Translated short stories: An Indian pilot reminisces about her relationship with a Pakistani man

I don’t understand why people are surprised when they learn that I am a fantasist. Let alone the general public, even aviation experts are momentarily taken aback when they see me in a pilot’s uniform. Even during the interview for the selection process, I was asked why, despite being a woman, I prefer this profession.

“Despite being a woman?” I could not help smiling, though I was somewhat nervous owing to the interview.

“Yes, yes, go on, tell us why you want to become a pilot.”

“Because it is the inherent nature of woman to incessantly fly in the air.”

The chair of the interview board burst out laughing.

Hearing his guffaw, other members of the board became extraordinarily serious, so serious that it aroused more laughter.

“You are right! We men, even while soaring through the sky, feel as if we are walking on the ground, but you women, even when you are standing near your kitchen counters, seem to be aboard a Boeing 707.”

“Yes, sir,” I replied inadvertently and became flustered at my response.

“Why did you not apply for the job of an air hostess?”

“I don’t like being the host or the guest!”

A flustered person, when riled further, ends up speaking their mind.

“Here is what I desire. I want to...

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