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Usually, I prefer to travel during night, so that if I'm bored I can sleep through the journey. But when you have to book a train at very short notice, you don't really have many options. Tickets were booked two days prior to the journey and I wasn't really sure if I'd take the trip till the very morning! struggle to finish work resulted in coffee-fueled battle with keyboard till 03:00 AM. Victorious, laying on my bed I blinked my eyes and it was already 10:00 Am! Decision was made, I was going to Ahmedabad. This must have been the fastest ever that I packed my bag, finished with morning chores and reached Railway station. Impressed with myself, I checked the SMS to find my berth and Bogie and noticed something. The Train number for Suryanagari Express, which I was about to board, was 12480 - a geometric series! Am I the only one with this weird little obsession with Numbers and patterns?
There is a reason why we Indians choose not to reach on time and almost never before time. I had reached about half an hour prior to the departure. The Train was empty. As I boarded the Train, I realised that the fans and lights were off. well, Good. Atleast our Railways pay attention to the energy crisis and makes efforts to save electricity. As far as I was concerned, I placed my luggage beneath my seat and returned to the platform with my Camera. Theres nothing better than clicking pictures when you have to kill time at Railway station.
Bandra Terminus, Platform #3 - Musafir hoon yaron. |
Innocence at window |
(Above) in clockwise direction - Laundry room, Bedroom, Hall and library (and Kitchen too!) - the Platform ain't less than home to a lot of people.
After clicking all I could, I boarded the bogie back but couldn't quite get to my seat.
Soon the Train left the station and after few stops, arrived at Vaitarna. This station is named after the River 'Vaitarna' which supplies Mumbai's drinking water.
Railway Bridge, Boats, River and this beautiful little hilltop Temple add to the scenic beauty of this station. I recognise this station since in most of my train journeys this has been a common stop.
I returned to my seat as soon as Train left the station. Soon it was Chai time. While I was sipping tea, commotion arose in the scene.
It didn't take much long for them to realise what was going on and settled the matter among themselves. Peace prevailed and I got back to clicking the coachload.
Right from childhood, I've always been envious of people sitting on this seat. Great view, fresh air and most of all, one can get down at every station without any hassle! One of the main attractions about Train journeys for me has always been the chance to try delicacies at stations on the way.
It was difficult to sit through the 9 hr journey. Besides, when you have a camera and beautiful view full of Monsoon Greenery its better to stretch your legs a few times.
The Train journey was nearing its end. Just then I felt the need to use restroom, but I had to hold it in till next station arrived. longest 10 minutes ever!
soon the Train arrived at Ahemadabad station. Relieved (you know from what) and refreshed, I headed towards my destination. The next day was expected to have a tight schedule, but that doesn't mean one can't have fun. now does it?
amazing pics and ur article :)
ReplyDeletethankyou so much Heta. Btw, yours is the 1st ever comment on this blog. :D
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