Childfree Zones???

Nearly after a decade I will be home for Diwali. Due to the royal hikes in prices of flights I preferred train. The only big problem was, I have to travel for almost 2 days. Little did I know that there was much bigger hitch waiting for me. The train has many facilities, but try as you might, there’s one thing you simply cannot do in this air-conditioned train that zooms from Howrah to Bangalore— sleep through the journey. The lighting seems to be designed to keep you awake. Even if you manage to block its harsh white light by covering your face with a handkerchief, the attendants arrive, attempting to entice you with greasy scoops of samosas/chops and coffee. The food wakes you up all right, but definitely not your taste buds. And when I finally fell asleep despite such gastronomic delights, a piercing cry rent the air. No, it wasn’t a mouse scampering in the ac duct, but an impish (^%$*&^) kid, wriggling on its guardian’s lap. The woman was at her wit’s end. She tried taking her to the bathroom, walked her up and down the aisle, and even took her outside the coach for some fresh air. When nothing worked, she collapsed in exasperation. Unfortunately, next to me. Throwing etiquette to the air ducts, she let out a furious ‘Shhhhhhh....’ “Scold her, scold her,’’ the frustrated guardian egged her on. But the sleepy scribe was no match for the hyperactive tot. When the train finally rolled into Bangalore, I got up, irritated and groggy. And the troublesome tot? Blissfully asleep like an angel on her relieved guardian’s arms. Wasn’t someone speaking of childfree hotels? How about train compartments too?