The 12824 Express

The voice on the loudspeaker of not so loud, waiting room cracked out spilling- “12824 New Delhi- Puri Purushottam express is scheduled to depart at 9:30 am, twelve hours after its actual time. The inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.” I checked for time which showed 9:00 am.  An impulse of relief rushed from my brain to entire body, soothing it out. I thanked universe and all the forces working on this section for allowing me to board the train as soon as possible, because it is extremely risky to handle natural calls in the morning while journeying alone, specially with lots of luggage and “impressive track record” of thieves at New Delhi railway station waiting room. I was happy hence the following 20 minutes passed so swiftly. Beaming out with relaxation I looked again at the display board and something magical happened. The departure time was extended to 4:00 pm. In a moment’s time, that magic took control of my brain and all my organs started shouting and abusing the “universe and all the forces working on this section” in whichever way they could. But the clamoring of digestive system was so loud that even others were noticing my face expression. I knew, this “call in the morning” is serious and I have to answer it, anyhow.

Making good expressions to those sitting beside me (that impalpable way of saying-please take care of my luggage), I rushed toward the “digestive call center.” When I returned, I looked for my bag and then I realized that I have lost three things. The tension in my brain, the worried expression over my face, and some weight in my stomach. Of course, my luggage was there, safe and sound. The hours which followed were in solace, boring and I was looking toward the display board every next minute. All of this taught me one real thing-“the rate of passage of time duration is directly proportional to the level of happy hormones rushing within you. Mathematically, dT/dt=(constant*HH).”

The Clock, mockingly, ticked 4:00 pm and I left the waiting room to reach platform. Many people with similar facial expression as mine, were already there, allowing me to connect myself easily with them. The announcement about 4:30 departure of 12824 was on and it kept on going till 5:30, when the train finally arrived. The view of train incoming towards platform slowly rejuvenated me up to such level that I myself wished to pull the engine and bring it there.

I boarded the train and there was a group of oriya people all over the coach, and I was the only alien. Fortunately, they asked me to help them by exchanging my seat with theirs, which was in another coach. I readily agreed. Praying the universe the only thing that every guy of my age wishes for while boarding train, I stepped into that coach. I saw three fat creatures who later were known to be Punjabi, and two more fellows of my father’s age. “Oh man!! Not again...Not this time..It is a long journey…and I am alone...one nice girl (worth having) will do..there are so many out there..can’t it(universe) afford one??” With these thoughts pouncing all over my mind space, I hopped over the upper berth and fell asleep.

The morning next, my ears woke me up after sensing a loud Punjabi music. I always wonder whether this ilk of persons have eaten there earphones up, or do they love this offensive way of admiring their culture. With few curses slipping beneath my tongue, I pulled the curtains sideways and was surprised with the view. The first thing that I saw afore was a young feminine with really great eyes(Eyes are the mirror to soul!!), sitting on the side upper berth of my compartment. I was replenished with certain kind of hormones, the one secreted from pituitary gland. Anyways, taking control of myself, I came down, freshened up, and started making short conversations with other people. But she appeared to be determined in utilizing the advantages of side-upper berth.

Later on the Punjabis deboarded the train and the compartment was almost empty. I came down and sat on the lower berth across her such that I stay in her line of sight. I intentionally started reading novel, hoping this trick to work (!!). How can a person stay that long on his berth? After few moments I observed some movements behind the curtains. I crossed my heart and promised to myself-“I will not leave any stone unturned, once she comes down.” Well the trick did work. She came down and sat beside me and I can easily observe her noticing me. I know I am not a conversation starter so every stone was left unturned. All thanks to her, she wasn’t like me in this regard.

So, our conversation started. Initially it was all about books, then it moved to reading, then interests, then people, then the kind of person we were. She happened to be a writer and was a year older than me. The chat went on for 2 hours straight. It was interesting. Unfortunately the interest turned out to be ephemeral. As somewhere between the talk she told me about her happy and healthy love life. Oh god! Is any nice girl available?? I was disappointed. The train appeared to run faster than its usual speed and we reached her station. I thought to see her off till the gate but was reluctant to do so. The moment next, she asked me to come to the gate. I was surprised but I went. There she was, beaming with all her beauty, looking at me. I didn’t know what to say , resultantly I threw few formal good-bye lines. She laughed at those lines and told me-“Yaar, save it! You know what, you are pretty nice guy and you deserve a special girl. Stay happy”. A sudden relief surfaced my face and I replied-“Thanks for that. I know”.

But looking back now and thinking about it, it gives me pleasure the way everything went. These short incidents, make you smile and give you the ability to look toward the better side of life and empowers you to take care of small things.