Jugaad
Sunday, October 04, 2009
2 p.m., Four of us started our journey back in a hired cab from Talnoo to Pathankot from where we were to catch our train to Delhi, after spending three heavenly days in the lap of God. Our ‘Jammu mail’ tickets were wait-listed but we were assured by the agent in Delhi that before the chart is put up, it will get cleared.
2.30 p.m., got a call from Delhi, tickets not confirmed and agent not responding??
Action started-
JKT i.e. me called up all my contacts in Delhi to check alternates, but without success,
AG checked online, called up a few numbers, followed up on 139, but no success,
VV was looking at us curiously and reminded that he must catch tomorrow morning’s flight to Mumbai. There is no way he can miss that.
Chi, (our businessman friend, whom we luckily met in Talnoo), was amused at our actions. He commented that three of us though qualified CA’s, are too innocent and novice! Let me do some jugaad!, he said and called up his guy in Gwalior. He instructed clearly and loudly and asked to get three reservations immediately in today evening’s Rajdhani express.
But our learned friend AG immediately checked that in Rajdhani the waiting was over 140, if we could not clear 4-5-6 in Jammu mail, how it can happen in this train. Rajdhani’s idea was immediately dropped and Chi, reluctantly called up his guy in Gwalior again to cancel his earlier instructions.
My friends (AG and VV) agreed to my idea of traveling by bus from Pathankot and not get too much bothered, though VV was still concerned about his morning flight. AG also was worried about his very important 3 p.m. presentation in Gurgaon on the following day.
Chi, however was concerned about our well being and comfort in a bus as he assumed that we are too delicate. He disagreed that we should go by bus as he was confident his jugaad will ensure that we travel only by train. His confidence was so high and loud that we had to drop the idea of traveling by bus as we surrendered to his buoyancy. He suggested that instead of Pathankot, we go to Chakki Bank, where the options of trains will be more. We agreed and directed our cab guy to go to this new destination suggested by our businessman friend. Chi shared his Jugaad experiences of the past; he also informed us that he never booked his train tickets and through this special skill, still manages a very comfortable journey in a train. His actions and education made us realize how thickheaded we are and that we must incorporate these concepts in our life. His provoking experiences made us feel so very un-Indian.
Later suddenly, Chi suggested that we go to Jalandhar as from this new destination, the trains options will further improve and we could also get a Volvo bus too. He also informed us that he would also not travel from his 140+ wait-listed Rajdhani ticket and instead travel with us to Delhi to ensure that we are comfortable under his Jugaadu train and his chatar-shaya . The changes were so fast, that we had no time to analyze the reasons but to agree. Impact was so durable that I started signing along ‘Bhule bisre Geet’ being played on the local radio channel, though in last three days, we were only signing and dancing to the tunes of Godly bhajans. I don’t know whether my singing was reflecting my happiness or my shyness or something else.
All this happened in the three hours of travel from Talnoo to Chakki Bank, where we reached at 5 p.m. sharp. The feeling of arrival was so great that we took few photographs with ‘Chakki bank board’ in the background; even the security guys were surprised at three of us doing such crazy things, while Chi was arranging things inside.
At Chakki Bank, AG and VV decided to go around and check the travel options from the local agents. While they had gone, Chi suggested that I buy some express tickets and get my wait listed Jammu Mail tickets cancelled from Delhi.
While three of us returned almost together, Chi announced that he will make his Jugaad from this station itself and in the same train, which has kept us waiting. He assured us that he will take us in AC coach in Jammu Mail only and no other train. We were again taken by surprise, but had no alternatives but to accept it.
In the meantime, we (Chi, VV and me) located ‘Chacha ka Dhaba’ and had our supper packed, AG was left at the platform as he was already on his office going mode through his continuous phone calls, which suddenly started pouring in at Chakki Bank.
7.30 p.m. Jammu mail arrived, sleeper class coaches were fully, rather badly packed and we were not allowed to board the AC coach, on a wait listed ticket. However Chi made us board one of the thickly populated sleeper class coaches and miraculously helped us to get inside with body and baggage and then immediately left us with the assurance that he will come back soon.
Left helpless, we were somewhat clueless and indecisive as to what should we think now? The pain of standing in the train was getting too much and we were sweating furiously and waiting for our mentor to return soon.
8.15 p.m. Chi arrived with a broad victorious smile on his face and said that he had managed a seat in an AC 2 coach. With great difficulties, we crossed 7 coaches to reach our final destination, the one Jugaaded by Chi. AG and VV while crossing had almost made up their mind to flee at the earliest possible option, as crossing took all the energy that was left in them.
The place arranged by Chi was one single side seat (generally those RAC seats) where he very proudly said that all 4 of us can go comfortably by sitting on that seat for the rest of journey. He further encouraged us by explaining that assume we are sitting in the back seat of a small car together though uncomfortably but with the assurance of reaching the destination in time.
We were clueless and thoughtless.
We started eating our dinner; tandori chicken had just one leg piece, which so very loving left for me by VV and Chi. AG enjoyed his vegetarian food, after having refreshed himself with his very special face wash. While we were eating our food, enjoying our single seat and listening to the hygiene habits of AG, the TC came. Chi immediately got up and offered him the leg piece, though there was none left; anyways the TC somewhat reluctantly refused and instructed something to him.
Chi came and informed us that we had to finish our food fast as we were to get down at the next station Jalandhar!!!!. He further told us that he has confirmed information that the train called ‘Golden temple’ coming from Amritsar and reaching Jalandhar shortly has number of seats available and we can comfortably board that train. Of course he will do the necessary Jugaad.
We were wondering what is going on and what are we expected to do.
We downloaded ourselves with luggage at the Jalandhar station. Chi asked us to wait till he makes arrangement and left us in a faint situation. He came after five minutes and said we must change the platform and go to another one which will increase of options of trains as another train called ‘Pooja Express’ will also come there and for sure this train will not disappoint us as it always has a number of vacant seats. Before we could pick up the luggage, Chi went inside the coach that we had just left and came back with a tricky smile on his face. He announced that nobody has boarded the seat we had left and that we should go back and grab the same seat. We picked up our heavy luggage consisting of one bag and one sleeping bag and boarded the same coach, the people inside looked at us in a very suspicious manner, as if we have come back to the place after committing some crime. Our chief had gone to inform the TC about our decision, but in less than 2 minutes, he came and asked us to vacate as TC even in a drunk condition has not agreed to his decision.
We were again standing on the platform waiting for further action from our dear friend, who had again gone to meet TC.
There were still 20 minutes for the train to move. AG suddenly left with a message that he will look for Chi and find out the exact situation. 10 minutes had nearly passed, Chi came back to inform that the other two trains ‘Pooja and Golden express’ are full and there is no point waiting for them? He again left to seek another Jugaad. We were worried as AG was not there, VV left to look for him and I was all alone there to take care of luggage. After few minutes both VV and AG came, there was a sensible and cute looking smile on AG’s, face. His face was still shining and depicted the quality of his face wash. He said he had made some arrangements from the next station and asked us to meet the person who has assured him of seats. We picked up our luggage and started running with him, picked up Chi from the way, who was still talking to some TC.
AG introduced us to a railway police guy, who asked us to that board any coach for the time being and come back to him at the next station. The promise looked genuine. We boarded a nearby sleeper class coach, which was full, but managed to get the two top seats in the very first compartment, as some children who were sleeping there had just vacated it. Chi who was lying low, suddenly regaining his lost energy instructed us to keep occupying the seats and not to leave under any circumstances. Four of us were stuffed in those seats, VV (55kg) with Chi (80 kg) on one seat and me (62kg) and AG (58 kg) on the other. Chi was confident that he will ensure that we go like this to Delhi. Chi and AG slept while VV and I shared our feelings, about the system and our inabilities to cope up with it.
At next station, Shri Anandpur Sahib those small school children left and there was a lower berth vacated, which I requested VV to occupy as he had to sleep to catch up with his office in Mumbai tomorrow.
Monday, October 05, 2009
12.30 a.m., the train reached Ludhiana and suddenly there was a rush and a huge crowd entered the coach. Immediately a family having exactly the same berths that we were occupying entered and we had to vacate. Standing like headless warriors, there was a state of confusion. But suddenly AG left with a instruction to look after his luggage and within a minute, came back and informed that his prior arrangement is still valid and those guys who had promised are ready to accommodate despite the fact that we are late as we were suppose to meet them at the earlier station.
We picked up our luggage with new found vigor and reached the place where those railway police guys were enjoying their tea. They assured us not to worry and also have a cup of tea; we however were more interested in getting the seat. They showed us the compartment which was going to be our next room. Outside the compartment was written “Viklang i.e. for Handicaps”. As soon as we boarded, a handicap old person with no arms was sitting outside the toilet in a very sad situation with hardly any clothes on his body. The compartment was different, smaller as compared with normal. There were only 4 broad seats, a lower one an upper one with no middle seats. The floor was wider as compared with the normal coaches; it was approx 3’ ft wide. The two top seats and one lower seat were occupied, when we entered the compartment. We kept our luggage and occupied the only available seat.
The war in our minds had already started. The war of state of affairs of our nation, of our people, of our week nationals, about our corrupt system, about our sheer helplessness, about JUGAAD………...
VV and I argued almost together about this state. VV very clearly conveyed his displeasure of occupying seat (s) of those persons who were so weak, poor and immobilized. We almost decided to leave the compartment; Chi was watching all this and seemed to have understood our dilemma. Arguments continued that suddenly, AG got up very furiously and picked up his bag and threatened to leave. He was annoyed that we were pointing figures at him. He almost left, when Chi holded his hands. AG in a very loud and high anger pointed his displeasure that his efforts are being blamed despite the fact that there are people who have to catch the flight and certain others have to meet deadlines. The situation indeed was gloomy. AG was right, it was a collective responsibility, which suddenly VV and I forgot before arguing, though we never intended to blame our beloved friend. The arguments and concerns shared among three of us were situational, the purpose was not blame anyone. However the arguments and the anger made the situation dark.
It was almost midnight @1 a.m., Train started, Chi offered his blanket and bedspread to be laid down on that dirty floor, which apparently seemed to have not been cleaned for a long time. It was badly stinking. VV and me further opened our sleeping bags and stretched it on the bedspread.
Chi and AG were sitting on the seat, shared also by the railway guy while VV ane me laid down on the floor with second sleeping bag covering us. AG was still upset, not talking to anyone of us and sat quietly with closed eyes, Chi was also quiet, trapped in a catch 22 situation.
VV was on one side, where a sardar ji was sleeping and I was on the other side where Chi and AG were sitting. While lying, we were sharing the current situation. Suddenly, the sardar ji started snoring. The voice of his snoring was so thunderous and volcanoes that we could not stop our laughter. The sardarji’s each snoring was quite different from his earlier one, even the volumes were diverse. Hearing such a variety in snoring made us laugh louder. We knew it was not right but again it was situational. At this point we missed AG, our most delightful friend. We had spent last 4 days so very joyfully and remembered our journey from Delhi, stay at Talnoo and all the time we had spent together during this trip
1.30 a.m., AG was still in the same mood, however I offered him to exchange places, so that he can sleep. He however said that three of us can share the floor the ice was broken. He joined in, 3 ft wide place which finally got fully occupied by three CA’s. Chi was happy, infact everyone around was pleased at the turnaround of the situation. I guess everybody was observing us.
First thing we did was to raise our hands and take a vow, never to fight again. We were sweet happy friends again. The laughter was louder as AG has also joined in. Sardarji’s snoring noises played a crucial role in lightning the situation. We talked about the Jugaad, corruption, kinds of snoring, love, life, and almost any thing and every thing which gave us hearty laugher. It was for sure that at least I was laughing from my heart after a long time. We characterized ourselves, Chi was Prem Chopra, our real hero AG was SRK, VV was Saif Ali Khan, for his coolness and I was Amitabh. Even three films were also scripted.
It was well past 2 a.m. and we do not remember when we got caught by the sleep on that 3 ft wide floor.
At 4.45 a.m. , we were woken up by Chi, he informed us that Subzi mandi has come and he will have to depart and needs his bedspread and blanket, which we had grabbed so very innocently.
We enquired how is going to go to Gwalior, he very confidently said, oh!!!!!! No problems I will do some Jugaaaaaaadddddddd.
We gave Chi a hug and thanked him for all his efforts. He had taught us some unread lessons of life.
5.15 a.m., the old Delhi railway station arrived, the final destination. We gave VV a warm hug with a promise to meet soon.
Finally AG and I bid a good bye.
What was all this?? Any message, Mahamaya wanted us to give????
Whatever it was, but it was the most memorable journey of our life and a very rare gift of HER.
Thank you mother for all this.
" So many hands in one tifin box,
so many friends in one bench,
so many calls on a birthday nite,
so many tears 4 one little fight.
friends
are the best part of life"
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