Essays

My winter vacation had just begun When I received an invitation from my cousin to visit her at Lucknow. Due to official reasons, my parents offered me the chance to travel alone. I accepted.

There was nothing to fear as my father escorted me to my reserved berth and further, my uncle had confirmed to 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 then monkeyed 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 was 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 hour. After people ate their dinner, they preferred to sleep. The Ticket Checker made his round. I did not have 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 Lucknow. I joined Renu and Ruchi at the lower berth after their parents slept on the middle berths. We played card games and I learnt a few magic tricks from them. We discussed 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 had just moved out of Moradabad Station. My two friends were sleeping. I decided to take a round in the compartment.

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

Hustle-bustle disturbed my sleep. I rubbed my eyes. I thought that the train was stationed at Bareilly. I got down and looked out of the window.

We had reached Kanpur. The executive had gone and people were heard directing each other to ' take care of the children and baggages. My friends woke up and so did their parents. I was introduced to Uncle and Aunty and when they heard about our night chats they seemed surprised.

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 compartment was 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 on time. We looked out of the window to spot our respective Uncles. We did. At the station we took leave and I reached home to be greeted by an ever smiling cousin and a loving Aunt.