Recently i read a statement,
"Some people cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go."
~ anonymous
PART 1
A MAN WHO MADE ME HAPPY
The train was half an hour late. I was excited because it’s
for the first time that I am going to travel alone through the heart of India.
I didn’t get reservation up to New Delhi. When the train reached Bharuch
station, the general compartment was heavily packed. Some how, I managed to get
in. I had my bags placed between my legs, one hand on my purse and the other on
a sardhar’s shoulder (for balancing) and also made some breathing space. When
the train reached Baroda, I paid extra 400 and moved to sleeper class (at least
I could stand and breathe properly). It was night and it was very cold outside.
Even though I had my blanket on me I was shivering from top to bottom. I stood
up to 4.30 in the morning. Then I got a berth and slept up to 7 am.
I reached New Delhi by 11.30 am. I was little confused
because it was for the first time that I am seeing more than 7 platforms. I
moved to the rest room across the crowded flyover. My next train was at 4.10
pm. So I have some time left at the New Delhi station. I charged my cell
phones, had my lunch (although it was just a burger and a coffee) and finally
had some rest. At 3.45 I moved to platform number 14 for my train- GARIB RATH
EXPRESS.
Unfortunately for me, the train was late by one hour and 50
minutes. Mean while I met a lady who was going to Ranchi (I forgot her name
which I shouldn't have). A middle class working woman, who is going home to see
her children for Diwali. She was short, skinny and white. She had a huge
luggage bag (almost her height) with her. She didn’t call kooli to pick that
up. When I asked why, she said they are asking for 250 rupees and she can't bear
losing that much since she s going home. Those were the words of a loving mom.
I smiled and promised my help. Another guy chotu (he said his name is lengthy
and just call him chotu) also offered his help. Chotu talks a lot about
politics, current economic status, films and natural beauty of Kerala. He even shared
his experience when he came to Alappy once.
My train came at 5.45 and I got into G13, my compartment. There
was an old man next to me. He was little bit worried because his berth was
upper. He requested me to exchange his berth with mine and I agreed without a
second thought (there was no need of second thought because how a man, who can
not even walk properly, climb to top?). I gave him blanket, bed sheet, and
pillow and I managed to make him comfortable. He wore grey kurtha and dhothi. Some
times it feels so bad when some one as aged as your grand father make a
request. The train was scheduled to arrive Garwa road at 4.15 am, but got late
by 6 hours and reached there at 10.16 am. I went to the old man to say good
bye. He blessed me with wet eyes.A man totally unknown…, different
from me in each and every aspect…,blessed me placing his hands upon my head…,
from his heart…, with affection, that was one of t he happiest moments in my
life…and I will remember that for a long time…
to be continued...
