Choo choo train! Part 1

Choo choo train!

I left the car at home today and felt brave enough to risk the perils of public transport to commute to work. This is no mean feat, what with a (very irregular) train ride, a tube, a bus and finally a fair bit of walking to reach my destination, not to mention the signature dull grey skies and bitter winds that make London an oh so ‘delightful’ city (and you wonder why I opt for the car – im all for going green but this journey twice a day everyday is asking for trouble of the cardiac variety). Little did I know what adventure awaited me on my innocent little journey.

The voyage started harmlessly – just the usual tedious wait at all the stations, the elbows and bags threatening to create craters in squeegee body parts, the overpowering aftershave, perfume, body odour of fellow commuters and my favourite – the ‘freshie’ who just does not get the concept of ‘My Personal Space’!

Here I was, diligently reading my Harry Potter and quite impressively getting through the journey when a rather peculiar thing happened! Completely out of the blue, I broke out into a sweat and started hyperventilating. No, not because my dream car drove past! And certainly not because some cute guy jumped on next to me…im a MARRIED WOMAN (happily married, might I add)!! Good heavens, what should I do??! I can feel myself slowly loosing conscious – all I can see is blankets of black flashing before my eyes. Legs are about to fail me any minute now…what is happening to me???!! Oh Good Lord, is this the end? I promise I will never say another bad word about public transport, save me from the wrath of this evil train! The breathing is now getting more and more rapid and laboured. That didn’t work. What to do??! Do I ask for help? Do I press the ominous ‘red button’? The one that you always wanted to press – now is my chance, do it Preet, do it!! Alas, I have no energy left!

By now im in serious need of a Good Samaritan. What if I throw up on the smart lady standing beside me, ewww – nasty! I AM going to pass out if I don’t get out of this horrib……er…nice train! I NEED to get out of this train – sweat pouring down my back – muster up all your strength and move to the door, the next station is not too far (oh please let the next station not be too far) – entire body is now trembling uncontrollably – walk, slide, waddle to the door, I need support, where is the railing? Blast, a very unfriendly looking teenager is standing in front of it. I have no choice, I actually lunge for his arm. He is NOT very happy, but said nothing (thank God). Poor kid couldn’t understand why this funny little girl (er… think im supposed to qualify as a woman now, more like aunty – eek) kept tugging on his jacket! Quite funny actually – but not at the time! At the time I was cursing myself for not doing my Nitnem!

to be cont...