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A mystery midnight journey
#LastTrain
It's midnight, and I was still sitting on the bench on a nondescript station. I had missed my scheduled train and was hoping to get to next one. So that finally I get away from this town, where my vacation was ruined.
It all started as I planned my solo travel journey, visiting a hill station. I avoid crowd, so chose an offbeat place. I was hoping to save money and have some sightseeing. That was the biggest mistake I committed.
As there were limited hotels, only few transport available, and a lot more of inconveniences.
So, I booked ticket to nearby tourist place. But everything went wrong in the day of my departure. Alarm didn't ring, cab didn't came, finally took help of locals to reach yet missed the train. Anyway, I had no means to return, so I have decided to catch any train that comes.
As the midnight bell rang, the station felt bit eery. It was empty, as if abandoned. I felt little scared, and stayed alert. But, the night was long, I was dozing off, holding my bag tightly. Then I hear the sirens, wake up to see a train coming. It had the name of the tourist station written, so I heaved a sigh of relief.
As I entered, the train started moving slowly. I chose a nearby empty seat and stored my bags below. When I checked, barring few people, it was mostly empty. Some people I did saw nearby, but they seemed like silhouettes. May be I was too sleepy to check, so I drifted back to sleep.
I wake up suddenly, felt uneasy in my heart. I looked outside of the window. There's nothing but darkness, as if we have entered into a tunnel.
Something creepy was happening as I felt the stares all around me. I stood up, going for a small walk inside, and got a rude shock.
Each compartment had a person with different attire, sitting upright in erect posture.
Someone looks like from 19th century, some more older, wearing Antariya clothing, others were only in traditonal dhoti wearing ornaments.
But everyone were silent, awake and looking intensely towards me. I panicked yet felt strangely warmth flowing over me.
I took a deep breath and announced my name and reason for visit. Question them all, why were they watching me. And they answered in unison.
" We are your ancestors, and this is the train to spirit world. You have entered into a magical realm, where you could connect with us."
I was taken aback, yet gathered courage. I couldn't let go of opportunity and talked with each of them about their life, wisdom, asked forgiveness for my mistakes. They answered my every query, even gave me blessings.
" Am I going with you to the spirit world?" I conveyed my concerns to them, for I feared that I might never return to my world.
" No, you are not dead. It's just an accident. We will leave you to your desired station. That much we can do for our beloved descendent."
They all smiled, while one of them gently spoke and assured me.
And so, bright light flooded in the cabin, as if the train come out of the tunnel. I closed by eyes to the intense shine of the morning rays. Opening my eyes to find myself still seating on the bench. Yet, the station has changed.
The tracks were empty,l but people were walking around me. I was shocked and surprised, tried to recall the night.
I don't remembered their faces, only flashes of memories remain.
Was I still dreaming?
© Dr. Manish Rout
It's midnight, and I was still sitting on the bench on a nondescript station. I had missed my scheduled train and was hoping to get to next one. So that finally I get away from this town, where my vacation was ruined.
It all started as I planned my solo travel journey, visiting a hill station. I avoid crowd, so chose an offbeat place. I was hoping to save money and have some sightseeing. That was the biggest mistake I committed.
As there were limited hotels, only few transport available, and a lot more of inconveniences.
So, I booked ticket to nearby tourist place. But everything went wrong in the day of my departure. Alarm didn't ring, cab didn't came, finally took help of locals to reach yet missed the train. Anyway, I had no means to return, so I have decided to catch any train that comes.
As the midnight bell rang, the station felt bit eery. It was empty, as if abandoned. I felt little scared, and stayed alert. But, the night was long, I was dozing off, holding my bag tightly. Then I hear the sirens, wake up to see a train coming. It had the name of the tourist station written, so I heaved a sigh of relief.
As I entered, the train started moving slowly. I chose a nearby empty seat and stored my bags below. When I checked, barring few people, it was mostly empty. Some people I did saw nearby, but they seemed like silhouettes. May be I was too sleepy to check, so I drifted back to sleep.
I wake up suddenly, felt uneasy in my heart. I looked outside of the window. There's nothing but darkness, as if we have entered into a tunnel.
Something creepy was happening as I felt the stares all around me. I stood up, going for a small walk inside, and got a rude shock.
Each compartment had a person with different attire, sitting upright in erect posture.
Someone looks like from 19th century, some more older, wearing Antariya clothing, others were only in traditonal dhoti wearing ornaments.
But everyone were silent, awake and looking intensely towards me. I panicked yet felt strangely warmth flowing over me.
I took a deep breath and announced my name and reason for visit. Question them all, why were they watching me. And they answered in unison.
" We are your ancestors, and this is the train to spirit world. You have entered into a magical realm, where you could connect with us."
I was taken aback, yet gathered courage. I couldn't let go of opportunity and talked with each of them about their life, wisdom, asked forgiveness for my mistakes. They answered my every query, even gave me blessings.
" Am I going with you to the spirit world?" I conveyed my concerns to them, for I feared that I might never return to my world.
" No, you are not dead. It's just an accident. We will leave you to your desired station. That much we can do for our beloved descendent."
They all smiled, while one of them gently spoke and assured me.
And so, bright light flooded in the cabin, as if the train come out of the tunnel. I closed by eyes to the intense shine of the morning rays. Opening my eyes to find myself still seating on the bench. Yet, the station has changed.
The tracks were empty,l but people were walking around me. I was shocked and surprised, tried to recall the night.
I don't remembered their faces, only flashes of memories remain.
Was I still dreaming?
© Dr. Manish Rout
