Bangalore to Mumbai!

28th August 2012. My flight ticket was already booked. 7:20pm the plane was scheduled to fly from Bangalore to Mumbai. 6:50pm - the final check in time. I had planned to leave from office at 11am. And then go to city office, complete the formalities and reach airport on time. But due to some work, I could only leave at 12:00pm from office! Thereafter I went to ashram, to book a cab from ashram to airport. I asked the lady at Sumeru travels: 'My flight is at 7:20pm, what time you think should I take the cab?' She said: 3:30pm. I said I want to go to city office now, and I won't be able to come back before 4:00pm. She said, if you take the cab at 4:00pm, you might miss the flight. I said, I have no option, please book it for 4 pm.

Quickly, I took a bus and went to city office (Ashram > Banshankari > Jayanagar). This was the 1st time, I was going to the city office, so hardly had any clue, where the office is. I searched a lot, and finally I got the address. (Spent a good 30 minutes in this process). By 2:15 pm, I got everything done in the city office. Finally I reached Udipalya (place from where my cab was gonna come/place where I stayed), at 4:00pm sharp, and got a call from the cab driver. Quickly I got my bags, and placed them in the cab. Then I got a call from my colleague that he wants to meet me (my manager had a gift for me, and had asked this colleague to give it to me!). I asked the driver if we can wait for a while. He said we don't have time. Somehow I managed to convince him. We decided on a place, where we both could meet. By 4:30 pm, my colleague met me, and gave me the gift. (My manager gifted me a beautiful Kurta of Guru Om bhajan lyrics written on it - Madhurya brand).

Then we took off for the airport. I had to reach airport by 6:20 (an hour before the flight). Somehow I managed to reach at 6:20 pm sharp. Now the biggest issue - I didn't have any identity proof with me (pan card, passport etc.). I just had a photocopy of passport (which is not accepted). I pleaded, but they didn't allow, and asked me to go to the control room. The control room guy started saying we can't do anything, and then indirectly hinted if I could pay him a bribe. From the beginning I was very sure that Guruji will take care of everything, but when I heard this - I was like - I don't want to pay bribe Guruji... please help!! :)

So I started searching my wallet if there is some identity proof. (My wallet has Guruji's picture, which I pointed towards that Control room guy, and silently prayed Guruji do something! :D). Out of nowhere I found my local train pass (mumbai). I asked him, will this do? He said Yes! and threw the pass towards the counter window (in anger - because he missed a chance to earn few bucks. But I was happy! :D). I quickly ran towards the departure gate, showed them the train pass, and was allowed inside. (The security lady looked at my ticket and said 'Kingfisher abhi bhi chal raha hai kya! :P I answered Yes! :D). Time - 6:30pm.

Now, the 2nd roadblock. My friend had asked me to get 2 bottles of Go Mutra (Cow urine) from ashram. So I had them in my carry bag. Somehow I knew they would stop me, during the bag check, and they did! They asked me what is this. I told them. They were like: Even Go mutra is packaged now? And I said Yes! :D

They did some testing via their system and machines, and allowed me to go :)

I quickly ran towards the Kingfisher counter. The cabin crew ladies questioned: Why are you late? (It was 6:45pm) I convinced them with the story. They said ok, any luggage to check in. I said yes! one bag. The lady asked her colleague if it can be allowed. She said Yes! and asked me to run towards Gate 13. I took the ticket and ran. When I reached the gate (6:50 pm - the checkin time), there was this guy making an announcement: This is the final call for the passengers travelling to Mumbai :D I gave him the ticket! The flight took off on time (7:20pm), and I reached Mumbai by 8:40pm

It was so super awesome! The whole day was so full of adventure. I knew I had no identity proof, but somewhere there was this assurance that it will all be taken care of. And it was! :)

This is just one of the grace stories that I have been experiencing since last 3 months. There are sooooo many more... Will share them very soon ;)