I’ld have liked to say, that after an eternity of waiting, the roadtrip is about to begin, but it hasnt really felt like a long time. The projects we were given post selection kept us occupied, and before we knew it, the orientation happened. So it only feels like a couple of weeks back that we got the GR fellowship, while its actually more like two months!

So, without much warning, the day of departure was upon us. Due to some massive work pressure, I wasnt sure if I could join the others on the train, due to leave at 8 that night. However, that evening, a little owing to actually finishing some work, but mostly due to my falling at several people’s feet, I was told I could go. I was thrilled, and rushed home , packed everything as quickly as I could, and left for the station.

I knew I had some time, so initially, I wasnt too bothered  about the traffic jam. At some point however, I realised that there was still a fair distance to go, but not too much time. And the worst part was, I had everyone’s tickets! I kept urging the auto driver to hurry, and he kept assuring me, we would make it in time for the train. It was a rude shock when after a while, he casually asked me what time my train actually was!

So, after the wise guy finally got me there, I found the train had departed, but a quick call revealed that it might yet be possible to catch up with the train when it stopped at the cantonment station. So I jumped back into the auto and we were off again. I was really tense, and the wind on my face in that zippy auto, as I was fighting a second battle against time, was adding to the drama.

In a while, the station drew up, and I grabbed my things, a large backpack, a heavy laptop and a pair of hiking boots, and ran towards the train, which was still standing. I jumped in and asked a startled guy standing near the door if that train was the Udyan express. He replied in the negative, and pointed to a train on the adjacent track.

My heart skipped a beat as I realised I was on the wrong track, but I regained my composure quickly, and without another moment’s hesitation, plunged from the train onto the gravel separating the two tracks, and with a massive effort, hauled myself onto the other train.

As I paused to catch my breath, unable to believe I’d somehow made it, I didnt notice at first that I was standing in a large dark coach. When I did, however, and stepped out to investigate, I found myself getting off  one of several luggage coaches just standing on the track, unconnected to an engine. With no other train in sight, I asked someone standing there if the Udyan Express had left, and after a moment’s consideration, gave a grave nod.

So there I was, standing in some random station, sweating, panting and and feeling like a fool, and the trip had officially started without me. Got back home, and have blogged about it right away. But there was something I’ve been meaning to do, just cant seem to remember… oh dammit, have to book the flight for tomorrow. Gotta go!