A private matter that escalated

My wife and I are a small, happy family. Our jobs demand long working hours, which leave us little time together. As other couples, we also do have routine arguments but few and far between.

Our fights happen usually when we travel by air. At airports, while I prefer escalators, my wife is afraid to board those moving staircases. My persuasions, over the years, to get her to use the advanced system have failed.

I lose no opportunity to allay her fear of the motor-driven linked steps. "You see, it's not difficult at all," I tell her. "See, even that little child is comfortable on the escalator; rather playing on it, why can't you? You have to simply put your foot on; hold the sidebar and that is all." My convincing makes little impact.

Many a time, I am embarrassed by her inability to board the escalator; and on numerous occasions, I cover the distance by it and she takes the traditional lift. However, this time, it was to be different. I had to visit Bhopal for training and she could not resist the temptation to buy Chanderi sarees from Bhopal State Handloom Store, taking the fabulous discount on offer.

As usual, she took her own time getting ready and by the time we were at the Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi, the final call for the flight was over. We had to dash to the air terminal on the first floor and except the escalator, nothing appeared to be in sight. I climbed it, expecting wife to join me but, as usual, she stood by the first step, hesitating. "Hurry up, we are late." I said. No response from her.

A thought crossed my mind to try something desperate to save time. With a jerk, I lifted her to my shoulder and climbed the escalator. She raised such a high-pitched cry that by the time I was on the first floor, security was over the spot, ready to take me into custody. They thought I was trying to kidnap the lady. I had a tough time explaining to them I was not what I appeared to be.

First Published: May 29, 2013 09:14 IST