Karthik Re-wired

[ Click here to read the first part of the Journey ]

“and that is when I realized, the 2nd Stop for the train was just an hour away from there – So I took another bus and reached here well before time ”

“and then you messaged me that you are not coming. You are so evil”

“Well, a bit of surprise has never hurt anyone, has it ? ”

She smirked. He was good at giving surprises. This one was probably his best.

The train had already left the station and everybody settled down. A Lazy afternoon ensured the coach was silent . Occasionally , the silence would be broken by screams of kids . But none of them disturbed them. They were already lost in their own world !

and all of a sudden, it started raining. They left the comfort of their seats and chose to stand by the door while everybody closed their windows. The rain brought with it a new activeness in the coach. All eyes fixed on the them, as they moved and stood near the door – Facing each other , smiling every now and then. He knew, the eyes were not staring at him – they were staring at her . For , she was one beautiful woman !

They had no intentions to sit down – They just stood there . Sometimes talking to each other about the work they do, and sometimes about future plans . There would be times when they would be totally silent and stare into each others eyes. Moments later, they would talk about hands – and that is when he took her hand in his and ran his fingers along . The Hands entwined, and their eyes still searching each other .

It was after sometime that they realized that standing was a stupid thing to do – Their seats had been occupied and they had to adjust with a couple of kids sitting around. He sat near her , somehow balancing himself on the edge of the seat . She pulled him near her and lifted his hand and guided it to her waist. He held her strongly – He never was with many women, but he certainly did know how to hold them. He wanted to be near her , but not with kids around . He hated kids.

They shifted to another row and this time – they sat comfortably . She rested on his shoulder while he still played with her hands .

“I love the smell of your hair ”

“Hmmm Hmm, you do ?”

“Yes, and I love you too ”

She looked into his eyes. He came closer . And their Lips met . Oblivious of the surrounding, their lips met again and again !

and when they were done – they were subject to stares . But, they did not mind.  They just smiled at each other and began playing with their hands again.

The Train started getting empty as stations passed – And soon they realized , What an exotic luxury time is. The train slowed down . and he knew it was slowing down for the last time .  He did not want this to end . He did not want her to go away.

He spoke to her through his eyes and she did too. As the train, rushed into the station – their lips met again. and again . and again. The train stopped and so did they !

” We did not hug each other ” She said. And proceeded to give him a hug .He felt guilty about not giving her a hug earlier, but he was one shy fellow ! They hugged and got out of the train.

“So…” he said, in a shrill voice , expecting an answer .

” I had a really great time with you ”

He smiled .

” But, I am going to keep a cushion here . I am not going to say it’s not going to work – Let’s just keep it open ”

He nodded his head. He knew she would say this . He loved her for this . He gave a gentle smile .

” So , I guess – Bye then ! ”

” Bye ” – She said and rushed down the platform. Amidst the huge crowd exiting it .  As she went away , a song played in his head. A Song, which she had introduced him to.

I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don’t know what to do,
‘Cause I’ll never be with you.

He woke up next morning . In an another train, In an another place .

His mom brought a cup of Coffee for him .

“What’s that on your lips  ? – How did you get that swelling ”

He touched and quickly retorted

” Oh, that – That is an Insect Bite , mom ”

and smiled to himself.