A wheelchair-bound elderly foreign national was also seen being helped by fellow guests. He was lifted by two other guests and the hotel staff in the bus.

The scene was somewhat same outside the Taj as the NSG kept trying to secure as many hostages as possible in a fierce operation inside the hotel.

More than 36 hours of intense mental trauma could not deter the spirit of an American couple Bruce and Petty who still want to keep coming back to the country.

Describing their experience in the hotel, Bruce said that they were trying to reassure each other that things would be fine. "We held our hands and reassured each other that it's going to be over soon," he said.

The signs of confinement were visible on their dirt- covered faces. Petty, who could not still come out of the traumatic experience stammered while recounting the ordeal.

But she insisted that she would like to complete her holidays and not rush back home. Lauding the commando action, they said that NSG commandos were very professional and ensured the safety of the hostages.