Summer holidays were just around the corner. Muthu's uncle had called from Mumbai. His family was in the process of planning a vacation to the capital city – Delhi. Muthu's cousin Hari had insisted that Muthu should also come with them. Uncle had thought of it as a brilliant suggestion. He did not tell Hari, but thought that it would also give uncle and aunty some p r e c i o u s couple time together.
Unclesoughpter mission from Muthu's parents to take Muthu along.
They were to travel April end. Once they discussed the dates Muthu's heart sank as his exams would be over only a day before and he would be unable to join them in Mumbai – after all the train journey took over 2 days including a connection change at Chennai.
Uncle had only a week's leave from work. How exciting it would have been to visit Delhi. Uncle was also talking of a trip to Agra and even Jaipur if possible. A few days later, Muthu got another call from Hari.
"You know what? You will be joining us after all." Hari declared with certainty.
"Oh, has uncle postponed his leave? How nice! I will board the train the same day as my exams end. Appa can put me on the other train in Chennai."
"No Muthu, Appa has not postponed the plans. You will take a flight from Chennai to Delhi!!"
Muthu could not think of anything to say for a while." Yipeeeeeeeee!!!!!" he shouted, then he regained *composure.
"You know I am a tiny bit jealous Muthu. I have never taken a flight before."
"Neither have I. Thanks to uncle and you, I will! I will tell you all about it when I meet you in Delhi."
Muthu was thrilled to bits. The exams required immediate attention and Muthu tried hard to focus and do well. Soon the last exam was over.
Muthu's mother and father helped him pack and checked and re-checked if he was carrying his tickets and ID proof.
Muthu's buddies - Maamu and Jones – were excited about his travel. Maamu cautioned him about wearing a seat belt and following all safety precautions just in case there was a crash. Jones was particularly interested in knowing how the toilet functioned in the skies. He asked Muthu to figure it out and let him know once he returned.
Muthu's father dropped him at the Chennai airport.
Mr Moorthy, the escort, took Muthu's trolley and screened his suitcase. He told him that he would be allowed one bag into the craft with him. So Muthu took along his backpack.
