The Deepavali monsoon and the home coming

Hi all..

On this day 24 / 25 October, Fourteen years have passed since the relocation from Mumbai to MAS and from the experience of a summer monsoon to the winter one. The fascination for long train journeys coupled with the obsession of soaking in the monsoon frenzy has been one regular feature which till date is an unforgettable feel and experience. Needless to say, has left a lasting impression on me. A sort of a travelogue if I can call it.

The Deepavali monsoon and the home coming (2005)

Every single time the years spent in Bombay/Navi Mumbai marked the unparalleled excitement which used to creep in unknowingly just at the thought of the magical rail journey to Madras(MAS). To soak in the Deepavali festive mood coupled with getting swamped by the cool North easterly winds and getting drenched in the unrelenting manic North East monsoon.
The probability of getting a confirmed berth in 12163 was riddled with more suspense than the monsoon itself as the journey was always few days ahead of the festival of lights.. The magical feel of heading back to the city you had come from would start in all earnest right from the time I stood in the long Queue at the sprawling Vashi Railway station. In between all these chaotic thoughts, the mind would just give a breathing space to murmur few prayers , seek divine blessings to get a confirmed ticket. A huge sigh of relief the moment you see S 6- 32, 33 & 34 printed in the rectangular piece of paper, a prized possession so to say.

The Journey day 
Cometh the hour, cometh the excitement….Yes, the day has arrived, packed luggage which was always on the lighter side in keeping with the often heard; Less luggage more comfort line…would always prefer the Vashi- Wadala Road CR Harbour line train to evade the evening rush hour chaos to reach DR Entering Platform No 7 will never be complete without a quick darshan of Lord Hanuman n Shridi Baba located just at the entrance of the station.

Walking thru platform 7 was always a brisk affair in compliance with what eagerness is all about..Yes, S 6 coach is here at last to quell, dispel the frantic thoughts, nerves of reaching on time. The Turkish towel comes in handy to wipe off the sweat cos of the famous October heat & humidity and the hustle & bustle to reach the coach.

Its now time to adjust, squeeze the luggage beneath the seats hoping it will be safe till dawn.. The start time is nearing. Its 19.50 and the Deepavali monsoon journey begins.. The first signs of Chai, Coffee is heard as 12163 crosses Matunga ever slow slowly.. A hot cuppa coffee to relive the sensation just got over..

Meanwhile, 12163 is on a roll, picks up well to zip pass Thane n head towards the 1st scheduled stop that is Kalyan Jn… A hot Tomoto soup just before Kalyan Jn is always a routine. The train leaves Kalyan Jn only to find the coach almost cramped for space by now.Breath of fresh air as karjat arrives. I still keep awake to find a vada pav vendor walk briskly past our coach. A quick bite before the journey marches on towards Lonavala. Its time to enjoy the cool climes of the hill station and buy a packet of the famous Lonavala Chikki. Its well past midnight and time to pull over the blanket and take rest.

Feeling fresh as I wake up at Wadi Jn and its 7am. The train is running as per schedule. Can hear from the Tamizh speaking family say ” Madras la nethi Konjam mazhayaam.. Sounds good is it not… Now I eagerly await for the most sought after station in the day long journey, that is Guntakal. It’s almost lunch time and invariably you get some good tasty food here to satisfy the taste buds. The train chugs along to reach RU (Renigunta). Its dot 5.30 pm and the dusk settling in slowly. You turn around to look at the Seven hills (Sapthagiri) and a gentle prayer to Lord Balaji. 12163 leaves Renigunta and within no time it begins to sink in.. that extraordinary feel, warmth of your favorite city not that far off waiting to welcome you. The adrenaline is already on a high as the train leaves Tirutani not before a quick glance at the hill temple.

Its AJJ now and the euphoric feel is immense as I hear the song “Oru Maalai” from the just released film Ghajni blasting from the road side speakers. Indeed, it is a wonderful evening, pleasant as the north easterly winds find their way inside the coach as we near Avadi. Smiles all around the coach, yes, we are so near , its striking distance only now. Excitement reaches the Zenith as 12163 enters MAS Central station.

Been a wonderful journey of mixed emotions. Saying sort of a good bye to South West Monsoon and eager to say Hello to North East Monsoon.  Around 1 pm on October 26th, amidst dark & gloomy skies the much.awaited household goods arrives a tad earlier against the expected date of 27th. Few rumble could be heard as the transport staff began unloading the goods.. Things (unloading goods) got over in a jiffy and even before the truck driver would have released his left foot of the clutch and press the accelerator, the heavens opens up to a big roar and we , our family members were amazed, had a dazed look of sorts at each other wondering how nature had waited to get the job done and start its own..
Phenomenal start to say the least. Almost zero visibility rains that afternoon and almost my mind immediately trudged back to 26/7 afternoon and the aftermath..
If I memory serves me right, it was quite an heavenly downpour that lasted close to an hour..
Took a deep breath and quite naturally a hot cuppa Filter Kaapi came in handy with all those sweet memories of the maximum city over the years as I sat on the floor legs crossed.
Was not even 10 pm, weary eyes and fatigue written all over , had no other choice but to hit the bed early hoping to catch some much needed rest.
What unfolded next day early morning (27th October, 2005) is history now. Sheets of water were hitting our main down of our ground floor residence (Geetanjali Colony, 7th Avenue, ANW).
A casual glance through the window took me by surprise as I could see a river flow in front of our flat. Yes, The water was seen gushing into 6th Avenue Road crossing 100 ft Road ( JN Nehru Rd) from School Road on the opposite side. It didn’t take much of a time to soak in the splendid feel of a monsoon known to throw in lot of surprises. October 27, 2005.. what a day it turned out to be.. Never imagined that monsoon can be so poetic.. Indeed it was.

Have never missed the “Aura” and the “Aroma” of Deepavali with our family and friends and it was a cracker of a routine every year. A visit to MAS is must during Deepavali to rejuvenate oneself. Needless to say the ever mystery monsoon added to the excitement…

Hopefully, this year is no different to the one of 2005.