13 A Journey By Train (1/2)

Today is Thursday and Akash and his family is supposed to reach Khirwa village on Sunday.

The second cousin brother of Akash who is 18 years old and is called Akshay, told Grandpa during breakfast ”Grandpa! I checked the travel plan on the net and found that we can directly travel from Pune to Banaras by plane and then Banaras to Singrauli by rental cars. It will hardly take 7 to 8 hours total and we can reach the village within 10 hours.”

Grandpa smiled and said ”Don't you wish to know how did your Grandpa travel from village to Pune? Don't you wish to experience the journey by train to the village? Let me tell you, this journey will definitely show you a different aspect of our country if you wish to know and don't have any prejudice toward my decision from start only.”

”Yes, you kids were born and raised in the city and you really have not seen many things which are very interesting. Be prepared for an interesting journey.” Grandma also joined and supported Grandpa's decision.

No one spoke about travel plan again. If they will suggest otherwise, it will be considered that they are feeling grumpy due to Grandpa's decision. Akash just kept eating quietly and did not input anything in the discussion.

Everyone was ready on Friday and they reached Pune railway station by 8 PM and their travel agent was already there with their travel tickets. Grandpa, Grandma, Akash and His mother, Youngest uncle and aunt, Ira, Akshay, and youngest uncle's son and daughter total 10 people are going

Pune-Patna express which goes through Jabalpur is already on the platform. Every one of the Patel Family entered their compartment and placed their luggage below their seats. Their tickets are booked for AC coach. They will go up to Jabalpur by this train. Then they have their tickets for another train which will take them from Jabalpur to Singrauli.

The train left Pune at 9 PM and everyone prepared to go to sleep as they already have done their dinner before boarding the train. Everyone in the family has their seats in two consecutive compartments.

The train is moving and Everyone is trying to sleep and then suddenly a group of transgender people entered the coach and started waking people by clapping. They asked everyone to give 10 INR.

Akash felt like they got scammed by a group of transgender hoodlums. Grandpa laughed and gave 100 INR to a transgender and said to him while pointing toward Akash ”Bless my grandson, we are going to meet the girl's family for marriage.”

About three transgenders came at the place and remarked toward him, some in appreciation and some in blessing.

”You are such a good looking boy, God will definitely make your life happy.”

”Boy! Don't worry, your wife will definitely be cultured and bring happiness in your life.”

”God will give you a great family with obedient and intelligent children.”

Akash listened quietly and sneered in his heart ”Your blessings are a curse for me. Why don't you bless me that this marriage will break off?”