The Flight out
It has become a new normal.
I would chose the late evening flight to my place of work to avoid the rush of boarding an early morning flight and in this case a very early morning one. It ensures better sleep and a cleaner slate for work, the next day.
Usually I choose to stay in the city but since I had a very early meeting the next day, I did not want to miss my breakfast and chose a lone hotel on the Vijayawada highway. Unsure of the quality, I gambled on a “what if”.
What if I get a good deal, what if I save more 90 mins of morning car ride. So after a tiring day, a rush to the airport, a quick heavy snack/short meal from Starbucks (I usually chose it for the freshness of the food). I was on the flight. As it happens these days, it is difficult to fall asleep on an hour and 20 mins flight with a pre-booked meal. I would not eat it anyway, but air hostesses would wake me up.
The approach to the Aero Mall from the arrival lobby is a long one, longer than it is in Pune. What is strikes you is the bigger buggy cars. Tired after the day long work and a flight and from the thought of the impending 90 mins drive to hotel, all I prayed for is a cooperative cabbie.
Meeting V
I met Mr. Venkatesan or V. I felt good instantly. The vibe of the man, so welcoming made my car ride to Nestlay Rooms (My stay over the night) 73 kms off Chennai a pleasant one. He suggested I have my dinner on the way in Red Hills (outskirts of the city) and suggested A2B or Adyar Ananda Bhavan, my second time here. When I requested V to have dinner with me, the shy cabbie would only have a filter coffee while I had Fried rice and Mushroom Masala. His knowledge of cars and its maintenance is profound. He happily explained while I listened patiently.
Decent food and the served hot, all I can ask for at 10.30pm. The sleepy and hungry myself had most of the food and the little left over was shared a needy by V. By then, V had become more than just a driver for the trip—calm, helpful, and quietly dependable.. I was already comfortable knowing he will be with me the entire next day too.
Highway stay at Nestlay Rooms
Nestlay Rooms stood quietly by the highway—three floors, a sleepy receptionist, and the kind of silence only highway hotels seem to have.
I made a call a couple of hours ago, just confirm my visit. I did not want a rude surprise so late in the day with no where to go.
Decently large room, 2 beds (A queen size, a single), clean washroom, AC working, work desk and tea, coffee, water heaters with tea and coffee bags for the next day morning. I cannot start my day without.
What made me happy after a very long day is the 2 small tea bags from Flury’s. I am regular user and would swear by it. Happy and confident the next day would start great, I slept like a baby.
Day 2 and the long ride back
After a filling buffet breakfast, I checked out of Nestlay Rooms and commenced my day 2. A further 30 mins away from Chennai where I would meet my colleagues from Chennai and the Customer.
“Good Morning Sir”, V’s trademark smile greeted me and work passed well.
Satisfied and happy after the meeting, my colleagues and myself left Gummidipondi towards my Chennai office, a long 3 hours ride with a stop at Padapai for Lunch and your guess is right it was at A2B.
2 hrs at Chennai office and brief work, I started towards Chennai airport. Around 90 mins ride through Tambaram. I wanted to buy some sweet, V suggested Krishna Sweet and I chose a bit of Mysurupak. Quite amazed by the packaging, I bought an additional small box with a single piece inside. Looked cute and elegant at the same time.
V dropped me off, after sharing pleasantries I had my dinner at the traveler lounge, relaxed a bit and waited for the flight which was 4 hrs off departure and delayed by 40 mins.
Home Again
I reached home close to 1 AM to a sleepy but smiling wife. The Mysurupak had probably helped. A quick shower and a long, deserved sleep finally brought 40 hours of work and travel to an end.
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The Curious Mind 
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