Cherished Memory

Memories remain in mind and some cherished memory always remains in the heart.

I was traveling by train. I had booked a ticket at the Mahaparinirvan Express. I wanted to see the Buddha circuit. This train takes you to most of the places traveled by Buddha, from his birth to his death. It goes to Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Kushinagar, Sarnath, Lumbini and Sravasti. It is about seven days journey. 

I was having one of the beautiful days of my life. I enjoyed the places very much. Usually, I go with friends or family. For the first time, I was alone on the journey. I was documenting the history of each place and taking photographs.

Since it was a seven-day journey, I had made friends with fellow passengers. There was an elderly couple next to me. They were in their late seventies. The old lady reminded me of my grandmother. There was a sense of love when she spoke. Although they were unknown to me, they treated me like their own. I too reciprocated in the same way. They even shared with me some of their meals. This went on, we had made a lot of friends in our bogie.

Last day of the journey I had a headache. I have a migraine problem and if I don't sleep well, I suffer. Planning the journey and other stuff had made me tired and sleepless. That night I had a bad headache. I searched for the tablet, but I could not find it. I was lying on the train bed and moving here and there. Most of the people were sleeping. I was just closing my eyes and trying to forget the pain. 

It was about midnight. I was struggling, suddenly I found a pair of soft hands on my head. I woke up to see elderly women was caressing my head.

I said, "Mother, it's okay you can sleep it's already late night".

She replied, "I cannot see you suffering. You just try to sleep, I will press your head".

I somewhat was not convinced troubling the old lady, but she insisted. Even the old man said, "You are like our grandson, don't worry". 

I finally had to give up.

 But it was cold. I had two costly shawls purchased for my grandmother. I said "Okay Mother, but you have to take this. I gave her one shawl. It's very cold and I don't want you to sit in this cold. Think it is a gift from your grandson". She hesitated to take it. 

Then her husband said, "okay, he has given with love." She accepted it with a smile.

I was lying on the seat, she was pressing my head. And after a while, I fell asleep. 

The next morning when I woke up, the elderly couple had already got down in the previous station. They left a note for me with a neighboring passenger. 

He said, "They told me to tell you, they had a wonderful journey with you. Since you had a headache they did not want to wake you up before leaving. The grandmother likes your shawl and she told to tell that she will keep it with her always as your memory. They wished you all the success in life".

I was very upset I could not see them again. At least I would bid goodbye and take one of their pictures for my memory. 

Until now, I have never met them again. But their "Cherished Memory" will always be in my heart.