Fooled by randomness

Early morning rush to the railway station, to catch the 7 AM train, which sauntered in casually at 8..long sleep all the way to Chirmiri, coal mine town. Beautiful natural surroundings..got to the stockist a bit late because of train delay.The salesman had already left for the market with others. Discussed the possibility of opening a stockist in the north western edge of the state with the stockist.He suggested we take a trip as the market was ‘reasonably flourishing’ there..quick decision to move immideately. Misguiding bastard. Long, slow ride through a lonely countryside. Pure, hauntingly beautiful forests on both sides of the road. We would come across another vehicle only every 5-6 kms..though there were rivers to be crossed every 2-3 kms..While some had bridges, others had to be driven thru!!
The bus was full of semi tribal people..Crossed some road side sluts peddling themselves to goodness knows who. I rode almost half way standing at the door of the bus, which was memorable not only because it felt good but also as it reminded me of Mumbai, beloved Mumbai.
In that 120 km long stretch, we just crosses ONE place that could lay claim to being a semi village.
Finally, Jankapur-felt like El Dorado..but where was the fabled treasure.. The place turned out tiny and irrelevant in terms of shop coverage. The villagers looked suspicious and held us in a constant stare that seemed to be mocking the moronic babus.
A casual walk and some light enquiries led us to the big grocer of the village, also the substockist of the HLL (Impressive, mate!) An hour of useless, aimless negotiations later, we set to look for food and a place to stay..food was not to tough, navigation in the pitch dark was..snakes, naxalites, random dacoits even a wayward insect depositing his venom into my nerves in self defence. The bumper surprise came in the form of the lodge..named maa chand(after the local pagan goddess), the 3 storey structure was almost half a kilometer inside from the road, instantly arousing suspicion.The room was shady as shady could be, we being the only occupants on the 3rd story of the desolate building, green walls et al. seemed like a scene right out of an underground S&M movie.. We decided to keep awake the entire night, alert and ready to fight till the end, if need be. The heroic effort lasted a total of 15 mins, when the exhausted soldiers fell into slumber.