Rendezvous

This was it! He would conquer the world now.  He felt on top of the world. His M Tech. was the master key to his bright future. He was convinced that is life would change now. These were the dreams of a young man in his twenty-third year. For Indian children, the cultural conditioning of seeking permission at every step, beginning from the morning routine to subject choices at school, from co-curricular activities to career options, makes them dependent on adult approval. This opportunity of studying in a different city meant freedom in numerous ways. He was looking forward to it. He was shaken out of his reverie by the noise at the station. He looked around for his friend at the station entrance.  Hi Manoj! Hamir waved and shouted in an attempt to raise his voice above the maddening noise. Manoj waved back.  Catching up with Manoj, Hamir said, “I think we need to hurry, as the train we had to board is now shifted to platform 16, which is the last. Cutting through this flood of people will take time.”  One look at Hamir and he knew that they were in for the trouble. Panic was written on his face. “Quick, let us run!” Hamir urged. What! With all that luggage! They had four big bags each. Yet they started towards the platform number 16 as quickly as possible. They could see from the overhead bridge, that the train was stationed at the platform. The driver blew the whistle and the train started. “Jump on the train,” yelled Manoj, we will meet at the first platform it stops. So, up went Hamir in the compartment that was right in front of him. As soon as Manoj entered the next compartment, he realized that it was different than the normal compartment. It had many trunks placed in piles. It looked like it belonged to the Army. “Oh God! I have landed in trouble”, he thought. Army compartments were reserved for authorized people, he happened to be trespassing. He slid between the two big trunks. Breathing heavily and struggling to keep his mind calm. “Travelling on the train without a ticket, in addition to it, in the compartment meant for the army. If I am caught, I would be sent behind the bars”. He shivered at the thought of it. Just then ticket checker entered and to his utter disappointment he called out to him. “What are you doing here?”  Manoj knew he could do nothing but to face the music. “My friend is somewhere on the train. He has my ticket”. Manoj tried to convince the ticket checker. “Please, sir. Kindly believe me.” Soon the train pulled at the platform. After a fine of 500/- and train fare he was dumped at that small station at 2:00 am. He looked around, hoping to see someone. Only empty, desolate and dirty railway station stared back at him. He freaked out. 

How was he to conquer the world? He was cursing himself and his destiny. The first time he was away from the comfort of home. All Alone.  His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a bleak voice.”Coffee Coffee… Anna… want any Coffee” he turned his head towards the shabby teenager. “Train will come after four hours, anna… Take Coffee”. He nodded feeling shaken up from his adventure. If you want biscuits, come to my coffee stall at the end of the passage. Manoj nodded again. The young boy helped him with the luggage. The screeching of trolley wheels echoed at the empty platform. It reminded him of the horror movie he had seen a few days back. The young boy piled up the luggage neatly near the counter.

As Manoj entered, he noticed a beautiful girl working on her laptop. His surprise was very evident from his face. The girl seemed to be a little relieved on seeing him and gave a sort of a smile. “The train I was travelling on, got late and I missed the connecting train, so I am stuck here in the middle of the night”, she started the conversation. Glad of her company, he narrated what had happened with him. He told her how he was going away from home for the first time to study. She shared that she was going to appear for an interview the next day. Coffee and biscuits arrived. There was something in the air that felt different. It all seemed surreal. Dark night. Dimly lit room. Beautiful young girl. Rich aroma of filter coffee. It was affecting his senses. His heart was missing a beat now and then. Anita, shook her head as she talked. Her dazzling earrings caught his fancy. He listened with all his attention. She would peep in her mobile now and then and put it back on the table next to his. Suddenly there was the whistle of the train. She jumped up. My train… Hurriedly, best wishes were exchanged. She ran towards the train. Manoj felt a little sad. He felt there were many things he wanted to talk to her about. He felt heartache as the train left the station. Now he would never be able to see her or talk to her. He would always remember her. All the events of the night, the misadventure on the train, the dark strange station and beautiful, lively Anita, flashed on his mind’s eye. What an eventful night it had been! His thoughts were interrupted by the unfamiliar ringtone of the phone kept on the table. To his astonishment, he saw his phone number flashing on the strange mobile screen. Holding Anita’s phone in his hand, he smiled happily. Destiny made sure that, they would meet again shortly.