Angel on the train

This happened while I was coming to Nagpur from Pune on 29/05 via Pune-Nagpur Garib Rath Express. When the train reached the Wardha station, I decided to come down on the platform to purchase bananas from the vendor. My wife requested me to take my baby, Raunak along as well to prevent his boredom. I readily obliged and came down with him on the platform, located the vendor and started going through his wares. When I had made the selection and started making payment, the vendor inquired as to which train I had come. When I let him know that it was Garib Rath Express, he remarked that the train was already leaving. I looked back horrified, and indeed it was. I made the payment in haste, thanked him and ran to catch the nearest coach reaching my 8^th Coach was out of question.

While I was running towards the nearest coach, two things crossed my mind: why did the driver not sound the horn and whether I would be able to reach the gate on time. I put all my effort and somehow managed to reach the gate of Coach 6; however, by the time I did, the train has picked up speed. My problem was compounded by the fact that I was carrying Raunak in my arms and there was no way I would be able to board with just one hand free. Then the help came from one of the most unexpected quarter. The ticket checker who was moving towards the next coach saw me and came to my rescue. He asked me to handover the baby first so that the baby would be free from harm. Also, there were better chances of me able to board with my both hands free. I did as suggested and was able to board successfully. I thanked him profusely while taking Raunak back in my arms.

The Garib Rath Express logo:

The Garib Rath Express:

Wardha Junction:

I, then, crossed over to my Coach to reach my wife and found her frantically fiddling with her phone in an attempt to call me. I let her know what had transpired and she was thankful that I was safe and expressed gratitude towards the unknown ticker checker and the vendor, who had informed me, in the first place, about the departing train. Days have passed since the incident, but every time I think of it, my heart gets filled with gratitude for the vendor as well as the ticket checker. I would never forget them :)