An Epiphany in an Aircraft

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A dear friend told me to write about my quarantine experience. For me, the trip was more eventful than the aftermath of the trip- A 14-day quarantine. So here I go.


I never thought the announcement ‘Welcome back to India’ would let warm tears pour down my cheek. There are some instances in life where you cannot hide your emotions. They barge out without any warning. I was in such a situation when I landed in Kerala, India after a year away from home. A year seems normal. But life threw a curveball at all of us in the form of Covid-19. And it was almost seven months that we were confined to our flat. The constant uncertainty- of jobs, health, education to name a few, was dreadful. I have never stayed away from my family for this long, especially in such a vulnerable situation. Missing my brother’s wedding was a bolt from the blue. I have imagined many difficult situations that might come about in life. But never in a million years did I expect this.


Gloom cloaked over me like a monster, refusing to release its grip. No matter what I did to comfort myself, I could not find sanity. Finally, I mustered up all my courage and decided to travel alone with two kids. I planned well and briefed the kids about the significance of being mindful of hygiene all the time. I encouraged them to wear the PPE suit, calling it an astronaut’s suit. They fell for it, thankfully.




The journey went well. We landed in our hometown and I couldn't wait to get out. But I had to be extra careful. So we were the last to get down the aircraft avoiding all contact with fellow passengers. On reaching the airport, we doffed our suits hoping the virus went away with it, if there were any.


People know me as a nonchalant person for most of the time. It always helped me get by when I didn't know how to manage otherwise. But that day, I was struggling to contain myself with the overwhelming emotions. On the way home, in an airport taxi and my brother and wife tagging along, I felt a sense of comfort. Lush green , cozy air and the earthy scent livened me up. I got home, and greeted everyone with a wave . No handshake, no hugs. I and the kids went straight upstairs for the 14 day self isolation. A shower in the cool well water was reviving. I only remember crashing into my bed. I haven't slept so soundly for a very long time. The trip was all worth it already.


Home quarantine was a challenge. Kids grew restless in a week. But we stuck to the protocol. And the fifteenth day was joy ineffable. I spent a month and a half with my whole family. The kids had a great time with their grandparents. And I got some time off from all the hustle to contemplate myself. I realised that the decision to go home was the best decision that I made this year.


Sometimes, you need to take risks to find peace, which is quite ironic. I was ready to bite the bullet and face the consequences and I am still glad I stood strong. When I was on the airplane on the way back, I had this epiphany that I had been fretting about irrelevant things that added fuel to the humdrum of my life. It was high time that I rediscovered myself and I believe this journey did exactly that. I thank God for keeping me and my kids safe throughout this whole episode, which was quite an endeavour. And I will be forever grateful for being blessed with a loving family. 

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