Life’s Daily Grind

The scene is set in the Howrah Station, Kolkata. Time is 2 p.m. A middle-aged man in his late 50s, tall, lean, hair unkempt, not an iota of refinement or sophistication in the way he dresses up, is seen sitting on a bench on the railway platform. He is seen talking to another man, sitting beside him, who is in his 40s, bulky, hair perfectly in place, though shabbily dressed much like his fellow companion. Meanwhile, a conversation starts between the two commoners.

First Man:- Hello!! Sorry to disturb you. Can you please look at the board and tell me the arrival time of Hoogly-Bandel local?? My eyesight is poor. So, can you please do me a favor?

Second Man:- No, no. Nothing to feel disturbed about. Sure, sure I will let you know the arrival time. (He checks the board). Sir, the train is going to arrive at 3 p.m. instead of 2:30, late by half an hour or so.

First man:- Thank you very much for your help. In fact I have reached much earlier at the station, around 1:45 p.m. (Checking the timetable). But to my utter disgust, I find it late by half an hour. Such an erratic schedule!!!! Just intolerable!!!! It has become a regular affair now-a-days.

Second Man:- ( Nods in agreement) Yes, the entire railway administration is now going through complete mismanagement. We, the common people, are the sufferers. Even multiple complaints to the railway authorities have fallen on deaf ears. (Giving an offensive look) Me, a regular passenger, face this problem everyday. It's like hell to travel by train because of this. Today, I have an urgency to visit someone's place. But, look at this pathetic situation I am trapped in!!!! The train Bardhaman local is delayed by almost two hours. Can you imagine??

First Man:- Don't worry, buddy( Telling for the first time lending an air of personal touch). Everything will be fine and you will reach your destination safely without any hurdle. All the very best for your journey, young man!!

Second Man:- Same here, Sir (in an informal casual tone).

Meanwhile, the Bandel local enters the platform.

First Man:- (Heaves a sigh of relief) Alas! The wait is finally over. Here comes my train. Bye friend, have a happy and safe journey.

Second Man:- Bye, same to you too! (He keeps on sitting on the bench, waiting patiently, till his train arrives).