She was lucky to have barely made it across the crossing before the train did. It was always a touch and go ever since the early morning showers had lashed out and kept her waiting at the doorstep. But she wouldn’t be late today.
Just as on any other day, the train pulls into the Irinjalukada station. She braved the crowd to board the train and hopefully to get a seat. On most days a seat would have been a rather tough ask but today luck was in her favor. There were a couple of seats to be had and that too by the window sill. She even thought of probably saving one for her friend who boarded from Angamali. But then holding onto a seat for a couple of stations was being rather rude to those standing and she had personally abused such people in the past. Just then, a middle aged lady came running along to occupy the last of the empty seats and she was glad that someone like her had got the seat opposite. She could now easily strike up a conversation.
The train chugs along and she is on her way again. On her way to yet another day at work. To yet another day of being a role model to hundreds of children. Though she never wanted to be a teacher, yet for 12 years she had been one. And still she continues to hold the future of many young ones in her hand. The responsibility is enormous and yet she is only a human.. only one among a few hundred who catch the 8:45 express to make it to the workplace at 10.
Presently the guy selling the lottery tickets comes along. She gives him a faint smile as she thrusts a fiver into his hand. It was her daily ritual, one she could not forsake - come what may. The 10,00,000 rupee prize would have been more than enough to alleviate her from the daily grind. But then it wasn’t the prize but the hope of winning the lottery that got her through the grind everyday. It numbed the pain of the whole journey. Hope is a drug… its hard to get off it.
The train picks up speed as she looks out the window. The world outside had changed she remarks. Lifestyles have changed, people have changed. Everything has changed she tells the lady opposite her who remorsefully agrees. Life was much more simpler back then, much more hassle free she reminisces. Now people don’t have time to even say hello. Banal as they might seem, a simple greeting brings about a smile on many a face. Suddenly she remembers that she is not powerless. She must remind her class to greet people whenever they run into them. Suddenly there is a small smug expression on her face. She realizes that along with the heavy responsibility, she also wields enormous power. She is a change agent.
The narration is mine but the story is someone else’s. Someone who sat beside me for a few hours on a train.
No one talks at allll 
