Food For Thought

City Of Dreams-2

Weeks passed by,I was happy just looking at her ,before i had seen her,each monday came like a burden to me,that was one day,i felt like i am forced out of bed,well who isnt? But now,my monday blues were gone,each sunday i couldnt sleep in excitement of seeing her the next day,what she would be wearing? how would she tie her hair? how will she react to me!

Then came a monday,it had been a month since i first saw her,precisely the fourth monday,i was in great spirits that morning,i had decided to conquer her today,she may not like me,but theres no harm in befriending.

And more so,i would assure her,i wont do any wrong ,i just cant think of doing something to her,she was too fragile and pure to be harsh too.

That day i picked the best shirt from my wadrobe and the most appropriate pair of trousers,and left for the railway station.

The minute i stepped on the platform my eyes spotted her. She looked perfect.Purple and white floral tshirt and black jeans and hair tied up.

I saw the old lady,she whispered something into my dream girl's ears,and for the first time i saw her smile.

I really didnt know how to describe her smile,it was magical. Her smile made my life worth living.It gave me a different feeling of joy,and yes her eyes were shining of joy,and she looked better than what i had dreamt.

'I am definately talking to her',is what i told myself that day. I had decided,i do whatever it takes,il risk whatever i can,even if she gets me hit by women,and calls me a stalker,I'll do it,if she is taken,il try to forget her,like a dream come true in this city of dreams.

I missed my train,and walked across the bridge,in a minute or so i was standing right besides the bench.

In midst of the crowd that got off the busy train,i could hear her laugh.I could head her talk to the old lady.

I couldnt gather words,but i had to do this.

I walked closer and said hi. She didnt react. The lady beside looks at me and my shocked face and tells her that i was talking to her.

She looks here and there consciously,and then when i said,"hi",again,she looks right upto me.

"Do i know you?"

"no,but"

"right,so i am sorry but i dont talk to people i dont know."

"you've seen me standing there right? havent you? since the last so many weeks!"

"well,there are so many people who come here everyday at the same time i cant know them all?"

I didnt know what to say,i didnt mind giving up,but then,how can anyone give up on their dream so easily?

Just then her train was annouced.And she got up.

"listen its 4 minutes later,you dont need to rush!",i told her.

"umm,i am sorry for being rude,i understand what you mean but theres no point."

"why?"

And she puts a hand in her bag,and removes a stick.

"She cant see my son",the old lady says,and holds her hand.Just then the trains reaches to the station,and for a minute my life is still. I stand there and look at her walk to the train compartment for the disabled,she got in,and turned towards me,she told the lady something and the lady hastily,ordered me to come there.

"i am sorry! but if you still wish to know me I'll see you here next monday!"

She smiled and the train started moving.That minute seemed like a moment of truth,i had literally played a full house,so its a jackpot or a loss for lifetime. I didnt know which way to go. My heart just kept thinking,why is she blind?

I sat on the bench she always sits on,and shut my eyes,my mind takes me a month back and i clearly see each monday again,and i slowly realize,yes it was true,she was blind. That is why she hadnt really reacted till now that is why,she was conscious all the time.Oh those beautiful eyes.God truely does unfair things!

After around 20 minutes of cursing God for doing this to her,i realised,that this truth didnt change me for a moment.I still love her,the same i did this morning. And yes i am coming back next monday.

Oh yes,the next monday turned out to be a holiday but i thought i'd rather meet her. So i left home around the same time and today,she was alone.Restless.And worried. And i knew exactly why,it was time for her train but,the old lady wasnt there to help her.

I heard the announcement and rushed to her. She stood by the bench clinching the bag,scared and helpless. I didnt know whether she'll recognise me,but i tried,"hey,dont worry,i'll help you."

"are you the same stranger friend?"

Is that what she calls me? well,so be it.

"yes,come the train is here."

"No..uh.. its ok..I'll just go home"

"why? because there'll be no one to help you?"

She just looked at the floor,and let this train go,i tried holding her hand and taking her ahead but she held it tighter and pulled me back.

"I'll come with you"

"you dont have to"

"umm..what if i want to?"

Her face slowly transformed to a big smile and she let go off her hold.

"you just need to trust me.",is what i told her.

The train arrived and i took her in the usual compartment along with me,she didnt even realise,until someone pushed her slightly,i stood in front of her,with her hands moving around she realised she was somewhere else,and she found my hand and held it tight.

Ever since that day,none of us left each others hand.Each monday we travel around mumbai,i show her a new place each week,she rejoices like a baby. It surprised me that a feeling like love had such immense power that I managed getting married to her. Never have i felt upset about myself or never have made her feel helpless.

At end of it,i think all we need is a dream,to live in this city of dreams,hers was the city and she was mine.

************************