MARRIED 'SINGLES'

BAD EXPERIENCE

Happy reading.....

The train slowed to a halt at Mumbai Railway Station, its arrival signaled by the loud hiss of releasing steam and the bustling sounds of passengers disembarking. Mahir Sehgal was wide awake, his senses alert as the city's energy seemed to seep into him. Beside him, Bela Sharma was in a deep sleep, her head resting on his shoulder. He couldn't help but be amused; she had eaten a stomach full just an hour ago and now slept like there was no tomorrow.

With a gentle nudge, Mahir woke her. "Bela, wake up. We've reached our destination."

Bela stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked around sleepily, momentarily disoriented. "Already? I feel like I just closed my eyes." She began to search for her belongings, patting her pockets and looking under the seat.

Mahir chuckled. "Don't worry, I put your laptop, earphones, and mobile in your bag while you were asleep."

Bela's face lit up with a grateful smile. "Thank you so much, Mahir. You really are a lifesaver." Without thinking, she threw her arms around him in an impulsive hug. The gesture took Mahir off guard, but he quickly recovered, smiling warmly.

"You're welcome, Bela. It was a pleasure keeping you company and tolerating your filminess," he teased gently.

Bela laughed, the sound musical in the morning air. "I should be the one thanking you for your patience and for being such good company." She glanced at her large bag, then back at Mahir. "Could you help me with this?"

"Of course," Mahir replied, hoisting the bag effortlessly. They made their way through the crowded platform, the sounds and smells of Mumbai engulfing them.

As they neared the exit, Bela thought about asking for Mahir's number. She wanted to stay in touch, to keep this newfound connection alive in the vast city. But just as she was about to speak, Mahir stopped suddenly.

"I forgot something on my seat," he said. "Wait here; I'll be back in a moment."

Bela nodded, watching him disappear back into the train. She stood by the taxi stand, the early morning sun casting a golden glow over the bustling station. Moments turned into minutes, and she began to grow anxious. The last taxi driver approached her, his expression urgent.

"Miss, this is the last taxi. There's a curfew today; if you miss this, you won't get another one."

Bela's heart sank. She looked towards the train, hoping to see Mahir rushing back, but there was no sign of him. She had no choice. "Alright," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment. She climbed into the taxi, giving the driver her destination.

As the taxi pulled away, she kept glancing back at the station, hoping for a miracle. But Mahir didn't appear, and soon the station was out of sight.

Back at the train, Mahir hurriedly grabbed his forgotten item and rushed back to the platform. His eyes scanned the crowd frantically, but Bela was nowhere to be seen. He reached the taxi stand just as the last taxi drove off, realizing with a sinking feeling that she was gone.

Bela sat in the taxi, feeling a mixture of sadness and frustration. She had wanted to stay in touch with Mahir, to see where their newfound friendship might lead. But the city had other plans.

Mahir stood on the platform, the noise of the station fading into the background as he watched the taxi disappear into the morning traffic. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, Mumbai, it seems you've started our journey with a twist," he muttered to himself.

Despite the unexpected separation, both Bela and Mahir felt a strange sense of certainty. They had shared a moment, a connection, and in a city as vast and unpredictable as Mumbai, anything was possible. Perhaps their paths would cross again, drawn together by the same serendipity that had brought them into each other's lives on a train bound for the city of dreams.

*******

The taxi came to a halt, and the driver turned to inform Bela. "Miss, we've reached your destination."

Bela looked out the window and her heart sank. The hostel dorm, which had looked decent online, appeared more like a rundown motel in reality. The paint was peeling, windows were cracked, and the entire place had a decrepit air. She paid the driver, muttering a distracted thank you, and stepped out with her bag clutched tightly to her side.

As she approached the entrance, a group of unsavory-looking men lounging nearby caught sight of her. Their leering gazes sent a shiver down her spine. They began to call out to her, their voices laced with mockery and crude suggestions.

"Hey, sweetheart, looking for a place to stay?" one of them jeered.

Bela's heart pounded in her chest. She clutched her bag tighter, ready to turn and leave, but her feet felt rooted to the spot. The men started moving towards her, their intentions unmistakable.

"Where are you going, darling? Don't be shy," another man sneered, reaching out towards her.

Tears welled up in Bela's eyes as fear gripped her. She was about to cry for help when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a police patrol car approaching. The officers quickly assessed the situation and intervened, detaining both her and the men.

At the police station, the situation grew more complicated. The men, now feigning innocence, spun a web of lies. "She took money for the night and now she's refusing to deliver," one of them accused.

Bela was shocked, her eyes wide with disbelief. "That's not true! I don't know these men! I just arrived in Mumbai today. I'm here for a job interview and I booked the hostel online," she pleaded with the Sub-Inspector (SI).

The SI, however, seemed skeptical. "Do you expect me to believe that? They all have the same story against you."

Bela's voice trembled with desperation. "Please, sir, you have to believe me. I have my train ticket and my job application emails. I can show you proof."

The SI frowned, still unconvinced. "Show me these proofs then."

With shaking hands, Bela dug into her bag, pulling out her documents, her train ticket, and her phone with the job application emails. She showed them to the SI, her eyes pleading for mercy.

The SI scrutinized the documents, then looked back at Bela. "Alright, let's verify this information. Meanwhile, you’ll stay here."

As the verification process began, Bela sat on a bench, her nerves on edge. She could hear the men whispering among themselves, their eyes still casting malicious glances at her.

After what felt like an eternity, one of the officers returned. "Sir, her documents check out. She is indeed new to the city and has a job interview tomorrow."

The SI’s demeanor softened slightly. "Alright. You're free to go. Be careful next time about where you choose to stay."

Bela’s relief was palpable. She stood up, her legs shaky but her resolve strengthening. "Thank you, sir. I will. I appreciate your help."

As she stepped out of the police station, the weight of the ordeal began to lift. Mumbai had not welcomed her kindly, but she was determined not to let this setback defeat her. Bela's thoughts drifted back to Mahir. She wondered if she would ever see him again. But for now, her focus was on finding a safe place to stay and preparing for the job interview that awaited her. Despite the rough start, she was resolved to make her mark in the city of dreams.

*******

Oh no! Will she ever see Mahir again?

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Allah Hafiz ✨