It was a bright Sunday morning when Anvi stepped out of the car, holding tightly onto her dad’s hand. The air was filled with the sounds of announcements, whistling trains, and the chatter of people moving in every direction.
Anvi: (eyes wide)
Wow! There are so many people here! Is this really where all the trains stop?
Her dad smiled and nodded.
Dad:
Yes, Anvi. This is a railway station—a very busy place where trains pick up and drop off passengers going to all sorts of places.
Next to them stood Anvi’s uncle, waving his ticket excitedly.
Uncle:
And I’m one of those lucky passengers today! My train—the Punjab Mail Express—is arriving soon.
Anvi looked around curiously. She saw people waiting with bags, some holding cups of tea, and porters in red shirts pushing big trolleys of luggage.
Anvi:
It looks like everyone’s in a hurry. Are they scared they’ll miss their train?
Dad:
Exactly! Trains don’t wait too long, so people rush to the right platform on time.
Uncle:
Speaking of which, my train is coming on Platform 5. Let’s get going!
The trio made their way through the crowd, carefully crossing a footbridge and weaving through other travelers. Anvi held her dad’s hand tight, excited and nervous at the same time. It was her first time at such a big place!
Once they reached Platform 5, they found an empty bench and sat down. Her dad went to buy some snacks while Anvi and her uncle chatted about the train.
Anvi:
Uncle, what do you do during such a long journey?
Uncle:
I read, listen to music, and look out the window. Watching the green fields, little towns, and rivers zoom by is my favorite part.
Just then, her dad returned with a packet of biscuits and a small juice box.
Dad:
Here you go, explorer! Waiting can be tasty too.
Anvi: (smiling)
Thanks, Dad! I want to go on a train too. It must feel like an adventure!
Dad:
It sure does. And guess what—we’ll be taking a train journey next month. You, me, and Mom!
Anvi:
Yayyy! I’m going to pack my own little suitcase!
Suddenly, the loudspeaker announced:
“Punjab Mail Express arriving on Platform 5.”
A long whistle echoed in the air, and the train slowly chugged into the station. Anvi stood up on her toes to see the shining engine and the long row of coaches behind it.
Anvi:
It’s soooo long! Like a moving snake!
Uncle: (laughing)
That’s a great way to describe it!
The train stopped, and they helped Uncle climb aboard with his luggage. Anvi peeked inside the coach and saw soft seats, wide windows, and happy travelers.
The engine gave a final whistle, and the train began to move again. Anvi and her dad waved until it disappeared down the track.
Anvi: (quietly)
Bye, Uncle! Have a fun trip…
Dad:
Don’t worry, we’ll call him once he reaches. And soon, it’ll be your turn to ride the rails!
Anvi smiled and looked around the station one last time. The noise, the people, the smell of tea, the sounds of the train—it all felt magical now.
Moral: New places may feel big and busy, but they help us learn, explore, and grow. Every first step becomes a memory we’ll never forget.
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