I met Preman, my old friend after twenty years. He still looks younger...great feeling. His daughter studying in class 8th and Preman asked me "Enthanda Vacation Plan?" (What is your vacation plan). Hmmmmm..... I asked..... vacation plan? My son Vishnu just started training in one of the top IT Companies in Pune and my life has completely changed....so no more so called "vacation".. that happens in May and June every year for school going kids.
However, we used to enjoy the "vacation" ..1990s. It was interesting......every year after the "vacation" we will be in huge debt!! Every year we had to struggle for train tickets..... invariably use Railway Board contacts to get a last minute reservation!! Every year our LONG journey in sleeper class (that was the best we could afford) in Kerala Express from New Delhi to Palakkad used to be most memorable ones... getting down at station and stand in a long queue to fetch water, playing rummy with the fellow passengers, my son's pranks and meeting his demand to buy a Twinkle or a potato chip packet, my wife's complete "rest" in the train....i.e sleeping for hours together.... and experiencing wonderful hot climate inside the train.....with no fan...no water in loo....stale food served in the train....and entertainment by the Beggars!!!
There is an unforgettable incident in our "vacation" chapters..... :). It used to be very difficult to get train tickets.. however.......I had right connection at all Government Offices including Railways. With great difficulty, my friend in Railways arranged for three berths...Beena started packing bags, making ready enjoyable snacks, Poori and Lemon Rice for the journey of three days. I went to nearby ATM to get some cash and we all set to go!! Autowalla is at door step. Now time to count bags, check .. my purse.....all doors in the house... all electrical appliances and then the last one..... Ticket. Suddenly I realised that the ticket is missing....... if we lost ticket there was no hope in those days to make it second time!! Happy Husbands can think of what all happens in the situation..... it is real fun... shouting, argument, blame, scream!!!
Beena advised me to be cool and to go and check whether I lost it near the ATM.. where I went to take cash... we were loosing time! I am using all the force to walk fast... not able to due to the tension. I reached ATM ... checked with the Security Guard and few over there whether they could see any Train Ticket lying any where..... I got response... Nahi.. No..Nahi Ji..... I was sure of cancelling the trip! Disappointed!!
While returning I came across a Cow busy in eating all that lying near road side... in Delhi, Cows will eat anything ..... and then I saw a small paper piece similar to the Train Ticket flying in the air...near to the cow. I wanted to check whether it is my ticket and by that time it is almost near to the mouth of the Cow. I was afraid as to how will I ?? Frankly, I fear .... unpredictable behaviour right??!! However, like Dharmendra or Salman Khan.... I jumped in front of the Cow and don't know what I did but screamed .....shooo......... pooooo...... kooooooo.....kha..kha... .due to tension I was not able to shout also........the Cow would have wondered what is this happening.... but shown mercy..... turned back. I got hold of the small piece of paper and then closely checked..... yeah it is my ticket. I reached my house in a minute and we started!!
This was one of the funniest experiences in my life but most adventurous!!
