Foreign Affairs - Prologue

 

Prologue

"Yes, this is the first time I am travelling by flight," Little Inla told the airhostess who just brought her the meal from the kids’ special menu which she had demanded.

"Oh, that's great. So, hope you are enjoying this flight journey with us," the airhostess said as she handed over the plate of food to Mia, Inla’s mom, who was seated next to Inla in the middle seat. 

4-year-old Inla eagerly looked at the plate which Mia had just put in the tray before her and said, "Yeah, but that would also depend on how tasty this food is." 

"Oh, Inla, that's rude to say." Mia said. 

"No mumma, I am not being rude," defended Inla with a slight frown on her face. 

"Of course, dear, you are not," the airhostess said before Mia could say anything. 

Inla smiled. 

"So, your name is Inla, huh? A very nice and a different name," the airhostess continued. 

"Oh yeah. Not just it's quite different but there is also a big story behind my name. Do you want to hear it?" Inla asked.

"Now, now, don't trouble Ms. Dolly here, she has work to do, she can't hear your story. Now sit and finish your meal," Mia said in a slightly strict tone.

 Dolly said, "Maam, that's okay," to Mia and then looked at little Inla and said," Inla, you finish your meal now, I will serve the others and when I get a bit free, I will come and hear your story. Is that okay?" 

"Yeah, sure. But let's do one thing, instead of me telling the story, let's hear it from my Appa," Inla said.

"Appa?" Dolly asked. 

"Yes, my father. He is right behind you now," Inla said pointing her finger behind Dolly.

Thats when Dolly turned to look at me. I had just returned from the washroom. 

"Oh, sorry sir. Please have your seat," The air hostess said and gave me space to move into the aisle seat where I was sitting beside Mia. 

 

"Appa, won't you say our story to Dolly? She wanted to hear about it," Inla said as she munched on her food.

I just gave them a puzzling look. I had no idea what Inla was saying to the airhostess about “our story’’!

"First, finish your food Inla," Mia said impatiently.

"Mumma is always strict and quite boring, but Appa is super fun!”

I couldn’t help but smile hearing that. But I could also see Mia glaring at me from the corner of her eyes, so I controlled myself.

Inla continued, “It is my routine to hear my bed time story from Appa. And the story of our lives is my favourite. It will tell you how I got my name as Inla. You must hear it," Inla insisted. 

"Sure Inla. Just wait for few minutes. I will quickly finish my work and will get back to you to hear your story.”

"From Appa," Inla said. 

"Sure," Dolly said with a nod. 

Inla gave a high-five to Dolly. 

"What you would like to have ma'am?" Dolly asked Mia. 

I will have your Continental Non-vegetarian menu, " Mia said as she opened her food tray. 

"And you sir? "Dolly asked me. 

I adjusted my spectacles and said, “I will have Indian. Vegetarian. You have pure vegetarian food, right?” I asked to confirm.

" Of course, sir," Dolly said and quickly handed over the food to us. 

“This food is yummy!” Inla said as she ate.

“Thanks, Inla. I am sure now you are thoroughly enjoying your first flight!” Dolly said.

“Yeah. Of course! And come quickly to hear my story. I would get sleepy soon and my dad will start the narration.”

“Yeah sure.”

“Also, at the end of the story you will know why we are travelling to India,” said Mia.

“Oh! Ok!” Dolly said.

“To finally get mumma and appa married,” Inla said with all excitement.

I almost choked on the food which I had just started to eat.

Mia gave me a cold stare and handed me a bottle of water.

Ms. Dolly though seemed to be a bit shocked and surprised to hear what Inla just said, masked her expressions quite well.

And little Inla with all her innocence was quietly finishing off her food.

Dolly looked at the three of us once more before she moved on to the next row. 

 I could now tell that even Dolly was interested to hear our story. I might not be surprised if she would really come to hear “our story”.

The story of our lives!

The story I tell Inla, every night before she sleeps. How me, a traditional South-Indian guy who look like a nerd, ended up with this beautiful and modern European damsel.

This is our story!