Train commute - Day 4

I didn't go to office yesterday and so the Day 4 got pushed to today.

Technically I was on leave yesterday, but still had so many phone calls to attend and emails to respond, that I knew full well that today was going to be a busy day. So I decided to start earlier than usual and was at the station some 20 minutes before usual.

Just as I was climbing the stairs I saw a train chugging in. It was not an EMU and it was on a different platform than the one where the EMUs usually stop. So, I went to the usual platform and asked the guy at the newspaper stall as to when the next train to my place would arrive.

He said it would be 10 minutes before the next train comes, but in stead of that I could board the train that was there at the platform past this one. And he added that if I run right now, I could catch it.

I seriously don't know if he was making fun of me or if he really thought that a Maurice Green was hidden in the person he was talking to. I mean, the whole running involved going up a flight of stairs (you know how big they are in Railway Stations in India), then sprinting across some 20-30 feet amidst people going everywhere and then running down another flight of stairs. And after I do all this and find the train moving, I would have to run along the train and try to board it, like the heroes do in movies.

Since I am not in a movie (note how I didn't say I am not a hero), I decided not to strain myself. Mercifully, that train anyway started some 20-30 seconds after I had the conversation with that newspaper vendor. Anyways, the EMU came along on time and I got inside a really vacant I Class compartment. Got me a good corner seat (sitting with my back to the engine) and then I started reading some study material for the technical exam I have to take in the office next week.

The return trip was equally peaceful. I boarded the train some 30 minutes later than usual, but since it was late - 7.15 PM - the compartment was empty. I also had a friend from work for company.

After alighting at Guindy, I managed to get hold of an auto driver who agreed to come to Besant Nagar for 75 bucks. The best part was that I didn't have to bargain at all. I asked him the rate and he said 75. Just to put a moral show of dissidence, I wore a reluctant face, gave out a sigh and then boarded the auto. Since he quoted a near normal rate before bargaining itself, I think he was probably drunk and was not aware of what he was saying.

The bad part of today's commute was that the I Class seats were not that good. They were quite dirty actually. The coaches that I boarded both times were definitely ones that were first used some 10 years back. Definitely not worth the money that is being charged.

Costs:
Auto morning : Rs. 90.00 (solo)
Train ticket morning: Rs. 0.00
Train ticket evening: Rs. 0.00
Auto evening : Rs. 75.00 (solo)