I was running helter-skelter all around the house... Trying to gather things to pack my suitcase..
I was flying to New Delhi.. Yes, it wasn't the first time that I was traveling by an airplane, but it was definitely the first time that I was travelling by an airplane ALONE. All by myself.
At first, I was absolutely thrilled when my parents allowed me to travel alone to my grandparents' place. But as I neared the day of travel, nervousness was overshadowing my thrill and excitement... Questions like..
Will I be able to manage everything alone and
Will I be alright were constantly creeping up in my mind.
Finally the morning of journey dawned. I got up early, to bid goodbye to my little brother who would be in school when I would board the flight. After that, I quickly got ready... My flight's departure was at 13:20 and so I was to report at the airport an hour before..
My father gave me some money, a long list of dos and don'ts which would make my journey safe and comfortable and then before going for work, he hugged me happy journey. He was not able to drop me to the airport because of work, and so it was my mother who was driving me to the airport. After papa went, mummy packed my bag "properly" or rather "orderly", ensured that I had a heavy and sumptuous breakfast and then we were ready to leave for the airport. My luggage was kept in the car's boot and after taking God's blessings, we had come out of the house and were locking the door when we realised that the home-keys had disappeared... The lock was in its place but the key was nowhere to be found. After spending a good 5-7 minutes looking for the keys, we finally took out another lock and key set, locked the door and proceeded towards the airport. All the time, on my way to the airport, I was trying to prepare myself mentally, that I won't shed any tears and not cry at all. In about half an hour, we had reached the airport.
My mother bought the visitor's pass to come inside the airport and see me off, whilst I went to the departure gate, showed my e-ticket and photo identity proof to the security guard who after checking my ticket details and Aadhar Card, let me go in. I then went to the luggage screening machine, and got my suitcase sealed and locked. The hustle-bustle and constant announcements at the airport made the atmosphere very lively. I then proceeded towards the next counter to get my boarding done. As soon as I gave my luggage, and handed over my ticket to the officer at the counter, he smiled politely and said..

"Hi ma'am.. I'm sorry you'll have to wait for a few minutes. Actually the computer isn't working.."

I smiled back and waited patiently. And in no time, he had set the machine right.. And began to do my boarding. It was surprising that he didn't ask for my id-proof there. I asked for an aisle seat and got one. As soon as I got my boarding pass, I went for the security check.. Just before that, I could see my mother standing on the visitor's balcony and so I bade her goodbye and wiping my tears, went ahead. I kept my handbag for screening and then went into the ladies compartment for checking. The system of putting a stamp on the tag on the hand baggage has now been removed, so I just picked up my handbag and went to the second floor as my departure was from Gate No. 5, which was not on the ground floor.
As I sat alone, waiting for the boarding to be announced, tears trickled down from my eyes.. I was missing my father, who would always take us all around the shops at the airport and never sat quietly for even a moment. I was missing my mother, who would always do some random window shopping and pull our legs. I was missing my brother, who would always irritate me, and would always be interested in all the food counters at the airport.. I was missing my family. Traveling, or doing any other thing alone, is never that much fun and enjoyable as it is, when done with family and friends. After giving updates, to my family members on whatsapp and call, I checked the monitor for the flight status and to my despair, saw that it was 15 minutes late.
I waited for another fifteen minutes and then stood in the queue for boarding. I was among the first few passengers and so got my boarding done quickly.. Through the aero bridge, I was now in the flight.. The flight which would fly me to New Delhi, alone for the first time..
As I sat in the flight, the excitement of traveling alone had increased manifold times and I felt much more confident now. After informing my family members about my status, I switched off my phone, took out the Word Search book from my handbag, and after seeing and listening to the safety instructions announced, I rested my head on the back of my seat, enjoying the experience of my first travel journey alone...
Traveling alone was a great experience. Even though I was missing my family around me, I know that as I grow up, I will eventually have to travel alone. Even though my parents and other family members will always be there to support me mentally, it is not possible for them to be physically present with me at all times.. The time has finally come, when I have grown into a big bird, who is ready to spread her wings and soar high.. And by traveling alone, I got the first stint of this growth and maturity.. My first lone travel had given me the confidence, morale and independence to stand on my own feet. It has been a greatly enriching experience altogether and I hope to fill my newly opened bank of emotions and experiences with many more such wonderful journeys.. Both travel and otherwise.

Okay.. This is more of a personal memoir.. But I wanted to share this first experience of mine with all you guys.. I flew to New Delhi in India, alone, for the first time.. It was an ecstatically amazing experience!!!
You can share your such firsts too...
Happy Reading❤️😘