I had written this story five years ago in another context. I have churned this out. Please leave your opinions, good or bad. Shall very much appreciate that.
Part 1
Here I was travelling to a remote little place not far away from the sea. I was going back to a place that had always intrigued me. It would be 10 years since I last came here. I had wept and wept when I had been bundled away to a distant city.
"Keya, don't cry!" Tender fingers had wiped away my tears.
"Please let me stay. I promise I won't interfere or ask any more questions." But no one seemed to heed.
I had finished my education and was working as a free lance writer. I was going back. And this time no one was going to oust me.
Now, I was going to visit my grandmother. Not really visit her, rather stay with her. She lived so far away from the city. My train would first reach the foot hills and then it would be a trek on foot or on a horse or by the mini train. Most people enjoy climbing up in order to reach the quaint little town. But, me? No – I'd rather sit in the old relic of a train and go slowly upwards and allow my eyes to feast on the breathtaking scenery of the forests around.
Tourists were everywhere. I grimaced. I hated crowds. But I settled down. I read for a while, and ate some snacks. Outside, the landscape was beautiful. We were just passing through the Ghats. It was lush green. Fields and forests were in bloom. There were waterfalls at every turn. It is amazing to see water hurtling down with such force to meet its fate way below on earth. You could see the streams of milky white foam cutting through the hillsides, slicing through the green foliage. How soothing it was! Soon it began to drizzle and a cool breeze started to blow. The breeze caressed my cheeks coaxing me into a slumber. I wasn't going to sleep. Not I, not I… Zzzzzzz!!!!!
The train ground to halt with a jerk. I awoke, sheepishly looking around. Obviously some signal outside was indicating red. The train had reached flat ground. Vendors with tea kettles came rushing. Children wanted to sell wild fruits that they had picked up. I got up. I went to buy some tea. I also needed to stretch my legs. Hawkers and vendors were selling food stuff along the windows urging passengers to buy their wares. The whistle sounded and we were off again. The journey was very pleasant as I watched Indian rural-side passing by. Everyone was admiring the view outside.
We reached the foothills half an hour late. But, I didn't mind, since the weather was good. I alighted from the train and walked to the booking window.
"The little train will leave after 45 minutes," the booking clerk said.
"It's okay." I replied. "I don't mind waiting."
I bought my ticket and lugged my bag to a bench on the platform. Eager tourists headed towards the hills to walk up. Well, --- let them, I thought. The station was almost deserted. A few locals were going about their jobs. I looked up and down the platform. The train that I had come by chugged into the yard. There was silence but for the movement of the workmen on the tracks. I looked beyond the station. Tiny houses peeped through the bushes. On one side was a large iron gate that was ancient. A road led up to a house which was invisible due to the trees. Two men emerged from the gate and locked it again. The men made their way to the station. They wore dhotis and a jacket. They were tough looking men with curled up moustaches. As they neared I saw their rugged daunting faces. I looked away. They sat at a distance with their sacks.
Birds were chirping overhead. I strained my ears to catch the sweet sounds they made. What heavenly music! The tiny train slowly arrived at the platform. I got into the compartment. The small seats were so cute. It truly was a toy train. Those men got in too. The guard blew the whistle and the engine began to move. I took a look for the last time at the huge iron gate. There was a flight of white birds. They perched on the gate. The men saw them too. One of them muttered something under his breath. I thought he was worried that the gate would be spoilt from droppings. But it was unkempt anyway. I looked back; the train was leaving the station behind.
In another hour I would reach up. I wanted to go home quickly as I was tired.
Ah my destination at last – I got off. I picked my bag and noticed my grandma waiting. How thrilled I was! She was wearing a white sari. She had a rather bent figure now but her face was lively as ever. I raced towards her. She welcomed me with a hug. Her misty eyes told me she was happy to see me. I put my arm around her and we started moving towards the gate. I noticed that most of the old timers who noticed me stopped their work. I got an eerie feeling. Why were they staring at me?
"Keya, come along dear. Let's go home."
I turned to answer Grandma. The two grim men were just in front us. I almost bumped into them. They acknowledged Gran and gave me a cold stare. What horrid men!
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