We have champagne waiting, say relatives

We have champagne waiting, say relatives
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 31: It was truly the gift of the millennium. One that they would cherish forever.

It was in the afternoon that the news of the release of the passengers reached the friends and relatives of the hijacked passengers. Unable to believe it initially, they all started calling up each other and Union Minister of State Vasundhra Raje Scinidia to confirm it.

And once it was confirmed, it was time to celebrate. In style. ``We have a bottle of champagne waiting. Just let that man land and then we shall party,'' said Hardeep, who was waiting for a cousin and a friend. Relatives and friends of the passengers were informed about the release of their loved ones as soon as Minister of External Affairs Jaswant Singh boarded the flight for Kandahar. And the news slowly spread, bringing them all together once again. This time to share their joy.

Equally jubilant, Gaurav Sethi, whose brother is also among the hijacked passengers could not control his tears. ``I don't believe this. It is too good to betrue. I think that God has answered our prayers and we will be forever grateful for all those who came forward to help us in our hour of need,'' said Sethi.

C S Nagpal, who had been keeping vigil for the last seven days along with a friend whose brother was on the hijacked plane, was equally relieved. ``My friend's entire family is at the airport. Since only two people will be allowed inside when they land, I decided that I would come over to see him tomorrow morning. Tonight (Friday) I shall party and see Daler Mehndi perform and then sleep. After a long time, I will sleep peacefully,'' said Nagpal.

Crying and laughing at the same time, Ram Mago, who is awaiting the return of two of his nephews, said: ``We are very grateful to the Government and everyone for their help. It is the best thing to happen to us in the new year and the new millennium. Now I just hope that he reaches here safe and sound, soon.''