The Middle

The author fondly remembers childhood love for jamun fruit, especially during summer. They and friends would gather jamun from various backyards, relishing the taste. A retired officer allowed access to his tree under certain conditions, creating a memorable experience.

The MiG-21, a 60-year-old aircraft, is retiring from service in India. Despite its age and nickname as a 'flying coffin,' it remained operational due to the dedication of engineers and the pilots who flew it. The author salutes the maintenance crews, pilots, and the aircraft itself.

Observing people at the mall, the narrator notes pervasive digital distraction, contrasting it with the genuine connection of laughing youths. Outside, technology permeates the streets. In a quiet lane, elderly artisans find solace in crafting traditional art, emphasizing human connection.

A couple lost their passports in Paris, devastated by theft. They filed a police report, secured temporary lodging, and received help from their host, Tom, to obtain replacement documents. Despite the initial setback, they enjoyed an extended Parisian stay, viewing it as a blessing.

In remote Seegur, lacking basic amenities, a bank employee faced challenges. The branch was infested with snakes, thankfully revered by villagers but preyed upon by peacocks and vehicles. Cobras sought warmth near the generator and firewood piles. The sweeper often removed snakes and scorpions from the building.

The author's daughter failed a medical exam, prompting a pilgrimage to Sri Hazur Sahib. Despite travel setbacks, the author met a helpful couple, delaying departure. Eventually, the author stayed longer, sensing divine intervention and learning the importance of faith and surrender.

In 2023, residing at a Chandigarh senior home, the author remembered meeting Lt Gen Jacob in 2001. While supervising a visit for the Punjab Governor's fishing trip at Pong Dam, the author expressed concern about his daughter's living situation. Shortly after, the author was unexpectedly transferred back to Chandigarh.

The author, a former Army Major, recalls using a Royal Enfield Bullet as a ropeway to transport supplies and personnel after a landslide in North Sikkim in 1996. The innovation, crucial for military and civilian aid, earned him recognition and fostered solidarity. The author connects this memory to a current experience.

Pens, once symbols of learning and identity, are fading due to technology's rise. The author recalls a 'Penwala' who embodied the era of handwriting. While acknowledging the convenience of technology, the author values the discipline and reflection pens fostered, advocating for their continued use for meaningful expression.

A neighborhood night watchman silently protected residents, receiving minimal appreciation. While diligently performing his duties despite non-payment and criticism, he faced indifference. The loudest critics often contributed the least. True humanity is shown by treating those who serve us with respect.

The Deputy Director General, known for indecipherable handwriting and extreme focus, was a source of amusement in the Army Headquarters. His colleagues predicted his actions, particularly forgetting permissions granted. His handwritten drafts presented a daily challenge, and even he couldn't decipher them after a short time.

A Hindu woman and a Muslim man, both adults, were in a live-in relationship. Her family, accusing him of abduction and illegal conversion, complained to the police. The woman denied conversion and marriage, stating she chose the relationship, leaving her parents distraught.

Soldiers stationed in a border area observed local superstitions, including reverence for 'Pir Baba' shrines. The author recounts the evolution of one shrine at Thanda Pani, initially a simple hut, becoming a significant site after the 1971 war, believed to ensure safety and career success. He eventually succumbed to the practice.

The author reminisces about childhood summers spent pickling mangoes with her grandmother, highlighting it as a cherished family ritual. The act of pickling symbolizes connection, memory, and the enduring love passed down through generations of women, even after the grandmother's passing.

Trekking to Tiger's Nest Monastery proved challenging for the author's family, especially his injured wife, who struggled during the descent in darkness. Encouragement, help from their son, and a gift of fruit from Buddhist monks aided their return, making the experience feel transcendent.

The author recalls a time he sprinted to be on time for a military parade, emphasizing the importance of punctuality as a core value. He condemns lateness and its impact, advocating for discipline exemplified by Fauja Singh, the marathon runner.

Language in Maharashtra is politically charged and a source of cultural pride, fostering strict adherence to Marathi. Conversely, Himachal embraces linguistic diversity, with numerous dialects changing rapidly and encouraging a more inclusive, less judgmental approach to communication and understanding.

A trip from Yamunanagar to Jaipur became a comical adventure driven by persistent billboards. The travelers were lured by enticing advertisements, leading them to impulsive purchases and food stops. They abandoned their initial plans, experiencing a highway-themed commercial spectacle instead.

Indians favor bucket-and-mug bathing, a tradition the author brought to postings abroad. This preference, sometimes critical for survival like in Kabul, even puzzled Russians during a Prime Minister's visit, highlighting cultural differences.

Déjà vu experiences, a feeling of prior familiarity with a new experience, are frequent for the author. These moments, including musical talent and navigation of unfamiliar places, challenge the boundaries of experience. While often explained neurologically, the author views them as a nudge toward a deeper, less understood realm.

The scent of petrichor evokes cherished memories of childhood spent in a large family's courtyard. Shared meals, games, and celebrations thrived in the space, fostering a strong sense of community. The author treasures these moments of connection and love.

Astronauts use music to calm nerves before spaceflight, a tradition exemplified by Gp Capt Shukla's choice of 'Yun hi chala chal' from 'Swades.' The author recounts a similar experience in Sudan, where the movie and its songs, like 'Swades,' provided comfort and a connection to home.

The author visited Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's ancestral house in Karamsad, now a museum. The museum features photos of Patel's life. The author reflects on Patel's legacy, including his role in unifying India and the lack of a memorial at Birla Bhawan, and celebrates Patel's birth anniversary.

A cherished glass with a crack was kept despite the flaw. Its owner ignored the damage and continued using it, associating it with love. Eventually, it shattered, spilling its contents. The experience led to a realization: flawed relationships, like cracked glasses, ultimately break under pressure, wasting love.

ON flights around the world, we come across all kinds of passengers. After all, people embark on journeys for myriad reasons. While we forget most of our co-passengers, some end up making a place in our hearts. Some years ago,...