My Love Story

 

More than three decades have passed, but still the thought of a train journey gives me goosebumps and a wide smile spreads on my lips…My Love Story

Many times, my kids ask, “Mamma, what’s the secret behind this smile?” I still blush & change the topic, and they exchange questioning glances.

I was in the final year of my degree, and our college arranged an excursion for sightseeing and a get-together party. Every year, the final-year students went on an excursion, and the next batch used to be excited for their chance. There used to be many stories of the excursion that were flashed in the college; we did not know about their authenticity, but it did excite us to get an opportunity to participate. Finally, we got a chance to move our love story a bit further

 

Three decades ago, it was a challenging task to get parents’ permission for an outing with friends and teachers, and it was a Herculean task, where co-education existed.

 

The excitement flushed us with courage to ask for permissions, and after great perusal, finally my parents agreed, and there were dozens of reprimands along with it to follow, and I nodded to follow each one as a responsible child and made them believe that I would be careful during my trip & not break their faith.

Packaging was done by my Mom, and she took care that I carry enough warm clothes to cover myself, and a whole lot of delicacies were loaded along with my luggage, and a list of do’s & don’ts was instilled by repeating the same things again and again till I was out of sight, My Love Story.

Finally, I took a deep breath when I walked away from home. We gathered in our college premises, and hulla bol was at full tone on the ground & the excitement could be well seen written on each face. We were twenty-five, excluding teachers.

 

Arjun and I were best friends and shared a platonic relationship, and we looked forward to being together during this trip. College friends had doubts about us, but we never disclosed the facts, fearing that it might reach our homes & create trouble for both of us. We were waiting to complete our education and fetch a good job.

The journey started from Lucknow by train, and we all loaded ourselves with our belongings, and Arjun sheepishly told me to take a seat near him so we could spend our me time together and enjoy the trip.

It was my first trip with friends. I liked his idea, but butterflies churned in my stomach at the mere thought of sharing a seat with Arjun.

After arranging our belongings, we spread out in groups, and Arjun kept the seat vacant next to him. I adjusted myself next to him, and the touch and warm breath of Arjun shivered me from within, but I loved the close proximity, and when stars twinkled in the sky and darkness descended around, Arjun closed his fingers around mine & passed smiles and, at times, winked. I was loving the journey along with the group and Arjun.

The next day, we reached Shimla. It was the month of November, and the whole of Shimla was covered with snow. The rays of the sun set dwindled on the mountains, and the snow glittered like gold scattered around; it was an amazing sight. I am a lover of nature, and these tricks of nature mesmerise me from within. I captured all the beautiful moments in my camera, and I fell in love with nature. My eyes were glued to the scenic beauty around.

“Hey Shampa, where are you busy?” Arjun howled from behind, caught hold of my arms, and twitched.

“Ohho, what are you doing? Leave me.” I too talked in a high-pitched tone as I felt pain in my arm.

There was no one around, and darkness had enveloped the place.

Arjun tilted and leaned on me, and his hand circled my waist. I felt he was growing wild and might break the barriers.

Suddenly, the reprimands of Mamma stood before me, and I removed his hand and ran as fast as I could towards the guest house where we had boarded.

Arjun asked me to stop, but I did not listen to him and finally stopped at the gate of the guest house and immediately got busy with my group so that I could avert Arjun’s attention.

The next day, we started off for sightseeing tours to nearby places in Shimla.

 

Arjun was trying hard to seek my attention, and I was evading his glances.

 

We started off on a ride on the toy train, and midway, a tunnel approached. Suddenly, I felt a tight grip on my mouth and hand, and before I could say anything, I was standing on the tracks.

I was totally numb for a few seconds, but when I saw Arjun standing in front, I understood the whole story behind it, and I was very hurt by his behaviour. My faith in myself had shaken, so I was evading him and did not wish to be a topic of gossip among the group.

He came close to me.

 

“Don’t dare you touch me.” I almost shouted at him and started crying.

“I beg you, Shampa. Don’t misunderstand me. I wanted to be with you for some time; that’s why I pulled you out of the train. Please, please, please.” Arjun almost begged.

“So what next? Will we be stranded here or move out?” I asked him, controlling my emotions.

“Come, let’s catch the train.” He strode towards the standing train, and I followed him; there was no choice in the silent woods.

When I stepped in, the whole train was empty. I was petrified. I had a soft corner for Arjun but could not confide on a young man in loneliness. Anyhow, I gathered courage to face the situation deliberately created by Arjun and took a window seat with a motive that if he tries any untoward act, I could raise my voice and passersby could listen. My mind was acting as a devil’s mind.

Arjun took a seat in front of me and was silent.

“What happened Arjun? You wanted to spend time with me in this way…been mute then even in group, it could have happened.” I said sarcastically.

“Shampa, I never knew that you did not have faith in me; else I would have never tried this. I thought that you would enjoy my company, so I got mischievous. Sorry.” Arjun said in a hushed tone.

“It’s not like that, Arjun. I don’t trust myself. We both are at the threshold of youth, and I don’t wish to let down my parents, but I love you.”  I told him.

It wasn’t a love story of today, it was of those days where emotions played a part through eyes and in silence. It wasn’t loud and explorable as of today.

Arjun got emotional and sat on his knees and proposed.

“Will you like to grow old with me?” He said.

“No, dear, I want to be young with you.” I giggled.

We both giggled, and our laughter echoed in the empty train.

The train whistled and screeched, starting for the next station.

I sat relaxed, and Arjun, sitting in front, was silently watching me. I wanted him to be by my side but did not have the courage to declare my wishes.

 

The excursion and the empty train gave voice to our feelings, and we promised to stand by each other for our whole life.

 

After waiting for five years, we exchanged rings with the consent & blessings of our parents.

More than three decades of our courtship have passed, but the fragrance of love and desire is the same as it was in our twenties when we met.

 

Empty trains scare me with nightmares, but our journey in an empty train started on a good note, and once again, I wish to accompany him on a long journey in an empty train…waiting for that pleasant moment to fulfil my wishes that I long for with my love.

 

Short Story By © Ila Varma 25-09-2016