26 hours in captivity: 'We didn't see terrorists but felt their rage'

This is how American couple Bruce and Petty described their 26-hour-long harrowing experience in the confines of their room on the 17th floor of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai which was under siege by terrorists.

The couple, along with a Chinese, a South African and an Australian national, was rescued from the hotel by the elite National Security Guards (NSG) late Thursday night.

"There was blood sprayed all over the floor. It was really messy. I didn't want to see it," said Bruce recounting their ordeal.

The couple, who were all praise for the NSG commandos, said that there was no water and the place was covered with debris.

"It's wonderful to be safe in life but it is sad to see what happened," Bruce said.

Despite their brush with terror, the couple is eager to "keep coming back" to India which is a "magical country."

"We were in our rooms when the commandos came to save our lives. It was amazing the manner in which they functioned ... very professional," a relieved Petty said.

"We were escorted out ... three commandos in front of us and two behind... we kept holding each others' hand and kept moving," she said holding Bruce by the hand.

"They assured we were safe. They looked around carefully. They had assault rifles and communications going on and they got us out," Bruce said.