The train whistled and came to a stop, slowly. She looked up from the book that she was reading and out through the window. The station name board had passed and she was not sure where it was. The language was different but it was all the same; just like any other railway station in India.
The tea and coffee vendors walked along shouting to the passengers and they in turn ordered hot cups to get relief from the weary travel. Some were selling banana chips and snacks like vada and pakode. Children pestered their parents to buy.
The atmosphere was very humid and she could feel herself stink. She got up and went near the washbasin to wash her face and hands. It was nearly six in the evening and she wished the journey would be over soon.
The train moved before she got back to her seat and she sat down beside her co-passengers who were also bored. Some of the men started discussing politics and she continued reading her book.
The attendant from the pantry car came over to ask about dinner orders and she ordered roti and sabzi. This was the second day of her travel and it was not possible to keep food from home, fresh this long.
A cool breeze from the window awakened her from her thoughts and she looked outside. She could see city sights and the lights.
She took out her camera and shot pictures when the train stooped at a level crossing. Being a photographer for a newspaper, she was an expert and could take good pictures even when there were very few favorable conditions.
Then, she turned around suddenly and asked her co-passengers if she could take their photo as well and they smiled and agreed, except one person who felt uncomfortable but he also agreed to join in when the others coaxed him.
She took a photograph and agreed to send it to their emails.
She alighted from the train and went to her apartment.
The papers were full of a sensational smuggling case. She glanced at the photos and gave a startled look. Her boss got curious and she took out her camera and showed the photo taken on the train. The person who had felt uncomfortable was one of the main culprits and was absconding. Her photo as proof.
She sent it to the police station and detailed them.
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