This is the story of a guy, I met on train and had a strange experience with him.
Well, Punjab Mail used to normally arrive at right time, at least the initial stages. I used to board the train at Mathura Junction at 7:30 AM to reach my college in Nashik. It was just the end of summer holiday or mid semester break and I was returning back from home. As usual, catching a train early morning is always difficult. And once you enter the train, it's in between sleepland.
Well, I somehow managed to find my berth and was lucky to get a top berth, a no disturbance spot. I just dumped my rucksack on the berth and relaxed over it. All the nearby members were fast asleep.
It was so infectous that I also just dozed off.
When I woke up it was around 9:30 . The train was about to enter Gwalior Junction.
I took a look and found couple of other guys in the area, who had folded their berths and were just trying get in terms of the rising sunshine.
I also got down and sat on my seat. Just roved around to see my neighbors for 18 hours.
A family with two kids were in front of me . The seat next to me, I saw a guy, looking to be in thirties, reading a book on how to speak in English - Rapidex using Bengali. Well it took no chance to predict the mother tongue of that guy.
I started a conversation in Bengali - " Apni Bangali ?"(Are you a Bengali?) . The question just added a spark to this guy and he just jumped off his seat. "How did you know?", "Well, from the book you are reading, of course", I said.
The guy gave a sparkling smile back. Where are you from?, I asked. He just took a long breath and replied- 'Bangladesh'.
'Well , what are you doing in India?' , I asked. ' Actually I came for an internship program in one of the hotels in Goa . I did my Hotel Management in Bangladesh and then came to Goa for this. Liked the place and decided to stay back. Found a job as a chef in the Hotel - La Paroda(name changed) and just like that'. 'Nobody from your family in B'desh?' . ' No, I was raised in an orphanage in Dhaka. Now I just work and send money to the institute'. ' Well that's very noble of you', I said.
'Well so what do u do? Student?' He asked .
Suddenly lot of things played in my mind. Was I being too friendly with this guy? Perhaps, I should be a bit careful. That's what happens when you learn by listening to others and not experiencing. And as always mom used to say on all journeys
1. Never get down from the train unnecessarily.
2. Never talk or take any food from any stranger.
3. Do not sleep so deep that you miss the station.
And, on every journey I tried my level best to break all the rules just to experience something new. And was quite lucky in that sense.
So when this guy asked about me , I just took a little time to plan my answers and replied- 'Well I am a engg student in a college at Nashik.' 'Oh that's good. You know what, you resemble, one of my brothers, at the orphanage. He looks exactly like you. Would you mind, if I call you chhotobhai(younger brother)?'
I said 'ya why not.. You are quite like my elder brother'.
He smiled and said 'I am Biplab. What's your name?'
The strings were still playing in my head. I promptly changed my name and said 'Asit'.
'Oh good.. Asit'.
Suddenly a hawker came, selling bread cutlet. I was feeling a bit hungry and asked the guy to gimme one.
The guy was just preparing the dish delivery when Mr Biplab also ordered one.
I took the delivery and went for my purse .
Suddenly two hands came like a striking force and held my hand reaching the pockets. I was totally at fix.
'Why will you pay, my brother? you are my little brother. You are still studying. I am your elder brother , I am earning money. I will pay.
Before I could say anything, the waiter took the amount from Biplab and went ahead.
I somehow recomposed myself and said ' Well, I won't be able to eat anything if you behave like this. Why should you pay for me?'
'Well you have agreed to make me your brother , then why should you not allow me to pay?'
I was still mulling over it. "Is this really happening? Am I dreaming? What about all the horror stories one hears from elders, about strangers? Is this guy upto something? "
The train was furiously passing through different terrains as my mind was. I was in complete fix, how I should treat this guy.
I decided not to think too much and started talking to this guy on different things about Bangladesh,India and Goa.
Biplab was fascinating in many ways. Might be because of his upbringing in an orphanage, he had seen the hardships more than me.
I had one cold drink , but had it only when he was gone just to avoid another scene.
In the night he ordered the dinner for both of us, for which I had no say.
Biplab was sharing his experiences about his college.
Suddenly he sat straight and asked - ' Do you think I am a thug?' I felt as if he could read my mind but somehow managed to say 'Why should I?'
He continued ... 'Well , you should never believe a stranger just like that'.
Let me show you my certificates. Without waiting for my comments he banged open his suitcase and dug out all his school/college certificates which proved all that was telling.
I said ' You need not show these things. I already believe you.'
However deep inside I was still questioning myself - 'WHAT IS THIS GUY?'
' 'No but still , take my advice. Always see and then believe a stranger.'
My station came late night. He came down with me to the platform to say goodbye.
I thanked him and walked towards the exit.
As I was walking to the overbridge . I heard someone calling - 'Asit... Asit...'
I experienced for the first how it feels to be called by a different name.
I turned back and saw Biplab waving vigorously from the train door.
I waived back and thought what it was, that made us bond like this.
As the train left the station, I knew we will never meet again. We will never ever talk again but the memory of this journey will forever be etched in my mind.
Sometimes friends are not forever, they are just for some moments..
Some unforgettable moments....
/
Well, Punjab Mail used to normally arrive at right time, at least the initial stages. I used to board the train at Mathura Junction at 7:30 AM to reach my college in Nashik. It was just the end of summer holiday or mid semester break and I was returning back from home. As usual, catching a train early morning is always difficult. And once you enter the train, it's in between sleepland.
Well, I somehow managed to find my berth and was lucky to get a top berth, a no disturbance spot. I just dumped my rucksack on the berth and relaxed over it. All the nearby members were fast asleep.
It was so infectous that I also just dozed off.
When I woke up it was around 9:30 . The train was about to enter Gwalior Junction.
I took a look and found couple of other guys in the area, who had folded their berths and were just trying get in terms of the rising sunshine.
I also got down and sat on my seat. Just roved around to see my neighbors for 18 hours.
A family with two kids were in front of me . The seat next to me, I saw a guy, looking to be in thirties, reading a book on how to speak in English - Rapidex using Bengali. Well it took no chance to predict the mother tongue of that guy.
I started a conversation in Bengali - " Apni Bangali ?"(Are you a Bengali?) . The question just added a spark to this guy and he just jumped off his seat. "How did you know?", "Well, from the book you are reading, of course", I said.
The guy gave a sparkling smile back. Where are you from?, I asked. He just took a long breath and replied- 'Bangladesh'.
'Well , what are you doing in India?' , I asked. ' Actually I came for an internship program in one of the hotels in Goa . I did my Hotel Management in Bangladesh and then came to Goa for this. Liked the place and decided to stay back. Found a job as a chef in the Hotel - La Paroda(name changed) and just like that'. 'Nobody from your family in B'desh?' . ' No, I was raised in an orphanage in Dhaka. Now I just work and send money to the institute'. ' Well that's very noble of you', I said.
'Well so what do u do? Student?' He asked .
Suddenly lot of things played in my mind. Was I being too friendly with this guy? Perhaps, I should be a bit careful. That's what happens when you learn by listening to others and not experiencing. And as always mom used to say on all journeys
1. Never get down from the train unnecessarily.
2. Never talk or take any food from any stranger.
3. Do not sleep so deep that you miss the station.
And, on every journey I tried my level best to break all the rules just to experience something new. And was quite lucky in that sense.
So when this guy asked about me , I just took a little time to plan my answers and replied- 'Well I am a engg student in a college at Nashik.' 'Oh that's good. You know what, you resemble, one of my brothers, at the orphanage. He looks exactly like you. Would you mind, if I call you chhotobhai(younger brother)?'
I said 'ya why not.. You are quite like my elder brother'.
He smiled and said 'I am Biplab. What's your name?'
The strings were still playing in my head. I promptly changed my name and said 'Asit'.
'Oh good.. Asit'.
Suddenly a hawker came, selling bread cutlet. I was feeling a bit hungry and asked the guy to gimme one.
The guy was just preparing the dish delivery when Mr Biplab also ordered one.
I took the delivery and went for my purse .
Suddenly two hands came like a striking force and held my hand reaching the pockets. I was totally at fix.
'Why will you pay, my brother? you are my little brother. You are still studying. I am your elder brother , I am earning money. I will pay.
Before I could say anything, the waiter took the amount from Biplab and went ahead.
I somehow recomposed myself and said ' Well, I won't be able to eat anything if you behave like this. Why should you pay for me?'
'Well you have agreed to make me your brother , then why should you not allow me to pay?'
I was still mulling over it. "Is this really happening? Am I dreaming? What about all the horror stories one hears from elders, about strangers? Is this guy upto something? "
The train was furiously passing through different terrains as my mind was. I was in complete fix, how I should treat this guy.
I decided not to think too much and started talking to this guy on different things about Bangladesh,India and Goa.
Biplab was fascinating in many ways. Might be because of his upbringing in an orphanage, he had seen the hardships more than me.
I had one cold drink , but had it only when he was gone just to avoid another scene.
In the night he ordered the dinner for both of us, for which I had no say.
Biplab was sharing his experiences about his college.
Suddenly he sat straight and asked - ' Do you think I am a thug?' I felt as if he could read my mind but somehow managed to say 'Why should I?'
He continued ... 'Well , you should never believe a stranger just like that'.
Let me show you my certificates. Without waiting for my comments he banged open his suitcase and dug out all his school/college certificates which proved all that was telling.
I said ' You need not show these things. I already believe you.'
However deep inside I was still questioning myself - 'WHAT IS THIS GUY?'
' 'No but still , take my advice. Always see and then believe a stranger.'
My station came late night. He came down with me to the platform to say goodbye.
I thanked him and walked towards the exit.
As I was walking to the overbridge . I heard someone calling - 'Asit... Asit...'
I experienced for the first how it feels to be called by a different name.
I turned back and saw Biplab waving vigorously from the train door.
I waived back and thought what it was, that made us bond like this.
As the train left the station, I knew we will never meet again. We will never ever talk again but the memory of this journey will forever be etched in my mind.
Sometimes friends are not forever, they are just for some moments..
Some unforgettable moments....
/
