It was the year 1971. Two friends got Interview calls with II Class Train Fare to attend. Soon on the D-day, the duo were in their train in the so called II Class meant for the then traveling officials when the today's II Class was called the then III Class..
The onward journey was great for both and they got down at their destination afresh remembering their first time travel by II Class in their life..
The interviews ended well and both were sure of their selections..
“Let’s get back home in our eligible prestigious II class!”
Was the first thought in the minds of the two young men. The only next train to their destination at that time was a passenger train with II Class where as an earlier express train had all III class..
Both young men simply listened to the Official who advised them go by the express train to reach quickly their destination but firmed up in their minds to go in II class alone even if it were to be a passenger train..
Yes!
They waited, the train arrived on the Platform at 1130 PM and as they got into their bogie they found it totally empty. There were not many travelers waiting to travel by that late night. With few scattered passengers here and there, the train was almost 3/4 empty as it started and the II Class bogie remained occupied only with the 2 friends. A drizzle started and soon increased. The two friends closed the doors and went to sleep..
Suddenly one was up because he heard some running sounds and a few loud noises. When he looked out, he noticed that the train just then started and the time was 2 AM. It was delayed because of rain coming up heavily and the track further down needed inspection and clearance. And there seemed no co-passenger in the compartment. Soon he fell asleep..
He was suddenly woken up by the friend who quickly showed him the compartment status. It was an old compartment, could never withstand the heavy rain out side and water was in all round. Both of them were worried for a while but could do nothing and the compartment was wet..
They adjusted in a dry area and thus were comfortable for a while. The weather was chill and there was no respite from the rain. The time was 4 AM. They both could not make out where the train was en route..
It was 6 AM when the duo again woke up with water dripping on them. They saw that the whole compartment started leaking with the constant rain. Unable to do anything, they just sat in a small dry area and waited for their destination..
There was no go for both of them and the journey was at snail’s pace till 10 AM without anything to eat till the train neared their destination but just stopped at one station ahead..
They quickly came to know that one of the double tracks got damaged with the heavy rain waters and all trains were being diverted on the single track which was good. Many long bound trains were awaiting their turn. It was soon understood that the passenger train would be the last in that queue. The waiting was estimated to be around a min of 2 hrs.
By that time, the two friends got fed up with their II Class journey, decided to get off the train, walk down to the road and take some help to reach their place. As they did the same with their luggage, they got into a pool of waters between the railway station and the road, the depth they never expected and soon their luggage was fully into waters..
Thus dripping down with water all along, in the rain they ran to the road and quickly stopped a loaded vehicle going that way. The driver saw their wet condition, allowed them 'IN' but only at the back standing all the way and thus brought them home in the next half hr. He charged quite a good money for the lift and the young men had no option other than paying him that.
Thus ended the so much expected
'Luxurious II Class Travel'
For the two young men on that fateful day!
‘This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge’www.theblogchatter.com
Keywords: EMPTY, BOGIE,TRAIN,
#BLOGCHATTERA2Z 2023
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