The Rickshaw ride that was...

Journey back to Chennai. 3rd Aug 2017.

Wow what an excitement and finish that was...

I had not booked my return tickets to chennai from Bangalore. Had plans to visit Sia and Ishu, spend some time and then decide how to get back to Chennai.

It was almost 2 pm, and options for me was to book Shatabdi at 4.25 pm or take a Volvo bus around 5 pm to Chennai. I spent the good afternoon time with Ishu and Sia. Fed him, played with her and put Ishu to bed.

When I decided to get ready, I managed to book the Shatabdi train at 3 pm. It was instant, thanks to Paytm app. 

Relieved of this planning option, I decided to leave house for train station an hour in advance. 

Had tea, chatted with Aunty, Sia and it was time to leave. By the time, the OLA cab arrived, it was just 45 min to train departure. 

I was tensed. There could be heavy traffic towards the city. Google map showed that i would arrive at Majestic Train station just 5 min early. I didn't want to take the risk. I Changed my destination to Bangalore Cantt and told the driver to head there. 

Now that I was reaching Cantt around 4 pm, I was much relieved and had a relaxing drive. Spoke to Shilpa, checked emails, pondered over the traffic.

When I reached Bangalore Cantt at 4.06 pm and headed towards the platform, an auto wala stopped me and asked if I am traveling to chennai on Shatabdi?

Why should I respond to him? I don't need an auto now, nor a cooli. What for is he asking me 'where I am heading to?'

Reluctantly, I nodded in affirmation. He instantly said, "Sir, Shatabdi train will not stop here". You will have to go to Majestic train station.

I am in denial. I have re-routed my ride from Majestic to Cantt and this auto fellow is telling me to go to Majestic.

Why would I believe him. I know that Shatabdi stops at Cantt, B'lore East... (rather I thought it would)...I moved on. He shouted at my back " You may ask at the counter". Other auto walas also played his tune.

I wanted to check the display boards. Went to ask the ticket counter staff. The counter staff said "Yes sir, the train will not stop here". For a moment, I was in jiffy. Didn't want to ask more. I knew that the auto wala was the only person who could take me there to Majestic station on time.

I Saw my watch. It's 4.11 pm. Train departs at 4.25 pm. Auto wala said he would take me and asked me to rush. I asked him the price. He said 350. 

I lost 1/2 min in Haggling. Back of My mind I realised that I am wasting time. I offered 300 and sat in his rickshaw.

He started driving. It was not the best auto which could speed up. He had confidence in his voice. He went on explaining that he need to ride through 1 way and cut signals and that's the reason for high fare.

He drove as he spoke. He was amazing in cutting the vehicles, went through wrong directions, cut the red lights, went in one way lanes, squeezed through the gaps. No where did he honk or showed frustration. For once he swore at another vehicle driver "Shata... $&@$&"

It was a thrilling ride. Over the edge, nail biting and heart thumping. I enjoyed the whole ride, rather felt thrilled that I am going through this. As I eyed my watch.. it was appearing the we wouldn't make it on time.

He drove through lanes and road which I have never been. Many lanes probably not existed I guess. Like the Harry Potter imaginary roads!! There was some slow traffic, but he made through it.

As we neared Majestic train station, it was just 3 min to 4.25. I almost assumed that we will miss by a frisker. I saw a train leaving the station. I said... oh, here it goes. He said "Sir, that's Marikuppam express, don't worry, we will

Make it on time"

As we drove, he showed an engine backing up. He said "Sir, that's the Shatabdi engine, it will take surely 10 more min to join the engine and we will be there on time"

As we neared the station, I kept Rs 400 in his shirt pocket. I didn't want to waste seconds, paying him after I alight.

I said... "You drove so well, I am giving you 400 for getting me here on time". If I miss the train, you take me to the bus station. 

He said, "You will Get the train sir, leave it to me"

He drove to the back entrance and showed me the 7th Platform and said that the train would be waiting. There. I got down the auto and made way towards the platform. A cooli offered me to rush to the train. I declined him and ran with the bags.

There it was on 7th Platform, the train was getting engine fixed. I ran to my best ability and got into the C1 Coach. Mine was C6. I finally made it into the train. In 4 min, the train started moving.

Wow what a ride it was. Truly, the extra amount paid worth for the adrenaline rush.

I forgot the capture the auto ride on video or take a pic with the auto wala. Now It feels so strange, I am the only witness to this. There goes an exciting story!!