Touching moment

14th May 2010, Friday. The clock stuck 16:05 that I hurried to pack my clothes. I was totally excited about travelling alone (for the first time by train)to Bangalore. My semester exam got over!! This was the major reason for me being happy! The train was to depart at 23:15, Bangalore Mail. Made a list of things which are to be taken for my 4 day stay at cousin's place. I made sure that nothing was missed out. Filled my purse with cash given by dad( which he gave 2 days before he went out of station). Tried being girlish by taking set of accessories that match my apparel. It was 19:00 hrs and I heard the calling bell. Wow it was mom, she returned from office. She was bit worried that i have to travel alone till station ( quite funny! when a girl travels alone till b'lore, whassup with the Central??). She hurried me to start to Central station. I was shocked!! Asked her not to panic, made things clear and at last we decided to start at 20:30 from home( though i dint like the idea). I finished packing, had a suit case and a bag.Finished my dinner. Wow it was 20:45 then, mom started hurrying not knowing that it was all a plot:P. We went to the depot to board my bus. Got my bus for Central station(17D). Meanwhile mom had got a companion for me whom I dint like much just because he was in his mid 30s. When the bus started she asked me to take care and made signs which meant I had to ask for any help from the person she has introduced "typical mom". I just sighed. I waved my hands. The bus started and took a slow turn at the out of depot which connects to the main road. I was totally happy "free bird". Suddenly I heard someone getting ticket for the 6th stopping from the depot, turned back casually and it was my mom!! I couldn't react. Kept my face blunt. She sat next to me and told she'll get down near my home and asked me to be happy after that.

I had a wide smile. Within 15 minutes mom got down near our home and I waved my hands. I heard the conductor whistling, the bus geared up. I was so happy closing my eyes,kissing the air,loving nature. "Wow!kya feeling yaar!!. Kudh ja rahi hai? kamaal yaar!!" . I put my head out of the window, everything seemed new!! I was totally on high spirits. The traffic was normal. I reached station around 22:40. Rolled the suitcase and had the bag on other hand. I walked as if I am a celebrity who has finished a big budget movie.It was so much crowded that I started sweating badly. I ran in to see the display which gave my platform number. I walked towards the platform not knowing that it was wrong.Then realized after going half way through, came back, was bit tensed.Walked towards the right one and got into my coach S7. Confirmed my name in the chart and entered into the train. I could notice that most of the people travelling were northis.Headed towards seat number 20 LB. I saw a 6' tall old man( in his 60's) opposite to my seat. He was struggling to open his shuttered window, I went forward and made a try. It was too stiff due to the moist air trapped on the sides. I stood straight and gave it a tight hit beneath the handle with my palm , wow it released! Now it was easy to slide the window.He thanked me,I shook my head saying "anytime". His accent made me know that he dint know tamil. My throat was chocking out of thirst and luckily a boy selling water came near my window. I bought 1L bottle for 13INR. I got reminded about my mom"Thanni eduthundu po nu sonna kettathaane!! Ella kaasu irukkara dhairyam". I laughed at myself.


I opened the cap and offered it to the old man sitting opposite,"paani?" he replied "nahin" with a smile. I smiled and drank about half the bottle at one stroke. Now I called my mom and informed that I boarded the train safely. She asked me to text her once the train starts so that she can inform my uncle at Bangalore. The train was all set to start, there was a long "poaa....m" sound which is usual before a train starts. The old man started the conversation by telling about Chennai's climate, the language spoken which was hard to follow and the way he struggled for just 3days on official trip. He asked me for my good name and introduced himself. He asked me the reason behind my proper Hindi, I told I got it well because i studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya where there is mix of people and most of them speaking in Hindi. He dint seem satisfied, he gave the reason behind his Hindi despite of being a Kannadiga. He told he stayed in North India for lot of years. We were totally conversing in Hindi. He appreciated for my proper accent which made him feel that I am a Northy.

I just smiled and was very happy within, I was proud about my dad who was a great reason for it. Wanted to tell him that I owe him a lot. So decided to text him Hey dad! I owe you a lot. Will let you know things in person.. Any more word would'v been dramatic. Dads play a major role.I was all thinking. I realized many things at that moment. Even the smallest thing he did for me had a great impact now. Despite being apart due to many reasons he made sure I got proper education. He gave me all the freedom ,amenities to learn not letting me know the pain he has to come across.He is the real HERO!! NO WORDS!! I was really moved thinking each instant from childhood.Everyone were settled on their berths and I switched off the light for us to sleep. I laid on my berth having a content feeling that I knew something and a tear in my eyes for my dad's sacrifice.