It was a decision we soon came to regret. In order to teach our son a lesson in gratitude and to show him how privileged he was, we decided to send him to his college in Pune via rail. The plan seemed foolproof. We managed to secure a confirmed reservation in tatkal, which initially felt like a victory. Little did we know the ordeal that awaited us.

The train scheduled to depart at 11.30, finally arrived from Jammu at 5.30 pm to depart for Pune in 10 minutes. My relief at seeing the train was quickly replaced by a sinking feeling as I saw my son stressed. He was perhaps expecting a good-looking train after a daylong wait at the station. I, too, was horrified at the sight of the ill-maintained train but had to put up a brave front to avoid making him feel worse.

We had booked 2 AC tickets, expecting a degree of comfort and cleanliness. Instead, what greeted us was a sight of a neglected, rundown sleeper class. Thick, dark curtains, sewn together at the top and refusing to be drawn aside, hung heavily, giving a claustrophobic feeling. The windowpanes, equally dark and grimy, combined with the curtains and filthy blankets, cast a gloom over the entire coach. It was as if we had stepped into a mobile slum.

The train had been on its journey for over 20 hours, and the state of the lavatories — the less said, the better. My heart sank as I looked at my son who was trying hard to mask his dismay. I felt a pang of guilt and sorrow when I said bye to him and came out of the coach. After about an hour and a half, Advaitha called me to inform that the train had not yet started from the station. The AC too was not working and no one knew when the train would start. Our well-intentioned lesson had backfired. I couldn't help but ask him to disembark and return home. Feeling sad and furious at the state of affairs, i wonder if those at the helm of affairs even know how bad the situation is.

Renu Kaul Verma

Managing Director,
Vitasta Publishing Pvt. Ltd.