Reality Ever After

Part 35. Bickering Travellers

Manik and Nandini, both had thought that they knew almost everything about each other and were aware of every little thing about the other. But this trip to Bangalore was an eye-opener for both of them about how there was still so much uncharted territory left for both of them to explore. They also were such contrasting personalities when they traveled that they hadn't stopped bickering since they had reached the Mumbai airport.

For starters, Manik liked checking in his luggage as he didn't want to bother carrying around his bag everywhere whereas Nandini liked keeping her luggage to herself. Especially since they both just had small cabin sized bags. She believed that it'll save them time when getting out of the airport. Then, the two of them cribbed about the seats on the plane. Nandini wanted a window seat so she could look out while taking off and landing whereas Manik preferred the aisle seat because he was very tall and couldn't sit comfortably in the middle seat. But if they wanted to sit together throughout the journey, one of them would need to sit on the middle seat. However, since Manik had agreed to keep their bags with them and not check them in, Nandini agreed to sit in the middle seat for Manik. But unfortunately for Manik, he saw a creepy looking uncle sitting on the window seat of their row. He, of course, couldn't let Nandini sit next to that creepy dude and hence, had opted to sit in the middle seat instead which resulted in him being grumpy and irritated in the congested lack of space with no space to fit in his legs. If this wasn't enough, they had woken up at 4:30 am for the flight. While it was normal for Nandini to wake up so early, Manik was as annoyed as he could get. He really wasn't a morning person at all. He thought he'd steal a wink on the plane but now, since he was so uncomfortable, sleep was miles away. Nandini could see how annoyed and grumpy he was. Not to mention, even uncomfortable. She folded her legs on the seat so Manik could have more leg space.

Nandini - Are you sure you don't want to exchange seats? You're very uncomfortable.

Manik - No it's fine.

She could feel that far uncle on his right poking his elbow at him from time to time.

Nandini - You can use my leg space.

Manik - You're lucky you're short. You can curl into this stupid tiny seat so easily. Mujhe bohot neend aa rahi hai. I had to wake up so early because of this stupid flight.

Nandini - Come here. Sleep on my shoulder.

Manik - No. This seat is just so uncomfortable. I won't be able to sleep at all.

Nandini - At least try.

Manik - Okay.

Manik leaned onto Nandini's shoulder. She untied her scarf from her neck and covered Manik's face so the light can be blocked out a little. She placed her head on top of his and Manik snuggled further trying to find a comfortable position. Fortunately, the trick worked and Manik did manage to catch a wink for the next 30-45 mins. A random lady sitting on the opposite row was giving her a weird smile looking at the way Manik had snuggled into her. She didn't understand why people were so judgemental for no reason. All Manik was doing was just hugging her sideways and sleeping on her shoulder. There was no reason for her to give her a suggestive smile. Hence, she just decided to ignore it.

Soon, they landed in Bangalore and the moment they stepped out of the airport, they felt the significant drop in temperature compared to Mumbai. It was a welcome change after facing the gruelling heat in Mumbai all the time. The two of them soon hired an Uber to go into the city. When Manik had finished helping the driver out their bags in the boot of their cab, he saw Nandini seated on the backseat right behind the driver. He knew she had done that just so he could get more leg space behind the passenger seat. His thoughts were confirmed the moment he and the driver sat in the car and Nandini asked the driver to push the passenger seat ahead so Manik could have more legroom. He didn't know why but just this simple gesture made him smile leaving all his grumpiness behind.