I am at Toronto Airport. My return flight is scheduled to leave at 21:25 on 24th. I am at the Airport well ahead of time amidst snow. It is 18:15 of 24th. The information board is showing 15 minutes delay in departure.
It is 20 Hrs and I am feeling hungry. I have taken two rounds of the airport in search of some food which I can consume. Food restrictions with us is a big problem. At Delhi, Haldi Ram snacks were available. But here no such snacks are seen. I knew it earlier but still hoped against hope to find something.
Then it struck to me that I have two Aaloo-prantha packed by my wife. I open the neatly packed "dinner" and start eating. These aaloo-pranthas laced with lemon pickle is a real treat. A piece of sweet packed separately in a silver foil is an icing on cake. I hurriedly finish dinner and drink water from a nearby tap. Now I am ready to board.
At 21 hrs, the boarding has started. I am in my seat hoping that plane will take off in next 40 minutes. But I was wrong. It is 22:15 and the boarding gates are still open.
The captain announced that they are waiting for the passengers from a connected flight which has delayed due to bad weather. The wait is becoming endless. Every announcement brings nothing but a routine apology for the delay.
Some passengers has just boarded. Crew is guiding them to their seats.
It is 23:30. The boarding gates have been closed and the aircraft is being taken for deicing- a process to clean snow from the aircraft's body.
Engines have been started. The Aircraft is yet to be taken for deicing. Snow is continuing without respite. Then there is another announcement from the caption.
There is some problem with the electrical system of the aircraft. It is being taken back to the gate so that maintenance people could attend the snag.
Snag reportedly rectified. Captain is going to run the engine at gate to test and confirm. The captain announced that the test has failed.Snag still persists. Captain is now taking to the manufacturer.
No words wheather this flight will go or not.
Finally, at 1:55 am of 25th , boarding gates are closed. The Aircraft is being taken for deicing.
It is 2:30 am of 25th. The plane is on runway. Started running and is air borne now.
A complete 5 hours delay is there. Expected to land at New Delhi at 2:30 am on 26th after 12 hrs flying.
Let me catch some sleep.
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