The realization
It was all started when I realized that I am having a ticket of previous day train. I instantly asked Dad to stop the vehicle. Dad with little discomfort in stopping brought scooter to halt. I took my mobile out of my pocket and started checking the messages of IRCTC. The date was of 15th Feb. It was of previous day train.
The confirmation
I still believed till than that something could be done and it is not right. Hurried to station, me and Dad quickly sneaked to TT's room. There was single TT in a big room who was registering his attendance in the register. We waited till he completes his task. I asked him if I can see the chart of Azadhind express for Pune bound. He looked at us as if we asked for his daughters hand for marriage. He took out a bunch of charts from the basket beside him, worn his spects and started checking Train# in front page of charts. It was nowehere to be found there. I cursed by bad luck. The TT was quite cooperative in the way he took us to the Reservation Chart window where the Azadhind Pune bound train chart was pasted for public view. I checked my berth# B3-30. It was present. It was in another persons name. Thus it was confirmed I am travelling a day after my ticket date. I cursed Indian railway. I cursed the train timing. I cursed Azadhind. I thought my real journey to pune is about to begin. I could be lucky if I can get the seat in any train for Mumbai, Pune or Nagpur.
Till that time, there was many options that I can try to get a seat in any train.Talking with the TT was fruitless as he asked us to check with the incoming train TT. I found below options that I can try hands on. Since I came to station early, I have ample amount of time. Dad was supposed to leave after dropping me to station but the uncalled incident got him into this. He is also trying his best to get me one berth in any train.
1. Get a general ticket for Mumbai and try for berth as there is number of Mumbai train plying from Tata.
2. Get a general ticket for Pune and try in Azadhind only
3. Get home and try tatkal next day.
4. Get a flight ticket to pune.
First attempt:-
Trying first option was the best option at that time as Mumbai bound train was about to come. I quickly went to ticket counter and asked for ticket to Mumbai. He charged me Rs.325 and provided me the ticket. I also asked him if it can be cancelled if I didn't get the berth from the TT. He said come in 30 mins to cancel the ticket otherwise it cannot be returned. We had more time than that. Having a ticket of Mumbai, we hurried for the platform. The announcement was being made for the arrival of Gyaneshwari Mumbai train. We made a stand at place where the coach#B1 will halt as TT normally be in B1 for 3rd AC.
Within a minute, train was entering a platform. We started looking at gates of coaches for TT. It was all chaos when the train stopped. I saw a bunch of people encircling a man, quickly realizing that it must be TT, I made my way to the man. He was refusing everyone approaching him with the general ticket. I asked him about a berth to Mumbai; He refused. I asked about berth to Nagpur; He again refused and told me to try in sleeper coaches. The train soon made a whistle for departure. It was of no use going all the way to sleeper coaches crossing 5 AC coaches. We dropped the plan and the train passed in front of my eyes.
Cancellation of ticket:-
Now, its time to try for azadhind express for Pune. I also have to cancel the general ticket for Mumbai as it was of no use. I ran towards ticket counter. There was long queue. I got in the line and waited for my turn. Thankfully the ticket was cancelled by the person and I got my balance amount. Asking about Pune bound ticket, he shoved me to the right hand side counter which again had long queue. Without wasting much time, I ran towards the next counter queue.
A kind help and change in plan:-
I was looking on my tab and searching for flight fare to Pune and Mumbai. There was people sleeping beside the queue, some looking me as if I had some extraordinary thing. And then one guy approached me, he was in a bit hurry and asked me if I can check the fare to some station as he had 500 Rs note and counter guy will deny him the ticket as he does not have the change. I told him "it will not be shown here, you better goto the counter.". He was not going to leave me so soon. To my surprise he showed me the 500 Rs note too. Then I realized I have few 100 Rs note in my pocket. I took out bunch of notes from my pocket: some were 100, some 10. By this time, my turn of taking ticket was about to come. Counting 5 notes of 100 each, I handed over to him who in turn gave my 500Rs note. With smile in his face, he thanked me and went to his line for ticket.
There was no direct flight to Pune, the connecting time was also long. The only option is to goto Mumbai, the fare was also not too high. I rang my Dad's phone and asked if I can take the Calcutta bound train ticket as I can go to Mumbai through flight. The probability of getting berth in azadhind is next to zero. He agreed. By this time my turn came and I took the Howrah ticket.
Final boarding at howrah bound train:-
Having a ticket is one thing and getting a berth is another. The howrah bound train was about to reach platform and we found ourselves again looking for AC coach. We stood beside the place where 3rd AC coach will land. As the train hurled in platform, we looked in the gates of each coach for black coat guy. There he was, right after one coach where we were standing. I saw him climbing down from the coach. We caught him. Before even opening my mouth, he was swinging his head for a 'No' answer. I requested him atleast check and reply. He just shrugged his chart and said "not a single berth, no chance". and moved way. This was my final chance to travel today, if I did not get in this train, I have to wait for 2days. There was one coach attendant in one of the AC coach leaning out from the gate. I moved towards him and politely asked if there is any berth left as most of the passenger get down at Tata. He was also friendly and softly replied that there is many berth left and I can ask TT for the berth. I went to my Dad who was by then came towards the same coach and listening to the conversation. I took my strolley and said to Dad that I am getting into this train, I will get a berth if not then it doesn't matter as the journey is for 3 hours only. I can see the disappointment in my Dad's face. The train whistled for departure and my journey finally started.
Getting a berth in Howrah train
It was well over 1am when train left station and I can see it was pitch black outside window. I had large strolley with me which was filled with clothes, laptop, shoe, eatables. It was heavy to carry around. The friendly coach attendant provided his space of berth to sit. I was waiting for the TT to come. Meanwhile, my search for flight ticket was giving me hope to reach pune. I have to book a flight before reaching Howrah. The next flight was at 8am to Mumbai. Upon inquiry about status of train, I came to know it was 2hour delayed and will reach around 5-5.30am. It will take another one hour to reach airport. Thus I will have much time to get refreshed provided if this train take me to howrah in time. The TT came and saw me with a anger. He pat on my shoulder signalling to get up from the seat in which he will sit. I jumped from the seat and immediately handed over the ticket. He took out the fine book and asked me to pay certain amount as a fine to get a seat. Without asking any question, I handed him the money. he scribbled seat number in ticket and handed me back the ticket and fine receipt. I went to my allotted seat.
Another bad luck
Flight booking was another task which I have to complete before going to sleep. The browser was open and I refreshed it for flight page. There was some delay in opening the page which it should not take as there was 3G network. It gave an unwanted pop-up "Could not connect to Internet. There is no data pack subscribed".
I could not think for a moment. It was working a moment ago and now it is giving me some error. I reset the internet setting and tried restart of ipad but all in vain. It was giving me the same message. I was devastated. My luck could go so wrong, I could not believe it. I had to book my flight anyhow before reaching howrah station.
The time now was 2am.
I called my roommate in pune. He picked up call in first attempt which I assumed since it was Saturday night. I told him briefly about the problem and what he needs to do. He understood my situation and told me he will call back with all the details. He did called me back in 10mins with the booking details ready. I have to just confirm my details and my flight will be booked. It was a joyous moment. I would have kissed him, had he been beside me. I could now sleep without any worries.
After 5mins I got the message about my flight details from flight carrier. I thanked him for all the effort.
The train swiftly entered howrah station at the right time at 5:15am. I had much time to take taxi but seeing the crowd exiting from station, the taxi line will get long. Indeed it was. I took my place in taxi queue and within half an hour I was in Taxi on the way to airport.
And another one...
The other problem was of the ticket. I could not receive an email in my ipad since it was not connected to internet. I had to get the copy of itinary to show it to the security at airport gate. My ipad had one small opening for simcard which can only be accessed through thin pin. I had one extra sim with me which I need to change to access internet in my ipad. Getting a thin pin anywhere is impossible. I politely asked Taxi drvier for the pin. To my surprise he took out wallet from his back pocket and handed me the pin exactly what I required. I quickly changed the sim and internet started working. I downloaded the email and saved the screenshot as a proof of booking.
Reaching airport and final boarding
The day had come up as taxi was about to reach airport. Although I was all tired but the fresh morning breeze was feeling good. The taxi stopped at departure gate. I took my strolley, took out my ticket and identity card and made my way towards the security guard thinking how the night turned up to be total messed up and to be careful from next time about the timings of train.
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It was all started when I realized that I am having a ticket of previous day train. I instantly asked Dad to stop the vehicle. Dad with little discomfort in stopping brought scooter to halt. I took my mobile out of my pocket and started checking the messages of IRCTC. The date was of 15th Feb. It was of previous day train.
The confirmation
I still believed till than that something could be done and it is not right. Hurried to station, me and Dad quickly sneaked to TT's room. There was single TT in a big room who was registering his attendance in the register. We waited till he completes his task. I asked him if I can see the chart of Azadhind express for Pune bound. He looked at us as if we asked for his daughters hand for marriage. He took out a bunch of charts from the basket beside him, worn his spects and started checking Train# in front page of charts. It was nowehere to be found there. I cursed by bad luck. The TT was quite cooperative in the way he took us to the Reservation Chart window where the Azadhind Pune bound train chart was pasted for public view. I checked my berth# B3-30. It was present. It was in another persons name. Thus it was confirmed I am travelling a day after my ticket date. I cursed Indian railway. I cursed the train timing. I cursed Azadhind. I thought my real journey to pune is about to begin. I could be lucky if I can get the seat in any train for Mumbai, Pune or Nagpur.
Till that time, there was many options that I can try to get a seat in any train.Talking with the TT was fruitless as he asked us to check with the incoming train TT. I found below options that I can try hands on. Since I came to station early, I have ample amount of time. Dad was supposed to leave after dropping me to station but the uncalled incident got him into this. He is also trying his best to get me one berth in any train.
1. Get a general ticket for Mumbai and try for berth as there is number of Mumbai train plying from Tata.
2. Get a general ticket for Pune and try in Azadhind only
3. Get home and try tatkal next day.
4. Get a flight ticket to pune.
First attempt:-
Trying first option was the best option at that time as Mumbai bound train was about to come. I quickly went to ticket counter and asked for ticket to Mumbai. He charged me Rs.325 and provided me the ticket. I also asked him if it can be cancelled if I didn't get the berth from the TT. He said come in 30 mins to cancel the ticket otherwise it cannot be returned. We had more time than that. Having a ticket of Mumbai, we hurried for the platform. The announcement was being made for the arrival of Gyaneshwari Mumbai train. We made a stand at place where the coach#B1 will halt as TT normally be in B1 for 3rd AC.
Within a minute, train was entering a platform. We started looking at gates of coaches for TT. It was all chaos when the train stopped. I saw a bunch of people encircling a man, quickly realizing that it must be TT, I made my way to the man. He was refusing everyone approaching him with the general ticket. I asked him about a berth to Mumbai; He refused. I asked about berth to Nagpur; He again refused and told me to try in sleeper coaches. The train soon made a whistle for departure. It was of no use going all the way to sleeper coaches crossing 5 AC coaches. We dropped the plan and the train passed in front of my eyes.
Cancellation of ticket:-
Now, its time to try for azadhind express for Pune. I also have to cancel the general ticket for Mumbai as it was of no use. I ran towards ticket counter. There was long queue. I got in the line and waited for my turn. Thankfully the ticket was cancelled by the person and I got my balance amount. Asking about Pune bound ticket, he shoved me to the right hand side counter which again had long queue. Without wasting much time, I ran towards the next counter queue.
A kind help and change in plan:-
I was looking on my tab and searching for flight fare to Pune and Mumbai. There was people sleeping beside the queue, some looking me as if I had some extraordinary thing. And then one guy approached me, he was in a bit hurry and asked me if I can check the fare to some station as he had 500 Rs note and counter guy will deny him the ticket as he does not have the change. I told him "it will not be shown here, you better goto the counter.". He was not going to leave me so soon. To my surprise he showed me the 500 Rs note too. Then I realized I have few 100 Rs note in my pocket. I took out bunch of notes from my pocket: some were 100, some 10. By this time, my turn of taking ticket was about to come. Counting 5 notes of 100 each, I handed over to him who in turn gave my 500Rs note. With smile in his face, he thanked me and went to his line for ticket.
There was no direct flight to Pune, the connecting time was also long. The only option is to goto Mumbai, the fare was also not too high. I rang my Dad's phone and asked if I can take the Calcutta bound train ticket as I can go to Mumbai through flight. The probability of getting berth in azadhind is next to zero. He agreed. By this time my turn came and I took the Howrah ticket.
Final boarding at howrah bound train:-
Having a ticket is one thing and getting a berth is another. The howrah bound train was about to reach platform and we found ourselves again looking for AC coach. We stood beside the place where 3rd AC coach will land. As the train hurled in platform, we looked in the gates of each coach for black coat guy. There he was, right after one coach where we were standing. I saw him climbing down from the coach. We caught him. Before even opening my mouth, he was swinging his head for a 'No' answer. I requested him atleast check and reply. He just shrugged his chart and said "not a single berth, no chance". and moved way. This was my final chance to travel today, if I did not get in this train, I have to wait for 2days. There was one coach attendant in one of the AC coach leaning out from the gate. I moved towards him and politely asked if there is any berth left as most of the passenger get down at Tata. He was also friendly and softly replied that there is many berth left and I can ask TT for the berth. I went to my Dad who was by then came towards the same coach and listening to the conversation. I took my strolley and said to Dad that I am getting into this train, I will get a berth if not then it doesn't matter as the journey is for 3 hours only. I can see the disappointment in my Dad's face. The train whistled for departure and my journey finally started.
Getting a berth in Howrah train
It was well over 1am when train left station and I can see it was pitch black outside window. I had large strolley with me which was filled with clothes, laptop, shoe, eatables. It was heavy to carry around. The friendly coach attendant provided his space of berth to sit. I was waiting for the TT to come. Meanwhile, my search for flight ticket was giving me hope to reach pune. I have to book a flight before reaching Howrah. The next flight was at 8am to Mumbai. Upon inquiry about status of train, I came to know it was 2hour delayed and will reach around 5-5.30am. It will take another one hour to reach airport. Thus I will have much time to get refreshed provided if this train take me to howrah in time. The TT came and saw me with a anger. He pat on my shoulder signalling to get up from the seat in which he will sit. I jumped from the seat and immediately handed over the ticket. He took out the fine book and asked me to pay certain amount as a fine to get a seat. Without asking any question, I handed him the money. he scribbled seat number in ticket and handed me back the ticket and fine receipt. I went to my allotted seat.
Another bad luck
Flight booking was another task which I have to complete before going to sleep. The browser was open and I refreshed it for flight page. There was some delay in opening the page which it should not take as there was 3G network. It gave an unwanted pop-up "Could not connect to Internet. There is no data pack subscribed".
I could not think for a moment. It was working a moment ago and now it is giving me some error. I reset the internet setting and tried restart of ipad but all in vain. It was giving me the same message. I was devastated. My luck could go so wrong, I could not believe it. I had to book my flight anyhow before reaching howrah station.
The time now was 2am.
I called my roommate in pune. He picked up call in first attempt which I assumed since it was Saturday night. I told him briefly about the problem and what he needs to do. He understood my situation and told me he will call back with all the details. He did called me back in 10mins with the booking details ready. I have to just confirm my details and my flight will be booked. It was a joyous moment. I would have kissed him, had he been beside me. I could now sleep without any worries.
After 5mins I got the message about my flight details from flight carrier. I thanked him for all the effort.
The train swiftly entered howrah station at the right time at 5:15am. I had much time to take taxi but seeing the crowd exiting from station, the taxi line will get long. Indeed it was. I took my place in taxi queue and within half an hour I was in Taxi on the way to airport.
And another one...
The other problem was of the ticket. I could not receive an email in my ipad since it was not connected to internet. I had to get the copy of itinary to show it to the security at airport gate. My ipad had one small opening for simcard which can only be accessed through thin pin. I had one extra sim with me which I need to change to access internet in my ipad. Getting a thin pin anywhere is impossible. I politely asked Taxi drvier for the pin. To my surprise he took out wallet from his back pocket and handed me the pin exactly what I required. I quickly changed the sim and internet started working. I downloaded the email and saved the screenshot as a proof of booking.
Reaching airport and final boarding
The day had come up as taxi was about to reach airport. Although I was all tired but the fresh morning breeze was feeling good. The taxi stopped at departure gate. I took my strolley, took out my ticket and identity card and made my way towards the security guard thinking how the night turned up to be total messed up and to be careful from next time about the timings of train.
