The Journey

Recession was all over the countries and it was the time when jobs were out of focus. I was also among those who were struggling for the first good break. Although marketing was my weak arena, somehow I succeeded in finding a job. It was an advertising firm and I was now a marketing trainee. I was offered very less compared to my qualification however I was finding myself lucky in that odd passing time.

Some of our clients were well known running NGO’s of India namely Helpage India and CRY NGO. We had different teams for our clients. I was taken to the Helpage India NGO project. Our tasks were to do workshops, campaigns and spread awareness among people to come forward for help. We also visit nearby cities for the same cause. Different people had different stories but the pain was one. The more I was involved, the more I was angry. The anger in me always asks one question - WHY? But the practical in me suggests to accept the reality. Some answers are beyond our reach. We feel bad about it but we actually cannot rub it. The bitter truth is “Life starts with pain and so ends with pain.”  But in all such circumstances, someway of the other, I was feeling proud for myself, in some manner I was helping the needy those who were abandoned by their loved ones, and unwillingly were bound to live in old age homes.

Trip to Jalandhar (City of Punjab)

It was now a turn for Jalandhar (city of Punjab). We five member were chosen for this trip. Puja was leading we four – I, Aditya, Shashwat and Nikhil. We as a team already visited Panipat (city in Haryana) so were comfy with each other. We were on seven days trip. This was my first ever trip out of Delhi for more than 2 days. Our tickets were confirmed in Arimtsar Delhi Shatabdi Express and as Puja was leading us, she was handed over with all the required credentials.  It was winter; the train was scheduled to depart at 6 AM. I Aditya, Shashwat and Nikhil we all had reached New Delhi railway station before time and were waiting for Puja to come. Past 10 minutes, Puja called and informed us that she was waiting at platform no 3. We were also on the same platform however neither we nor she found each other. Time was running fast and train had already arrived at the platform. We were still struggling in finding each other location; out of anger Puja shouted with words that she was waiting at Old Delhi railway station at platform no 3 near the platform clock and why it was difficult for us to get her? We all were paused for a moment, and then Nikhil burst out with his famous laughter. Shashwat controlled the situation and made her realize that train is scheduled to depart from New Delhi railway station and she was certainly not at the right place. Nikhil was uncontrollable with his laughter and was getting people’s attention. The chaos continued for little longer as now we knew the seats number however had not visible tickets. We found T.T. and narrated the whole story. We were fined of Rs. 50 for duplicate ticket and somehow managed to board the train. Puja was advised then to catch a bus to Jalandhar. Nikhil was still uncontrollable with his laughter. He narrated the story to almost everyone in the compartment and made everybody a good laugh. 

This journey had started with the fancy story with humor, drama, emotions, anger, and guilt but I had no idea that one more unforgettable story filled with suspense, emotions, hope and love was waiting for me in Jalandhar that will change me.

To be continued.....

Priyashi