We live in Ranchi for our studies, but whenever college vacations begin, we head back home to Daltonganj. And honestly, traveling by train—especially in the general coach—is something I truly enjoy. There’s something special about it. If I get a window seat, it becomes even better.
But yes, traveling alone can feel a bit boring sometimes. And during festivals, the situation gets even more hectic. The trains are extremely crowded—so much so that even getting a seat feels like a big achievement.
One such day, my sister and I were heading home. As soon as we reached the station, we saw an overwhelming crowd. After a lot of effort, we somehow managed to get tickets and boarded the train. As expected, the general coach was packed. Everyone was in a hurry to reach home, and finding a seat seemed almost impossible.
After trying for a long time, a kind stranger (a “bhaiya”) helped both of us get seats. It was such a relief. Soon, the train started its journey, but honestly, it felt quite boring at first. The crowd was too much, there was no network, and nothing much to do.
After some time, the same person who helped us started a conversation with my sister. It was just a normal, casual talk at first. Then another person joined in—they already knew each other. So now, my sister and both of them were talking, while I sat quietly, listening to music on my earphones.
After a while, my sister introduced me, and I slowly became a part of their conversation. They asked about me, and when I told them that I am a Mass Communication student and a training journalist, their reaction surprised me. They appreciated it so much and encouraged me to work hard and do well in this field.
As the conversation continued, we got to know that they were also connected to government work in some way. They shared many valuable insights, life lessons, and experiences. What started as a boring journey slowly turned into something meaningful and memorable.
We kept talking, laughing, and sharing thoughts—and before we knew it, our station had arrived. We said goodbye to them and got off the train.
And that’s when I realized something beautiful—
Sometimes, the most unexpected journeys turn out to be the most special ones. You never know when a boring moment will turn into a memorable experience, or when you’ll meet kind and inspiring people along the way.
This was truly one of the best journeys of my life.
Eshika Raj
Sem-3
Mcvp department
Gossner College, Ranchi
