Munna, Mohanlal And Dadaji

Three of them were sitting in the same row, in the flight that is, which was going from Mumbai to Newark airport, USA.

Since it was an International flight, there were many free hours to pass, and nothing much to do. Only thing the passengers could do was to keep on eating, watching movies and sleeping.

Perhaps it was natural that they got into conversation with each other.

Mohanlal was a middle aged man, of around 45 years, sitting in the centre. On his left was an old man of about 70 years. On his right was Munna, of hardly 12 years of age.

As the flight took off and was in a safe mode, Munna started jumping and peeping out from the airplane window. However, it was fruitless, as he was sitting away from the window.

Besides, his restlessness was causing a lot of irritation to Mohanlal. He had never seen such a misbehaved child before !

To Mohanlal’s utter surprise, Dadaji spoke, “Beta, Do you want to exchange your seat with me ? You can get a good view from here.”

So Dadaji and Munna exchanged their seats.

Dadaji was reminiscing. “I remember my childhood days. I was just like you, Munna. “

Munna smiled.

Mohanlal did not appreciate this much. He appeared to be in a grumpy mood.

Dadaji decided to give some tips to Mohanlal. “Son, Have patience. When I was of your age, I used to be grumpy. But life is not as bitter as we think. You will be fine. My son..” and he left the sentence half way.

Mohanlal looked at him. Dadaji looked pained.

“What happened Dadaji ?”

“ Nothing, Mohanlal ! I am fine. In fact, I am going meet my son in USA after 24 years !”

“That is a happy news ! You should be celebrating Dadaji ! “

“I am happy and celebrating son ! Just that I lost my wife only a year back, and she could not see her son before she passed away. That memory..”

Mohanlal was feeling sorry for this old man. But he did not know what to say.

Perhaps he could not share Dadaji’s pain as his own young son had recently settled in USA - and he was feeling proud about it !

However, after a few minutes, Dadaji was calm and in a better mood to start talking with Mohanlal. In fact, he kept on speaking incessantly for almost all the 16 hours !

Mohanlal dozed off, and Dadaji did not mind it somehow !

It was a good sign that Dadaji was sharing his life story with someone finally !

After a long, tiring flight, Newark airport arrived.

Dadaji bade farewell to Mohanlal and Munna.

However much he wished, he will never see them again !

Dadaji’s son, Rohan had come to receive him. “Pitaji, Was the flight okay ? Did you sleep well ? “

Dadaji –that is - Mohanlal nodded. “Both the adjacent seats were empty, so I could rest well.”

He found it unnecessary to add anything further..

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