A is for Airplanes

It’s 1 A.M.

A woman’s voice rings out loud from the speakers and jolts me out of my nap. My mother hastens me to collect my bags and to keep my boarding pass handy. My father has already begun heading towards a queue lined up near the departure gate. I look at my sister, who seems equally groggy.

As I join my father, I see the shadowy outline of a gigantic aircraft beyond the glass doors. Lights twinkle in the distance. I sense some excitement creeping in. I pull out my smartphone from my pocket to type out a new WhatsApp status. Yes, the world must know that we are about to begin our vacation.

Boarding passes stamped at the gate, we step outside and make our way towards the enormous yet elegant structure. I am amused at my naivety for having underestimated its sheer size and architecture. As we climb up the airstair, I feel my anticipation peaking. Two beautiful women, greet us at the entrance. “Welcome aboard!” they say. I suppress an illogical urge to say  “You too!” and step inside.

We find our seats. I have a small tiff with my sister over who gets to sit by the window. I let her win on realizing that the dark sky is bound to get monotonous. I put on my seat-belt, fiddle with the buttons on the mini screen before me. I am not one for watching the television, but watching movies whilst flying is a different ball-game altogether.

Soon after, a gush of security instructions follows. It is but obvious that the passengers aboard are oblivious to the former. A possibility of technical failure due to turbulence is something no one wishes to acknowledge. I try to pay attention, but in vain.

Within minutes, the aircraft begins to lumber towards the runaway. It’s almost time for my favourite bit. “Cabin crew, please be seated for takeoff” mutters a voice through the speakers. I look outside towards a broad stretch of road, and silently bid the airport goodbye.

The plane shudders, instantly gathering immense speed. My mother shuts her eyes and waits for it to pass. I, on the other hand, feel rejuvenated by the sudden rush of adrenaline.

The prelude to new memories. My favourite bit before jumping headlong into new adventures.

My theme for the A-Z Blogging Challenge is ‘The A to Z of some my favourite things’. Stay tuned for more posts, this April!