The train journey to Kulumtipurum!
Chapter 1 (The introduction)
‘Passengers kripya dhyan dijiye, Shatabdi express to Kulumtipurum is delayed by an hour… ‘ such announcements were constantly heard over the speaker at the Karmali Railway station. In fact, such announcements were not only heard over the speaker but also over all the noise, hustle bustle and screaming of the many vendors, coolies, passengers, policemen, ticket collectors and everyone and anyone who had a reason to be at the station. ‘Ex… Excus…. Uhmm… Excuse me!’, shouted a voice from within the crowd. A rather gaunt, tall and handsome man was trying to survive the massive human stampede which was as though a confusion of wildebeests was all coagulated at the epicentre of the attack of a pride of skilled lionesses. ‘Oi, Leron!’, called out a sonorous and mature voice. It was a voice so mature and raspy as though it had aged like fine wine but if only the wine was vinegar like and rotten because of oxidation. ‘Ahh… Yes Mr. Chaklah! I’ve been looking for you! Finally!’, said Monsieur Leron. Monsieur Leron was originally from France but he was born and brought up in Wellington. He worked in one of the biggest and most well known companies there. He was here and on his way to Kulumtipurum for a business meeting with his learned associate Mr. Chaklah. ‘There you are! I was starting to get worried!’, said Mr. Chaklah in his hoarse but experienced voice. Mr. Chaklah was Monsieur Leron’s senior in both age and designation. ‘Come come, this is the train that we’ve been busting our asses for!’, said he.
Mr. Chaklah: This place is a hell hole for anyone who is slow on the uptake. There is absolutely zero chance for two sorts of individuals here to catch their trains. The first, who is dim-witted and the second, who is new to the place. Now you Leron are no imbecile but I worry about you because you have no sort of experience here. That is why I suggest that you stick right by my side and also watch out for any marauders! These petty oddballs have a knack for stealing here and are no less than a deceitful kleptomaniac.
Monsieur Leron: Oh yes definitely Sir!
‘Attention all passengers, Shatabdi express 2188 to Kulumtipurum leaves the platform in another 2 minutes.’, said the voice over the speaker.
Monsieur Leron: I guess that’s us Mr. Chaklah.
Amongst all the crazy pushing and pulling of the luggage into the train, the somber sounds of families bidding each other goodbye as though people were lamenting over the death of a kin and the chaiwala already ready to sell Chai even at the very last minute before the train was set to departure was nothing but a testament to the fact that the train journey to Kulumtipurum was destined to be quite an adventure!
Chapter 2 (The wait)
About the author
My name is Kairav Negi. I am currently studying in Sunshine Worldwide School in grade 12. My interests are playing badminton, listening to music and writing short stories and poems. I have always liked the idea of coming up with different stories and topics and sharing this with others through literature.