“It is because of the rains, bhai sahib”, I heard the most ubiquitous explanation for the oppressive humidity as I was checking my berth number. It was an August morning and as I glanced across I saw quite a few grimacing faces, thanks to the humidity.
The journey between Allahabad and Patna is not too long (if you are lucky and the God of karma - they call Him Vishwakarma - is on your side then it takes around eight hours). However, the heat in these regions makes it really unbearable in the summer months. August is not exactly summer but more than the temperature it is the rains (me too!!!) that makes the journey very tiresome. And if you have a booking in the SL class, which is equivalent to general class in this part of the country, you are in the heat of things, literally.
I had a booking for the middle berth and as it was a day journey there was very little chance of me occupying my place. Asking for an excuse I joined the motley group which, though didn't exchange smile, had made enough movements to make me feel comfortable.
Colours were very vivid on the berth opposite to the one I had just occupied. On the far end towards the window sat an elderly man in flowing white hair and matching kurta-pajama. No facial hair made him look younger than he actually was. Next to him sat a sadhu and in complete contrast to the previous occupant had every part of his face covered with hair. He was wearing a saffron robe, which is quite common attire of sadhus in the northern states of India. Three other people had also somehow fixed themselves to the berth and even though each one of them was not very comfortable, none of them was giving an inch to the other. It was more than a war and everyone knew an inch is more than a kilometer in war.
To be contd...
