Its 9.30 P.M. and we are all packed To catch Rajdhani to Delhi on track Our usual destination with summer sack With both my teenagers Hustle-bustle inside Passengers logging in their seats.
I close my eyes as train moves Chugging off I heave a sigh of relief To wake up in the morning In the city where I grew up as a child as a teenager. The TTE arrives I searched my Pandora's bag Handed him the ticket Gave me look as if I was wicked "Traveling unconfirmed" he said To my dismay'it dawned! But rather late
My friend who was traveling too Quickly handed him 100 rupees An age old transaction' she said... Friendly Indian railways! Pleading him for a comfortable journey... Without much hesitation Confirming my ticket for the way Gave a vacant berth in the bay
His partner seemed disgusted At this capitulation by the green horn Leaving for a smoke in the pantry My eyes closed in tranquility And soon was snoring peacefully'
Half an hour later I was roused from my deep slumber With a man with a yellow teeth grin "Mam, are you fine?" Rubbing my eyes, I shot him a glare. Yes, of course! Thank you... Pulled the sheet over. Slumber prevailed once again on me The third time I was woken'.. This time yellow smile -invisible I was so mad... clenching my teeth I could have delivered a couple of epithets On disturbing my sweet sleep once all over again Huh!
I realized may be he wants more... So he is bothering me again & again He extended his hand Depositing 100 Rs on my berth I stared dumb folded As currency lied there Wet Crumbled note As if in the fist all the while I looked up to him He was almost in tears "I have never done this before" My consciousness doesn't allow me'
I was touched 'I felt guilty for wronging the right!! Before I could react The train screeched a halt He soon disappeared in the crowd My eyes kept searching him He left me guilty Grossly making systems ill.
