"Ticketless pleas on keypad phones, champion sportsmen with gleaming trophies, and a chaotic cup-of-chai tragedy - just another night aboard the Bhopal Express, where the journey promised laughter, unexpected encounters, and enough material for a trainload of stories."

The night sky sparkled with a million diamonds as the Bhopal Express chugged out of Rani Kamlapati station, carrying my friend and me on a journey to Delhi. The rhythmic rumble of the train lulled me into a comfortable daze, while anticipation fueled our excitement for the adventures awaiting us.

Little did we know that the next few hours would be a tapestry woven with laughter, unexpected encounters, and a touch of drama.

Our first...