I am just writing what I feel. Traveling in the ‘not so pleasant’ (for many plane and ac addicted minds) in the second class compartment in a train is surely an experience to cherish and relish. What with the alchemy of succulent dishes from the pantry, the vendors scurrying in an amusing frenzy, the cramped places for your luggage, the open window letting in the untamed breeze speaking of the pace; second class is a unique experience. Traveling in ac brings to mind an unwanted aura of sophistication; but 2nd class? Not at all, you can be as “gavthi” as u want and let yourself free.
Who needs the curtains to remain secluded and aloof? The excitement of an approaching station relayed by the sudden change in sounds can never be felt in ac. Nor can you lean from the window and see the train when it is turning. Nor can you buy the delicacies from the window. The rhythmic “ ratatat” of the train seems to be presenting you with percussion beats for the songs in your mind. The shiny brown winding, twisting, intersecting tracks present an amusing picture. The playful separation of tracks heralds the arrival of a station. Also in the station you can never hear the announcer wishing you a happy journey if you are in an ac compartment. Nor there is any hustle and bustle creating a listless aura whereas in 2nd class the world outside beckons you to myriad things. The occasional scent of soiled mud wafting through the windows speaks of recent rain raising your spirits. The sun rise, the sun set, the sudden change in air temperature produce a wondrous feeling lifting up chagrined minds. To sum up second class truly presents an experience full of thriving life in stark contrast to the ac compartments where you can “condition” yourself using the conditioned air.
