THE PHANTOM EXPRESS

When Shakya arrived at Bandel Junction, it was already too late. The minute hand of the clock betrayed him; it was already thirty minutes past midnight. Shakya worked as an accountant in a shopping mall.

The Puja Week was approaching, and this year's Durga Puja had been recognized as a World Heritage site. Moreover, COVID had recently bid farewell to the people, resulting in a huge craze for shopping. Everywhere, there was a rush to complete decorations before the arrival of "Maa." Shakya found himself deeply engaged in work, especially since their shopping mall was thriving, requiring some employees, including Shakya, to stay for overtime duty. As the owner's most trustworthy employee, Shakya was the last attendant in the mall that night.

After locking the mall gate, he hurried towards the station, hoping to catch the last known train, the 11:30 Up, Bandel-Howrah local. However, upon arrival, the station was already deserted, except for beggars who were deep in sleep.

"Where have the guards gone?" Shakya wondered aloud. Opening a train tracking app, he discovered that the last train for his destination had already passed at exactly 12 AM.

"Looks like I have to spend the night here," Shakya muttered to himself in irritation. He settled on a regular bench, scrolling through Facebook, his ultimate hope for passing the night.

Suddenly, he remembered his mother, waiting for him at home without having dinner. Shakya called her, explaining his situation. Though concerned, his mother trusted him to spend the night at the station, assuring her he would catch the first train the next morning.

Tomorrow being Sunday, his working shift would change, and someone else would handle the upcoming week leading to Puja. Shakya would be free from next week until Durga Puja, like a Puja Vacation for him.

Unbeknownst...