The wait had unexpectedly been prolonged as the Indian Airlines flight from Bangkok carrying the lady of the moment was delayed. Jyotirmoyee Sikdar finally landed almost three hours late and for a brief moment it appeared as if the entire area would go mad.

The airport staff abandoned their seats in hundreds and rushed to the tarmac in wild frenzy even before the Airbus had come to rest. The security, there to prevent this, was all at sea. Calcutta Airport has witnessed the return of many a hero, Sourav Ganguly after his brilliant debut Test series and more recently Amartya Sen after receiving the Nobel Prize. But none couldmatch the welcome Sikdar received on her return with two gold and a relay silver.

People rushed forward as she waved her hands from the flower-decked open jeep, flashing her ever-present smile and mumbling, ``feeling great to be back.'' School children, brought to the airport in large numbers and waiting for her since hours, were pushed aside as better built adults pressed closer for a better look.

This was also a time for leaders to gain political mileage. Congress and the Left Front tried to outdo each other in praising the golden girl, however, the Amateur Athletics Association of West Bengal had the biggest garland to offer. ``Gold medals are all right but the real achievement is doing well for my country,'' Sikdar blurted into the microphone, reading from a piece of paper hurriedly thrust into her hands. ``It is a wonderful experience. I am thankful to all those who helped me. I hope with all your support I will do better in future.''

The paper was snatched away from her hands and she was bundledoff into an open jeep for her homeward journey.

Home was still hours away as people lined the road from the airport to Narkeldanga, her residence, hopeful of a glimpse. People cheered as Sikdar flanked by her parents and husband Avtar Singh, waved and the police had a tough time in keeping control. Needless to say, the traffic was thrown completely out of gear and the situation was as chaotic as it had been at the airport.

Sikdar also had to attend four felicitations before reaching home. All of them were on the way and the organisers had taken it for granted the gentle charming 28-year-old would not refuse. She obliged them, but was surely more drained after this exercise than she must have been after winning the 1500m gold.