Memories of Kolkata

It was back in 2004 when I received my first posting in Kolkata. I had just joined a branch in the bustling city, and truth be told, I had never lived in a metro city before. The idea of settling into such a vast, fast-paced place made me anxious.

Luckily, as fate would have it, I ran into an old friend. To my surprise, Mishra Ji, a former colleague, was working in the same branch. After returning from a long leave, he was equally surprised to find me there.

Without hesitation, he made arrangements for me to rent an apartment near his own. It was in the Bansdroni area, home to many other bankers as well.

We have multiple transportation options- Bus – Tram – Taxi- Metro

The convenience was unparalleled—multiple transportation options to get to the office. One could either take a taxi for a comfortable ride or choose from buses and the ever-reliable metro rail.

For me, the metro was the clear winner despite the crowds. Over time, I even got used to the jostling that was part of the daily commute. The buses, on the other hand, were far more chaotic and uncomfortable.

Getting metro tickets was a challenge in itself. The queues were long, and it wasn’t uncommon to miss one or two trains while still waiting in line.

Fortunately, Mishra Ji and I had a system. Whoever reached the station first would buy tickets for both, saving us from the hassle of standing in line every day.

It was a routine we perfected, although some days, despite our best efforts, we still ended up waiting in that dreaded queue.

Traveling to and from work felt more exhausting than the actual office hours. But there was something strangely enjoyable about the chaotic metro ride.

The underground network was pollution-free, and the air-conditioned coaches offered a much-needed respite from the heat. Even with the crowds, there was a rhythm to it.

That day stands out vividly in my memory.

One particular day stands out vividly in my memory. I was standing in line for metro tickets when Mishra Ji appeared from the crowd.

With a gesture, he signaled me to get his ticket too. I bought a combined ticket—these were magnetic strip cards that you had to swipe at the gate to enter.

As the train pulled into the platform, the usual rush ensued. People crammed into whichever coach they could find a foothold in.

Amid the frenzy, Mishra Ji and I got separated and ended up in different coaches. We had agreed to meet at the Central Station, our destination, where we would reunite. But here’s the catch— both tickets were with me.

The cool air of the AC was a welcome break

The train was particularly crowded that morning, but by a stroke of luck, I found myself a seat.

I settled in, feeling relieved that I wouldn’t have to stand the entire journey. The cool air of the AC was a welcome break from the sweltering Kolkata heat.

Feeling comfortable, I closed my eyes and let my thoughts drift to old memories. Little did I know that the soothing coolness would lull me to sleep.😂😂

The train reached Central Station, and the announcements blared through the coach, but I remained blissfully unaware. By the time I woke up, the train had already moved several stations ahead. Startled, I asked the passenger next to me, “How far is Central Station?”

The man gave me a bewildered look and replied, “You passed it a while ago!” Panic washed over me. Not only had I missed my stop, but I also had Mishra Ji’s ticket. He must’ve been waiting for me on the platform, and I had left him stranded!

I hurriedly got off at the next station and waited for a return train, all the while imagining the chaos at the Central platform. Mishra Ji must have searched the platform, trying to spot me in the crowd.

I could only imagine his anger.

Back then, mobile phones weren’t in common use, so there was no way for him to contact me. Frustrated and ticketless, Mishra Ji was forced to pay a fine for traveling without a valid ticket. I could only imagine his anger.

When I finally reached the office, about half an hour late, Mishra Ji was there, his face red with rage, his eyes boring into me. I felt a wave of guilt wash over me.

But when I explained what had happened, the entire staff, including Mishra Ji, burst into laughter at my blunder. It was a mix of embarrassment and relief.

What a day it had been! Though it was a frustrating experience, it turned into one of those fond memories that we would laugh about for years to come.

It’s strange how, in the end, what feels like a catastrophe in the moment often becomes a cherished memory—one that we recount with a smile.

“Who could have known what I was going through?
It was my struggle, my tale to tell.”😊😊

Categories: ##Memoire

Tags: #happiness, #kolkata, #Love, #Memoire, #Story of Elderly, #Travel, europe, france, trains