From my very old fb post.

9.11.2001

Loss of a good client –

I remember the pain and uncertainty through out the 48 Hours.

A continous client ever since her bachelors degree. A brand-new master’s student just beginning her journey near tower offices.

The sad part of this – she was not even in the building.

I was told about the cause of her death was debri and smoke. Some debri fell right on her. New York tower area-streets were blocked and jammed while the debri and fire from the smoke was all over the place. It was too late by the time 1st round of services got there.

She was not even fully Indian. She was Part European-Part Indian and was in India for a year of her break and did some projects for fun of it and wanted life in USA.

It was just few months of her new journey. In blink of eye, i heard the news of her death!

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Nightmare in family –

One of those extraordinary times when my whole family was in transit by air—including myself.

My brother was traveling to Mumbai, en route via New York to his university. Because of the part-shutdown, he was stranded at the Indian airport before the check in itself as the international flights were postponed until further notice.

He had to remain in Mumbai at relatives place, until flights resumed.

Meanwhile, my neighbors were stranded in New York, anxiously trying to find out the solution. And asked my brother to wait in India itself because all connecting flights were postponed.

My father was traveling from Delhi when his connecting flight, carrying government guests from the USA and Europe, had to make an emergency landing at the nearest airport. Everyone was offloaded, and the uncertainty about some international guests created tremendous panic.

He eventually had to return home partway by taxi, bringing some of the govt. guests with him. They stayed at my home until secure accommodation became available.

I was returning from Mehsana after a competition, while my aunt was returning from a spiritual tour.

I vividly remember the nonstop phone calls, right around my shower time after returning home. My father called about the taxi and guests, while my brother called from Mumbai about the flight delays.

Airports across major capitals seemed nearly frozen. I may not remember every detail, but I remember those 48 hours bought the fear, loss, uncertainty, and worry that lasted until everyone finally reached safety.

The girl whose file i prepared — was no more. Loss of scholar life was painful to me.

#Right

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