The green stares directly at me penetrating the darkness as I stand at the door. Thadak thak thak thak thadak rhythm of the wheels continue below me . Who is this green for , why is it facing me straight, I asked . The loco gave a loud horn... That's for me !!! I change my angle and look at the loco , the rhythm still follows as we drag on at 40 kmph . The series of electric poles stand is a symmetrical salute. The EMD ackowledges the salute with another loud horn . Days are getting outnumbered for the diesel on this stretch, may be a max of a year or two more. The loco has curved and the headlight now meets the green, about a minute after I met the green. Will the loco pilot see the signal better from passenger window, I think??? Clang clang dang dhak...
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says the wheels in laughter as the train enters into Periyanagathunai station, close to half an hour of departing Hosur . It was day of Naga Panchami, and the station name sends a slight Goosebumps across, the darkness an added effect to the feeling .

The talking of the group who boarded at Hosur echoed through the coach. The Dhank Dhank rhythm was more interesting for me, as the evening cool breeze sweeps past my face. The berths are all laid up , but I don't feel the sleep, so I stand at the door. The TTE & RPF look at me and go their way. They would have dragged me in if the train has crossed Dharmapuri citing safety issues ,but now they aren't much concerned .

The shrubs around the tracks keep hitting close to train and there is darkness alone. Dhank Dhank Dhank - Aren't you getting bored asks the train. Of course not bro, with you for company why will I get bored. Hey but I am just trotting at 30-40 , he replied . So what, I am observing the board's pass by, you carry on I said.

Now keep watching me, he said as he tackled the curves on the Hosur Dharmapuri section. The ocassional signal lights at right angles give me a smile , as I look out to see the loco. The turn is acknowledged by loco everytime and the signal changes from green to red as the loco crosses past. Though I am only 5 coaches away thats sufficient for seeing the signal change

The loco suddenly slows down and the wheels screech. We have moved down and almost stopped , before swiftly getting past at 15-20 with the rhythm picking up. The board with a 40 TSR is quickly succeeded by a board with a smiling elephant running. I know my limits said the wheels . Smiled back

You know what, SWR has given me so much of slack, he plays with me in its territory to hand me over only at right time , it said. I know boss, you know I am seeing you from the day you got bifurcated from Madurai express in 1997. And I never dreamt that after 20 months of no travel in sleeper , I would again travel by you . That's the relation between us , it just happens without planning

Oh bro, you like me so much ...the rhythm was pretty happy . Of course I said, but as you said, SWR seriously plays with you. You are just am ordinary train, not a superfast and always late running .

Grrrrrrr...growled the EMD. The wheels echoed the same in rhythm. You said you like me, but you still scold me. What do you know about me , it asked. Well what else , you arrived Bangalore City 5 mins late at 1850 hrs today, I said. You didn't see me, I was at Kengeri at 1815. Then they dragged me slowly in,as Golgumbaz also waited for platform. O could cover Mysore Kengeri in 1 hr 45 mins. Don't underestimate me .

Ok, but then what happened at Bangalore. You were just held up for so long you know. Of course, replied the train. I came with KJM WAP7 39157 and then had to get my head transplanted. My head went to the Nanded express that was on PF-6 and I got this new head. In the meantime, the SWR King had to get departed on time . Then , the Garden express had to get his place before his departure . You know what was not because of my laziness I am a sprinter. Now see what I do, that I reach Salem on time and you won't realise it.

Hahaha, I laughed. Last 25 mins you have been trotting at 40 I said. Wait na, he said, as now darkness enveloped the place completly as we crossed the Rayakottai Fort region, away from village lights. The next station Rayakottai was approaching and the slow dhak dhak dhadak has now changed to dhadang dhadang in a much faster pace

You are standing and talking to me, are you alone ?? . Very late realizatiin, I replied smiling . No my parents are in another coach and just because your AC was empty, you upgraded them on chart leaving me in SL I said. Hey wait, I don't do such things, how did you get seperated" it asked . Well being senior citizens ,I got them a seperate ticket in LB quota , and you considered their ticket for auto upgradation but you didn't take mine . Hehehe , well how do I know you are with them if you are in 2 PNR's. And you seem to have booked from Kengeri quota ?? I said " Yes, do you think I would try a RAC ticket with amount of bulk bookings you get ??". Well what do you think of me dude , I am a National Integrator and connector and I would do anything to throw up surprises ".

In the meantime the speed has now increased and reaching close to high double figures. Rayakottai was gone and before I realised , we had already crossed Marandahalli, as watch ticked to 2150 . The breeze was soothing for eyes to droop and almost slept a second before coming back to senses.... Drrrrr...dabang...the opposite door banged against the wind. Go to sleep man if you are tired. Why standing here unnecessarily it asked. All this while of trot i enjoyed, let me enjoy a few brisk run of yours before going to sleep" I said

"Accept me that I can be a superfast, considering your expectation of superfast is of 60kmph, I am going to cover the Hosur - Dharmapuri section in 1.5 hrs after going through a series of 40"said the train. I nodded. Palakkodu was crossed and the TNSTC bus depot went . The run was still unabated and sooner the National Hughway was above us, with a glittering TNSTC bus going over the over bridge. The town of Dharmapuri was visible and we slowed down to enter DPJ at 2220 hrs. "Good night " I wished.. " Only for you dude, I can't sleep. I have lots to run and ensure you reach safely tomorrow . Go & sleep well in comfort of your UB " it said. Fine, I smiled as the brakes were thrust onto arrival at PF-2 of DPJ . Slow or fast you are my friend I said , before pulling out my bedsheet and tossing to sleep.

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