A Train Story (Part II)

 

If you haven't read the first part, here's the link: https://nomadscholastic.blogspot.com/2021/06/a-train-story-part-i.html

The train leisurely trotted through the tunnel. The majestic beast rumbled as the wheels turned on the time-tested tracks. Shreya was listening to that carefully curated playlist oblivious to her surroundings. Soon, the train whistled sharply the echo of which ran through the tunnel. Srikant pulled the earphone out of Shreya's ear.

"Ouch! What was that for?"

"Sorry! We're coming to the end of the tunnel. First timers have to see this."

"But I said-"

"I can tell a first timer when I see one. Now, shh!"

Shreya couldn't resist smiling when she saw this child-like excitement in Srikant. As the train emerged out of the tunnel, it took some time for Shreya's eyes to adjust to the light. There was lush greenery all around. The train was moving along a ridge overlooking a green valley. Through the fog, she could make out the hills in the distance. She could now understand why people talked about this so vibrantly. She turned to Srikant to express her excitement.

"This view is so-"

He shushed her.

"Don't say a word. Take a deep breath. With me. C'mon."

He breathed in loudly enough to draw the attention of two other rows of passengers. Shreya didn't seem to notice and followed suit.

A middle-aged Bengali man travelling in the same compartment looked at the two with disgust and said, "আজকাল বাচ্চাদের দেখছো? লজ্জা বলতে নাই!" (Look at the kids now! They don't have the slightest shame!)

His wife poked him and said, "তুমিও কম ছিলেনা!" (You were no exception)

"What now?", asked Shreya.

Srikant passed him the earphones with a smile and said, "Listen and take it all in."

"Okay, I'll give it a go."

Shreya took the earphone.

 

"O Safarnama

Sawaalon ka safarnama

Shuru tumse, khatam tumpe safarnama

O jisey dhoonda

Zamaane mein, mujh hi mein tha"

 

For the next hour, both of them kept listening to songs. Shreya's reverie was broken when suddenly Srikant's phone rang. Shreya passed him the earphone. His face dropped a little. He went out of the compartment to talk. Shreya couldn't help but overhear parts of the conversation.

"Yes, Mom?...I'll be there on time...Oh, okay. I guess there's no point now...I'll come as soon as I can."

And then he hanged up.

"Something wrong, Srikant?"

He rubbed his eyes and said with a smile, "Nope. All good. Yup, everything's good."

Involuntarily, Shreya held his hand. Srikant didn't flinch.

"I know it's none of my business but you can share if that makes you feel any better."

"It's better if you don't ask. You're out for a trip. Enjoy it while it lasts."

And he pulled his hand out of her grasp. There was an awkward silence between them for the rest of the trip. Shreya felt a weight settling on her chest. She wanted to help him but had no idea how. As the train slowly pulled into the Goa station, Srikant got up and pulled out his luggage from the overhead cupboard.

Fumbling for words, Shreya said, "Can I have your number? It's good having a friendly face in the crowd."

"I already have yours", said Srikant and got down from the train. Shreya tried keeping track of him but her eyes soon lost him in the thick crowd.

To be continued...