MARRIED 'SINGLES'

KNOWING EACH OTHER

Happy reading.....

The rhythmic clatter of the train filled the compartment, a constant background melody to the hustle and bustle of travelers settling into their seats. The vibrant, ever-moving landscape of rural Maharashtra whizzed past the window, offering fleeting glimpses of sun-kissed fields and quaint villages.

Bela's eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity as she took in her surroundings, her mind buzzing with the possibilities that awaited her in Mumbai.

Initially, Mahir had mistaken Bela's vibrant personality for that of a troublemaker. Her bubbly and somewhat foolish antics had thrown him off guard. But now, as he watched her with a soft smile, he realized he was getting used to her quirks.

"Can you believe it? My first time traveling to Mumbai, and here I am, chatting away with a fellow Punjabi!" Bela's voice was a melody of excitement and wonder.

Mahir chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's quite the coincidence, isn't it? Both of us from Amritsar, traveling on the same train."

Bela nodded enthusiastically. "I know, right? What are the odds? It's like something straight out of a Bollywood movie!" She giggled, her laughter light and contagious.

They had spent the past hour exchanging stories about their hometown, reveling in the shared nostalgia of the bustling markets and serene gurdwaras of Amritsar.

"So, tell me about your family," Bela said, leaning forward with genuine interest.

Mahir smiled warmly. "Well, I have an elder brother, Vansh. He's abroad, handling our family business. An older sister Kavya who's married. My mother is a housewife, and my father manages the business back in Punjab."

Bela's eyes widened with interest. "Wow, it sounds like your family is quite established. It's always nice to hear about people maintaining their roots."

Mahir nodded appreciatively. "What about you? I already talked your elder sister Visakha. She seems very caring about you."

A shadow briefly crossed Bela's expressive face before she smiled again. "Yes, she's my rock, always looking out for me."

Mahir tilted his head slightly, sensing a deeper story. "And your parents?"

Bela's smile faltered for a moment, her eyes turning a shade more somber. "My father is a government school headmaster. He's a strict but loving man. As for my mother..." She paused, taking a deep breath. "She died giving birth to me."

A heavy silence hung in the air for a moment, broken only by the steady hum of the train. Mahir reached across the table and gently touched her hand, his voice soft with empathy. "I'm so sorry, Bela. That must have been incredibly hard for you and your family."

Bela nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It was. But my sister and my father made sure I never felt alone. They've been my strength."

Mahir's grip on her hand tightened slightly, a silent promise of understanding and solidarity. "You're a strong woman, Bela. Your mother would be proud."

Bela looked up, a grateful smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Mahir. That means a lot."

Mahir observed her with a mix of amusement and growing fondness.

As the train continued its journey towards Mumbai, the two young travelers found comfort in each other's company, sharing not just their stories, but a newfound connection that felt destined by the universe itself. The city of dreams awaited them, and together, they felt ready to embrace whatever came next.

******

The train's gentle swaying had a calming effect, but Bela Sharma's stomach had other plans. It let out a low growl, a protest against the hours of neglect. Bela, with her expressive face, couldn't help but scrunch up her nose and pout, her hunger overtaking her usual enthusiasm.

Mahir Sehgal, still amused by her antics, noticed her discomfort. "Why are you making those faces, Bela? Is something wrong?"

Bela glanced at him, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I'm famished, Mahir. I didn't bring any snacks with me, and now I'm starving."

Mahir raised an eyebrow, his gaze drifting to her large, overstuffed bag. "You didn't bring any snacks? With that enormous bag, I thought you packed for a month!"

Bela giggled sheepishly, her face lighting up despite her hunger. "Well, it's just clothes and my certificates in there. I guess I was more focused on making sure I had everything I needed for my new job."

Mahir shook his head in disbelief, a smile playing on his lips. "Unbelievable. You, Bela Sharma, are something else." He paused, considering their options. "Tell you what, I'll grab something for you at the next station."

Bela's eyes brightened with hope, but then she remembered something. "But Mahir, we’re just an hour away from Mumbai. Do you think we'll have enough time to get something?"

Mahir checked his watch, calculating the time. "We might not have much time at the next station, but let me see what I can do." He looked around the compartment and noticed a vendor making his way through the aisle, balancing a tray of snacks and drinks.

"Hey, over here!" Mahir called out, waving the vendor over. The man approached, offering an assortment of packaged snacks and beverages.

Bela's eyes lit up as she eyed the options. "Thank goodness! What do we have here?" She picked up a packet of chips and a bottle of juice, her face alight with gratitude.

Mahir paid the vendor, who moved on to the next compartment, and then turned to Bela with a smirk. "Crisis averted. Now you can stop making those faces."

Bela laughed, her bubbly demeanor returning full force. "Thank you, Mahir. You’re a lifesaver!" She eagerly tore into the chips, savoring the salty crunch. "I guess I owe you one."

Mahir leaned back, watching her with a fond smile. "You owe me nothing. Just consider it a welcome-to-Mumbai gesture from a fellow Amritsari."

As Bela ate, she glanced out the window, her thoughts drifting to the city awaiting her. "I'm really excited about this job, but I’m also a little nervous. Mumbai is so big and bustling, so different from Amritsar."

Mahir nodded, understanding her apprehension. "It is a big change, but you'll adapt. You have the spirit and energy to thrive here. And who knows, we might even bump into each other again. Mumbai has a way of making the world feel small."

Bela smiled at the thought, feeling a little more at ease. "I hope so. It’s nice to know there’s a friendly face in this huge city."

The train chugged along, drawing closer to Mumbai with every passing minute. As they chatted and shared stories, the initial awkwardness between them melted away, replaced by a budding camaraderie. With full stomachs and lighter hearts, they looked forward to the adventures that awaited them in the city of dreams.

********
Bela is so funny 😭

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Allah Hafiz ✨