The train was overcrowded. Passengers were squeezing into every available space, while others struggled to find somewhere to sit. Ramesh and Lakshmi had no tickets, but they had managed to board the general compartment and find a small space near the door.
Ramesh stood beside the entrance, holding their bags close to him. Lakshmi sat near the closed door with Arun and Jwala beside her. Exhausted from waking up so early, both children soon fell asleep.
As the train moved forward, Ramesh stared outside the window, lost in thought.
Where will we go when we reach our destination? Will anyone give me a job? Where will we stay if we cannot find work?
His thoughts raced faster than the train itself. He had taken a huge risk by bringing his family to an unfamiliar state, but he had no other choice.
Meanwhile, a group of passengers sitting close to Lakshmi were talking loudly. Their continuous chatter irritated Ramesh, especially when he noticed the children moving restlessly in their sleep.
“Please speak a little softly. The children are trying to sleep,” he requested.
A few people glanced at him, but the conversation continued.
Ramesh sighed helplessly. He was already worried about their future, and the crowded compartment only added to his stress.
After some time, he felt an urgent need to use the washroom. He looked at Lakshmi and hesitated.
“Lakshmi, I need to go to the washroom. Please keep the children close to you. I'll be back soon.”
Lakshmi nodded.
“Go. Don't worry. I'll take care of them.”
Ramesh looked at his sleeping children one last time before making his way through the crowded compartment.
As he disappeared into the crowd, Lakshmi adjusted Jwala's head on her lap and closed her eyes for a moment.
The train continued moving through the darkness, carrying hundreds of passengers towards their destinations.
Neither Ramesh nor Lakshmi realised that this brief separation would soon turn their journey into a nightmare.