Metro Trepidation

Chapter 1

Delhi metro.

The heart of people in Delhi, a lifeline, a partner without which a vital part of our daily routine will surely be disturbed.

Around 30 lakh footfalls happen daily on the metro, making a person comfortable throughout the journey.

Inaugurated on Christmas'02, been a friend to pocket of daily commuters, has a clean record of any attack or major mishap, the Delhi Metro has been the perfect transportation; thanks to the daily hard working employees and security forces. However, it's inevitable that everything does not stay safe till the end of time... and you never know, doomsday might just be around the corner.

--

"It's so cold out there. All time records for the coldest of winters has been broken as I read in the newspaper," A man said. A constant beeping sound hung in the place like an annoying itch that just won't go away.

"Yeah, I wish I could get the week off, need to get to my hometown for sister's wedding." The woman beside him replied. They were on their respective computers, looking bored.

"Don't worry. Boss will listen and grant you leave for the week," He said. "But we gotta fix the issue of Metro number 2681, it halts for no apparent reason since the 2nd every time between these stations." He pointed to a specific location.

"The violet line?" She asked. He nodded and looked at the screen in front of him.

"All technical problems are solved and yet the driver complains that the lights go off right here every time and the train stops." He explained and sighed irritably.

"Leave it be, it's not your work. The technical department will take care of it."

--

"Yes mom, will eat healthy, bye." He hung up the call and looked at the girl beside him. "so what's the schedule today, baby?" He asked her.

"Same old stuff, overtime today, probably gonna miss the last metro. Stupid job," She replied. The train moved against the tracks. Everyone was either on their phones or napping against the walls. It was silent today, except for the constant announcements and the metro's sounds.

"Don't worry, I will wait for yo--" The metro stopped. "Not again, I am so fed up of this constant halting. Really gonna tweet DMRC chief." He exclaimed.

"Yeah yeah, as if he will listen," She replied. The metro started again and finally reached his station.

"Will wait for you, bye." He hugged the girl. After he left, the metro moved, just like any other day.

--

It was not any other day.

"So today's the day! The day which we all were waiting for. The man who abandoned us will cry tears of blood!" The man roared, as everyone in the room threw up their hands with a cry of agreement.

"Yes, it's been 10 years. 10 years of anger, torture and pain. We want every drop of blood, every bead of sweat that we lost back and with interest." Another one said, voice laced with a vengeance.

"Are the bags ready at the bank?" The first man asked.

"Yes sir, the bags and clothes are ready. All things are going according to the plan." A man replied.

"We all know what will happen, so burn all the papers, maps, hardware and leave no trace." Another one said. With a huddle, everyone went to work, an eerie silence taking over the place promising a tragic end.

--

"Hey, I got the leave. I am so happy right now!" She said cheerfully, "But have to work overtime tonight".