BY SAHANA SUNDAR
Have you ever experienced being stranded? What happens when everything around you descends into chaos? This was what we experienced after the camp was terminated at Nagpur. I, along with 20 cadets, boarded the GT Express. We had made reservations well in advance, and after settling into our allotted seats, our fun journey began with excitement, cheers, frolic, and laughter.
We shared many experiences and happenings from the camp. Some cadets opened up about their personal lives, and everyone listened with curiosity. The galata (commotion) usually attracted other passengers on the train. I was an NCC instructor then, and my job was to be with the cadets—a role I truly enjoyed. Having begun this instructor’s journey long ago, I had developed a keen interest in observation. I could easily understand the chemistry between the cadets—I knew who were close friends, who had conflicts, what the friction was about, who was intimate with whom, and who was drawn to whom, etc. For me, it was both enjoyable and thought-provoking as I extensively contemplated life back then.
Always being there for the cadets—to console them, mend their relationships, and settle their disputes—was something I loved. I understood their psyche and attitude well. During our conversations on the train, I noticed Rohan paying special attention to Netra, and Netra’s side glances were always directed at Rohan. It was evident that something was going on between the two.
Netra was an outstanding singer. During the camp, all attention was on her as she walked from the barracks to the training area or the langar (dining area). She looked like a heroine, exuding an unexplainable charm and grace. Her foreign perfume was another attraction—it smelled heavenly, and everyone yearned to sit beside her.
Komal said, “Madam, Rohan has gifted a lovely coat to Netra. He somehow managed to get it to the camp through his uncle.” My antennae went up. I was curious to know more. After some chatting, prompting, and probing, Netra finally showed me the coat and several silk scarves he had bought for her. I was startled when I learned that he had received all these items from his uncle, who had fondled Rohan.
My sharp tongue sprang into action. My advice was also a warning. I said, “At this age, it’s only natural to be attracted to each other. But don’t you think this is too early in life? Three-fourths of your life still lies ahead of you… This is only infatuation and nothing else. Don’t spoil your future by getting into such relationships at this stage. This is the time for studies, not love…”
I went on and on—my sermon on the mount had begun, but who cared? My words had no impact. The cadets weren’t serious. They exchanged hidden smiles, looked at each other, and communicated with their eyes. My speech was like a heavy downpour on a solid rock—no matter how strong or powerful the rain, the rock wouldn’t budge or lose even an inch of its essence.
While all this was happening within our group, the train suddenly came to a screeching halt. We wondered why and started speculating—perhaps another train had passed, someone had pulled the emergency chain, or the driver hadn’t received the signal. Whatever the reason, we assumed it would move within half an hour. But there was no sign of movement. The train had halted permanently as it had reached its last station.
We waited for an hour… then two… still no sign!! Restlessness grew, and people became bored. All excitement and fun had vanished. Now, we were craving food and water. I looked out the windows, hoping to communicate with someone outside, but all I could see was a stretch of trees in either direction.
Panic increased. We had scarcely eaten dinner the previous night, as we had boarded the train around midnight. The cadets searched their empty snack boxes and juice bottles. They consumed every last grain and sip. Not a single fruit remained in the fruit bag, nor a drop of water in our bottles! Hunger pangs struck us hard. Where were the pantry sellers or train hawkers? There was no sign of them! Restlessness, helplessness, doubt, and despair filled the air. We stared at each other, making hopeless expressions.
After more than five hours of waiting, news slowly spread from ear to ear—RAJIV GANDHI ASSASSINATED AT SRIPERUMBUDUR!! All trains to and from Chennai were cancelled. Until the civil unrest calmed down, our train would remain halted indefinitely. The news was shocking and brought a mix of disappointment, rage, helplessness, and uneasiness. More than anything, we were unbearably thirsty and hungry. A hundred emotions swirled within us. The responsibility of ensuring the cadets' safety was on my shoulders, and I had to make decisions—but I was confused.
Somehow, I managed to communicate with my unit through my pager. However, despite my efforts, the issues of hunger and thirst remained. Our plight was indescribable. For nearly a full day, we remained stranded in an unfamiliar place.
“Shubha, a suicide bomber disguised as a garland-bearer blew herself up, killing the most handsome Prime Minister of the country!” We now knew more details about the tragic event.
I had a huge responsibility—getting the cadets safely home. Meanwhile, back at my own home, my son Pranav’s Namakarana (naming ceremony) was scheduled for the day after my expected arrival. He was seven months old, and my husband and parents had made all the arrangements. During my shopping in Nagpur, I had picked out a few beautiful dresses for Pranav to wear for the ceremony. I was eagerly waiting to reach home for so many reasons—I longed to take my son into my arms, show him the dresses, and participate in the Namakarana.
Thank God! The next day at 10:30 AM, we felt the train chugging slowly before finally picking up speed. With a rhythmic crescendo, it eventually halted at Chennai by noon.
As soon as we alighted, I entrusted Rohan with the responsibility of taking the cadets to the waiting room. I sprinted toward the Movement Control Office (MCO). The JCO there took me to the station master. After listening to my plight, and considering that I was on government duty, the station master obliged and arranged a special train to Bengaluru, our hometown. I thanked him immensely.
We ate like starving animals before boarding the train at 7 PM. The moment I reached home, the Namakarana ceremony began—I didn’t even have time to explain to my family all that I had undergone.
Eventually, all my cadets reached home safely too. What an exciting, enchanting, adventurous, yet disappointing journey it had been! The turmoil in our minds finally eased only after we reunited with our loved ones at home.
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