(Top) Khitish Kalita, one of the few survivors in the mishap, recuperates at Gauhati Medical College Hospital and (left) bodies extricated from the bus that fell into a pond being lined up at the accident site in Sarupeta. Pictures by UB Photos

The ?best day? of 35-year-old Khitish Kalita?s life turned out to be his saddest; so what if he escaped death by a whisker? In this poignant piece, the groom whose wedding became a mass funeral narrates how his dream turned dreary

As a bus conductor and part-time driver, I am on the road most of the day. I have also been witness to serious accidents, but had never imagined that my own life would come crashing down in terrible fashion.

Last night was supposed to be the best day of my life; it was the best day indeed till the moment I found death staring at me.

We were on a bus with about 75 people, including family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers. It was raining heavily outside but the atmosphere inside the bus was electric. Some were singing, while the rest were clapping. Seated in front along with my mother, I turned around often to see what was going on.

We were very near the bride?s house when the unthinkable happened. I think the left wheels of our bus slipped on mud and the vehicle started to slide down into the roadside pond. It happened very slowly, almost in slow motion.

It took us a few moments to realise that something was wrong. By the time we realised what was actually happening, the bus was rolling down the incline. In a fraction of a second, our vehicle was inside the water.

For a moment, I did not know what to do. But in an instinctive reaction, I broke open a window on the right side of the vehicle and managed to come out. Then I pulled out my elderly mother.

Some of the other passengers managed to escape, too, but most went down with the bus. It was pitch dark outside.

The place was remote and everyone residing near the accident site was fast asleep at that time of the night.

I shouted for help and, much to my relief, spotted some local residents coming out of their houses. I was too exhausted by then and soon found myself at Pathsala Civil Hospital. Some of the residents had apparently arranged for a vehicle to take us to hospital. This morning, some of my friends arrived and decided to shift us to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.

According to the doctors, I have sustained minor head and soft-tissue injuries on my right shoulder. They say there is nothing to be worried about and that I will be released from hospital in a few days.

But where do I go now? It will be a terrible experience for me when I go back to my village Raha, under Sorbhog police outpost.

I have lost so many of my near and dear ones ? nine of my nephews, four sisters and one brother ? in the accident. Many of the other victims were my distant relatives or friends. They are all dead because they wanted to be part of my wedding.

My nephews were planning to have a blast at my wedding, little knowing that the journey to the bride?s house would be their last.

I am also wondering what must be the condition of my bride, Bandana. When I met her for the first time, I found her to be a nice, quiet girl. How will she take the shock?

My wedding was fixed only last month. On Tuesday, my family members went to Bandana?s house and gave her a ring and a silk dress in accordance with the pre-marriage rituals of Assamese society.

Though I cannot say anything right now about marriage, when I do get married, it will be to Bandana only. It will take us some time to overcome the grief and shock, but I will have to keep my word to her.

As told to Daulat Rahman