In 2009, when I was working at Dubai, I got a call from my brother at Abu Dhabi saying he is leaving to our home city at Kerala for a holiday. As I had some very important documents to be sent to my wife, I went to meet him at the airport.
It was a very hectic day at work, and I could leave Dubai only at 10pm, I was extremely tired by the time I reached at Abu Dhabi around 2 am and gave the documents. Very next day I had a shutdown work at an important plant, as work permit holder I have to reach back before 7am. I waited for the bus to Dubai and there was none to be seen.
After almost one hour, a Pakistani Taxi driver appeared trying to find people for Dubai on his return trip. His taxi looked shabby and old, but I had no choice as it was the only option. I was worried about the slow pace at which his old noisy taxi pulled itself and wondered if I would reach Dubai on the work site on time. I was drowsy, sometimes between wakeful state and 'head in the clouds'.
That was like a never-ending trip, and he finally dropped me at a dark street corner, a small familiar junction near our ancestral home at Kozhikode, Kerala. I walked to our home and pressed the calling bell. My father opened the door, followed by my mother who were wondering how I reached without any information.. They told me that my brother Manu was supposed to come, and they had no idea about my coming.
My parents were worried how I came without any baggage and in such a shabby dress.. They were asking questions and I had no clue.. My dad told me not to worry coaxed me to come inside. Hearing the voices our neighbour came out asking when did I come.. and my dad told him that I have come without any luggage and passport, there is something wrong.. As I was not able to explain my situation and was standing like a moron, my mom suggested that let him rest and we decide what to do after sun rise.
There was a very faint sound of a call for early morning namaz from the Mosque.. I realised that I had been to the Airport at Abu Dhabi to see Manu and the took a taxi to Dubai. I laughed out loud, saying that its all a dream and there is no need to worry.. Hearing this, our Neighbour told my dad that we can take him to a Psychiatrist. I again insisted that I am on the way to Dubai and even hear the call for Namaaz. I can call you back as soon as I wake up.
The taxi stopped suddenly and I found myself at Dubai. I had an urge to call my parents to inform them that I reached safe as I told them that it was all a dream..
If I called them, they would have really told me to go and see a Psychiatrist.
