A middle class family of four – dad, mom and two sons aged 7 and 4 years were my companions in my recent train journey. The elder son was docile and calm whereas the younger one was restless and naughty.

 

The dad purchased a sandwich, distributed it between both his sons and also kept a small piece for himself.

 

Every time the young brat was made to sit on the seat, he slid down and inadvertently landed on the feet of other passengers, and their shrieks alarmed his parents- who shook him and again made him sit properly.

 

A momentary respite !

 

After a couple of futile attempts of diverting his attention to the bathing buffaloes or flying kites, the mom gave up.

 

Now the dad thought of giving it a serious thought. Pointing at the Alarm Chain, he told his sons, “ If someone is feeling uneasy, say pukish while traveling in a bus it is difficult, but here he can stop the train by pulling this chain”. I was amazed at the explanation given by him.

 

Both the sons looked at the wonder chain with amazement and then resumed playing  and jumping on the seat. Without caring much, I delved into my book.

 

After some time, the elder son informed his parents that while they were busy talking, his brother held the chain and tried pulling it, but it slipped. No sooner did he say that, the faces of mom and dad became as white as a blank sheet of paper. Speechless, they looked at each other. Only then the dad read out the notice to his sons, “ Stopping the train without any valid reason would attract a fine of Rs. 1000 or an imprisonment”.

 

Dad always kept a small share with himself – be it bread or information !