A Night's Journey: A Story by Neeti Parti

The three of them had partied with ‘shots’ till the time for departure and clambered on at the last minute The swaying rhythm of the carriage along with the after-effects of alcohol soon took over and two of them drifted off into deep slumber.

Not very fond of intoxicants, Arun had had a few pegs just to ‘be cool and felt queasy. To clear his head, he went over to the door to catch the cool night breeze.

What a beautiful night it was! He craned his neck for a better look. Before he realized what was happening, he lost his balance and fell headlong into the deep darkness below. He tumbled on till he came to rest on fairly even ground covered with dry grass.

Praise the Lord, he was alive!

Not knowing what to do, he began walking along the track towards the direction of the departing rail till he saw lights at a distance.

He could clearly see the train standing there but just before he reached close, it let out a loud whistle and slithered away out of his reach. Desperate, he rushed to the Station Master Mr. Gupta’s office.

“How can I help young man?” he asked.

“Sir, I have to catch the Kalka Express. My luggage is on that train. I missed it while trying to climb on.” said Arun, not wanting to tell the tale of having fallen off the moving train in a state of drunken stupor.

“Oh, you just missed it here too! It was standing here for a long unscheduled stop, waiting for a signal,” said Mr. Gupta. “However, there is a Bus Stand opposite this railway station. If you catch the bus going towards Kalka, you will arrive in time to catch the Kalka Express.”

“Sir, I don’t have any money on me!” said Arun, his voice faltering. And then noticing his wristwatch pleaded, “I will leave my watch with you if you lend me some money to buy a ticket.”

Mr. Gupta’s son was in the army. He had great respect for those in uniform. Refusing the offer, he patted Arun on his shoulder and put money into his hand. “This is only a small token of respect for all of you who take it upon themselves to keep us safe.” he said. “Run along now or you will quite literally miss the bus.”

Arun ran over to the bus and climbed on. At dawn the bus reached its destination just outside the railway station. The train was slowly chugging in as Arun reached the platform.

Triumphant, Arun climbed onto the carriage he had so dramatically fallen off from the previous night.

His two friends were just getting up.

It was Ramesh who spotted him first. Rubbing his eyes, he peered at Arun and said, “You are up bright and early buddy! Don’t just stand there, be of some use and get some Chai yaar! Man, what a night, couldn’t sleep a wink!!”