Chapter-1
“1 unread SMS,” a message popped
up in my mobile phone at 6:30 p.m. I
gently tapped the “Read” option and there it was “Not getting you over the
phone. I left my luggage at the IGI Airport yesterday. It contains my high
school certificates, pan card and a lot of important documents. Please get me
the bag as soon as possible! ” I had my heart in my mouth; even I could finish
reading the entire message sent by my cousin sister who stays in Bangalore.
I immediately replied back,
“Listen I understand, but it will take some time.” As soon as I send the
message, I was immediately retorted back with a number of angry emoticons and another
message that read, “Just shut up! Go now, I have already sent you scanned
copies of my passport, boarding card and the Letter of Authority.” With all
hopelessness and nervousness, I embarked my journey towards claiming the unclaimed
luggage.
It was 8:30 p.m. I walked inside
the ‘Lost & Found’ counter of Air India. “Excuse me! I have an unclaimed
baggage that was left unattended by my sister who was travelling from Delhi to
Bangalore.” My query was met with a disgruntled look by a 35 year old woman. “Do
you have any documents of the passenger Sir?” I immediately forwarded the documents
to her. “Thank you! Kindly have a seat
sir. I assure you that you will get back your lost luggage today.” I was too
impatient and eager to get the lost buggage, but as luck would have it, my wait
was accompanied by a halt of two hours. In between, I made a number of
enquiries and ‘n’ number of trips near the enquiry counter to know the status.
11:30 p.m. I woke up from the
short slumber that took me in its arms. I hurriedly went to the enquiry counter
to one of the staffs who were answering queries from other eager passengers who
suffered a similar fate like me. “Did you get my luggage?” I asked one of the
staffs on a positive note. “Sorry Sir! We can’t help you today because the
store where the luggage was kept has closed down and we cannot give you any
guarantee that your lost baggage lies with us.” Their gentle response
infuriated me with anger and I lost my cool. “What the hell are you saying dude.
How on earth is that possible? You just assured me few hours ago that I will get
my luggage back”
My phone vibrated. I saw the name
of my sister flashing on the screen. My heart pounced a bit again but stopped
within a second because the outburst of anger took over the short nervousness. I
continued my protest on a war footing front. Keeping my cool I requested him to
have a discussion with his superior. After a short clandestine meeting, the two
came out of the short cubicle and with a fake smile the Senior Manager very
kindly gave me his number and promised to return the lost luggage.
Feeling dejected and a little
worried I called up my sister. I was
mentally prepared to get berated by her. “I didn’t get your bag, but they have assured
me that I will definitely get it tomorrow.” After a 2 second pause, there was a
soft and mild voice, “Ok, take your time and do inform me when you get the bag.”
Her response was a comforting one. It was 12:00 p.m. (midnight). I caught the
next metro and returned home with positive hopes.
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