The train journey : 3, 4, 5 May, 2008

As we entered Assam, everything turned green. The arid and hot winds turned into a cool breeze. The yellow disappeared and picture perfect landscapes adorned the window. Ducks lined up in ponds, sleek boats in rivulets in siesta, young lads swimming in wild waters, men gong to work riding bicycles in single file – these were common sights. The train stopped somewhere for a long time. And I looked out the window to see a lone woodcutter, his skin glistening in the naked sun, atop a tree, chopping away, as if he doesn’t care two hoots about the heat or the deafening stillness of the forest. The train left only after he was done.

Ever time the train was stopping at stations for a long time. We were getting down and playing silly games on the platform. Quite a sight for everyone around.

There was something that pricked though. At every railway crossing I saw army convoys, tanks and trucks lined up, not letting you forget. So between sips of the tangy, mellow and red ‘lalcha’ I saw Assam welcoming me into the unknown, enigmatic North east.