The Miracle Of John Doe Who Sat Next To Me on My Maiden Flight
I was flying back home because my dad died the day before.
On the early morning of Nov 15th, 1997, something surreal happened. I was seated next to him on my first airline flight — ever.
From North of India, I was rushing home to South.
The last 15 hours had been a blur. That was my first moment alone surrounded by complete strangers. Trickling tears dripped down my cheeks. I pushed back on the seat. Head up, eyes closed.
Engineering Science is my major. Logic is my livelihood. Passion is what moves me. Coincidences that are karmic — I hardly talk about them for an innate fear that I have a fellow skeptic on the other side.
Is there a power beyond?
The passenger seated next asked me why. My words haltingly trickled. All he said in an all-knowing voice “Focus on your mother. You help her hold-up. You will have a swell of life from this abyss.”
My cousin picked me up at the airport. He was solemn, shaken by the sudden tragedy. He asked me to be strong — the irony of being the eldest, recasting the stereotype of a boy with a mustache who needs to be a strong man.
