Nurungukal...contd...

   I was surprised to get a transfer to Aruvangad and the same time happy. I loved Nilgiris. I had been there once on a vacation tour to witness the Horse race. Aruvangad a small station mainly served the needs of the Cordite factory. At that time there were only one or two passenger trains running in between Ooty and Metupalayam. A goods rake once in a way serviced the needs of the cordite factory on demand.

   I was quite aware of the cold conditions and was prepared to meet it. My sister was in Coimbatore. Her husband was a senior officer in the marketing section of Coffee Board. They were in Simla a few years ago. My brother in law was having number of woollen pants and coats. She offered a pair to combat the cool climate of Nilgiris and knowing my inability to purchase one. But  I had to spend a few rupees to make it fit to my slim body. Any way it helped me to walk in style and warm. The station was built in granite and merged with the surroundings in style. With cast iron pillars and a fire place it resembled a colonial structure, no doubt.

   I was posted in the capacity of a goods clerk, but in practise I was all in all, as the station master,  an old veteran very cunningly used my enthusiasm to his advantage.  Yet it provided me enough experience to manage situations efficiently.

  The narrow gauge rail, having a toothed line in between to facilitate safe climb and descent was similar to that in Switzerland. Even the engine was brought from there, many years ago by the British. The engine moved very cautiously clutching on the teeth and I had seen many passengers climbing into the compartments while it was running. The journey in it was so entertaining and we felt as if we are in a wonder land!. Each compartment was controlled by a brake man. During rainy season the traffic used to be disrupted due to land slides. Station staff collected coal from the engine to prepare food.Some times the driver even obliged us with hot water from the engine.

   When there is no work I used to enjoy the scenery far beyond the misty mountains, sitting on a wooden bench and sipping hot Nilgiri tea. There is nothing to beat that joy. The fragrance form the eucalyptus trees filled the air. It was my habit it take deep breaths. It kept you healthy and fresh.               Many Anglo Indian families lived nearby. They were friendly and sportive. On Sundays they  went in small batches to attend the Mass. They had to cross the platform and it was my pleasure to exchange pleasantries. On festival days they even offered us home made cake and wine. A happy go lucky lot..........contd....