Sunita : The 61 Years Old Marathon Runner.

Part 2 : The Bus Stop.

Sunita gently held Ramesh's hand as they stepped out of their small house. The village of Baramati was still waking up, the morning air crisp and quiet. She led Ramesh to sit on a wooden bench near their home. "Aho, my dear," she whispered, "please sit while I go lock the house."

As Ramesh, frail and unsteady, tried to sit, he noticed Sunita carrying a worn, white plastic bag. Curiosity got the best of him. "What are you carrying in that bag?" he asked, his voice weak but inquisitive.

Sunita smiled gently. "Oh, I've packed some puris for our journey, especially for you," she replied, her voice full of affection. Seeing him reach for the bag, Sunita quickly slung it over her shoulder. "No, you just rest. I'll carry it. We have a long way to go, and it's already half-past eight. We don’t want to miss the bus."

Sunita took Ramesh's hand again and began to lead him down the empty street. The morning light cast long shadows as they walked. Ramesh leaned heavily on Sunita, his frail body trembling with every step. His mind raced with worries about the doctor's fees, their mounting debts, and how Sunita would manage everything alone if he wasn’t there.

By 8:45 AM, they reached the small village bus stop, which consisted of a single platform with a couple of wooden benches. The bus stop was humble, like everything else in their tiny village of around 120 families. They sat down on the bench, next to a young woman who looked to be about 28. She wore athletic gear, sport shoes, and carried a small college bag, looking ready to take on the day.

Ramesh, noticing the girl standing, whispered, "My dear, please move a bit to make room for her to sit." Sunita shifted to the side, and with a soft smile, she asked, "Where are you headed, my child?"

The girl, grateful for the seat, replied with a cheerful smile, "I’m traveling to Pune."

"Pune?" Sunita's face softened with a hint of nostalgia. "My younger brother used to live there. When I was young, I often visited him." Her eyes grew misty, but she quickly blinked away the tears. "But why Pune?" she asked with genuine curiosity.

The girl’s face lit up with excitement. "Oh, I'm going for a marathon!" she exclaimed.

Sunita, having spent all her years in the village, surrounded by her family, had never heard of a marathon. Confused but intrigued, she asked, "Is it a temple of Shiva?"

The girl chuckled softly, her expression full of kindness. "No, Aunty," she replied warmly, "a marathon is a......"

Before the girl could explain further, the sound of a bus horn echoed across the platform. The bus to Satara pulled in, and the conductor called out, "Is anyone going to Satara?" Sunita quickly stood up, supporting Ramesh. She smiled at the girl, nodded her thanks, and helped her husband onto the bus.

As the bus pulled away, Sunita looked back at the girl, who waved with a smile. A new thought stirred in Sunita’s heart. "A marathon," she whispered to herself. "Maybe..."