On a Train at Night

 Have you traveled on a train at night? How many times has it happened that the soothing back and forth movement of the train that had coaxed you to drift into slumber, suddenly stops, waking you up with a jolt? You lift your head and rub your eyes to look out of the window only to find the train stranded in a dark and silent place. There is not a light to illuminate the surroundings and not a soul to be seen. That's when fear of the odd hour and intimidating place starts gripping you. The deafening silence outside makes you feel lonely amidst scores of people riding the same fate as yours. You fear like you are the only soul marooned in this dark patch and any adversity to the train would strike you first. You long for the engine to whistle again, the wheels to roll on the tracks, and the train to speed towards your destination.

And, minutes later, when you have panicked just enough, the train moves again, crossing bright towns twinkling with lights. As you look outside with relief, the breeze brushing your face and ruffling your hair, you realize that the dark patch was as much a part of your journey as the bright towns; that you cannot see the light of the day unless you have traveled through the night; and that no matter whether your train takes you through dark tunnels, forgotten villages, or abandoned stations, it will eventually stop at the right station. You ought to remain resolute in your belief with which you had boarded the train.