Salim and Kayal #Watty's 2016 # YourStoryIndia #ProjectWomanUp

Love in an Express Train

Kayal's POV

Here is the most awaited chapter.

Content Warning: Slightly sensitive content, in the paragraph which starts with *. Please don't read that paragraph, if you are a light hearted person.

I was dying to start my internship. Sara was mostly busy with John. I felt a little lonely without Jaanu. After a long period of anticipation and excitement, the day finally came when I could board the train to my dear Chennai. Mugilan Maama (Uncle, Mother's Brother) offered to pick me up from my college and drop me in Railway Station. Sadly Maama believes that there is no thrill in going early and waiting for the train. I constantly asked him to drive fast, but I was also afraid of his speed. Maama asked, "You know Kayal, if at all if I hadn't been a Doctor, Narain Karthikeyan (A Formula car racer from Tamil Nadu, India's First F1 Driver) would have quit racing long back."

"Maama, please be fast as well as careful. I am your cousin sister's only daughter."

"You don't have to worry about that. Your parents are still young. If they find it difficult, there are options like IVF(In Vitro Fertilization) etc."

"Maama, I am sure, Amma will kill you before that."

"I know. Your Appa is also nothing less. You are worried about your safety. You didn't think about me. I am also my wife's only husband."

I smirked and said, "Athai (Aunty) is very young and beautiful, she can easily get another young husband for herself."

"Adi paavi, (Can be roughly translated as you sinful woman), I always thought you to be innocent, but you are a cruel and wicked woman."

By then we reached the station, before replying to Maama, I ran to the back of the car to get my luggage. While jogging inside the station with him, I said, "I am a strong supporter of widow remarriage Maama. So, you please don't worry about Athai."

He smiled and said, "You first find a groom for yourself and then you can think about others. Who knows? There are people who find their life partners in trains."

"If I find a life partner in this train, I will definitely inform you. Bye now. Take care." The moment I boarded the train, train started moving. God is great. I boarded in S1, but my seat was in S5. So I walked till fifth compartment and found my seat in the second aisle Seat Number 11. I got the shock of my life to see Salim there. I think he was shocked too to see me there. I asked him, "How come you are travelling by train? I thought you must be leaving by flight."

He replied, "I have never experienced long train journeys, John told me that it would be really nice. So, I thought of taking this journey. Next time, I will be having a lot of luggage, so I will be leaving by flight then."

"Oh. Still you could have booked an AC ticket. Why did you book in Sleeper Class?"

"Why did you book in Sleeper class?"

"Umm, because this is off season. AC Compartments might not have full occupancy. The windows are always closed. Since I am travelling alone, I thought it would be safe to travel in Sleeper Class."

"John told me that we can't enjoy scenery in AC Compartments. That's why."

"He is right. Happy journey to you. Which Berth is yours? Lower Berth, Middle Berth or Upper Berth?"

"Thank you. Lower Berth."

"Great." Mine was Upper Berth, opposite to him.

There was an old couple in my seat. Next to him there were two young girls. As usual, I introduced myself to everybody. It seems that the girls were from Maharashtra, Soniya and Sheetal. The old couple was from Madhya Pradesh. Since this train is the most favored train for its cleanliness, punctuality etc, many people who have to get down in between also board these trains. In the side aisle, there was a newly married couple who were oblivious to their surroundings. I started chatting with the girls and Salim started reading from a book, 'Irai Nambikkai' (Faith in God). It had a picture of a mosque in its cover page. Good that he brought a book with him because we can't enjoy scenery when it gets dark. So a quiet person like him must have something for company. After some time, all of us had our dinner. The old couple had brought some Roti and Dal. My Athai had packed some Idli for me. The girls bought some veg rice from the Pantry Car Vendors. Salim had also bought some Idli. I shared my food with the old couple as well as the girls. In turn I had some Roti and some Veg rice. Aunty asked me, "How to get such soft Idlis?"