Mom - Dad - Sis - where are you ??

Lost (as) in Space !!

Ride "Tora Tora" was very New back then!

I was in 1st standard or so, that day was highly awaited by both me and my sister. We had plans to visit the Exhibition. Lights and fancies in the entrance blew out my mind. I could not believe "Tamukkam maidanam / Summer Palace grounds (Madurai - my native) " - which is usually a very dry and plain ground be turned to such a wonder and marvel !!

I had already lost in dreams even before entering the exhibition; we waited for the tickets in the queue. First few steps were too exciting; right from the water blower, (the kind one finds in marriage halls) to the buffoons and Mickeys – all were very interesting. We entered the hall were there were stalls. We passed the usual stalls of homeneeds, electronics, vacuum cleaners (new those days) to reach the purpose of the day – Games and Fun!!

There were specially designed halls and display stalls by the government, upon the public awareness (and children things!!). I enjoyed all those photos and explanation given by my father. From those halls, we exited to a place were the Giant Wheel invited us, there was a never ending queue for it, we proceeded. We purchased Ice creams and were dumb stuck at the new arrival for the exhibition – “TORA TORA”, one could have identified us as the “Ice Cream Family” (everybody had one in their hand). I was too much taken away by TORA TORA – it swiveled, rotated, and dizzied all those who were in it. I went closer to the rims near the ride, leaving my family behind and enjoying that ice cone. I saw the thing for almost 10 minutes – the screams that people made kept echoing in my ears – the fear and excitement on everybody’s face was very enjoyable. I too wanted to be in that, though that was too scary (would have got pissed for sure).

I was too much duped at it, after a long interval I looked behind to ensure my parents were waiting, SHOCK!! They were not there! Small boy I was – I was searching them near the ride, the place where we waited – no sign of them, I thought they could have gone to some eateries – I searched all the food counters, there were everybody except my parents and my sister. I ran in search of them, the entire stretch that we had crossed. I ran to all those Governments stalls, all those home needs, and all those electronics and was even recalled of “cotton candy I had with them” – while passing that counter. I had a feeling of being in an unknown world.

Then the Edison in me clicked – I got an idea of going to the scooter parking area, the then reasoning:”my father cannot go home unless he takes the scooter! ” -Eureka. I ran towards the exit like a mad dog, I ran grabbing everybodys attention. I just prayed only one thing "my father shouldn’t have fled the place with scooter" (of course in search of me!) – I feared I am lost and my photo will come in Doordarshan- the national broadcaster (heard of those “kaanamal ponavargal patriya arivippu” (tamil) – “those who are lost list”(English) – in TVs?). I was thinking of all unwanted possibilities of "what could happen if i lost them forever"(which ofcourse was too much of thinking - at that age u can't help).

I almost made to the exit, I saw those at the gates were taking back the tickets (probably checking) – scared one I was, had no tickets with me. I tried to become smart, I tried to exit the way from where people enter, guessing I could be spared of ticketless enterer and thrown out, which I wanted. I slowly went behind a few people marching towards the entrance. I heard somebody shout “thambi!.. thambi!…(hey boy !!.. hey boy!!)” I didn’t give a damn to it and was running away, then chased by the person who was shouting – it was the COP!! He asked me who I was and where my parents were? I was explaining him all that was possible by me. He was making note on my statements. Suddenly I ran, I ran from that place, the police who was making note on my statement ran behind, presuming I am trying to escape. I ran very fast, towards the direction from where I sensed a group of three was walking fast. I ran towards my mother who was marching as fast as she could, I ran towards my father who appeared worried of lost son, I ran towards my sister who was spying all around. I had a big hug from all three and could reach my parents well before the police could even near me.

Uuufffhhh ! A big sigh of relief!! I got a pat for the decision of going towards the parking!!! My father spoke to the police (I felt I am rescued from misery).

Incase u get lost in an exhibition, sure the idea of parking will be of use to you !!!!