It wasn't planned this way

That's your train. The coolie pointed towards the opposite side of the other platform. The train had started moving for departure. There was no way we could take the overhead bridge. We had to cross through the rail tracks. A fast glimpse on both sides and we jumped with the minimum luggage I was carrying. We heard a whistle from behind to stop, but there was no time to explain. My train was departing, and I need to hurry to get to the other side.

Run, you can make it! Stop, it’s too dangerous! Catch the next one! Keep going! It’s just meters away! People were shouting as if they were betting on my venture. Everyone on that platform had their fixed stare on my course. It felt as if they were attending their daily dose of entertainment. But shunning their comments, I kept sprinting towards the train. I looked back to check on my friend. He was way behind, trying to keep up with my pace. But, there was no way I could slow down. I had to keep running. As it was me, who was finally going to board this train. 


I was closing in the final few steps. I ran passed the engine bogie, the luggage bogie, and finally to a passenger coach. With a firm left-hand grip, I managed to hold the stepping handle. I tried to increase my speed to be able to jump inside. But to my dumb decision of wearing a flip flop for this journey was making it hard. The train was approaching the end of the platform. There was no room for an error. I had to jump now or leave the handle. It’s either taking this last train to celebrate 'Diwali' with my family or missing it for the first time. So gathering my last ounce of energy, I took the leap.


I sighed with relief. I was finally on-board. Wiping out that sweat, I took a moment to catch up my breath. People standing near the door started congratulating me. There were "hurrays" and "hoo hoo’s" all around. It felt as if I had won a medal in athleticism.


In the last few seconds, from an average passenger, I had become the main source of attraction. People had halted their duties just to see this spectacle. It felt as if they had bought their ticket only to witness this eccentric gig. I never pictured that this is how my first ever solo train journey will begin.

With that dramatic ending, everyone was back to their respective chores. I started making some room to get inside. I was about to find my way to a seat. But then something got stuck. In this whole scenario of running towards my goal, I forgot to take the most valuable thing with me. I forgot that my train ticket was with my friend. And now, there was no way that I could step out of this train.


I looked outside to find out his whereabouts. He was jolting towards me. I felt relieved. I could see the ticket in his hand. The hope was back again. I screamed him to run. Stretching my left arm, I leaned outside, holding that door handle. It was getting tougher as the train was accelerating with every passing second. There was not much time left. I screamed even louder. In that brief moment, the lost attention was again back on me. But this time, the situation was more crucial. It wasn't just about me getting what I wanted. But also the safety of both of us. I was prepared to request him to stop. But at the same time didn't want his efforts to go wasted. So, I stretched even further for that last try. And, just like Raj, I grabbed my Simran(the ticket) and went on to live my life. 

"The journeys that begun unexpectedly are the stories worth telling."