The new IRCTC eatery ‘Jana Ahar’ at NJP station looks sparkling from outside. As I step in, I am suprised to see the price chart. Outrageously cheap! Then the name of the place rings a bell! Food is okay, I mean fresh and edible. Not bad after all, if you are determined to eat station food, that is.
Train starts on time. No rush as such in the general coach of Padatik Express. I guess I’ll sleep at ease. Provided not too many people at Kishanganj are waiting for this train. But that can be ruled out as big trains like DM et al have already passed. The seats are all cushioned, thanks to the boom the Indian Railways are experiencing. The seniors just had their last exam today. So a good many of them are with me in this coach. They look both tired and relieved.
The young man in his late twenties occupying the opposite bunk runs a garments store in Seth Sreelal Market. He is on a business visit to get fresh stock from Burrabazar. Too many malls in Siliguri are upsetting their market, he feels. I tell him a few things about our college and promise to visit his shop.
Crossing Kishanganj. Next stop Bolpur station. No more people to get in. I can sleep tight.
Having this really stimulating adda with the seniors. Hope our loud chatter doesn’t wake up the young businessman. Saikatda, glowing with post-exam energy, fills me in with all the scoop on the most dreaded exam, Final Prof MBBS, the one I’ll be facing in less than a year!
3 a.m. Time to sleep finally!
Entering Burdwan. A man sitting all the way through night requests me to sleep on the upper bunk (which is not cushioned) so he may just rest his spine for the remaining way till Sealdah. I readily oblige. But heck… this upper bunk is way too high! Can’t really pull a gymnastic stunt in this cold morning. Phew! Better I sit and talk to Priyojitda.
Sealdah. Taxi stand. Great weather! A lift from Priyojitda till Ballygunge Fari. 5 minutes on auto.
Home sweet home!
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Oh really! I thought railway waala food ain’t good.(No offense)
That’s quite right. Stories of people groaning with an acute abdomen after eating station food are not uncommon. But things have changed for the better with introduction outlets like IRCTC Food Court. This Jana Ahar is a very new addition.
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