I was returning from Goa. On entering the aircraft I found that my seat was in the last row next to the toilets. A young air hostess passed by. I stopped her and requested for a seat forward, if vacant. She promised to check and let me know after takeoff.
The flight was full. Chances of a seat shift seemed dim but was surprised when this air hostess asked me to shift forward to the twelfth row.
I settled in my aisle seat. Food trollies were being positioned. One stopped right next to me. “what will you have Sir,” asked the air hostess. I chose a sandwich and a drink. “Can I see your Boarding Pass “said the air hostess? I gave her my Boarding Pass and told her that I have not pre booked my meal. I shall be paying for it now. To this she said “Sorry Sir, in this flight pre booking of meals is a must.” I smiled and thanked her for a glass of water. The trolley moved ahead.
I then got busy watching a movie on my tab. Meal trollies had been stowed away. This was the time when individuals start visiting toilets. I suddenly noticed the Air hostess next to me. She extended her hand containing a present day health juice bottle and a packet of energy crispies. I took them and asked her, “how much”. Her answer,” Nothing”. I said “Really”. To this she said, “This is my company snack given to the crew and I would like you to have it.” I told her, no way that I am taking this and I cannot see you flying hungry. The Air hostess once again insisted but I was very firm in telling her that I could not accept her offer.
It was then that this young lady said , “ Please have it. It seems you have not eaten for some time. And your name is same as my father’s. I had no further argument to make. Equating me with her father touched somewhere a chord. My eyes went moist and blessed her.
By the way she was the same Airhostess who had helped me in shifting my seat. I thanked her whilst deboarding. My only regret is that I forgot to ask the name of this angel in the sky.
by Cdr Rajeev Kanwara (9891446469)
