Back home

Temperatures are down here at my hometown after another welcome shower last night. Hope this respite is not short lived. As I sit on my couch and hopping from one channel to another endlessly on my TV I couldn’t wait any longer to put down in words my journey back home.

As me and my friend walked up to the reservation counter for the last time before boarding the train enquiring whether the tickets being confirmed or not, I could feel the drums beating in my ears for durgapuja. As expected we’re stuck at W/L 15 and I was pretty sure that our journey was not going to be comfortable. Fortunately, a guy of our branch came to our rescue with a confirmed ticket. People whom you do not recognize in the hostel are good friends here at the station if they have a confirmed ticket. We three shared the same berth. In 5 hrs every limb of my body was cramped and was screaming for mercy because of the small place I was adjusted in. Finally the night passed and I reached Kolkata at 5:30 AM in the morning. It was cool out there, and I could breathe fresh air and hear my home calling. I rushed out of the station and booked a cab to the nearest bus depot. I was in a rush, but still I managed to take the first bus from there at 6.

The bus broke down due to some engine problem in the middle of nowhere and all the passengers we’re getting really annoyed with it. As my phone was out of charge I’d to borrow iPod from the guy sitting next to me so that I could cut back on the boredom. Unbelievably, the playlist on his iPod was playing Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. This may be the last place where one would expect classical music playing. I guess, our rich culture has still got a chance of surviving after all. My friend was there to receive me at the bus stand. As I walked down the streets I saw preparations for the upcoming puja has already started. As I reached home, I could smell some delicious decadent food made by mum, and that was all I needed then. Now, that’s all... More next time…