The Beginning of a New Chapter



It was 15th August 2010 — Independence Day — and in a way, it was the beginning of my own independence too.
After countless thoughts, long discussions with teachers, friends, and family, and hours of research, I finally decided to pursue B.Tech in Chemical Engineering at C.V. Raman College of Engineering.

For the documentation verification, my father and I travelled to VSSUT, Sambalpur. A few days later, we headed to the college for admission formalities. The moment had finally come — the time to leave home and step into a new world, a new life, where every step I took would be mine to own.

The Journey Begins

I was to travel from Dhanbad to Bhubaneswar via Howrah. Around 5:40 AM, I boarded the Coalfield Express. My father came to see me off at Dhanbad station. His eyes were calm but heavy — a mix of pride, worry, and emotion. I waved goodbye as the train slowly pulled away, carrying me towards an unknown future filled with excitement, fear, and dreams.

The train reached Howrah Station around 11:00 AM. My connecting train, the Coromandel Express, was scheduled to depart at 2:30 PM. I found a seat in the waiting area and took in the view — Howrah, one of India’s oldest and busiest stations, was alive with movement and noise. In front of me, a large display board flickered with train information.

I had a simple feature phone — no SIM card, no internet. So, I bought a magazine to pass the time. The plan was simple: relax, and head to my platform around 2:00 PM. The display showed my train would depart from Platform No. 17.

The Mysterious Platform

At 2:00 PM, I grabbed a water bottle and a 500 ml 7Up, then began walking toward Platform 17.
I crossed 11… 12… 13… 14… 15… 16 — and then froze. There was no Platform 17.

Panic rose instantly. I scanned the area — maybe a hidden lane, a side extension? Nothing. The board still showed “Platform 17.” How could a train depart from a platform that didn’t exist? My heart pounded as I ran to ask a vendor. He calmly said,

“Platform 17? In the new complex. Take the foot overbridge near Platform 16.”

Without wasting a second, I ran — bags swinging in both hands, sweat pouring down. I dashed across the bridge, reached the other side, and finally spotted the train. I hurried to my coach — S7, upper berth — panting, drenched, but relieved.

Moments later, the train whistled, and we were off. Around me, passengers chatted, vendors called out, and the rhythmic clatter of wheels filled the air. Amidst all the chaos, my mind felt strangely calm. I looked out the window and thought, If this is just the beginning, I wonder what the next four years will bring.

The Second Shock

After some water and a few sips of 7Up, I stretched out on my berth for a nap. That “quick rest” turned into deep sleep. When I opened my eyes, chaos greeted me again — the train had arrived at Bhubaneswar Station.

I jolted up, grabbed my bags, slipped on my shoes, and pushed my way through the crowd. The station was overflowing with people — some getting in, others getting out — it was pure madness. Somehow, I squeezed through and stepped onto the platform.

And then came the third shock.

Almost everyone was wearing a mask. The sight was unsettling; I had never seen anything like it before. I had no clue what was going on. I placed my bag down, pulled out my handkerchief, and covered my face — monkey see, monkey do.
Later, I learned that the city had recently reported Swine Flu cases, and people were taking precautions.

Finding Shelter

Exhausted and drenched in sweat, I stepped out of the station. My initial plan was to spend the night outside and head to college in the morning. But with the mosquitoes buzzing and masked faces everywhere, that plan didn’t seem so wise anymore.

Nearby, I spotted a small lodge — Krishna Dormitory & Lodge. I went inside.
“₹125 for 24 hours,” said the man at the counter.
Without a second thought, I paid and got my bed number.

I dropped my luggage, stretched out on the narrow bed, and within minutes, drifted into sleep.

A New Dawn

The next morning would be my first day of college — the start of an unforgettable chapter of my life.

To be continued...


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