The Platform

by BILAL SALEEM (Pakistan)

Making a local connection Pakistan

The Platform The big clock is telling as it is 11’O clock now. Main hall is all covered with massive Iron works and presenting a view of an old historic building. There are very few lights which are spreading pale yellow color at all. Silence and darkness are adding more to the whole building. Only a few people can be seen on platform. Some have stalls while the others are sweepers and the railway daily workers. Soon later, a whistle blows after which there starts a rush of people. Now, more of the people can be seen in waiting section holding some printed tickets in their hands while more of them can be seen in a que for their turn to buy ticket. They are also carrying heavy luggage with them. As the time says its 11.30 PM now, a voice raises on all speakers announcing name of the next train coming to platform. Some of the people are staying here for a reason to say good bye to their loved ones while the others are to receive their coming guests. Silence is all broken now. There is a great hustle and bustle on the platform. An old couple can also be seen sitting on the ground between these people. They are watching all around with hopes. Some kind hearted are visiting that couple, helping by giving some currency notes and throwing coins to box they are carrying. In return, they are giving well wishes, praying for their good health, safe journey and their good ranks in Janna. Soon the train comes after the announcement. The passengers already on the train are getting out of the boxes and meeting with people staying already for their welcome. Some of them are charged and waiting for the whistle to get on the train as soon as possible. They seem more in hurry as every one of them is trying to get access the entry gate of their box. Some are busy in uploading their luggage to the train and to say good bye to their love ones. Their emotions can be seen clearly. Their faces are sad because of going away of their houses, their families, friends and leaving them for some time but also, they are happy to meet the new ones at some new destination on other places. They are determined to face the new challenges of life and to take benefit of new opportunities waiting for them. The train is now ready to go as it blows the whistle. The guard is waving the flag and giving a signal to operator. The clock is saying 12’O clock now. The engine begins to move and all the boxes started to give follow back to it. Train as leaving the platform now. Passenger’s families and friends are waving, giving good wishes and praying for their safe journey. Some baby girls can also be seen crying because they are going to miss them. The train is getting out of reach now. People are ready to leave the platform quickly in coming minutes because already it’s too late for them and they can’t stay any more here. Except the main hall light, all other light are getting off. Again this platform is turning into darkness and in silence. All the people including the railway staffs, passengers and hawkers are about to leave the platform but that old helpless couple is still sitting along a big pole. They are not so to buy happiness for them, nor do they have any other place to go there. They have also two children who recently joined them, while they are counting all their sums, making the plans for their life and fulfillment of their needs. Their life goes on like that on each day. Life is all about journey. It must be move on in any way in any circumstances. The one who stays he fails and the one, who moves on, achieves his destiny. It is all full of sorrow and happiness. One should control his emotions and face those challenges bravely. These challenges are always full of opportunities, so one should avail those. Again, only consistency and hardworking are the keys behind every success