Train journeys...

I become a little child when travelling in trains. I have always loved trains and railway stations. They are a world of 'magic' to me. Standing on the platform, and waiting for the train, the announcements, the sound of the train, its approach, its supremacy, blowing the wind against my face, the rush to board the train, and a "Phew !!" sound of relief, when we settle down on the seat next to the window ... its all an amazing journey. Its not just a journey, its a place of wisdom; from learning about how the signals work, to knowing the people sitting next to you - its a school in itself. From the rich guy in the next seat to the beggar ... each person is a walking book ... waiting to be read !!

I love the Bangalore - Hubli Intercity express ... coz its like a crash course ... you learn a lot ... and you reach your destination (in my case - Arsikere) very soon. This happened last week, when I was returning from Arsikere to Bangalore, aboard the Intercity.

There were 3 people sitting near me. One, whom we shall call as 'A' spoke a lot of philosophy. The second one, we shall call as 'B' , and he was a school teacher. The third would be 'C' and he repeated whatever 'A' and 'B' said.

'A' began talking about miracles ... the ones performed by 'sanyaasis' ... yeah yeah ... curing cancers with the touch of a finger ... producing watches out of thin air ... that kind !! He was particularly stressing on treatment of diseases, ones which even doctors couldn't. 'B' would often put his head down, as though he had done something wrong (like forgetting his wife's anniversary for a 100th time), while 'C' would repeat the last few words of whatever 'A' said.

'A' dominated the conversation for a long time, his talks ranging from the presence / absence of God, religion, caste system, relationship between the body and the soul and involving a whole lot of proverbs in between. 'B' was still looking lost (although he was a teacher), and 'C' continued smiling ... and continued repeating.

I was being a mute spectator all the while, not wanting to get myself buried under the volley of philosophies coming from 'A'. The train was fast approaching 'Tiptur'. Suddenly 'A' began talking about a school poem on 'Life and Death' ... 'B' agreed that he taught the same poem to his students, but unfortunately (and as usual) could not explain the same poem to 'A' and 'C'. 'A' hardly looked convinced, while 'C' began munching on a few peanuts.

The topic began shifting to 'Saddam Hussain' ... and immediately another person whom we will call 'D' joined in. He seemed more like a cartoon character, short and fat, but was pretty much aggressive when it came to criticizing Saddam. He was a Malayali, and so could not convey his opinions effectively. 'A' still dominated the conversation, and he also happened to look at Saddam as a great personality. 'B' looked confused, while 'C' supported both the views on Saddam. I thought of saying something, but swallowed my words ... the conversation needed a spectator.

Not being too happy about not being supported by 'D' over Saddam's issues, the philosopher 'A' shifted on again to the topic of life and death. He said "Shiva bittre manushya shava aagthaane" meaning - "If Shiva (the God) leaves your body, you will become a Shava (or a dead person)". At this, 'D' became so much impressed that he repeated those lines, and lifted his hand up several times gesturing appreciation. 'B' put his head down and smiled (probably at his pitiful situation) while 'C' was almost on the verge of clapping.

At Tumkur, 'B' bid everyone goodbye and walked off. He seemed to be hardly in this world. Now, 'A', 'C' and 'D' began arguing over the time the train would reach Bangalore. I was asked for an opinion, and I had to open my mouth (perhaps the three wanted to test whether I could talk). I agreed with 'D's opinion, at which 'A' looked very frustrated. He again began talking about God showing his presence everywhere. 'C' suddenly was tired and began drowsing off, while 'D' took over the responsibility of nodding his head. 'D' then excused himself saying he wanted to go to the bathroom, but he never returned (perhaps he threw himself off the moving train); tired from all the talking, 'A' opened a cover of 'Kadale Puri' ... I looked at the cover, with suspicion, what if he offers it to me, and what if he drugs me ... thankfully nothing of that happened ... 'A' gobbled at the Puri alone.

'C' opened his eyes for a second, and sensing that 'A' was preparing himself for another round of philosophy, covered his face with a handkerchief and slept off again. I had to get down at Yeswanthpur itself, and as I collected my bags, 'A' smiled at me. I smiled back.

Perhaps I won't meet any of these guys again for the rest of my life ... but the 2 hours I spent with them was so much fun ... each person carrying with himself an identity ... a uniqueness ... I have always loved train journeys ... they are a world of 'magic' to me !!