The Ultimate Race Against Time: Split-Second Crisis on the Tracks

Have you ever been in a situation where a mere moment's delay could have made all the difference? In this story, I will recount a harrowing yet miraculous experience that not only highlights the importance of time management but also emphasizes the need for vigilance during travel.

Planning and Preparation

Once upon a travels from Calcutta to Howrah, everything was meticulously planned. The train in question was the Coromandel Express, scheduled to depart from Howrah railway station at 3:15 PM. Most importantly, I have a habit of leaving early and[arrive 2 hours] in advance for any journey. On this particular day, I had made all the necessary arrangements by booking a taxi 2 hours ahead of the scheduled departure time, staying at Park Street in Calcutta.

Unexpected Setbacks and Tram Alternatives

As fate would have it, just as I was about to embark on my journey, the hotel owner advised me about a traffic jam. It became imperative to seek an alternative mode of transportation. Considering the urgency, I opted for a tram ride instead of waiting for the taxi. With two pieces of luggage in tow, and with precious time ticking away, I decided to move my tickets and money from my back pocket to the shirt pocket. This simple precaution ultimately saved me from potential theft.

The Race Against the Train

Despite making these precautions, the tram moved at a snail's pace, slowly making its way to Howrah Bridge. By the time I reached the bridge, the tram was stopped dead in traffic, and it seemed I was running out of time. With only five minutes before the train was due to depart, I raced towards the train station.

The Intense Moment on the Platform

Upon entering the platform, a heart-stopping moment awaited me as the train started moving just as I arrived. In an incredible act of luck, I managed to throw one bag inside the luggage van and, with all my might, tried to get inside the van. Persevering through sheer luck, I made it to the luggage van. The train suddenly stopped at the outer signal; I jumped into my designated coach and claimed my seat.

Evasion of Daily Commuters

A challenge arose as several people, styling themselves as frequent short-distance passengers, refused to vacate the seat. They insisted, 'Saab hum to Delly passenger hai,' meaning 'We are all daily passengers and it is our right to occupy any seat.' They pronounced 'daily' as 'Delly' as per Calcutta's unique pronunciation. Their stubbornness made my journey rather turbulent, but through determination and perseverance, I managed to claim my seat.

The Conclusion

In essence, my timely actions and the common sense to move my train tickets and cash helped me board the train in the nick of time. This experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper planning, vigilance, and the ability to react swiftly in challenging situations. The train eventually reached its destination on schedule, and my journey went smoothly from then on.

Thanks for the question. This incident taught me the value of being prepared and always staying alert during travel.