The Optimism

The huge clanking monstrosity started to power down as steam billowed from its vents and the engines in the line rattled with the power grid emitting fumes. From a distance, I observed the lights in the platform flicker ….

The weather had changed drastically from bright sunshine in the morning to a heavy downpour in the afternoon. Passengers were evacuated out of the station as the scheduled departures were canceled indefinitely from the station. 

The connectivity between the railway stations got disrupted due to the weather and the trains on the way to the interlink station could not be halted. The only hope was that the integrated safety grid pilot project worked fine so that the engines can be stopped before the trains enter the station. 

“Disconnect the power, bring down the lever”, I could hear the station master shouting behind me. None ever trusted that the integrated safety grid could work. There was an optimism inside me that kept saying make the grid work. The damage that would be caused if any other step is taken is beyond imagination. With aggressiveness in my eyes, I instructed my subordinate to the control panel in the corner of the room. With the puzzled look on his face, I understood he wouldn’t be able to handle it.

I pressed the red push button and tried to bring down the lever to engage the safety grid system. I could hear the horns of the engine yanking loudly. I wiped down the sweat from my face and could feel the nerves popping up in pain as I put all my effort into pulling the lever down. Nothing happened and the sound of the approaching train was near. I could hear the station master’s voice,” It would all be because of your belief that would cost you everything “. 

It was not any conflict between my actions or beliefs. Neither it was due to a belief completely based on irrationality. As an engineer having worked on the safety grid project I was aware of how it works. There was a strong belief in the efforts put in by the entire team. 

I pushed down the lever with all my might and it came crashing down. The engine of the train was about to enter the entrance of the station it came to a halt. Steam billowed from the vents and the lights flickered.