One year ago, I got on a flight to Dubai for a big Punjabi/ Pakistani wedding. It was a last-minute decision so the clothes, the thoughts, the shoes, and the family drama were some widely spaced thoughts fumbling about in my head whilst I packed for the wedding. As for the family dynamics — to put it mildly — in our family we don’t hide the crazy, we welcome it out onto the patio and give it a cocktail.
Cut to the day of travel — I paid for one of the “better seats” on a budget airline that had stewardesses flinging their hair in the food and drink whilst trying to balance their ever so short skirts from hitching up the back as they expertly maneuvered around the aisle. As I found my seat, I immediately observed the lady sitting by the window as I put my bags in the overhead compartment. We exchanged smiles and just as I sat down, we both audibly hoped that the middle seat would remain unoccupied. I’m happy to report that the middle seat did indeed remain unoccupied.
As the plane took off, we exchanged usual co-passenger pleasantries, but before long, we had found a source of amusement across the aisle from us — let’s call him Mr. Peacock for the purposes of this story. He had the stewardesses running back and forth; his personal slaves for the beckoning, it seemed. We couldn’t help but investigate who this man was. As it turned out, he was a dear friend of the gentleman who owned the airline. He continued strutting his influence, and at point commenced the dance of the skies for us to witness as well. My newly acquired friend was quick to pat him down, and pat him down she did. He sheepishly scuttled off back to his seat, where he quietly sat for the remainder of his flight.
This reaffirmed what I already had a sneaking suspicion about — this lady was going to be my friend. We laughed through our stale aircraft snacks and bonded over the loss of parents, work, and marriage — we cried, we giggled, we even shared earphones to listen to music that stirred our souls. I knew she was a keeper.
That was the beginning of a friendship that has taken an immense amount of work — we have met only twice but we talk over the phone every single day. We chat about our days, our deepest secrets, our sadness, and our joys. She has seamlessly taken on the role of an older sister and is the first person I look to when I’m in low spirits.
Who knew you could bond over a peacock 35,000 feet up in the air and forge a friendship that will last a lifetime?
Written by Usha Kalra Paul
Week 24, June ’19
