‘Cha Chai Chai ’ .I rub my eyes, yawn and face an expectant railway tea seller. ‘Chai??.’ ‘Dus minute baad aana’. ‘theek hai’.


Darshit was sleeping soundly. The advantage about being an early riser is that every morning you have lot of time for yourself. I rummage my luggage and retrieve a small bag containing my toothbrush. It was just about dawn and my watch showed 6.45. Walking up to the end of the compartment while dodging extended legs and hands, I slide the door. Cold air engulfed me. Good thing that I had enough clothing on me. I acknowledged the presence of a guy standing on the door while smoking. Must be in his mid 20’s to 30’s. IT professional – my first guess; ipod, tees and jeans with ‘live strong’ band. 2nd AC generally throws such crowd at you. I and Darshit were travelling from Mumbai to Chennai in Chennai Express.


[The following conversation is expressed in English though it happened in a mixture of English and Hindi. Creative License]


Hey, do you mind the smoke.

Not really.

I know I am breaking the law but…….just can’t resist.

No problem…… look out for the TT, he may fine you.

Right .Do you know what was the last station.

i just woke up …I must be asking you that question

Yeah, that’s correct. Beautiful hills though. [I notice the hills while brushing my teeth] They specially look great in the morning.

Huhn... uhnh…

It is amazing how you would have travel the world and still the simplest things attract you.


[The train crosses a small rivulet and we see ourselves next to a small valley and hills at some distance. It somewhat resembles to the train view along Karjat near Pune. ]


What about you …..I don’t think you are a South Indian

Going to Chennai on a official visit. We have a Structural Fabricator there.

Fundoo. Which Company??

L&T.

Howz it??

Same as all companies.

I agree.These organizations sap all your energy for peanuts and you relive the donkey and the carrot story. I am going for a training session tomorrow.

You look pissed off.

Yeah long story, someday sometime. Let’s not waste this morning [guy smiles for the first time]


[The train slows down and stops. There is no sign of civilization for miles. He leans out of the door. Takes a deep breath]


I think I will get down here

Here???

Yeah, I have done this before. All you need is cash and patience. You should give it a try sometime. Each time something new happens. Great fun. [He steps on the ladder]


What about your luggage and your training??

I am travelling with my colleague, I will give him a call, and he will keep it. As for the training…who gives a shit??. Bye.


[He gets down, stretches his hands and legs and starts walking towards the bushes and down the slope.][The train starts to move and gathers speed].


Darshit lumbers around, still groggy, and says ’kya tp kar raha hai’.

‘Kuch nahi’