It's been long since Samrat had travelled. His college studies and exams were taking toll. He had mostly travelled with family to other states or with his friends within the state, during the first and second year of MBBS. But last two years, his studies along with practicals didn't gave him any time.
" We should go somewhere after finals" Samrat announced one fine day as he was having a study session in the hostel room with his friends.
" Yes, I think we should go to Goa and have fun" Deepak said with a mischievous smile.
" As if you are going to do something,' Rahul reacted as everyone laughed.
" We can go to Goa but actually I am thinking of going to Mumbai as my friend is working there and had invited me." Samrat tried to bring the topic.
" Then we should visit Mumbai then Goa with your friend " Biswa said with an exciting voice. Biswa was Samrat's childhood friend and loved to travel.
Everyone accepted the plan and the responsibility was given to Samrat for making an itinerary after the exams were over.
------------------
It had been a week since the exams. They had another month before the result were declared. Samrat talked with his friend from Mumbai, Rupesh and asked him when he could get leave from his work.
" Hi Samrat, can you come this 15th, I have taken the leave and two of my roommates were going home, so your friends can live with us." Rupesh phoned Samrat one day to invite.
" Thanks a lot Rupesh, let me call my friends, buy the tickets and revert back to you." Samrat replied in excitement.
-------------
" Hello Deepak, how have you been? So, can you tell me, if you are free this 15th."
" Hi, sorry man, I have plans to visit my village that day." Deepak said.
" Hi Rahul, about our Mumbai trip, are you coming this 15th? " Samrat was hopeful this time.
" Oh, the Mumbai trip, I would have loved to come, but I have a cousin marriage falling on that day. " Rahul said with a sad voice.
" No issues, you have a great time." Samrat was saddened but accepted it.

He had a plan to meet Biswa for an outing. He decided to talk about it in that meeting.
" So Biswa, I have talked with Rupesh. We are going this 15th. I will book ticket today. Do you have any requests?" Samrat said as they were walking in the park.
"It was decided then, I have no request, let's have fun." Biswa said with a broad smile.
They had some street food and went back to their house.
-------

" Hi Biswa, have you packed for tomorrow?" Samrat called as they had the train next morning.
" Oh Samrat, I already have my suitcase packed and ready. " Biswa assured Samrat.
Samrat was happy that at least he will have Biswa and they will have a wonderful train journey. He had purchased some playing card and other games too, but his two friends cancelling the plan had put dent in his fun.

It was late evening, he had a call from Biswa.
" Hi Biswa, what's going on? Excited for the trip." Samrat said jokingly.
" Ah Samrat, about that,' Biswa said in a heavy voice,' actually I can't come. There's an urgent call from our village and my Grandmother is ill."
" Oh, that's really said,' Samrat was shocked to hear, ' is she going to be okay."
" We would take her to hospital, I am so sorry." Biswa answered and cut the call.
Samrat was disappointed, but decided to proceed with the visit. He had promised Rupesh and Rupesh had taken leave for him too.

The next day, Samrat took the cab to station, went to his cabin and sat near the window seat.
There was another person sitting opposite him, a middle age person, with business suit and thick moustache.
They greet each other and gave introductions.
" I am going for a meeting in Mumbai,' Mr. Venkatesan said, ' Young man, what's your reason of visit."
" I am going for sightseeing and visiting my old friend." Samrat said politely.
" Alone? that's good, have a great time." Mr. Venkatesan commented with a smile.
" Yes alone, sometimes it's better that way." Samrat said as his sight drifted to the sceneries outside of the train window.

© Dr. Manish Rout