Every Tuesday I have a heartwarming experience at Howrah Station. The Mayiladuthurai Black Diamond Express stands at platform 8. It's full of coal-black marinaded boiled eggs on half-plate, headed to Raniganj at night. But almost in its shadow stands the Ranchi-Mukhi Centennial Express. Glinting like a smart corporate youth, it's vibe is different. Even its windows are higher than the Black's. In an hour Raniganj is reached. The beautiful blue cushioned seats call me like a silent invitation. I sit quietly in a small, uncomfortable seat, thinking maybe one day I too will travel to Raniganj in style. But since the fare is four to five times more, naturally today I couldn't afford the ticket. Accepting the limitations of reality, I understand even more. Mentally cursing the Railways and the P. Commission, with the fare hike the two-hour journey has no gain! 😒 Whatever it may be...shifting my disappointment of not being able to afford the Centennial to another angle, I don't sulk. Slowly, I make way to my seat in the Black Diamond amidst drizzle. Suddenly, in front, I see a tall, handsome hero looking at me and chuckling. Then I see him turn to the window, smiling broadly. They are conversing softly. I too glance at the platform beside us and spot a Centennial standing hastily. Another heroine sits near our window in the same train. She too is smiling shyly like a shy maiden leaning on her mother. Their shared silent love story was beyond my comprehension. What kind of connection does caste, religion, status have with the Centennial and the Black Diamond!! But reading their silent love story makes the hero furiously irritated on me. He doesn't smile at me. :/ Nope, no laughing out loud here. Don't get carried away. Even in a lover's goodbye, tears and flaming make -_-

Info about the 1992 timetable of the Howrah to Madras mail service (Train numbers 6003/6004). No arrival/departure time listed for some stations. Correction: Train 6003 at Visakhapatnam should be at 12:55/13:20. #throwback #oldtimetable #nostalgia #archive #history