Flashback

Flashback

Summer of 2006, I was standing on the terrace of Howrah railway station with a just lighted Gold Flake Kings between my fingers, about 5-6 others safe in the pack of 20 were lying in my jeans pocket. I was looking straight at the highest point on the pillar of Howrah Bridge. I closed my eyes.

Ya the wind is pretty strong here. I don't need to hold the railing, let me spread out my hands to the wind.

"Excuse me." something had brushed my legs.

"Uh oh! Its alright." I smiled and looked back. It was someone's bag.

I looked back at the highest point on the bridge, took another puff of half burnt gold flakes kings cigarette I was holding, with 5-6 more in my pocket.

I can never imagine how people smoke. I feel like I am choking to death in that smoke. I hate smokers.


I took another puff. My train was 2 hours late. I was in the 3A waiting room at the Howrah station overlooking the Hooghly River beneath the Howrah Bridge standing tall, as if full of pride, but hollow.

I looked around at the crowd. I have heard that this place is always crowded like this. I felt secure in the crowd and also alone. I could smell a distinct fragrance in the air. Maybe its because of the humidity... or its from the Ganges. I released the cigarette, Gold Flakes Kings from between my fingers. It made a free fall to the ground, bounced once or twice, spilled some of its sparks or maybe ashes. I crushed it under my shoes.

Kolkata has something in it... A strange familiarity... a strange comfort... and I hate this place... Still I would like to stay here sometime.

I located a dustbin nearby and emptied my pocket of the Glod Flakes kings pack. This was it. I had quit smoking. Something I had started a fortnight back... and I thank Kolkata for that.

Don't know what caused it, the ride on top of Howrah Bridge... the familiarity... the comfort... or the hatred for the place but it made me quit it.

I would sure like to stay here sometime.