with happiness. Parents busy managing hyperactive kids, serving snacks, exchanging festivities with others, running around to keep an order and the kids - aimless and untamed as if it is the first day of summer vacation. The general noise level in the house is several decibels higher than normal and the aroma of food instantly hits the spot with us. I watch Aaliyah as she conducts her self with calm and ease...and I know that she will do just fine.

In this kalaedoscopic madness, I find my moment of peace.

Are we there yet...?

The excitement of the destination keeps you going. But for some, the journey is equally important and there are moments when it is hard to tell which of the two weighs more. Moving away from family and roots into a world so different in every possible way and recreating your life is a long journey.


The last few years have been just that - a journey.

Our trip back home this year is different. To our families, it comes across as a silent determination that we have built our home...far away from where they had hoped it would be. And we take with us our young daughter, who belongs to the same family tree but with separate roots. Out of love and devotion, we know that she will be received with open arms and in our hearts we hope that she embraces the world we know so well. Aaliyah has travelled since she was much younger and so airports or planes are not new to her. Not to forget that she still has her challenges enjoying the experience in her style.

Nothing out of ordinary happened during or after the air travel. Our 'checking in' to the country and baggage collection was also nothing to write home about...nothing eventful, until we noticed the balloons after the exit.