It’s been a long time since I travelled by train, so long that I don’t even remember. I’m on my way back from Pune after a short visit with my parents. I amoat cancelled this trip because my brother warned me of traffic snarls, slippery roads, landslides and generally rash driving that caused horrendous accidents particularly during the first few weeks of rain when the roads get slushy. So keeping this in mind, I decided to return by train. 

The Deccan Queen is my train of choice but today I have to make do with the Pragati Express as all train tickets for the Queen are booked. 

The first round of vendors have already made their way through the coach , selling tea and newspapers. I have already armed myself with reading material and given the tea a miss as I can’t bear drinking tea out of a tea caddy clenched tightly between the vendors thighs: when he opens the tap, I can’t help feeling it looks like he’s peeing into the paper cup! ( yuck!!!)

The train has left on schedule and now I will settle down to my sandwiches made by my mom and a nice read. 

Hello Bombay! Here I come