Everything Happens for A Reason

So people say. I'm inclined to agree. Especially after what happened yesterday.

According to the original plan, I should be returning to Bandung alone (by train) because isman had to be in Jakarta on Monday, meeting clients.

However, the trip was suddenly cancelled till Wednesday. This sudden change disturbed isman because I had already got a Parahyangan ticket for 17.20 pm, but he hadn't. And by that time (Friday afternoon) it was too late. All return tickets to Bandung was already out for Sunday.

On Sunday, we decided it would be best to return to Bandung together, with isman buying a standing ticket. We arrived at around 15.30. The line for business class was already packed. Fortunately the counter for executive class was still empty. So we stood there, hoping we could exchange the lone ticket for a ticket for two. Minutes passed by. We started to realize something wrong was happening. They were still selling the tickets (standing ones, by the way) for 15.50 train. It was 16.00 pm.

Some people asked the security officers and the ladies behind the counter. From their conversations we gleaned an information. There was a problem with the rails, causing havoc and delays. Many people asked why the trains weren't leaving. It was about 16.30 and the train scheduled for 14.40 (or was it 14.50?) had not left yet. The train for 17.20 pm from Jakarta had not even left Bandung.

Several cancelled their tickets. We still stood there. For a while we were tempted to queue for Argo Gede train because it was scheduled to leave at around 18.00 pm.

Then around 17.25 pm, the counter was open. The lady asked whether we were interested in executive seats for 13.50 pm train. There were three available. We asked if we could exchange the lone ticket for two tickets. She said it was okay. So we paid her for one and hurriedly went upstairs. The train would depart at 18.00 pm.

We arrived in Bandung about 22.35 pm. My parents were already there. They told me that the 17.20 pm train had not left Jakarta yet.

Supposing my partner was to be in Jakarta on Monday, I'd be going to Bandung alone. Since I already had the ticket, I wouldn't queue in front of the counter. I'd be forced to wait in the station for many long hours. Maybe I'd arrive in Bandung at dawn. By myself. What a chilling thought.

It was quite a tiring experience yet exciting as well. We were still able to laugh and smile seeing people around us. For instance, there were a girl about three or four years old, her mother, and her grandmother near to our seats.

Girl: You know that monkeys search each other for fleas. (rummaging through her mother's hair)
Mother: (ignoring her)
Girl: But Ma, how come you don't have any?
My partner and me: (giggling)