Cumulus Clouds

Rohan was excited to meet his parents returning from an overseas trip. More so, because of the gifts they were bringing for him today, his big day, stepping into his teens. Spiderman outfit (still hadn't got over with his favourite comic character) and the Knilling 114 VN Sebastian violin from Vienna, he had secretly wished to own.

Since the time he had joined as a learner, his skills had improved dramatically earning him a place in the school orchestra. His playing skill, over the years had matured to a level, where he was sought after for public performances. His dream was coming true at last.  

His grandparents were taking their own sweet time to get ready. 'C'mon...there's still two hours to go before the flight lands' ..grandma shouted and ordered him to calm down. Grandpa had his cuppa in one hand, sipping on Coorg coffee. Sugary sweet just the way Rohan's dad preferred. Like father like son!

On reaching Mangalore airport, Rohan rushed to the arrival gate, to claim his place in the front row, before the drivers with name placards pushed him around. He surmised the violin would be right on top of the luggage cart. Excitement mounting, he never paid attention to the announcements being made over the speakers.

Boeing 737-800 passenger jet operating Air India Express flight 812 from Dubai to Mangalore had overshot the runaway, tumbling down the slope of the table top airstrip, crashing and bursting into flames. Mr and Mrs  Shenoy were amongst the passengers burnt beyond recognition. The airlines authorities remained uncommunicative as families stood and watched the horror unfolding....blue skies turning gray with the rising smoke.

Rohan continues looking at the skies wishing all this was a lie. All he wishes is to climb the ladder to reach his parents residing beyond and above the cumulus clouds gathered over his young life. The school orchestra saw one drop out that year. 22nd May, 2010 his birthday, the day he was orphaned, was crossed out from his life's calendar.