May 13th , Monday :
I looked at my watch, it was 10:22 PM. The train would leave at 10.30 Pm. I was still in the bus en route Tambaram.“I wouldn’t miss the train… I wouldn’t miss the train” I kept telling myself. The bus stopped in East Tambaram at 10.26 Pm. I got down as soon as I could and rushed towards the station.
Tambaram bus stop was buzzing in action even at that odd hour. Monday nights !!
I crossed the signal, narrowly escaping from being hit by a speeding bike, and ran towards Platform 8. I had two bags, one on either hand and ran as fast as I could, trying to stay ahead in the crowded pathway, when one of my bags smacked an unsuspecting man.
“Oops… sorry, sorry, please excuse me” I apologized and continued my sprint.
My watch showed 10.30 Pm. I looked at the platform at a distance in desperation. I could see the waiting train starting to move slowly. I took a few giant leaps to reach the base of the over-bridge. Just few more quick steps and I could catch it.
Praying to Bolt God, I hurdled my way up the stairs, having my eyes on the moving train when I bumped into that old lady.
“Aarrrgh, I am so sorry ma” I turned and apologized to her and then turned back to continue my dash…. when I found the train missing. I turned back to see the lady, she was missing too. Clueless and confused, I gasped for breath and ran down the stairs hastily towards platform 8.
THE TRAIN WAS GONE FOR REAL leaving no trace behind.
I stood there stranded in the middle of the platform, not knowing what happened. The train was there in front of me all the while.. I had my eyes set on it and when I bumped on that lady, the train was gone. How could such a large train vanish in a second ?
Perplexed and puzzled, I reasoned hard hopelessly, when I heard that voice,
“Katharagiya andavar ungalai ratchiparaga”… some biblical verse being recited from the local church nearby… which was usually broadcast every hour… Every one hour. Wait !
I looked at my watch, it showed 11 PM. I looked at the large clock in the platform, it glared 11 pm.
I was baffled beyond despair and was on the verge of losing my sanity.
“Sir, whats the time?” I asked the guy who walked beside me.
He gave a mean look at me, then my watch, then the large clock and then at his watch and told, “11 Pm.”
“What the hell ?” how could it…. how the hell in the world did I just lose 30 minutes at the blink of an eye.
May 16th Thursday :
I was restless in front of the neurologist, Dr. Madhan, in Dr.Meenakshi hospital at Pallikaranai. He was young, had a thick moustache, wore a rimless spec and had a small scar near his left ear.
I couldn’t take my eyes of the clock on his wall, as I kept looking at the watch in my hand, besides monitoring the alarm clock on his table. I wanted to be sure that all of them showed the same exact time.
“Relax Mr. Senthil.. you don’t have to panic” the doctor tried to pacify me.
“How could I not doctor ? this is the third time it has happened in the last three days. I am losing half an hour every day.. half an hour…and I have no clue why its happening, how I am losing it… even the other doctor didn’t have a clue and has sent me to you. Whats happening to me ? Can this be cured ? Will I be able to live a normal life ? Should I consult some scientists ? Has it happened to someone or anyone before?” I was anxious.
“Wait, wait… one by one..When all did you lose time in the last three days?” he questioned me.
“First, when I was about to catch a train, then when I was speeding to office to attend a meeting. Then while rushing home to watch a cricket match… and I have no clue how it happens..I would just blink my eye and uff 30 minutes will be gone..like a puff of dust.. I don’t get this doctor.. I am losing my sanity.. I haven’t even told my parents yet. In fact I haven’t told anyone yet.. If I say, they will brand me a mad man. Please.. please doctor, help me come out of this” I pleaded him.
“Have you had any medical conditions of late.. anything that affected your cranium ?”
“I had a stroke two months ago and I was even operated in this very hospital. But I am completely cured now.. perfectly fine.. I am keeping my bp under control, taking my stress pills on time. I am not stressing myself at all.. wait.. I am stressing myself… Am I doctor ? “ I was behaving like a wild child.
“Calm down now Mr. Senthil, just don’t strain yourself. I think I know whats affecting you”
“How can I be calm Doctor, after this ? Tell me, what has happened to me ?” I fumed.
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