A Platform of Strangers (A true story)
I sat on a polished chair on the platform, gazing at my loved one through the smoked glass of the train. A silent prayer for a safe journey formed on my lips. A stillness settled around me as passengers boarded and found their seats. The platform came alive with a familiar paradox: those who had been desperate for the train to wait until they have to board the train were now equally eager for the wheels to start turning. Then, a family of eight stormed the platform. They were a whirlwind of hurried confusion, their eyes darting around as they tried to figure out where to go. I saw desperation etched on the father’s face. The mother was a commander, keeping a watchful eye on four children while balancing a mountain of luggage. Two elderly family members simply followed, their movements slow and uncertain. The father seemed unlettered, his desperation palpable as he stared at the coach number on his ticket, unable to make sense of it. I wondered if he had booked an AC coach to give...
