Essays

My winter vacation had just begun when T received aninvitation from my cousin to visit her at Lucknow. Dueto official reasons, my parents offered me the chanceto travel alone. I accepted.

There was nothing to fear as my father escorted me tomy reserved berth and further, my uncle had confirmedto be at the station to receive me.

On Friday I boarded the Lucknow Mail from New Delhi railway station. It departed at 9.30 pm.

I waved as long as I could see my father and thenmonkeyed up to my reserved berth. I placed my small Suitcase and a handbag in one corner and made myself comfortable. I had rented a pillow and a blanket and tucked myself cozily.

I looked around at the passengers near me. A touring executive was on the berth at my level. On the four

Berths below me were a family. Parents and their two pretty daughters who soon became my friends. On the two berths across was a couple.

The compartment was full of activity for more than an four. After people ate their dinner, they preferred to Sleep. The Ticket Checker made his round. I did nothave the need to watch other people around me.

My two friends, Renu and Ruchi, were a good company and together we three had an enjoyable time till we reached our destination. They too were visiting their cousin at Luck now.

I joined Renu and Ruchi at the lower berth after theirparents slept on the middle berths. We played card Gttines and I learnt a few magic tricks from them. Wedisused our studies and I was happy to know that Ruchi was of my age and in the same class. Renu was a year older.

They had bought some comics and they shared them with me. I had a packet of sweets which I happily shared with them. We could not continue for long as we sat in semi-lying position and our back ached. I moved to my berth

I slept for some time. When I woke up the train hadjust moved out of Moradabad Station. My two friends were sleeping. I decided to take a round in thecompartment.

The curtains were drawn and there was nothing muchto be noticed. I returned to my berth. I was getting boredand restless. I forced myself to sleep again.

Hustle-bustle disturbed my sleep. I rubbed my eyes. Ithought that the train was stationed at Bareilly. I got

Down and looked out of the window.

We had reached Kanpur. The executive had gone andpeople were heard directing each other to take care of the children and baggages. My friends woke up and sodid their parents. I was introduced to Uncle and Auntyand when they heard about our night chats they seemedsurprised.

We five drank tea and I shared my packed of biscuits.Our card game continued. Time passed. As we were drawing nearer to our destination the compartmentwas coming to life. Lest we forget later, we quickly exchanged our addresses. We even hoped to meet by chance in Lucknow.

The train was scheduled to reach the Lucknow Station at 7 am. We wished to be spared from unwanted delays.

Thankfully, the train moved into the station right ontime. We looked out of the window to spot our Respective Uncles. We did. At the station we took leaveand I reached home to be greeted by an ever smiling Cousin and a loving Aunt.