Short Lived Love

In her teens; she had to travel alone to Mumbai for an exam. It was her first solo train travel; so, she was nervous still looking confident. And was happy that its side lower berth allocated to her, as she settled herself soon a polite male voice melting in her ears said – “Hi, I have upper berth; can I sit in front of you to enjoy the view from window for some-time.” Her heart missed a beat looking at that tall, dark & handsome guy but she managed to say yes with her attitude. She opened her coursebook to cover up her expressions. Looking at the book he said – “so you are science student” but she ignored. He cutely apologized for disturbing and started gazing outside the window. His well-mannered behavior was attracting her heart, but the mind was saying maybe he is pretending.

Silence among them broke by calling a Chaiwala together. They both smiled looking at each-other and hearts flew. Passing her a cup of tea he introduced – “I am Rohan Bhosle; Space engineering intern in the USA.” She replied – “I am Sukhreet Chawla; a medical student. Meanwhile, her friend Malini called to check her arrival time. He was amazed to see her speaking Marathi fluently. Reading his face, she replied- “Spending childhood in Mumbai, made me Mumbai chi Mulgi by heart.” “And spending my childhood in Punjabi Neighborhood made me more of Punjabi than Maharashtrian”- he said. Sharing this made them friends and chit-chat rounds of the whole night made their lives an open book for each other. Next morning, he proposed her at Mumbai Station and promised to meet after her exam in 3 days. They parted ways with excitement to meet again. Days flew, post-exam her phone rang and listening to which she rushed to meeting spot with silly romantic thoughts making her blush. Upon seeing him she ran to hug him but suddenly the rain showers washed all her emotions when a newly wedded girl cuddled him under an umbrella. Looking at Sukhreet, Rohan walked hastily towards her. Before they could speak that girl came and introduced herself – "Hi I am Rohan’s wife Tarla; we got married yesterday." With a heavy heart and a big smile, she responded – Congratulations, I am Sukhreet, Rohan’s short-lived friend. Giving a last glance to Rohan she left drenched in her own tears.