CHAPTER 1 - Train To Moscow

The Moscow bound train ploughed down the tracks at a steady pace, humming along, never getting any louder or softer. Same with the engines, its monotonous sound like a mortar smoothly grinding down time.

It's nearly dawn when he woke up. He draw the curtain back and took a look. Snow fell outside like ashes.All he could see was the vast fields covered with white snow in the fading light of the day. Clouds, sharply etched against the western skies framed by light and ominous. He pressed his face against the window drinking in the unfamiliar sights.
He looked at his watch. Its 7:32. Thirteen hours since he left home. He has another days journey ahead of him.

He took out the map from his back pack and spread it neatly over the snack table. Took out his pencil, started marking routes, places and making a mental map. He jotted down some bearing on his small pocket notebook. He is very well aware of all the technology available at his finger tips these days but its always his old school habits that has saved his life, literally. In his line of work, he made it a habit to rely less on technology, gadget but being capable himself to the extent possible.

The train went over the famous Kama River bridge, then cut inland through fields and pine trees growing on terraced hills. Watching the scenery made him feel very warm and calm, despite the chill he felt on his inside.
He knows that his mission stretches over 2 continents and half a dozen countries.
"You are going to be okay. He told himself taking a deep breathe.Just forge ahead."

He sat on the cozy berth, Kept his iPhone for charging. Slipped his legs inside the banket, closed his eyes and wandered back into the memories of the distant past. A past that he never shared with anyone else but only one.
He felt the old familiar feeling crawling back from under. He didnt fight it. It was his opium.

He said to himself...chance favors the prepared mind.