I get refilled again to go with him on his travel trip. It’s common to refill an empty bottle for reuse here in his place, which, in my defence, is a good thing for me. I’m transparent and wears a turquoise colour sticker. On it my family name is written beautifully in curly letters as well as in Meitei Mayek script.

“Yes, I’ll pick you up at around 3pm. Departure Is delayed by thirty minutes.”

I hear the traveller talking on his cell phone to a friend. This will be my first trip and I’m excited for it. Usually, my family never travels far except to the gym and around the owner’s home and his locality. But most of the time we’re confined in their fridge.

We have to maintain our looks and posture to stay connected with them. We can’t have holes or crumbled parts. And we can’t lose our cap. It’s the most important thing in our life after we’ve been used.

On the way, he picks up his friend. I haven’t met this friend of his ever before. But I’ve heard that he’s a nature enthusiast. He even uses natural remedies and healing techniques to treat illness. Yes, it’s his profession. And to them, I’m nowhere helping to improve their nature and surrounding environment.

So, I think this friend would suggest keeping me away inside the bins. Yes, because we’re plastic. But, at the same time, I know they won’t do it. You know why? There are many dustbins with the two words “USE ME” carved on them, some stickers pasted or digitally printed on them. But, I hardly ever see them use it.

Their boarding starts. I’m still in the side pocket of the traveller’s backpack. I thank God that I’m not inside the airport’s bin but inside the overhead luggage cabin. But the sad part is I will miss the aerial view of the beautiful Manipur. 

I have heard she looks like a paradise on earth, with her lush green valleys, breathtaking hills, and serene lakes that reflect the clear blue skies. My parents and grandparents have told stories they heard from many tourists. They often speak of the land’s mesmerising beauty, of Loktak Lake, with its floating islands of vegetation, and her enchanting Keibul Lamjao National Park, home to the endangered Sangai deer. Manipur is a land of vibrant culture, colourful festivals, and warm hospitality, leaving visitors captivated by her beauty and charm.

The traveller’s bag is being firmly pressed from both sides by the luggage within the cabin. Suddenly, a large bag is placed atop mine, adding to the pressure. Thankfully, the gracious and gorgeous air hostess removes it and places it beside me.

I’m stuck in the dark.With no hope of getting a chance to look out from the aeroplane window, I close my eyes. Out of nowhere, a ray of light hits my front decorative sticker with my family name on it. I open my eyes. I look out only to see a hand grabbing the traveller’s bag and pulling it out from between the two sucked bags. I land on the lap of the traveller along his bag. His friend pulls me out and drinks some water out of me and says,

“Let’s take this bottle up to our destination and if possible let’s bring it back.”

“Why?” the traveller asks.

“In that way, you can use its story somewhere in your travel story.”

Seeing them talk about it, I can see a slimmer of hope. A hope that I won’t be thrown away. But I’m worried about their future, the mindless humans.

They’ve been blaming my kind and family for polluting their so-called nature and environment. Can you believe it? It’s not our fault but theirs.

The fact is, it’s them who created us. It’s them who use us and throw us anywhere they want. Resulting in us becoming pollutants and a serious threat to them. But, it’s not our fault as I’ve said before.

They’re as wise as they claim to be. So, they should find a way for alternatives or replacement. We’re ready for a change but these humans are not. They’re ignorant. They’re selfish. They think of their present. But they don’t know that their selfishness will cause too much for the future generation.

The traveller takes out his journal. He starts writing down something which I can’t see or read. But I am relieved at least for now. I am with them. If I come back home together with them, I will continue my story and share it with you all, about my first trip.