Shivganga Express
Train from Delhi to Varanasi
Train from Delhi to Varanasi
The lull of the train rocked me through a strong eight hours
of sleep. I had awakened at my usual 4:30, but the cabin was full of snoring
neighbors which lulled me back to silence and a three extra hour doze. Aakri, the end of the month of Sravan, is
celebrated in Benaras today with pujas and rituals of color. As I make my way
back to Lanka, I smile. My trip to Delhi was eventful and productive, but I am
excited to be home. My workout after a
long, lazy night on the train is to lug 2 suitcases and 4 boxes of books that
arrived by diplomatic pouch to the Delhi Fulbright office to my rooftop
apartment. Hansraj arrives and smiles
and easily lifts the last 40lb box up to the room, as I stand with sweat on my
brow, determined that my biceps and core muscles should look more like
his.
My books complete the apartment and make it mine. There is a
sense of guidance and mentorship I feel with the books here. My elders are with me.