Ayubowan!
When Air Bus 330 was sailing as low in the air that we could see swinging trees and lush fields with streams and river flowing through them, a word appeared on the screens ‘Ayubowan’! Moments later when we were off boarding the plane, I enquired our lovely host Wayomi who had dark kohl rimmed eyes, about the meaning of the word. She replied in her soft voice, “May you be blessed with long life!”
I just fell in love with the word! One word with such pragmatic meaning!
We had a connecting
flight from Colombo to Male. All the passengers were from Pakistan. There were
two categories going to Male; families and bachelors, but destination was same;
Saudi Arabia!
It was as strange to see
so many people from so many diverse backgrounds, striving and struggling to
reach the place they call home, as it was to see the indifferent and
inconsiderate attitude of Saudi government towards her residents.
There would be many for
whom it is not an easy feast to spend two weeks in Maldives or any other
country. Air fares are higher than usual and so are rest of the
expenditures. Families are separated and stuck for infinite time! Though
there are options here and there to get back but with many uncertainties looming
over them.
Ironically, those more
vulnerable are more at risk. Our working class is brutally manipulated by
traveling agencies. Agents are taking advantage of their lack of resources and
feeding them every sort of false information. They are being made to pay unfair
amount of money for poorly planned itineraries. Horrific stories of
exploitation are everywhere! Nothing is sure for certain, and everyone is
trying to get their share out of the situation.
Our media is playing its role too as per expectations in spreading baseless news regarding the situation in kingdom. We are heralding a new story every other day marked by rumor.
Stories about an entire Indian flight being sent back was everywhere and agents were availing the piece to stir apprehension. Flight was returned because their documents were incomplete, it had nothing to do with COVID. None of the passengers bothered to dig the details, they were agitated and wanted an escape from the situation regardless of the price. Yet it cannot be denied that circumstances these days are transient!
Level of uncertainty was so high that we booked return tickets from Maldives to Pakistan as well.
Amongst all this
incertitude, we started ticking our count down manual. The first one on the
list was shopping! Though it was our way out of homeland to the land where our
home is, yet it was via one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in
the world! And it calls for shopping!
Kids were excited
and eagerly looking forward to soak in waters after being away from swimming
pools for two years.
Once swimming supplies
were done, costumes, slippers, caps, shorts, tees, and plenty of sunscreens
were bought, we hoarded bags with snacks, tea, instant drinks, and medicines.
Goodbyes were being said
while wrapping things up we expanded over seven months period. There were
closets full of clothes and cabinets full of stuff we bought during our stay.
Finally on 4th August amidst farewells and greetings, we departed for Lahore airport. It was different, it felt as if we were going out of town instead of country. From immigration to check in, it took us more time than usual. They were painstakingly screening each document.
Once done with all the nitty gritty of
process, pushing and holding our hand carries, backpacks, and cross bodies when
we stepped out of the security check, usual sight of Nirala Sweets tasted sweeter to eyes. The familiarity about the surrounding was calming!
I was eagerly looking forward to stuff my plate with samosas and sandwiches of airport lounge. No matter to how many airports lounges we travel or how many
delicacies do they offer, these mini potato samosa, bite sized sandwiches and
tea made with Everyday will always hold a special place in my heart!
We were not settled yet, when news came that our flight is delayed. It was stressful as our
connecting flight from Colombo to Male was barely an hour apart. We were
assured that there is nothing to be worried about as there is no way to miss the next flight,
it is carrying all the passengers to Male who are travelling from Lahore to
Colombo.
When boarding was announced, it was past Fajar time, but passengers were charged with anticipation rather than sleepiness.
Crew members of Sri Lankan Airlines
welcomed us warmly. Their faces were covered with protective shields, and they
were wearing a blue overall over the uniforms which was bit overwhelming to
sight yet appropriate considering the situation. Our friendly hostess Wayuomi was from Colombo and several times been to Pakistan.
I was overjoyed when she told me that she finds Pakistani food the best in the
world!
We have always
heard about the graciousness of Sri Lankans and this short encounter proved it
right. From airplane crew to staff at the airport, everyone was cordial and
helpful!
After sailing through the air for four hours, we were slowly descending in the lush green lands where palm trees were swaying, muddy streams were flowing and, in the background, song kept on resonating;
Blue Water, shiny ice
Sri Lanka Paradise!
Blue Water, shiny ice
Sri Lanka Paradise!
Sri Lanka Paradise!
Though the view from
above was enchanting yet it had to wait to be savored by us. One day we will
visit this country of lush plantations, golden fields, blue waters, and
friendly people, where you are greeted with words weaved with prayers.
Ayubowan!
Out of the water into the PCRs
