When Thomas the Tank Engine arrived in India, he found it to be very busy. His friend, Ashima, from the Great Railway Show helped him find his way to her main station in Varkala, but he was sent on his way very quickly with some trucks. Then, Thomas derailed on a muddy section of track, and he was most surprised when an elephant helped him back onto the rails.

Later that day, Thomas saw Ashima again on his way back to Varkala. "Why was that section of track so muddy?" he asked.

Ashima laughed. "That's because it travels through a paddy field."

"Where rice grows?"

"Yes, who told you that?"

"Some friends I made in China," explained Thomas. "Once day, I delivered a new water wheel made of bamboo to Tu Zi Quan and they explained what it was for."

"I've heard about bamboo," said Ashima. "It's supposed to be very strong and light."

"It is."

When the engines arrived back at the Station, someone was waiting for them on the platform. "So, you're Thomas," she said. "Welcome to India. I am Charubala and I am in charge of the railway here."

"I'm pleased to meet you, Ma'am," said Thomas politely.

"So am I. I'm sorry I couldn't meet you earlier and sent you straight off with a delivery. It's been such a busy day, and we need all the help we can get."

"I understand, Ma'am. The railway in China was very busy too."

"Then I hope you don't mind doing something else for us," Charubala continued. "I'm afraid the Shunting Yard is very full at the moment, so I would like you to help there. Shankar and Asher will show you what to do."

"Right away, Ma'am," whistled Thomas and he set off at once.

When he reached the Shunting Yard, Thomas looked around for another engine. Then, he saw a diesel pull up with some trucks and he thought there was something familiar about him.

"Hullo," said the diesel. "You're Thomas, aren't you? I'm Asher. Welcome to India."

"Thank you." Thomas suddenly remembered. "If you don't mind me asking, do you have a twin named Alex who wears the same paint as you?"

Asher was surprised. "Yes, how do you know Alex?"

"I met him when I was in Brazil."

"Wow, this is a small world, isn't it?"

"He said the same thing," laughed Thomas and Asher laughed too. "Anyway, Charubala sent me to help you and Shankar."

"That's good," said Asher. "We need all the help we can get right now."

The two engines quickly set to work. Asher told Thomas where the trucks and coaches needed to go, and they were soon chatting like old friends.

"Do you miss Alex...and London?" asked Thomas.

"Sometimes," said Asher. "Alex and I didn't work together very often, but we both worked well together. When our Controller said that we were going to work in different countries, we felt sorry to say 'goodbye', but I am glad we're both still working hard. Brazil and India have become our homes, and we have great friends who are always near us. I even still hear about Alex every now and again."

"Come on, you two," honked Shankar. "We have work to do."

"We are working, Shankar," Asher sniggered.

But Thomas felt bothered. "Is he always like that?"

"Usually, but you get used to it. Shankar takes his work very seriously and likes everything just so, but he's quite nice when you get to know him."

"I understand," replied Thomas. "Some of my friends on Sodor are like that. What should I do to make him like me?"

Asher thought for a moment. "Just work you're hardest and he'll warm up to you."

So, that's what they did. The two engines worked harder and tried not to chatter as much. When evening came, all the trucks and coaches were sorted.

"Phew! what a day," panted Thomas.

"Well done, you two," puffed Ashima. "Come along, Thomas. I'll show you to our sheds."

"What about Asher?"

"I have my own shed here," the diesel replied. "I'll see you in the morning."

Thomas was worn out and he was so tired that he fell asleep at once. The next morning, the engines went to the Station to get their jobs.

"Thomas," said Charubala, "I want you to take some trucks up the northern route."

"Yes, Ma'am," replied Thomas and left for the Yard. He puffed into the sidings and waited.

"Here are your trucks, Thomas," called Shankar. "Off you go." And he raced away before Thomas could say anything.

As Thomas made his delivery, he felt bothered again. "Does Shankar like anyone around here?" he puffed to himself.

Then, everything happened at once.

One moment, Thomas was trundling along the rails towards a bridge. The next, his wheels hit something, and he came off the rails close to the edge of the gorge. Thomas was frightened. He balanced precariously between the bridge and the rock wall. "Cinders and Ashes! Help!" he called. He wanted to whistle, but he didn't incase the sound made him shake.

Then, he heard a loud horn. "Thomas! hang on!" It was Shankar. He left his trucks on the other side of the bridge and rolled carefully up to Thomas.

"Shankar, you have to get the breakdown cranes!" called Thomas shakily.

"There's no time," Shankar called back, "but I'll get you out of this. I know what to do."

Thomas watched as Shankar backed up a little. Then…he charged towards Thomas and bumped into him. "Woah!" Thomas cried. He was sure was going to fall…but he didn't. Shankar's bump had caused their buffers to lock, and he pushed Thomas as hard as he could away from the edge and to safety.

The two engines gave a big sigh of relief. "That was too close," Shankar sighed. "Thomas, are you alright?"

"I am now," said Thomas quietly. "Thank you and…I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For making you go out of your way like that. Asher told me you like things prompt and on time and now, I've made you late."

Shankar was surprised. "Was this accident your fault?"

"…No."

"Then you couldn't help it. It was an accident. And don't worry about me. You were in trouble and needed help and I always look out for others." Thomas smiled…and so did Shankar. "Now, you stay here while I fetch the cranes."

"Don't worry," sighed Thomas, "I'm not going anywhere." And to his surprise, Shankar laughed.

Later, Thomas and Shankar told the others what had happened. "Well, thank goodness you are both safe," said Charubala. "I'm terribly sorry, Thomas. We have been meaning to have those rails replaced for some time, but after today, they certainly will be. And well done, Shankar. That was very brave of you."

"Absolutely," agreed Ashima.

"And I'm sorry too, Thomas," said Shankar. "I know I can take my work too seriously, and sometimes, I forget to think about others around me. You do seem like a nice engine and very hard working too. Asher told me about how much you helped him, and I did like what I saw this morning. No wonder you and Ashima both won the Shunting Competition at the Great Railway Show."

Thomas smiled. "Thank you, Shankar. Also, I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea about me too. I hope we can still be friends."

Then, Shankar smiled too. "I think we will be."