Magic Journey

At last our skies have some dark clouds coming from the South-West which hopefully will begin monsoon and conclude the extended summers. On the day when sky poured the first rains in Virar, i.e. Saturday June 20th, a few moments ago my team won the final match of the season. The rains invoked the inner senses and filled the entire body with a magical excitement. This change of season was to bring about the change in fate.

The magic journey began on the following day, i.e. Sunday June 21st. I had a sleepless night on Saturday with some mystical exuberance. We were destined to Palghar and had a plan to catch the Passenger train which arrives at 9:35 at Virar. Strangely me, Aai and Baba arrived at Virar station with more than 20 minutes to spare. Raju Kaka and Aparna Kaki meet us on the station. Aapa Kaka soon arrived. On other times we are used to last minute phone calls and the blunders of missed trains deserve a separate write up. But for today astoundingly, we all were up to the mark. A pleasant surprise.

To our astonishment, the train wasn’t over flooded with people hanging all along. On the contrary, it boasted open spaces in the corridor as well as along the gang way. Aai and Aparna Kaki found there way inside and were immediately rewarded with a seat each. Baba and Aapa Kaka stood along the vacant gang way, while I and Raju Kaka hung alongside the corridor. Our family is known for the audacious conversations during travels. But the time was such that we seldom talk to each other. The audible volumes were set at low pitch. I visualized a ‘thinking hat’ on each of our head.

As the train left Virar, I bow down towards the temple of Goddess Jivdani to seek blessings. I murmured a soft prayer in anticipation of the day ahead. Further the train gathered momentum and the cool breeze made its way through the open door on which the two young boys were seated. I began to admire and acquire the nature’s glory towards the eastern mountains of Sahayadri range. Soon, two little kids, viz. a girl and a boy, in their torn attire, began a hindi film song with a choked throat and went places begging for a penny or two. The two accepted few dimes and merrily left towards next coach. A peanut seller appeared on scene and made a good business around. Later, the shells and wrapper found its way underneath the seats. A ‘dhokla’ vendor found a Gujrathi family who made his day by ceasing the entire sale. The sweet-soar taste of the typical train-dhokla engrossed the entire coach. A woman was sighted with her nose covered with the kerchief and the contracted forehead. The dour on her face flaunt the dislike of the smell and the purchaser too.

By now the train had reached the bridge that stands over river Vaitarna. I had a holy duty to obligate that of immersing the rotten flowers in the creek. Instantly I extended my right arm and threw of the material into the open water. Immediately I realized the mistake of throwing off the plastic bag too and felt guilty for the sin.

The train passed through the farm lands which alike everyone were eagerly waiting for the heavens to open up. The farms were ploughed and the greenness was dark and pale. The skeleton of small tributaries connecting to the Vaitarna creek was evident while a Cuckoo sang atop a nearby tree signaling the soon arrival of rains. For the moment I was engrossed into shades of natures.

The distant claps from the other side caught everyone’s attention. Few around began to change positions while others, though not physically but emotionally, fainted. As the claps became thick and fast I got to know about the arrival of the team of Eunuchs. A glimpse of them deep into the gang way terrorised a young chap standing next to me. He shivered ferociously. I somehow gathered my composure and was unfathomed by their presence. Eunuchs usually don’t trouble anyone until one tries to bully them. If you raise your hand in disapproval of letting a dime, they pass by without a word. I was well aware and conscious about this hidden fact and implemented the act soon to get away untroubled.

The train halted at Kelva enabling the picnickers to alight and almost emptying the entire train. With just a station to go, my anxiety was leaping skywards. By now I had sweaty palms and cracking legs. Hruturaj, one amongst my close friends, ensured that my nervousness was intact by sms’ing me all along the route. I glanced inside the coach to find Baba and Aapa Kaka deeply absorbed into a chat. Aai and Aparna Kaki were whispering into each others ears while Raju Kaka stood beside with hardly a word. On the day, Palghar seemed to be at stones throw distance from Kelva. As the train loosed its speed, my heart beat reciprocated. It was very unusual of me getting nerved down. As I stepped over the Palghar platform, from the bottom of my heart I prayed to almighty to offer me strength for the forthcoming episode. The curiosity of my family, by now, turned into anxiety. They somehow gathered their power and we together walked away.

Later in the day, God does sprinkle his magic over me and my family and in spite of reaching to my destination at Palghar, I feel of beginning yet another beautiful journey.