The plans which work are most of the times unplanned. This was one of them. It was 27th September, a normal working day. The group at workplace (department) had planned a trip to one of their friends native place i.e. Rajapur. Their plans were On for the past three months. I was never there in this plan. But I knew it as I was aware of the planning process. For me the concern was, if all of these guys are going to be on leave, it will create a difficult working day for me. So at first I decided to take a leave on 1st October. But then came the next concern. What I am going to do sitting at home for four consecutive days. That is also going to be very boring. And in this short span of time it wasn't possible to get a weekend plan organised from my usual suspects. So mind was still dicey when finally I got the answer to my dilemma. The group which I mentioned earlier, who had planned the picnic, many heads backed out in them at the last moment. So from
12-13 the count on the above mentioned day was 7. I was in the circle when they were planning things. Then a thought struck me. I can join them. Everything is set. Bookings are done. All I had to do was pack my bags and follow the instructions. So without giving any more second thought I asked them if I can join in.
The train to our destination, Soundal, was suppose to leave at 615 hours in the morning of 29th September. It was a special one as it was Diva-Sawantwadi passenger train. So I had to wake up as early as 3:30 in the morning in order to ensure I don't delay others or miss the train. We all met at 5:45 hours at Diva station while two others were going to board the train from Panvel. The start was delayed as train departed at 6:45 instead of 6:15 which was it's scheduled departure. Also the night rains had created all wet roads which had forced me carry sports shoes as incase it rains heavily in the Kokan, my slippers wont hold the ground. So most of the space in my bag was occupied by that pair of shoes. We updated our Panvel warriors about our departure time and also the bogie position so accordingly they will be ready. Though the peak season has passed by, but still a passenger train meant something or the other is going to happen.
I was a already worried for my knee as I had to sit for almost 8-10 hours assuming 1-2 hours train being late. Last time I travelled in this train was during my visit to Kolad. And the reason for me to be worried was, in that train the seats were parallel and not facing each other. When seats face each other one can stretch their legs an sit comfortably. But thats not the case in the other bogie. Luckily my fears didn't come true.
A small skirmish happened at Panvel station with the regular traveller who was trying act too smart. But he didn't raise his voice much as he saw the group was too big plus the one who intervened also wanted to resolve it and not extend the argument. So after that we all finally settled down. One of our team member had brought us Tea and Pakodas. So that gave a perfect start to the journey. However, in that moment of content, we didn't knew what lay ahead for us. I had started noting all the stations name and the arrival time. In case the train halts for around 30 minutes or more then I use to specifically note that too. As per those records, the bigger halts were at Nagothane (30 minute) and Khed (54 minutes). Passenger train meant eating was going to happen in variety. Throughout the journey, we had Boiled Corn, Bhel, Vada Pav, Peanuts, Cucumber, Kokum Sarbat and ofcourse Tea. Just to keep the records, I also started noting down the expenses in order to check in case we will be required to contribute anything further.
Initially the journey was going quite well. Our excitement and fun was at the peak. Plus to add to it the scenic beauty of Kokan was a treat for our eyes. All the valleys, the tunnels, the bridges and talks about how Kokan Railway is one the biggest achievement. We all were in our top gears.
As we settled down, I had my book for my company too. Almost everyone was getting down at each station. Some were having power naps as well. I am not much used to sleeping while travelling. And unfortunately I didn't had songs for my company. So book did the trick when everyone was quite around or were taking a break on the platform. At first our talks included about office work, our team issues and some experiences. Then it jumped on to the takeover by the new company. I also broke the news of Luxembourg trip being cancelled. Then we went into general talks, so be some light jokes or politics. Most of the fun or jokes were in one direction.
The occasional snacks break was giving us the relief. But the pain in our bums was increasing as the delay time was going up. I remember at one station where we got down just to breathe a bit of fresh air. At that platform, the seating arrangement made up of black stone was more soothing and cool than our seats in the train. As per schedule, the train was supposed to reach by 15:00 hours at our destination. We had assumed an hour delay considering it is a passenger train. So 4 Pm was in our heads. But we got a roller coaster ride. The train ended up by being 4.5 hours late and it arrived at our destination, Soundal, at 19:10 hours.
The thirteen hour adventure wasn't enough that we had another one ready at Soundal station. In Kokan Railway, apart from the stations wherein all Express Trains are suppose to halt, all other stations are nothing more than a mere shed and a small building for Station Master and other Railway staff to provide tickets and give passing signals to each of the trains. I had a similar experience in Kolad when I had been there. Only 2-3 bogies of the train get a platform to get down. Rest all have to jump directly on the tracks. So this was also the case with Soundale. Atleast in this case I was satisfied that it wasn't raining and hence the landing will not be on wet muddy land unlike we had in Kolad. Though it rained while we reached, but the land wasn't that wet as it is during the monsoon. Also, since we will be reaching in the early evening so there will be natural light. However railway had different plan set for us. By the time we reached it was pitch dark outside. We being a group of 8, it was not going to be possible for all of us to get out from the single exit. Hence we went in two groups and held fort at both ends of the doors in our bogie. The train did slow down but nothing was visible outside. Finally one among us was able to see the traditional yellow board and we knew this halt was not for any signal but for our station. Now the train halts at the station for only 60 Seconds. We have to get our bums out in that small time window along with our baggage or else we will be stuck inside. And unlike Mumbai local, it isn't possible for us to get down from a moving train, especially when you can't see where you are going to land. So we started jumping as soon as we can in order to ensure everyone got down. Luckily for us, in our bogie, only our group was suppose to get down at this station. Hence there was no crowd for which we would have to wait in line.
After confirming everyone was out, we were not sure in which direction where we suppose to go. As there was darkness everywhere. The bhel vendor in the train saw our dilemma and gave us the direction towards the road. And hence we switched On our flash light in our cell phone and began our walk towards the car. As we reached the other end of the platform, there was another family who had also alighted at the station. This group had aged women plus kids too. Have to salute their resolute. We found it tricky to get down.
At the end the driver was waiting for us to fetch us to the hotel. Even the car drive had a small adventure for us. I, being the one who was on the front seat, had the experience of Dhoom movie. The driver was going like crazy. 2-3 times I tried to wear the seat belt but it refused to come out. Since the car is moving normally it gets locked. Hence on the next two days I made sure that I will wear the belt before he begins, to be safe. We paid advance and checked in to our rooms. I had heard lot of stories about the generators (Snorers) in the group. Luckily the four people, including me, who were ahead checked in together were non Snorers. Which meant all legends were together in one room. I freshened up and was lying on the bed just to relax my back and bum after a tiring journey. Enroute we had asked the driver regarding restaurants in the nearby vicinity to have our dinner and most importantly until when they are open. So once everyone had restored some amount of energy in them we moved to have our dinner.
The dinner was good. A bit costly, yes. But that was the first decent thing to happen to us after a long journey. I personally don't like the late evenings and night in Kokan. It's dead quite, And nothing is visible. As per our original schedule we had plans to go at the local market, but now that was out of question. And no one had the energy to play any games or even stay awake for longer in the night. So we just roughly planned the next day. And retired in our bed, thus ending our First Day of picnic.
Morning in Kokan is one of the best experience. Ever since childhood whenever I have been in my native place the nights are always scary but the morning has always been super pleasant. So today was no different. Like mentioned earlier the generators were in the other room so we had a sound sleep. All the four in my room were early rising people. When I opened my eyes at 4:30, the other three were already sitting and chit chatting. I chose to sleep more as we were going to have long day plus a long night as well. Finally I came out of the bed by around 7:00 and our room was ready for the day by 7:30. Other four were gearing up. So until then we just went down for a cup of tea. Tea being a quintessential part of my morning breakfast, I had two cutting. As the quorum was full, we finally went for breakfast at Rajapur Bus Depot. We had heard a lot about Cut Vada from the localite. So that was on the platter. Plus variety being my choice always, I ordered for my favourite poha while some others asked for Omelette Pav. Ofcourse another round of Chai was there.
After the sumptuous breakfast we left for the tour of the village. First spot was Dhopapeshwar temple. The good thing about Kokan temples are the floor. It is always cool and feels heaven to just lie down. It was Shiv Temple. The board at the entrance was very much intriguing, "Keep your ego and footwear outside." Another attraction was the waterfall just behind the temple premises. There were steps to reach till the waters. My eyes always keeps searching some or the other piece of history which either might have been preserved or neglected by our race. And I wasn't disappointed when I found two carved stones on the river bed. They were visible as the monsoon waters had now receded thus revealing the bed. Other guys were enjoying taking some candid pictures while some where having a the live experience of pedicure in the water. Another highlight was the Gram Panchayat school. One similar to that showed in the movie Swades. No wonder, the real India feeling is felt only in the villages. The city life we live is nothing but a fictional story.
Next stop was Bhagwati Mandir. A small temple in the place called Madban. The driver too was confused about the road towards this place. He was suggesting it might be in Ambolgad. However we had done our research so we were sure it was in Madban. Finally a local guy confirmed our research and we reached the destination. In the midst of the journey we decided on a new spot suggested by the driver. It was Gagangiri Math. The luring aspect of this place was the sea view from this area. Everyone gave a thumbs up. At this current spot there wasn't much to look out for. So we went for water shopping and left for the next spot.
Enroute was one of our group members relatives place. And more importantly he had a wine shop. So for some of the group members, they got a good start for the Sunday. For me, it was the view that gave me the kick. Why? Imagine the place from the below words:
Sitting a little above the land,
A cool breeze blowing on your face
View from your chair soothing your eyes
The vast blue sea calming your nerves
While hard drinkers were have a gala of time, I also got my favourite drink. Tea. I must confess I wanted it, the moment we reached the house. But not one of those to ask for things, as this meant troubling some one. Plus we went uninvited without intimation. So I chose to enjoy the breeze.
Next stop was Gagangiri Math. I am not sure what was there inside for I could feel a supreme power outside in the arms of nature. If window view of the sea could calm our nerves, imagine a scene where your vision ends but the sea doesn't end. And not just in one but in three directions. Something which was big even for a Panorama mode of the camera. Pure Master Class. The famous views for me is either from the mountain or the sea. And when you get the sea view from the top, I just couldn't ask anything more. It surely is a Mecca for DSLR owners. Somethings just cannot be explained in words. You need to feel them from within. Like our group member rightly said, 'Had I reached at this spot in the evening, I would have never left.' After capturing few pictures from the mobile phones lens, either selfies or the famous Dil Chahta Hai pose of looking towards the sea, as memories, we left towards the next spot.
We had one more spot in our list. Yashwantgad. In Marathi, 'gad' means Fort. Always excited to get a glimpse of history, but what the driver said was literally disheartening. 'There is nothing left there now except the jungle' was his comment. My skeptical mind first didn't chose to believe his version by assuming he might be trying to cut short our trip. But when I reached there, it was sad to see the forts' current state. There was just a banner on the outside mentioning its name and another one explaining its history. Such is the level of preserving our history that now we need to put banners outside but can't get the real feel from the inside even when the walls are still standing tall after five centuries of building it. The pessimist inside me says, it is not far now when these walls will be brought down for some resort or weekend picnic spot and the new owners might name it Yashwantgad as a courtesy or merely using it in the form of emotions to generate more revenue. Just like the Bajaj used INS Vikrant name to sell their motor bike saying we used steel from the dismantled Vikrant when the ship was scrapped. It is quite easy to shift people's attention in India. Just play with their emotions and it changes the course of history. Our bunch also couldn't resist to have a debate inside the car about government, building some monument in the sea but not spending to preserve these alive monuments, the real legacy of a Great Man.
After a drive for around
30-35 minutes we now reached a Mahakali temple. The driver said we will have to have lunch here as there was no other option ahead. So agreeing to that, some of the guys went ahead at the temple while others waited for them to arrive so we could go ahead with our lunch. As we were relaxing suddenly someone saw the banner of the hotel. It was pure vegetarian. Boy, that was a trouble for us. Firstly, it was a Sunday plus a picnic. How can you have Veg Menu. But it seemed we won't have anything so we were making up our minds. Suddenly one of our guy saw a crowd near a shop. So we went to check out. It was selling pakodas, samosas etc. So some of us ordered the same as starters. Then just to have an ice breaker conversation with the shop owner one of us asked him if there is any non veg restaurant nearby. He confirmed there are two. That was a wow moment for us. So when the other guys came from temple, we talked with the driver and left for the restaurant. I personally liked the food very much. The construction of the restaurant was alsodone pretty neatly. They had made a nice garden on the side and a shed in the middle. After lunch we were relaxing our feet for sometime in the turf. And then we had a good relaxing conversation about the village, adventure sports, religion and next spot in the shed. As the sun started relaxing a bit, we finally left the hotel at 15:30 for the next spot
The road towards Kanikadevi Mandir, our next stop, was a little bumpy. The driver too wasn't aware of the place. We asked a local villager who showed us the way. It was quite around. The history or the story which was passed on to generations by word of mouth was that the idol was brought to the current location by a sailor and that the god came in a villager named Kanikas dream and told her that "I have come here near the sea. Build my temple in this village." When this spot was done, finally we were heading towards the best part of our journey, The Beach.
As we were enroute to the beach, I had started feeling sleepy. I am aware that it is not a good practice to take a nap while sitting on the front seat with the driver. Thankfully, I was wearing my glares. So no one would realise the same. But when I finally decided to take a nap the driver halted the car. I was more than relieved when he announced that we had reached the beach. The road towards the beach was very tricky. It was between the small jungle trees which grow during the rainy season. One of our guy saw a huge lizard cross his path and that news was enough for me to up my shields. I told one of the guy to take guard ahead and guide us on the way to the beach. As we moved ahead, the beach view was visible. No doubt it was heavenly, but I was saying we will reach their but right now let's concentrate on the road which is almost like hell. Thankfully, it was the time of low tide so we could get the taste of water.
Normally the beach or getting wet doesn't excite me much. For me the view of the sea is more than enough. And what we saw in the first half of the day, it was way too much for eyes to digest. So my favourite pass time here was to search the shells and carrying them as memorabilia. The beach was quite interesting. On our right side, the waves of the sea were powerfully hitting the shore. While at our end, there was a creek in the village which was coming to the end of its journey and getting amalgamated in the sea. So, technically, the sea was on the other side of the beach. I wanted to go on that side but it wasn't possible. Some of guys relished the moment and enjoyed a dip in the water. On the opposite side of the beach, there was a deep jungle just like the one shown in the movie Raaz in its climax scene. After an hour or so we decided to make a move. Next stop was TEA stall.
We came back to the same spot where we had got the knowledge of the non veg restaurant and got our tea break. This was end of the day. But some unplanned things were there in between like buying some local cashew and then dropping one of our member to his relatives place. After that ordeal, we landed in the market for some light shopping and getting ready for dinner. However we weren't aware that the walk from market to our hotel was going to last for quite a good amount of time. Especially with the steep climb and heating temperature, it really was tiring for few. For me it was a great time as I got my share of walk for the day.
Dinner was supposed to be special for we were going to have authentic Rajapur cuisine. The village in which we were staying was Soundal. Apparently it is named after a local fish. So we had did some enquiry in the morning for some local cuisine options. Therein we had heard about this one. Pomphret and Surmai are all available in Mumbai as well. So we decided to try this new one. Pre dinner was the time for talks talks and talks. People sharing each others experiences, some jokes and light moments. I also came to know how this group was formed in another company but we're only aquantainance. And how each one referred another and finally they all landed here. We heard stories from their previous organisation. It went on till late in the night as this was also our last night in Rajapur. We also played 3 rounds of Housie game. Luckily, I won once on the full house. Then we Retired for the day. Next day too we were having some more spots in our list.
Day 2 in Rajapur (technically Day 3 of the picnic) started with Idli Sambar. Though not a traditional dish for this place but it seems now the time is not far when it will be declared as the National Dish. As this item is available is almost all kinds of restaurant. Our room guys being the quickest to get ready, so once done we had all set for breakfast.
This time we tried another hotel which was suggested by the driver. Variety being the spice of life, I insisted we try out that restaurant. Disappointment was when he declared they don't have Poha. So we went ahead with Idli, Misal and Special Tea (or atleast he said so it was special). The taste was disappointing. So we went back to the restaurant where we had breakfast the day before.
By the time we were done the driver to arrived. So we were ready for sight seeing. The important spots in our today's list was Rajapur Ganga and Unhala (Hot water Pond). In the evening we had a plan to check out a waterfall. And rest we left to the driver to show us something if he is aware which is worth experiencing. So after charting out the plan, we started our journey.
The most curious moment of this trip was when we met an unknown man named Vasant Thakur. (Search YouTube by that name). It happened at Rajapur Ganga where the Brahmin there was explaining us all the stories about the small ponds and about the main pond from where the Ganga water comes out. Here he mentioned that it is popular in media that it comes in three years. But that's not true. It comes sometimes once a year too. He said the water is always pure and can be used for drinking too.
As we were hearing to this Brahmin, there I saw this guy at first, who was filling the water (Ganga) in a bottle. He was curiously looking at us. I assumed he must be a salesperson who might sell the same water. The thing which was intriguing was a long bag which he was carrying on his right hand. Some of our guys assumed it was a 'Mala' of maybe 100 beads which is used to chant god's name. Somethings were printed on it but I ignored the same and chose to concentrate on the Ganga. The Brahmin now said that you have to first visit the other spot Unhala, take a bath their and then come up here at the Ganga. It is said that there is a pond their which has hot water all the time. So we left for Unhala. As we reached down, we saw the guy coming down from the steps which came from the Ganga. The Brahmin had recommended us the same route but one of us stood firm that we can go by car. So we reached a bit early than this guy.
We were a bit disappointed when we reached this spot. Most of us who were ready to take a bath had assumed it to be a pond or a huge tank sort off. But it turned out to be small room with water coming out of a wall as if it will come from a tap. I just washed my hands and poured 4-5 hands of water on my face. Already the sun was throwing fire on us. This atleast provided a moment of solace.
A funny thing happened at this place. As it was a place for everyone to take a bath, so they had made separate section for men and women. None of us saw that. 2-3 guys already went till the flowing water in the women's section and were washing their feet. One of the guy was just watching it from overhead and I was reading a board to him which read, "Criminal action will taken if seen peeping at the below water area". Though after reading this I was wondering why would one do that, as the ladies washroom was behind them on the other side. Ignoring the thoughts I also went in and by this time the driver saw us. He started honking and trying to warn us. Suddenly everyone realised that and we came up and went in the men's section. Luckily no local villager saw that or more importantly no women was there when we barged in that section.
After this experience, we didn't had any plans to go up to the Ganga. So the driver said next spot was another Math which was adjoining the area. While we were reaching there, we again saw this guy enroute. One of us wanted to catch up with him but he took some shortcut through the trees and vanished. The driver then said he is a popular figure in the village. He has long nails. So now we knew what was in that long bag. And also can make voice of birds and animals.
We reached the Math. 2-3 guys went inside while others stayed under the shade. Though it was a shade saving us from direct heat, the roof was literally a burning furnace. So we were eagerly waiting for the guys to come out in order to take off. Now along with our guys, he (Long Nailed Man) also came out. So this time one of us chose to talk with him and request a picture. Initially I wasn't much interested in the same. So we just clicked the pics and I was walking around just to provide a breather from the boiling temperature. The guy started talking a lot of things which I initially ignored. Then suddenly he made the voice of a dog. Honestly, I literally, thought it was a real one so I turned around. But it was his mimicry. This thing brought me few steps closer to the circle in which other guys where standing and listening to him. Then he suddenly gave the tune in whistle of the National Anthem. So the lazy body of mine immediately turned in attention mode. It was just 3-4 seconds and then he changed the tune. Now this thing brought me more closer and finally now I was also part of the ring, listening to Vasant Thakur.
I am never going to be able to mention his exact words. I can't even confirm whether all which we heard was true or false. But it surely gave me a lot of points to think about. First thing what I heard when I joined the circle was he mentioning to always be happy. Never crib, never get angry. These are the signs of loser. Always keep a smile. It won't cost you anything. He said he was an artist and claimed to have met many celebrities. To name some of them were the likes of Amitabh Bachan, Sachin Tendulkar, Bal Thackeray, Sunil Gavaskar etc. One among us asked out of curiousity about his education, so he said he left it after SSC and then has done course in drawing. When other guy asked about how you met these celebrities so he began sharing about his experiences. First was of Gavaskar. The people who maintain the grass at Mumbai stadium are from Kokan side. And I use to stay earlier in Kalbadevi area of Mumbai. So whenever those friends assumed I had an opportunity to meet they allowed me in. Here he said that Gavaskar had appreciated by virtue of patience to grow and maintain such long nails. Then he said he had met Amitabh and his family at their residence. They had given him a Rs. 100 note which he has still preserved it with him. He was saying now I cannot use the same as it doesn't has Gandhi's image on it. Later he said he met Sachin Tendulkar too. Therein he explained us how he had communicated with Anjali Tendulkar in Gujarati. Then he mentioned another fact about of Vinod Kambli. Vinod was better batsman than Sachin. But one respected the game while other went with the fame. And so is the current scenario. One is known as God while other is just restricted to few lines in history books.
He stressed upon the perks of morning walk in our lives and how it is essential to live a healthy life. Others call it only morning walk. But we artist have different views about the same. Those who go themselves for walk in the morning, that walk is known as morning walk. Those who go on the suggestion of the doctors is called warning walk. Those who go with their spouse is called darling walk. Whereas those who go with spouse but keep their eyes on others spouses is called turning walk.
The most interesting part was when he went into politics. I was listening to each of his words keenly now. With every word he was uttering it was pretty clear that he is an ardent Bal Thackeray follower. He had all the praise for those associated with Shiv Sena while criticism for all others, especially MNS.
One thing was sure, he indeed was a good artist. And most importantly he had good knowledge of current affairs. Rest all whatever he mentioned may be fact or may be fiction. But for us it was kind of good knowledge session as well as entertainment. I confess there was a moment when I had goosebumps while listening to him.
After this enlightenment, we left for the Rajapur Bazaar. I didn't had any such plans to buy in my head. The driver had suggested for a bakery which had its own brand of products. So when we landed there I thought of taking a few packs of biscuits as it had received a good amount of feedback. Post this, we were just walking in the market area for window shopping. Parents were checking few things for their kids. This session didn't last much and we finally reached the hotel by 12pm.
Now was the time to explore another place for lunch. In total, counting the breakfast/lunch/dinner over the period of our stay, we had explored 9-10 different places. This figure might come as a petty one when compared to a city. But we were in a village. And there this is a huge one. In each place, we tried to have the authentic local cuisine. Breakfast mostly consisted of Cut Vada (Potato Vada and Sambar), Poha (My personal all time favourite), Misal, Omelette and Tea. For lunch, either it use to be Fish Thali (Bangada, Surmai, Prawns, Soundal, Pomfret) or Chicken Thali or Veg Thali. Only last day we tried biryani as we had to take parcel to have the same in train.
Our check out time from the hotel was 16:00 hours. But our train was scheduled to arrive at Vilavade Station at 20:30 Hours. The early check out was for one last spot of Rajapur. WaterFall. We planned to leave early and reach the spot at around 4:30-5 Pm. Have a chilled out time at this waterfall and then reach the station by around 7-7:30 Pm. So after packing our bags and being in ready position, two of our guys left to take the parcel for our dinner. Clock was at 15:00 hours now. So when they left for fetching the parcel it was still boiling outside. But then all of a sudden atmosphere changed. And the fire turned into powerful gusty cool winds. Thunder could be heard loud and clear. This was making us skeptical now about our plans. We all were praying that it shouldn't rain. Atleast not till we enter the train. But what did we know.
As soon as the parcel guys were back, we left for the waterfall spot. The driver cautioned us to be careful as the water falls from almost 200 feet. But his suggestion was of no use. As we were enroute, it literally started pouring. The intensity of rains increased and took us back in proper monsoon in the month of October. The road to the waterfall was a very rough one. And to add to that the rains were creating more trouble for driving. The waterfall was in middle of the jungle. But we saw people coming out in their cars or mini bus from the same spot, which meant the waterfall was On. People were quite excited about this now. I had no plans to go inside or get wet now. So my role in this spot was only to be a photographer or an observer.
After all the trouble in the road, we finally reached the spot. Now everyone was looking at each other, waiting for someone to get down. I said its time guys, the ones who want to enjoy the waterfall this is the time now. Four of them finally got down and where in a huddle outside inside a hut. Other three guys who were inside the car with me also had plans to go. But looking at the rains, they backed out now. Most importantly our local boy who was most excited for the waterfall also was in dual minds now. The meeting in the hut outside was coming to an end. We were trying to gauge by their body language what their conclusion might be. Finally when they started walking towards the car we knew what it was. The spot had to be cancelled due to the rains. So now next spot was Tea Break stall.
It was almost 17:30. Our train was still 3 hours away whereas station was just 10 minutes away. We had asked the driver to stop the car wherever he would find a small restaurant for our tea break. As we were having tea, thankfully the rains also receded. And finally we were able to click a picture with the car. The driver dropped us at our final destination in this Rajapur trip. We kept our bags on the wooden seats at the platform and started chit chatting to spend the remaining hours. Train was running an hour late. I was busy writing here while other were sharing topics about ghosts. Though it was an hour late to arrive at Vilavade Station, from where we boarded, the train did cover the time and dropped us at our home destination on time.
Until next time !!!
SR.
PS: May The Force Be With You !!!
