Travelling is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about the stories we create along the way. Our journey to Nepal in December 2024 was one such experience, brimming with fun, laughter, and unexpected friendships. We set off from Howrah, boarding the Mithila Express with excitement in our hearts and backpacks loaded with essentials and snacks.

The Mithila Express, a train that bridges the cultures of Bengal and Bihar, was our home for the next 16 hours. The three of us—each eager for the adventures ahead—settled into our seats, preparing for a long yet promising journey. As the train rumbled out of Howrah station, we made ourselves comfortable and looked forward to the unfolding experiences.

A few hours into the journey, we found ourselves engaged in conversation with two fellow travelers who were accompanied by their families. A casual exchange of smiles and greetings soon turned into friendly chatter. The two were headed to Raxaul as well, sharing the same excitement about the trip. It didn’t take long for us to break the ice, and soon, our compartment was filled with an air of camaraderie.

We played endless rounds of cards and ludo, each game fueling our competitive spirits while making the hours fly by. Laughter and playful banter filled the space as we challenged each other, sometimes bending the rules just for fun. The entire experience transported us back to childhood, where train journeys were synonymous with games and making new friends.

As the evening rolled in, we decided to add a musical twist to our journey. Being ardent A.R. Rahman fans, we started singing some of his evergreen Hindi hits—but with a twist. We belted out their Tamil versions, much to the amusement and curiosity of our newfound friends. Some of them were pleasantly surprised, while others tried guessing the original Hindi versions of the songs. Our impromptu musical session turned the compartment into a mini-concert, where even other co-passengers nodded along, smiling at our enthusiasm.

A heartwarming moment occurred when a small girl approached my wife while she was applying nail polish. The little one was captivated, watching in awe as my wife carefully painted her nails. Noticing her excitement, my wife painted the girl's fingernails too, bringing a huge smile to her face. The innocent joy in her eyes added a beautiful touch to our journey.

The train halted at various stations, allowing us to savor some local delicacies from vendors who hopped on and off. Samosas, jhalmuri, and hot chai complemented our travel stories, adding a flavorful touch to our adventure. Each stopover felt like a small pitstop in our grand journey, making the experience richer with every passing hour.

We had carried our dinner from the Howrah Station Food Plaza, where we had also enjoyed our lunch before embarking on our journey. The familiar flavors of well-cooked meals enhanced our train experience, ensuring we were well-fed and satisfied throughout the trip.

As night fell, the conversations became more personal—stories of past trips, aspirations, and the excitement of stepping into Nepal. The rhythmic clatter of the train tracks and the cool winter breeze outside the window created the perfect backdrop for deep reflections. We exchanged numbers with our new friends, promising to stay in touch and possibly meet again someday.

The next morning, as the train pulled into Raxaul, a bittersweet feeling washed over us. While we were eager to cross the border into Nepal, we couldn’t ignore the fact that this memorable train journey had come to an end. With heartfelt goodbyes, we parted ways, carrying with us not just our bags but also the warmth of newfound friendships and the echoes of Rahman’s melodies.

As we stepped off the train, we knew that this was just the beginning of our Nepal adventure. But no matter what lay ahead, the memories from the Mithila Express would always remain a cherished chapter of our journey.