So I'm off to Rajasthan with my in-law family for some religious ceremony. We are a herd of 25 people travelling by train, in sleeper class, with 5 most well behaved children (pun intended).
Few hours into the journey and some uniquely exquisite things caught my attention.
First and foremost, more than half the people at the station are not travelling. Number of people at a train station are equal to actual number of passengers * number of people who have come to drop those who are travelling. We Indians find it boring to just come alone, wait for the train, board it and leave.
Real fun is, have 4 or more people come to drop two or less people, run for water and biscuits at the last moment, exchange take cares for half an hour and wave at each other until the train leaves the platform.
There are also a few special cases who board the train without the intention of travel and jump off it when they realize it has started moving. Chances of accident for sure, but what have you actually done in life if not got off a moving train?
Second, the railways has increased seat numbers from 72 to 80. Good one on the extra capacity. Only bad thing is we being alloted those last numbers, leaving us placed from 73 to 80. We were forced to be vigilant of our baggages since we aren't able to sleep because of the staunch smell emenating from nearby toilets.
Coming to point number 3. The less spoken about and most experienced - toilets. I feel, it would have been wonderful if toilets had automated locks. Like the ones that can be locked from inside but opens only when you have flushed. A lot of poor souls like us could save our screaming noses.
Four, people who board at stations in the middle of the night, do not bother about people who are asleep. So these 4 fellows boarded and occupied nearby seats at 5.40 am kept chattering constantly. When my irritated hubby asked them to let us sleep, one of them comments "Ab sleeper mein toh awaaz aayegi hi". Their mantra is - why let others sleep when we have spoilt our sleep?
Fifth point us one for the youth. Usually we are so carefree while using internet, thanks to WiFi. But when we are travelling, we become stingy. Switch the mobile data on, check messages and switch it off. No posts, no reels, no movies (if not previously downloaded). I wish the railway stations have free WiFi for passengers.
I'm writing this on at Miraj Station where the train has got us 1 hour before time. While hubby is anxious if the food we ordered will reach us before we leave, I am hoping I get access to some free WiFi.
We are a big group, scattered in 3 different coaches. We have kids and elderly. Despite having reserved tickets, a confused lot without tickets stampeded the coaches. So there are literally 10 people peeping while we are brushing your teeth.
Last point is more like a wish. Here's hoping that maybe someday trains would have automatic open and shut doors just like the metro. Those with tickets could flash their cards at the coach door which will identify the tickets and themselves to the valid seat owners.
Too much hope for a small journey you think? Well, dream big so one day it turns to reality.. Wondering why the title that doesn't relate?? Well this is the first ever article where it's tried to be sarcastically funny.. Let me know how I did.
So while I'm on this half traumatic and half dramatic train journey, I wish to have some good memories to take back from it. Also wishing you have some great journeys in the second half of this year too...
P. S : Posting this from Hubbali Junction on the return journey. Happy to be back home soon. 🙂
CHEERS!
GOD BLESS!!
CHS
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