Around the country in 40 hours

I receive a call from my mother who lives in Shillong. She would be visiting relatives in Kolkata this week. Both of these are Indian cities located in the Eastern part of the country. My college vacations are ongoing and I’d like spending some time with family. My impulsive instincts are at an all time high and I feel the need to do something spontaneous to satisfy the adrenaline rush. I pack my backpack and decide to board a train filled with people to the brim the same evening.
I would be travelling from Bengaluru to Kolkata — a 40 hour ride across the country— in the unreserved compartment of an Indian train. What I did not know was what awaited me during this trip! I would summarize it in three parts-
- Connect
- Death
- Hope
I sat cross-legged on the edge of a metal bunk gripping my backpack firmly between my legs. I was sandwiched between three other men as the train jolted out of the station. The train halted at the next stop an hour later, and a well built, dark complexioned man boarded the train. He sat opposite to me and after a while we made acquaintance hoping to kill some time. He was a Bangladeshi tourist visiting India. Hours past as we spoke about our respective cultures, education system, movies, and what not. What amazed me was the fact that despite being geographic neighbors, our countries had several similarities and many more disparities. The two of us were, however, talking like we had known each other since ages. I sensed a deep connect. I intuitively understood what he was trying to express and I felt like he did too. Perhaps, we had touched each other’s souls. Isn’t this what friendship is all about?
I woke up to a sudden commotion in the compartment early next morning. Someone had died. From where I was sitting, I could see the man’s lifeless cold face. His body showed no signs of vital characteristics. He lay still and motionless as if captivated by the drama unfolding around him. This was the first time I had seen a corpse. Buddha’s wisdom of impermanence dawned on me at this moment. How important is it to be successful when the body would certainly perish one day? Is there any meaning in leading a frivolous life? How do I find my purpose in life? I probably didn’t have answers to my questions, but truth slapped me on my face as I confronted these questions! In the face of death, I came in contact with these existential questions.
Long flowing hair, ear pierced and a guitar held to his back! This guy boarded the train towards the end of my journey with a lady who seemed like his beloved. They occupied the seat next to mine. This newlywed Nepali couple, as I found out, were on a vacation to celebrate their communion. We started talking about music and its influence on our lives. He spoke of his struggles as a musician and the nature of songs he writes. As we approached our destination, I requested him to sing a song.
He took out his guitar and started singing “Allah ke bandey hasde, jo bhi ho kal phir ayega!” [Oh child of God, rejoice! For whatever happens, a new tomorrow will surely arrive.]
With his voice fading away in my mind, I see a life full of endless possibilities. A life filled with hope and optimism!
