I wasn't expecting a very comfortable train journey but little did I know about the crazy ride I was going to have. Switching two trains was not an exciting prospect but the only option I had. I finally reached the Victoria terminus in Mumbai (also called CST), tired but not done for. An hour was what I had before the next train to Karwar would arrive, just enough for me to grab a quick bite outside the station. As I made my way to the exit, something caught my attention.
A 7 feet tall memorial stand testament to the devastating terror attack of 26/11 that ravaged the city of Mumbai. As I stood there observing, I could not perceive the structure without the endless stream of men and women who passed by seeming completely oblivious to its presence. I was soon shaken out of the quiet moment of contemplation by an announcement. Platform 14 it was; and I hurried lest I should miss the train and my holiday. “Life goes on” they say!
My desperation got the better of me as I had booked a ticket which wouldn’t even entitle me to a seat. The adventure had just begun. The train stood on the platform, nothing different from what I had expected to see, covered in a hell load of soot, barely leaving any space for the name on it to be discernable. Randomly selecting a bogey, I got in and choosing a spot in the corner, dumped my heavy luggage. Though I initially couldn’t get myself to do it, I gave in after my legs could take no more and sat down on of the bags.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one there. She looked like she was in her 20’s. “Do you know when this train’s gonna reach Karwar?” I asked. “Mmmm…. I don’t know for sure” she replied. “I get down much before the train gets there”. What followed was a long conversation that stretched on till we reached Goa 11 hours later. While we said goodbye to each other, it struck me as ironic that a stranger whom I met just 11 hours ago was walking away knowing much more about me than many people I was familiar with. We knew we were not see each other again but that was perhaps why we got to know each other so well.
I didn’t have to wait too long for the train to arrive at Karwar, my destination. I was finlly there, after yet another incredible train journey. But I wasn’t done, after all. 65 kilometres from Karwar is the serene seaside town of Gokarna. The sun, the sand and my surfing instructor were all awaiting my arrival. My journey back home wasn’t as exciting as the one to Gokarna but the holiday there definitely was.
