LIFE IN A TRAIN

My school was little far from home. I used to take a local train everyday to commute. It used to be quite uncomfortable ride in the peak hours. But surprisingly it never felt as a deterrent to go on the next day. It went on day after day. Week after week. Month after month. Year after year. At the back of my mind, it created an impression which I never questioned. Or rathar never realised it. What is that ? It is difficult to answer. It is something like if someone asks you to define life. It is difficult. Isn't it. Yes ofcourse it is. 

In the tropical climate, you sweat in summer. You shiver in the winter. You get wet in the rain. All these happen in the local train. All the feel of different seasons come directly on you in a local train. There is no question of sophistication. It is just bare minimum. There are windows to protect rain splashes but it leaks. There are fans but it still makes you sweat. The doors are wide open to allow the winter air come in and shiver you. But the local train is glorious. It is enigmatic. It is loud. It is chaotic. It is over crowded. But it is full of life. 

Very few Indian cities have this lifeline as a mass commuting system and those cities are blessed. Kolkata is one such place. Coming back to the topic. I never questioned myself, why I never disliked to travel by a local train ?

Today when I was travelling by a local train after a long time, suddenly opened up a vista in front of me.

 

One thrilling aspect is certainly this everchanging perspective through the small window.

 

 

This makes one connected with all the 'panchabhuta' - air, water, sun, earth & sky. 

The very structure of a local train is so invigorating. There is a central aisle which opens out on either side through doorways and branches out for seats. This arrangement creates a seemingly endless layered spaces which are animated by the passengers. 

Some passengers just contemplate. 

And the same person gets involved in something of his interest. 

Some enjoy a new found common interest. 

Some share a common vision. 

They travel and they leave at their destination. 

But the drama goes on. 

There are plenty of options for nutrition. 

Galore of colours. 

Hydration option is also equally good. 

Natural option is also available. 

Cafe on the wheel. 

Quick bites at every now and then. 

Options are available to buy some fabric too. 

Time just fly by in a local train compartment. There are passengers. There are hawkers. There are vendors. Lot of discussions. Lot of fun. Lot of sharing of ideas. Lot of business. There is cricket. There is football. There is local politics. There is global politics. There is Satyajit Ray. There is Rabindranath. There is Kareena Kapoor. There is Justin Bieber. There is rich. There is poor. There is querty. There is touchpad. There is silence. There is loudness. There is cooperation. There is discomfort. There is crowd. There is emptyness. There are everything. Under one shelter. All are moving. Above all - there is a synergy. There is life at different stages. Life touches each other. Life hear each other. Train compartment is like an extended living room for every passenger.

I guess that is the reason why I never denied to travel by a local train. It is indeed a lifeline. For one and all. 

Good that me and Bhola took the local train ride today.