Busy Train Station

One of the places, which is crowded during the day and night, is a station. Stray animals such as dogs and cats were rushing helter-skelter. The one-legged, furry dog, pitch black, was continuously barking and trying to request me to provide it with some food. I was awe-stricken as to why in the world the stray dog came to me when there were so many people waiting for the arrival of the train on the same platform. The cat looked so furious that it was stretching its entire body with sharp nails, as it was very happy.

The station was quite noisy as people were rushing to and fro, trying to board the trains, to reach their destination on time. The din was heightened by the loudspeakers making announcements of the arrivals of the trains. As the train arrived, there was a deafening sound of the whistling of the train. The vendors were yelling at the top of their voices to lure the customers to buy their goods. Occasionally, a few flies came buzzing close to the ears, causing great irritation. Most of the people were chatting with their friends and families, disturbing everyone around. Still, others were standing alone, watching sports, movies, and serials and doing online shopping via their phones. The train was packed like sardines.

There were a few food stalls which had cold drinks such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola and Fanta. These stalls also served the customers deep-fried fresh samosas, vada pavs, and aloo bhaijiya with curd. The peppermint-flavoured chewing gums and nostalgic chips and popcorn were mouth-watering. The simmering tea and coffee were too difficult to resist, and this was enjoyed by the tea and coffee lovers. The stalls were extremely crowded with people who wanted to enjoy the cool, delicious lassi to beat the Summer heat.

A few large families and tour travellers were jostling along the station to board the train as they had arrived in the nick of time. They caused a great inconvenience to the other passengers by shoving them. At times, the porters were helping such passengers, especially the senior citizens and disabled passengers who were in wheelchairs and surely needed assistance.

The station master's room was seen at the end of the platform. This room was very spacious with a table and a few chairs. The table was piled with complaints and feedback correspondence. Few people were seen making inquiries, and the station master was patiently solving their problems. He seemed to be in his late 50s and very gentle and polite, trying to put his best foot forward in fulfilling his duty. As a famous writer aptly remarks: "Patience and perseverance may overcome mountains, but they do not enable us to get our train."