Memories: The Journey Of Love

As the train reaches at 10.30 PM in Kashmir Junction, the passengers are asked to be alert in order to board the train. Henceforth, everyone becomes alerted and are hell-bent to board the Duronto Express.

However, when the train leaves, a girl wearing a sari, with blue colored eyes and a beautiful face, wearing steel-rimmed spectacles runs behind the train to catch it. At that time, a hand comes for her, which she holds and gets into the train.

"Thank you, yah," said the girl.

"That's fine," said the man, who is wearing an army uniform.

Later, he comes to his seats, where he sees the same girl sitting on the train.

"Oh! Your seat is near to me?" asked the man.

"Yes, pa. Are you coming from the Army?" asked the girl.

"Yes, pa. I am working as the general in the Indian Army under Air force" said the man.

"What's your name?" asked the girl.

"Myself, I am Shasank, and you?" said the man.

"I am Harini, pa. I have gone for travel to Kashmir and I am returning to Coimbatore. I am going to get married" said the girl.

"Oh Wow! Congrats" said Shasank.

"What about you? Have you got married?" asked Harini?

"No. I just have…" said Shasank and Harini said, "Have a girlfriend!"

"Ha. Yes" said Shasank.

"Cool. Nice Shasank. If you don't have an objection, shall we do work?" asked Harini.

"Yes," said Shasank.

"In order to forget these two days travel, let's speak about our fiancée respectively. Ok?" asked Harini.

Shasank agreed and Harini asked him to tell about his love story. He asked her, "I have two love stories. Hence, today I will tell my first love story, and tomorrow, I will tell you my second love story. Is it okay?"

"No. You must tell both of your love stories. It's okay. I will tell my love story tomorrow" said Harini.

(Shasank starts to narrate his love story to Harini and it goes as a narrative line, said by Shasank)

I hailed from Meenakshipuram, a place between Tamil Nadu-Kerala borders. I was brought up by my strict and loving father Paramasivam, a widely respected man in that village.

When I was six years old, my mother died due to a terminal illness and from that time, I saw my father, equal to my mother and we both behaved as close friends. We used to call as darling, instead of calling as a father while my father used to call me Buddy instead of calling my name.

It was my father, who used to motivate me a lot in my studies as well as sports. As henceforth, I topped up in my academics and had become a gold medalist in sports from 6th to 8th standard. But, when I came to 8th standard exactly in 2005, there got a sudden twist in my life.

Mahima was the girl who made my life memorable though, some other close friends like Aravinth, Dinesh, Gokul, and Rishi Khanna were with me. Her love, affection, and antics made me feel that I have got a mother to take care of me.

I gradually fell in love with her over years and was waiting to propose my love to her in 9th standard. Indeed, she too was impressive and got attracted to my comics and genuine behavior. I prepared roses and hearts for Mahima.

Sharply on her birthday on April 10, 2006, I was waiting to propose my love to her in the school. Before that, I wished her birthday wishes and asked her to have a great and memorable life in the upcoming years.

"Thank you, Shasank. Indeed, I will have a memorable life. And also I wanted to tell you good news. You knew! You would feel very happy" said Mahima.

"What news Mahima?" I asked her.

"I love your best friend, Gokul. He has accepted my love, indeed. He told me that, on informing you, you will feel very happy" said Mahima.

But, indeed, I was heartbroken and was about to throw the roses, out of shock. However, I had managed to stop it. I told her, "Congrats Mahima. Have a memorable day in your life" and smiled in pain.

(Narration ends)

"Though my love became a failure, my friendship didn't fail and we continued to be close friends. But, I feared that anytime I may burst out my feelings to her. Henceforth, I have left from the school to Erode, where I studied for three years and again I returned to Coimbatore, with my father" said Shasank.

"Oh! Your first love has become a tragedy. What about your second love, Shasank? Was it a success or tragedy?" asked Harini.

"It's neither a success nor a tragedy," said Shasank.

"I am unable to understand what you say, Shasank. Tell it clearly" said Harini.

"I will tell it, clearly," said Shasank.

(Again the story goes in a narrative mode of the line)

In Erode, I have got more number of memorable days. My father again proved his worth of honesty and sincerity when he lived in the place for three years, while I too proved my strength in studies as well as sports. There came some good friends in my life like Abinesh, Akash, Gaurav, and Harish Krishna, in those three years.

After this, I entered into my college PSG College of Arts and Science in the year 2017, for the first year. Before that, we shifted to SITRA near Airport in Coimbatore, where my father's close friend, Commander Chief Arun Prakash, formed as an inspiration to me. To him, I made my fluency in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, French, and Hindi, taking training for one and a half years.

Besides this, I also attended NCC in my PSGCAS. Initially, it proved to be a stressful problem. But, later on, nothing proved to be difficult and I managed both my academics and NCC career. However, NCC was a really challenging activity, because in the initial period of times, under Air Wing, my senior brothers severely punished me for some mistakes in the March fast and shooting training(which was quite difficult at the beginning), while I managed to drive the air crafts and theoretical aspects.

When Air wing comes, there is some theoretical training besides physical training so that, we may not do any mistakes while driving the Airplane, especially when wars like Kargil and Surgical strike bursts out in the Indian Borders. Indeed, the physical training and stick beatings by my senior people, made me forget the memories of Mahima, especially during the times, where I had been planning to propose to her.

But, soon after some days all has become mundane and I felt bored with the routine life of academics, except for NCC, because it was my passion and dream to enter into the Indian Army, under my father's guidance and motivation. However, during this time, I met a girl named Meera. Initially, we both had a misunderstanding and fights as the first day when she entered college, I formed a bad impression in her books.

However, later on, she became a good friend for me when she noticed me saving a girl from a group of men, who eve-teased her and in further, she saw how was I a genuine, patriotic and gentlemen slowly.

After becoming friends, we told about our respective families and at that time, she revealed to me that, she is sensitive and has lost her mother since after her birth. After that, her father Prathap has left her in her maternal uncle's house where she grew up, and was yearning for her father's love while he concentrated to develop his business empire.

In addition, I also told her that, my mother died when I was six years and indeed, told about my father and our friendly nature to Meera. I introduced her to my father after which, she found memorable days in her life. Over the times, I made her happier and she too was impressed with me and my father, especially we two callings as darling and buddy.

In the same process, I also spoke with Meera's father explaining to him the importance of a father's love and affection. In furthermore, I also told him the example of me and my darling(father)'s relationship with him.

Meera's father then realized that he was wrong and henceforth, accepted his mistakes, and started to take care of her by doing so many happier things, which a good father wanted to do. In the aftermath of these, Meera got her birthday in November 2018, in the middle of our second year

She accepted my love and hugged me emotionally unable to hide her feelings. Later on, she asked me, "Shasank. Will you be with me forever like this, showing me the memorable days of my life?"

"Sure Meera. I will be there with you forever at any time and anywhere" I said to her, promisingly.

We had a lot of fun and memorable days, going in a smooth manner. My father also asked me, "Buddy. Don't make her sad or hurt her at any time and in any situation da. She is a good girl"

I said to my darling, "Ok darling. Sure"

After this, Prathap too learned about our love affair and he agreed to it asking Meera, to take care of Shasank and also requested her to not hurt him at any time.

However, when semester exams came, I felt stressed to spend time with Meera and besides that, I became busy with NCC activities that furthermore, left me hooked and feel stressed.

Though Meera understood my situation, she became possessive about me. One day, she asked me to meet her for a party, which she has arranged with her friends as a special treat for her father's birthday. I agreed to come.

But later on, I was unable to go because I have to go to NCC camp in Kannur and I has left for the place with my senior brothers, while I informed Meera, at a delayed time. Because, my senior brother, got the phone from me, though he can understand the situation because, at that time, no one should speak a single word.

This frustrated and angered Meera besides she has been consoled by her father. She came and has a huge argument with me. At that time, she further asked me, "Whether am I important or your NCC?" which angered me and as a result of this, I slapped her.

"Very nice, Shasank. You have slapped me for loving you, sincerely. A big prize is given for me" said Meera.

Prathap tried his best to console Meera, trying to tell them about my situation. However, she tells me to break up, which left me heartbroken. For some days, I remained upset since my darling(father) too didn't talk with me.

After my final year, I was selected for going to the Indian Army, considering my services in NCC(Having been trained for another one year), and before that, I tried to speak with Meera. However, she left me without telling me a single word, which left me heartbroken.

Hence, I took up heavy alcohol for the first time in my life on that night and came to my house, where my darling saw me.

"What is this, buddy? Took alcohol?" asked my darling.

"Yes, darling. I am sorry. I am unable to tell my sorrows to anyone. Even you stopped to talk with me just because, I have slapped Meera. I felt little pain when Meera has left me. But, I got more pains, when you didn't talk with me, you know?" I asked him.

"Yes, buddy. I know it very well. You told me that it was painful when I didn't talk and spend a memorable time with you. A boy, for you itself, if it's paining, then think about that sensitive girl da. How painful and possessive it will be for her when you are unable to spend time with her! Anyways, buddy. Don't miss her in your life" said my father and after some days, I became a general in the Indian Army.

I brought my father to Kashmir and we lived there. After this, my father has come to Coimbatore and decided to spend his last time in Meenakshipuram, to which I agreed and I planned to meet Meera and reconcile with her.

(Narration ends here…)

"Wow. More than your first love, the second love was more intense and emotional. You will definitely reconcile. Don't worry" said Harini.

"Oh! See. The time is 11:30 PM. We are still talking, while the others had slept. Can you guess where we have reached now?" asked Shasank.

"Mm. As per my guess, we are about to reach Chennai Junction. Okay. I will tell you about my love story tomorrow morning. Good night" said Harini and Shasank agree to her request.

The next day after having breakfast, at 8:45 AM, Shasank asks Harini to narrate her love story, to which she agrees telling that, it might be quite cinematic. (She starts to narrate about her)

Harini hailed from a rich family near the Saravanampatti of Coimbatore district. She hailed from a strict and orthodox Brahmin community. She was an average student but, a favorite girl for her family members.

She was a Software engineer student at PSG Tech. But, she doesn't feel anything memorable in her life. She feels bored with her college friends, who are not well-terms with her and indeed, are more worried about their life. At that time, a guy entered into her life. His name was Dharun, an adventure-lover, who wanted to roam all over India.

He too hails from a Brahmin community in the Kerala borders of Kanuvaai and his parents are soul to him. In further, Dharun was a genuine and cool guy, who never hurts or behave harshly with anyone. As henceforth, he managed to attract the minds of everyone.

Besides his academic studies, Dharun was indulged more in taking wildlife photography, waterfalls, rivers, and dams, which he loves a lot since his childhood. Indeed, he has seen the whole of India, so far almost 88% of the places except for a few places in North India.

Dharun's photos like Athirapally Waterfalls, Idukki dam, Thommankuttu waterfalls, and the animals and mammals attracted Harini a lot, especially the flow of waters in the falls, which had a glimpse of attraction to Harini. She became a close friend for Dharun so that she might see the whole of India, with his help.

With Dharun's help, Harini saw so many places in India and was slowly attracted to his good and caretaking nature. The duo eventually, falls in love and has a lot of memorable journeys in their life. However, their family learned about their love affair and cuts down all the contacts between the duo.

But, after the exams in the third year, Harini and Dharun manage to speak with their family and convince them all. Eventually, everyone gives up and agrees to get the duo married with a suitable date in 2020 period.

(Narration about Harini and Dharun ends…)

"Wow. What a great love story! I think your lover might be in doing adventure club business. Am I right?" asked Shasank.

"Exactly. You are right. He is doing photography as well as owning adventure club business activities" said Harini.

At this juncture, Shasank tells to Harini that, "It has almost taken five hours for hearing about her love story" for which, she laughs and tells that, "It's all a journey of love with sweet memories" to which, Shasank smiles.

After this, they reach Coimbatore at 9:00 PM, and before leaving Harini and Shasank bids farewell, telling them that, if there comes a time, they may meet again, to which he smiles and leaves to meet his love Meera in Meenakshipuram, where she has come with Prathap since Shasank's father has called them for his cousin's marriage function.

Before going to Meenakshipuram, Shasank meets his college friends and attends a farewell party with them taking drinks, lying to his father that, "The train has taken a delay and will reach the next day only."

Later, Shasank wakes up the next day and goes to Meenakshipuram where he is invited warmly by his father and relatives.

"How are you my buddy?" asked Paramasivam.

"I am fine, darling and How are you?" asked Shasank.

"I am fine, da. Ok. Refresh yourself and come. I have to show you three important persons" said Paramsivam for which, Shasank nods his head and goes in order to refresh himself.

After that, he meets Prathap, Meera, and his mentor-uncle Arun Prakash and we the duo had patched up ourselves. However, Meera is still angrier with Shasank and refuses to talk with him while Prathap converse with him.

Meera is still adamant in her decision and after a long please and begs from Prathap and Paramsivam to give another chance to Shasank, she agrees eventually. But, she puts a condition that he has to spend some qualitative time with her for one week. During those one weeks, she will decide whether she will reconcile with him or move forward in her life, to which Prathap, Paramasivam, and Shasank agree.

Shasank follows the footsteps of Dharun in order to impress and change the minds of Meera. Henceforth, he takes her to Kerala's Idukki dam, Athirapally waterfalls, and then to Tirunelveli's Thamirabharani river, Papanasam, and Agasthiyarkoodam hills in Thiruvananthapuram. During that time, he also shoots the style of water flowing in the rivers and waterfalls and also takes photos of some animals, mammals, and crocodiles, which slightly impress Meera and she feels happier that, Shasank is providing a qualitative time with her to his best.

She plans to reconcile with Shasank when his birthday comes on 11th October 2020 and the duo comes back to Meenakshipuram. Now Shasank, during his birthday event asks Meera, "Are you now convinced about my change, Meera?"

"Not convinced Shasank. We cannot be together. Because your path and my path has now become different. Let's end this" said Meera, which leaves him heartbroken, and decides to go for Kashmir borders.

But, Meera holds him and slaps Shasank. "If I tell you like such, will you go immediately? Then, who's there for me, da? Didn't you think about it? Who will show me the journey of love with lots of memories? I love you, da" and she hugs him emotionally, thus making Prathap and Paramasivam happier.

After some days, they get married and two years aftermath, Shasank returns to Coimbatore where, Meera is waiting for Shasank's arrival with her two-year-old baby daughter, Prathap and Paramasivam. At the same time, Harini, Dharun, and their three-year-old daughter have also come to the same place for going to Kannur.

After Shasank comes, Harini is delighted to see him and goes near to him and asks him, "Hey Shasank. Do you remember me?"

"Harini. Yes. I remember you very well. How are you? How is your husband?" asked Shasank.

"Yes. I am fine. My husband is also fine. What about you?" asked Harini and also, she introduced her husband and child to him.

"Yes, Harini. I am fine. I have got married and have a girl baby, now" said Shasank and he introduces the trio to Meera.

"Oh! Is she only Meera? Hello Meera. Shasank has told me everything about you when we were traveling by train a few days ago. Indeed, you are a precious gift for him. I have also seen some photos regarding the adventurous places that, Shasank has taken. I then, realized that he adapted my husband Dharun's to impress you" said Harini.

"Is it? Did he adopt your husband's idea to impress me?" asked Meera and she starts to laugh uncontrollably and at that time, "If I haven't impressed you like such, then I would be still more single only" for which Meera beats him while, Harini leaves to Kannur in the train, which has arrived in the platform, bidding farewell for Shasank and his family.

After this, Meera and Shasank go to Meenakshipuram with their family members to have a memorable day with Shasank because the latter, will again go to borders and it would take time for them to continue the journey of love and affection…