In the heart of Kolkata, amidst the vibrant city life, lived an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Sen, who had never experienced the marvels of the Kolkata Metro despite living there for decades. They had always relied on conventional means of transportation like Bus, Tram and Yellow Taxi, but curiosity finally got the better of them. On a fine Sunday morning, the couple decided to embark on their first-ever metro journey to explore the city in a new light.
Excitement and a hint of nervousness filled the air as they reached the iconic Esplanade Metro Station. The station, bustling with people, appeared to be a labyrinth of steel and concrete. They stood at the entrance, gazing at the large metro map trying to decipher their route. The complexities of the underground network seemed overwhelming.
"Dada, which platform is for the Station Kavi Subhash?" Mrs. Sen politely inquired, seeking help from a young commuter who was rushing past them.
With a warm smile, the young man guided them to the correct platform. As they approached, they noticed the massive crowd jostling to enter the train. The Sen couple hesitated, wondering how they would navigate through the sea of people. A Metro official, observing their predicament, approached them with a kind gesture, "Please don't worry, I will help you board the train safely."
With assistance, they managed to find a place in the crowded compartment. The train set off with a gentle jolt, and they held onto the grab rails, unsure of what to expect next. As they glided through the dimly lit tunnels, the unfamiliar sensation of the train's motion made them feel like children discovering something magical.
Upon reaching their destination, Mr. Sen looked apprehensively at the escalator. He had never seen one before and was skeptical about stepping on it. Mrs. Sen, noticing his hesitation, said reassuringly, "Don't worry, dear. It's like a moving staircase. We'll take it one step at a time."
With trepidation, they placed their feet on the moving steps, holding each other's hands tightly. As they ascended, they felt a mix of fear and excitement, marveling at the modernity that surrounded them.
Their joy knew no bounds as they emerged from the station onto the bustling streets of Kolkata. They navigated through the crowd, exploring landmarks they had only heard about in stories. They savored the city's charm, from the aroma of street food to the melodies of street musicians.
However, as the day wore on, fatigue started to set in, and they began to contemplate the journey back home. The thought of facing the busy Metro station during peak hours made them anxious. But, embracing their adventurous spirit, they decided to brave the return journey.
Esplanade Metro Station greeted them with the same hustle and bustle they had witnessed in the morning. They took a deep breath and walked towards the exit. The escalator, once daunting, now seemed familiar, and they descended with newfound confidence.
As they emerged from the station, they exchanged a knowing smile. Despite the challenges, they had managed to make their first metro journey a remarkable experience filled with memories they would cherish forever. The city had embraced them, showing that it was never too late for an adventure, and that age was just a number when it came to exploring the wonders of life. The Sen couple returned home with hearts full of gratitude and a thirst for more such escapades in the future.